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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Ingredient Declaration: Color Additives
The alternate order of the ingredient declaration is easier for color additives But what can be considered a color additive, and how should it be named?
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Label Design: Do Your Images Work?
Have you ever tried to use a web image on your label but printed too big or too small, or was fuzzy or pixelated? Here’s why.
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Cruelty-Free Logos
When you walk down the cosmetics aisle, it’s hard to miss all the little bunny logos and “cruelty-free” icons on labels. But not every bunny logo means what you might think it does.
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Ingredient Declaration: Clays
Clays are one of the oldest beauty ingredients in the world. But names like French Pink Clay, Brazilian Yellow Clay, and Cambrian Blue Clay, don’t tell what to put in the ingredient declaration.
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Label Design: The Emotions of Colors
For cosmetics, label design isn’t just about holding the product—it’s about telling a story before the customer even opens the box or unscrews the cap. Colors can influence buying decisions and even communicate what your product promises to deliver.
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State-by-State Banned Ingredients
Several states have banned some chemicals from cosmetic products and more have legislation in the works.
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Ingredient Declaration: Blended Ingredients
Blended ingredients contain components that need to be added to your ingredient declaration individually.
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Label Design: Fun with Fonts
When it comes to designing and building product label it’s more than just the regulations. The art, design, and fonts are important!
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Making Cosmetics in Nevada
A new Nevada law has provisions for cottage cosmetic makers, effective July 1, 2027.
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Ingredient Declaration: Fragrance and Flavor
Fragrance and flavor have special treatment in the ingredient declaration.
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H.R. 4436 – Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color and Salon Workers Act
H.R. 4436 – Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color and Salon Workers Act, the fourth and final bill included in the Safer Beauty Bill Package.
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H.R. 4435 – Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act
H.R. 4435 Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act , the third bill included in the Safer Beauty Bill Package.
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
