Hi, I’m Marie Gale.
For over 20 years I’ve been researching and following the world of laws, regulations, standards and guidelines for the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry. What started as a personal quest to understand soap and cosmetic labeling for my own products has grown into a deep understanding of the myriad of requirements that handcrafted soap and cosmetics makers are subject to.
My personal passion to assist others to understand and follow the labeling and other requirements grew out of all that research. If I had my way, no handcrafter would ever experience the stress and heartache of unwittingly running afoul of the the laws and regulations.
There is peace of mind in knowing that you are compliant with the applicable regulations. That’s what this blog has always been about, and that isn’t changing.
Compliance Advisor
Finding ways to help others easily and affordably is also why I built Compliance Advisor.
That’s where I’ve put what I know into tools you can use any time: a label check, a fragrance allergen checker and an ingredient declaration builder. Subscribers also get Ask Marie for the questions the tools don’t cover, monthly Office Hours with me on Zoom, and a library of past calls, worksheets and reference material. It’s also where you’ll find a Label Quick Check, details on my consulting, and the free MoCRA Wizard.
Whether you know it or not, you’ve been an invaluable resource for me throughout our years in business as I’ve relied on your many books whenever I have questions. I’ve recently purchased “Navigating the Rules & Regulations” and am going through it with tabs & a highlighter and am learning more than I ever expected. — Julia
Latest blog articles
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Using ChatGPT for labeling advice?
ChatGPTis all over the internet. But can it be used for labeling advice? Is it reliable? Turns out it tends to hallucinate!
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FDA Starts Process for Cosmetic GMP
Today the FDA announced their first steps in creating cosmetic GMP regulations starting with a Request for Comments and a Listening Session in June.
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What to Do With Soap Ends & Trimmings
Wondering what to do with those bits of soap from the end of the loaf that don’t make full sized bars? You have options!
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GMP Requirements for Manufacturing Facilities
When it comes to GMP guidelines or regulations for facilities and equipment, there are some basic common sense specifications to follow.
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FDA Stops Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program
The FDA announced today that effective immediately they are no longer accepting submissions into the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP).
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More on MoCRA – What Now?
Since MoCRA, the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulations Act of 2022, was signed into law as part of the Omnibus Spending Bill last December I’ve gotten a lot of questions about it and what you have to do now.
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Cosmetic Ingredient Look-Up
An excellent new cosmetic ingredient look-up database is online where you can look up specific ingredients, get explanations of various substance types and see typical ingredients by product type.
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Made in “My State” Claims
The FTC sets standards for the truthfulness of “Made in the USA” claims. Now it looks like a claim that a product is made in a specific state must meet the Made in the USA standard.
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FTC is Updating the Green Guides
The FTC has started the every-10-year review of the Green Guides, which are the regulations covering claims that a product or service has “environmental benefits.”
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Organic Regulations Updated
The USDA announced final updates to the regulations of the National Organic Program. Some of these changes may affect handcrafters using organic ingredients.
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Why Does the FDA Exist?
The FDA recently uploaded a new video, “Why Does the FDA Exist?” to their YouTube channel. It’s gives some interesting insight into how the FDA came into being and why.
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Elimination of Non-Compete Agreements
The FTC just announced that they are proposing a Non-Compete Clause Rule. Under the proposed rule, employers would be completely banned from entering into a non-compete agreement with any type of worker.
Books
