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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Lactobacillus Ferment Found “Safe As Used”
The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (CIR) has found that four Lactobacillus ferment ingredients are safe as used in cosmetics.
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Dr. Squatch: From Cold Process to Cold Cash
Dr. Squatch cut through the labeling and marketing noise with humor, authenticity, and viral genius for a $1.5 billion payout.
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Talc – Beyond MoCRA
Talc has been used in cosmetic products for years. It has a dark side, which is that when improperly purified it can contain asbestos – a known carcinogen. Johnson & Johnson, makers of a talc baby powder, are still settling multi billion dollar (yes, that’s billion with a “b”) lawsuits over it. MoCRA Requirements The
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How Bath Soap is Made
Here’s a great video that shows how soap is commercially made. It is slanted toward olive oil and is big production, but it’s very interesting!.
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MoCRA Facility Registration & Product Listing Reports
On March 13th, 2025, the FDA announced the number of cosmetic facility registrations and cosmetic product listings that had been completed under MoCRA in the last year.
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BOI – Geez, Now it’s OFF!
Beneficial Ownership Information — On, off, on, off, on, now OFF (and probably for good).
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Labeling Book 2025 Edition Live on Amazon!!
Soap and Cosmetic Labeling 4th edition (2025) is LIVE on Amazon!
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Update on BOI Filing – It’s On Again
Another court decision – reporting Beneficial Ownership Information with the US Treasury is BACK ON.
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Soap, Cosmetics and Food Allergens
The FDA issued final guidance on food allergens. What does it mean for soap and cosmetic makers?
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Cosmetic Regulations Under Trump
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President yesterday (January 20th, 2025). Some of the actions he took yesterday may affect cosmetic regulations.
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5 Steps to Avoid Social Media Disaster
Social media can be a great tool for your business, but it can also spell disaster – both legally and for your reputation.
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Happy New Year!
Happy New Year 2025! Positive manifestation: This year is going to be the best year ever!
Books
