Regulation & Safety

Is fragrance allergy partly psychosomatic?

Is fragrance allergy partly psychosomatic?

By Simon Pitman

Scientists in the US have been conducting research that suggests some individuals with allergic reactions to smell may be caused by what they think they smell, rather than the actual scent.

The ‘global beauty consumer’ driving regulation alignment

The ‘global beauty consumer’ driving regulation alignment

By Lucy Whitehouse

The head of the Canadian Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA), Darren Praznik, has spoken of the increasing need for international regulatory alignment in the face of the rising ‘global consumer’. 

Bucchini: “This is the first official blessing of​ beauty claims I am aware of...

Bella! EC backs beauty health claims; must be judged case-by-case

By Shane STARLING

Beauty claims are permissible under the EU nutrition and health claim regulation (NHCR) a European Commission committee has said in what an analyst says is a “first blessing” the EC may have taken from Italy’s stance on the matter.

EU cosmetics Regulation one year on: How is industry coping?

EU cosmetics Regulation one year on: How is industry coping?

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

It has now been over a year since the new cosmetics regulation came into force on 11 July 2013 but challenges still remain for companies to be compliant, and a recent survey shows that deciding which preservatives to use is the number one challenge for...

Update: EC wraps up EDC review

Update: EC wraps up EDC review

By Michelle Yeomans

The European Commission has implied in a recent review paper that it has concluded ensuring that REACH covers the assessment of EDCs.

Health Canada consults on new regulatory framework

Health Canada consults on new regulatory framework

By Michelle Yeomans

Health Canada is set to launch consultations this fall on a new framework aimed at streamlining and updating the current regulations for cosmetics that are currently defined as “drugs” under the Food and Drugs Act.

FDA warning for over the counter acne treatments

FDA warning for over the counter acne treatments

By Lucy Whitehouse

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against over the counter acne treatments, noting that severe allergic reactions can result from the usage of certain acne products, and these reactions have the potential to be lethal.

TTIP US - EU trade talks look positive

EU-US trade talks look positive, and cosmetics is on the agenda

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The European Commission will host a sixth round of EU-US trade talks next month on a new trade and investment deal, known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP; and the outlook is positive as Europe is in a strong position.

FDA dedicates section of website to paraben safety

FDA dedicates section of website to paraben safety

By Michelle Yeomans

In an effort to answer whether there are safety concerns related to parabens in cosmetics, the FDA has set up a section on its website to address pressing questions from consumers. 

Illinois jumps on microbead ban wagon

Illinois jumps on microbead ban wagon

By Michelle Yeomans

Following in the footsteps of New York and California, Illinois is the latest US state to ban tiny plastic particles in personal care goods.

Minnesota takes the lead in banning Triclosan

Minnesota takes the lead in banning Triclosan

By Simon Pitman

The state of Minnesota may have set a precedent by becoming the first in the United States to ban the anti-bacterial agent triclosan from use in a range of cosmetic and personal care products.

Georgia University studies skin cancer risk in nail lamps

Georgia University studies skin cancer risk in nail lamps

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A group of scientists from Georgia Regents University has looked into the risks of using UV lamps in nail salons and found that potential DNA damage and risk of skin cancer remains small; although they promote the use of sunscreen or protective gloves...

Make-up brand reformulates line to be gluten-free

Make-up brand reformulates line to be gluten-free

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Color cosmetics brand Vincent Longo has reformulated some of its most popular items to be gluten-free, in what has become somewhat of a trend in make-up, particularly in the US.

FDA invites comment over cosmetics labeling

FDA invites comment over cosmetics labeling

The FDA is looking for industry comment on its cosmetics labeling regulations, specifically in regard to its proposed extension of the current information collect request (ICR) in place at the moment, Chemical Watch reports.

Adverse Outcome Pathways holding the key to regulatory hurdles?

Adverse Outcome Pathways holding the key to regulatory hurdles?

By Lucy Whitehouse

Following a successful in-cosmetics workshop on the regulatory issues facing the industry, Annelie Struessman of CONUSBAT, chair of the workshop, stopped off to give the Cosmetics Design team the low-down on what was discussed.

Block animal testing: California Senate urges U.S. to join ban

Block animal testing: California Senate urges U.S. to join ban

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

In another step forward in the campaign to end animal testing in cosmetics, California's Senate approved a measure by State Senator Marty Block urging the country to follow in other region’s footsteps and implement a ban.

FDA reveals strategy for risk-based regulatory framework

FDA reveals strategy for risk-based regulatory framework

By Michelle Yeomans

The Food and Drug Administration and Federal Communications Commission have issued a report that reveals a proposed strategy for a risk-based regulatory framework for health information technology. 

Unilever rapped and P&G praised: environmental concerns in focus

Unilever rapped and P&G praised: environmental concerns in focus

By Lucy Whitehouse

According to the US Attorney's office, Unilever is set to pay up a total of $4.5 million to make amends for its violations of federal environmental regulations, which took place at its now closed factory in Clinton, Connecticut.

Skinvisible broad spectrum sunscreen meets FDA label guidelines

Skinvisible broad spectrum sunscreen meets FDA label guidelines

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Research and Development firm Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals has successfully completed independent testing to validate its broad spectrum sunscreen claims according to new labeling guidelines by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Finally! FDA holds public review on OTC plan

Finally! FDA holds public review on OTC plan

By Michelle Yeomans

The Food and Drug Administration will hold a public hearing over the next two days to gather input on its' current process for reviewing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.