Cosmetics, Cosmetics, Cosmetics Everywhere!

Cosmetics don’t need pre-market approval.  Scary thought and leaves you wondering what are you putting on your face. There could be harmful chemicals and health risks, for which we are unaware. Cosmetics are classified by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), as items which are used for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance. The FDA does not approve cosmetics before going to market. However, if they are deemed in violation after market, then the FDA can enforce actions against the products to include the firms and individuals which are in violation of their guidelines.

It is left up to the cosmetic firms to substantiate the safety of the cosmetics they produce before they go to market. If it is found after market that the products do not meet guidelines set forth by the FDA to substantiate the safety of the cosmetics, then the product is labeled as wrongly branded. However, there is a way to get around that as set forth by the FDA guidelines, by placing a label to read the following: “Warning – The safety of this product has not been determined.” (21 CFR 740.10). Basically, the cosmetic manufacturer can put any ingredient into the cosmetic, as long as the “cosmetic is deemed safe and properly labeled.”  The FDA does have a list of products not to be used cosmetics and the cosmetic manufacturers should be aware of this list to stay within the guidelines, but there is no premarket approval needed.  It is only after the fact, if the cosmetic manufacturer didn’t follow the guidelines they are penalized.

The FDA does inspect the manufacturing plants of the cosmetic company and they do collect samples cosmetics to check on the ingredients put into the cosmetics.  The FDA does check into complaints and adverse reactions and does conduct research when there are safety concerns in question.

There is a program called the VCRP (Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program) in which the cosmetic manufacturers can register, but it only applies to cosmetics used by consumers, but not cosmetic products used by salon professionals, products not for sale, given away as gifts, or samples. The benefits to registration for the cosmetic manufacturer are the program helps the FDA to regulate cosmetic manufacturers, which helps to provide information as to the ingredients used in the manufacturing process.

Now, I  am not saying to quit using cosmetics, but as with anything you consume, read your labels to be aware of what you are using.