Helping you undersand soap and cosmetic regulations — in plain English.
Want to double-check your labels? Get my FREE Easy-Peasy Label Checklist!
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 that 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 your 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
-
FDA Warns Amazon
The FDA just sent warning letters to three companies that introducing unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce. What’s interesting is that one of them is Amazon.com
-
Making the Ingredients Fit
Sometimes it can be hard to make the ingredients declaration fit on a label. Here is a tip for squeezing everything in.
-
Carmine
Carmine is an approved color additive that produces a beautiful color. It comes from insects.
-
FDA Warns Young Living (Again)
The FDA has cited Young Living again over the intended use of their products. See what you can learn from their mistakes.
-
Measuring the Net Contents Statement
A tip for measuring the font size for the net contents statement on soaps and cosmetic labels to make sure it’s big enough.
-
Glycerin
Glycerin – a most versitile ingredient in food, cosmetic, drugs, tobacco, paint, and even embalming fluid. And, of course, soap.
-
Endorsements, Reviews & Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials are highly effective marketing tools. So effective that the FTC has issued rules covering them.
-
Revlon Bankruptcy
An interesting tidbit from the world of big cosmetic companies. …Cosmetic company Revlon filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.
-
Indian Sandalwood
Indian Sandalwood – once considered a vulnerable species, now the oils and wood can be sustainably sourced from Australian plantations.
-
A Reverse Look at Product Claims
Wondering why you can’t say more about what your product will DO? Let’s take a look at what the FDA has to deal with. Viagra in honey? Yep.
-
For Comparison – Turkey
Ever wondered what the cosmetic regulations are in a country outside the US, Canada and the EU? Let’s take a look at Turkey.
-
Public Opinion on Cosmetic Safety
As part of a course I’m doing, I asked about 40 random people, “Do you think cosmetics are safer now than they were 25 years ago?” YIKES was I surprised by the answers!
MORE RESOURCES
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 of 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 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
