[Updated July 11, 2019 to include a section on Inspections and a link to the actual regulations for the requirements that must be met.] Of all the subjects I get asked about, making cosmetic products in Florida is close to the top of the list because they have the most stringent regulations for cosmetic manufacturers. That being the case, I … Read More
FDA & Social Media
NOTE: This post is not specifically about handcrafted soap and cosmetics, but more about FDA enforcement generally. The Food Drug and Cosmetic Act defines the “label” as the written printed or graphic matter on the immediate container of a product and “labeling” as all written, printed, or graphic matter accompanying an article at any time. The FDA has authority over … Read More
Hemp Oil & Seeds
As a follow-up to my previous post, What About CBD Oil?, I have been asked about the status of hemp oil and seeds. The FDA has approved hemp seed oil, hemp seed protein powder and hulled hemp seed as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for use in food products. There should be no problem using them in any cosmetic product … Read More
For Members of the HSCG
I am very pleased to announce that I am now an official “HSCG Expert” and as such I have my very own page in the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild How-To Library. You can find tons of information on soap and cosmetic labeling and good manufacturing practices (and more to come!) In addition, I am providing my Label Review services … Read More
New Year’s Resolutions – Check Your Labels!
With the New Year come New Year’s resolutions. Besides the old standbys to lose weight, eat better, exercise more, and reduce stress, how about a new one this year — review your product labels to make sure they are compliant with the regulations! Eliminate the stress you might have from wondering whether your products would get quarantined if the FDA … Read More
Proposed FDA Survey: Allergens in Cosmetics
Allergens in cosmetics have been an issue of growing concern. Food product regulations require the disclosure of certain allergens, even if only that the facility makes other products with the allergens in them (e.g., “this product was made in a facility that puts peanuts in other products”). Cosmetics don’t have those requirements. Concern for consumers has prompted many handcrafters to include … Read More
Certificate of Free Sale
A Certificate of Free Sale is a document that provides proof that a product is being freely and legally sold without restriction. It is sometimes also called a “Certificate for Export” or “Certificate to Foreign Governments.” When is a Certificate of Free Sale needed? A Certificate of Free Sale is needed if you are exporting from the US to another … Read More
Why is Regulatory Compliance Important?
When looking at the minutiae of labeling a soap or cosmetic product, it’s easy to forget the big picture. Why are all these regulations in place? Why is it important to comply with them? Why are there regulations at all? Regulations are the rules that are put in place to implement the laws that are passed by Congress. When an … Read More
