Helping you understand soap and cosmetic regulations — in plain English.
Hi, I’m Marie Gale.
For over 15 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. I’m here to help you achieve that stress-free relationship with your products and your business.
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Cosmetic Facility Registration – FDA Draft Guidance
On August 7, 2023, the FDA issued Registration and Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products: Guidance For Industry as a draft guidance distibuted for comment purposes.
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Fragrance Allergens
What are fragrance allergens? Do they need to be included in the ingredient declaration for a cosmetic product? (Answer: Yes, in some countries, but not in the US or Canada… yet.)
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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.
MORE RESOURCES
Membership
$37 per month
Affordable and easily accessible ongoing support through courses, coaching, regularly scheduled Zoom Q + A sessions, a private Facebook group, and more. You don’t just learn what the rules are—you learn how to apply them to your business and get help when and how you need it.
Label Review
$125 per label
If you want another set of (experienced) eyes on your label to make sure it meets all the requirements, a label review is a good choice. A label review checks your label against the pertinent regulations. You get a checklist showing if corrections are needed (or not), along with documentation to help you understand the requirements. Label reviews take about a week. Once your review is complete, you can send me the revised label and I’ll take a look to make sure everything is in order.
I wanted my labels to be as close to compliant as I could get them. I took advantage of your label review service and can’t thank you enough for your expert advice. It was money well spent! — N.M.
Consulting
$100 – $125 per hour
Consulting is the tailor-made solution to address whatever your concerns are with your labeling, GMP, MoCRA compliance, safety substantiation, and the like. Consulting can be as simple as just answering the questions you have by email, phone or online meeting, or it can cover reviewing all your labels, ingredient declarations, website copy, safety substantiation documentation, and good manufacturing practices. It’s your call – I’m here to help with what you need.
I speak on behalf of the entire team that we are all very appreciative of your work in helping us grow our brand. It is a big step for us, and you have been instrumental in making that a reality. Thank you for your help. — D.C..
Books
