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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Cosmetic Producers Will Have to Pay for Micro-Pollution (EU)
The pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sectors are jointly responsible for 92% of micro-pollutants in wastewater. Now they’ll have to pay for water treatment.
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Label Review – A Perfect Soap Label
A quick label review of Avobath Soap from Mimsy Soap Ranch. The label is a great example of a simple and perfect soap label.
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Etsy Sustainability Attributes
Etsy recently introduced and defined new sustainability attributes for listings. They follow the FTC regulations, which apply to ALL products.
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$2.3M Coppertone Mislabeling Suit Settled
Coppertone just settled a class action suit. It’s one of a repeating pattern of class action suits following FDA product recalls.
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Florida Cosmetic Regulations
Florida cosmetic regulations required cosmetic manufacturers to get a permit and inspection. There is an exemption for small business.
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Professionals Respond to
“Not So Pretty”Three professionals respond to HBOMax docuseries “Not So Pretty” in an article by Allure Magazine.
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Label Review – BBW Foam Hand Soap
In this label review of 3 BBW Foam Soaps, we take a look at marketing claims, formulations and whether or not they are cosmetics.
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Net Contents Clear Space
Clear and unobscured space is required above, below and to the sides of the net contents.
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Cosmetic Ingredients – The Final Frontier
The evolution of cosmetic ingredients has gone from simple plants to lab-created synthetics to rainforest botanicals and now the final frontier – ingredients from outer space.
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From “Anti” to “Authentic” Aging
Avon recently published “The Power of Ageing” takes a deep dive into how women feel about aging post-pandemic. The results are intriguing.
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Many Ingredients in Small Amounts
If your product has many ingredients is very small amounts, it can be hard to calculate the exact descending order for the ingredient declaration. There is, however, a trick to make it easier!
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George Washington Carver’s Peanut Lotion
George Washington Carver’s work with peanuts is legendary. The uses included various cosmetics; here’s his recipe for a peanut oil lotion.
Books
