Regulation & Safety

EC ban on MIT preservative in leave-on cosmetics approved

EC ban on MIT preservative in leave-on cosmetics approved

By Lucy Whitehouse

The European Commission has approved a ban on methylisothiazolinone (MIT) in leave-on cosmetics, a preservative traditionally used in water-based formulations - for example, in shampoos, liquid soaps, hand lotions and wet wipes.

Louboutin wins Russian counterfeit cosmetics case

Louboutin wins Russian counterfeit cosmetics case

By Lucy Whitehouse

Christian Louboutin has won a lawsuit against four Russian companies for selling imitation Louboutin fragrances, granting the French company injunctive relief to prevent the rivals selling the products in question.

Walmart chemical watch list: formaldehyde, phthalate, paraben

Walmart announces chemical watch list

By Deanna Utroske

This month the retailer asked suppliers to change product labeling and eventually reformulate to remove eight ingredients of concern. While the focus is on household goods for now, proponents of ‘clean beauty’ see it as a step in the right direction.  

FDA approves OTC skin care ingredient Differin Gel 0.1% to treat acne

FDA approves new OTC skin care ingredient to treat acne

By Deanna Utroske

Friday, the Administration announced that a retinoid, previously available by prescription, received FDA approval and can now be included in over-the-counter skin care products. It’s the first such approval since the 1980s.

TSCA reform bill signed in to law, and advocates react

TSCA reform bill signed in to law, and advocates react

By Deanna Utroske

Today President Barak Obama signed legislation updating the Toxic Substances Control Act, modernizing policies (that hadn’t been revised for decades) on chemical use in consumer goods like cosmetics and personal care items.

New skin lightening ingredient passes safety tests

New skin lightening ingredient passes safety tests

By Lucy Whitehouse

Specialty chemicals firm Sirona Biochem has announced that its new skin lightening compound has recently gone through safety and efficacy testing that has brought the innovation a major step closer towards licensing.

J&J loses again

J&J loses again

By Deanna Utroske

This week the consumer packaged goods company was order to pay millions to yet another woman who developed ovarian cancer following use of Johnson & Johnson’s talc products.

Talc supplier and J&J headed to court over cancer

Talc supplier and J&J headed to court over cancer

By Deanna Utroske

In a trial set to begin next week, more than 1,000 women are now suing the consumer goods company and the ingredients supplier Imerys Talc America for not disclosing known health risks.

$10 million Suave hair loss settlement back in court

$10 million Suave hair loss settlement back in court

By Deanna Utroske

Unilever faced multiple class action suits when consumers using a Suave Professional product reported hair loss and scalp burns. Late last week the Seventh Circuit decided on an appeal from class members dissatisfied with the initial outcome.

The lowdown on colour regulation in Europe

Special Newsletter - Colour Cosmetics

The lowdown on colour regulation in Europe

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Colour plays a vital role in the cosmetics industry, but manufacturers can sometimes be faced with the challenges that arise from the regulations surrounding colour and colourants. Here we sat down with the Cosmetics Toiletry and Perfumery Association...

Study gives nod of approval to Reef Safe sunscreen

Study gives nod of approval to Reef Safe sunscreen

By Simon Pitman

A study conducted by the Mote Marine Tropical Research Laboratory in Florida draws on science to prove that Reef Safe sunscreens are harmless to corals and cause no visual impact.

New FDA commissioner confirmed

New FDA commissioner confirmed

By Deanna Utroske

Dr. Robert Califf now leads the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Food and Drug Administration. The cardiologist-by-training is expected to focus much more on issues of food, drug, and tobacco regulation than on cosmetics.  

J&J loses in court, talcum powder linked to cancer

J&J loses in court, talcum powder linked to cancer

By Deanna Utroske

This week, a Missouri jury found the company liable for fraud, negligence, and conspiracy in a case brought by Jacqueline Fox and litigated by family members, following her death last October.

Lush cosmetics factory in talks to avoid nuisance lawsuit

Lush cosmetics factory in talks to avoid nuisance lawsuit

By Deanna Utroske

Residents of Toronto, Ontario, have been complaining about the strong scent of a nearby Lush Cosmetics factory for years, and some believe the facility is to blame for headaches, migraines, and skin irritation.   

State of Florida considering cosmetics regulations update

State of Florida considering cosmetics regulations update

By Deanna Utroske

Every two years cosmetics made, packaged, or labeled in the state have to be registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Separate bills, currently under consideration by the Senate and the House, would change that mandate.