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ISO Issues Natural and Organic Cosmetic Guidelines
In February this year, the International Standards Organization issued ISO 16128-1, Guidelines of technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products (available to purchase here). The description of the guidelines says: ISO 16128-1:2016 provides guidelines on definitions for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients.In addition to natural and organic ingredients, other ingredient categories
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What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
I’ve talked in the past about the dangers and pitfalls of making medical claims for soap and cosmetic products. Over and over, handcrafters have asked me: “What’s the worst that could happen?”
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What Suppliers Will (and Won’t) Tell You
When you make and label your own cosmetics, you are required to declare on the label all of the ingredients in descending order of predominance. In addition (and unlike food) you must list all of the components of any blended ingredient individually, in correct order in the ingredient declaration. If you purchase, for example, a
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Melt & Pour Soap: Soap or Cosmetic?
Whether a melt & Pour soap is a cosmetic or not depends on the ingredients and how it is marketed.
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New FDA Webpage for Handcrafters
The FDA has published a new webpage that is directed to cosmetic handcrafters. It’s the Small Businesses & Homemade Cosmetics: Fact Sheet, which can currently be found in the Cosmetics section of the FDA website, under “Resources for You” > “Industry“. Just to clarify, nothing has changed; there are no new regulations. This is just
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Understanding Labels & Labeling
Is there a difference between the “label” and the “labeling” when it comes to soap and cosmetic labels? YES. (Well, mostly.) The FDA defines both “label” and “labeling” for food, drugs, and cosmetic products. The FTC defines “label” for consumer commodities other than food, drugs, and cosmetics. Most states have regulations that define “label” and “labeling”
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Mary’s Monkey
As one of my personal projects, I am scanning and correctly, archivally storing the family collection of papers and documents. Yesterday I scanned a collection of 400 post cards dating from 1908 to 1920. One little series mentioned soap, so I read it carefully … and I just have to share: Mary has a little MonkeyJust
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Myth: Soap Labels Aren’t Regulated
One of the myths that I still frequently hear is that “I can put whatever I want on my soap labels because they aren’t regulated.” I believe that particular myth got started because of the “soap exemption” in the FDA’s definition of “cosmetic:” Directly from the regulations: A product, except soap, intended to be applied to
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It’s harder than you think
Running away from home in our new RV is turning out to be a little more complicated than one would think. So many things to consider and take care of. The biggest issue is getting rid of all our STUFF, since it won’t fit in the RV! The good news is that we’re making progress.
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FDA Warning Letters – Drug Claims for Cosmetics
There’s been an increase in cosmetic warning letters. What sort of claims are being made?
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Personal Care Products Safety Act (2015)
On April 20th, 2015, Senators Diane Feinstein (D – CA) and Susan Collins (R – ME) introduced The Personal Care Products Safety Act (S. 1014), which, if passed, will update the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act as it pertains to cosmetics. There has been considerable discussion about various aspects of the bill and what its
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Running Away From Home in an RV
Last month, Jere and I announced to family our intention to get an RV and “run away from home,” living and working on the road as we travel around the US seeing the sights and visiting friends and family. Yesterday it became a lot more REAL. I actually drove our new (to us) RV. Actually, it wasn’t
Helping you understand soap and cosmetic regulations — in plain English.