Q&A: New NSF standard fills gap in cosmetic safety
The certification standard aims to establish defined benchmarks for safety substantiation, finished product testing and MoCRA alignment.
Regulation & safety
Across the CD-Verse: February 2026
From high-profile legal battles in sun care to billion-euro acquisitions and tightening scrutiny of product claims, this month’s top stories reflect a beauty industry balancing growth, innovation and accountability.
Class action against Kenvue challenges shea & cocoa butter oil labeling
A lawsuit in federal court is challenging the labeling of a baby oil product marketed as ‘shea & cocoa butter oil’, alleging that the product contains less than 1% of the named ingredients and that its front label misleads consumers about its composition.
‘100% Mineral’ sunscreen class action spotlights risk around absolute ingredient claims
A recently filed false advertising class action lawsuit against Supergoop! is has drawn attention among stakeholders navigating ingredient-based marketing claims.
US tariffs pushed French cosmetics exports into rare 2025 decline
French beauty exports stall as global competition intensifies...
Henkel’s challenge sees mixed NAD decision for Revlon’s ColorSilk
The National Advertising Division’s decision offers fresh insight into how performance claims for hair color products are being evaluated in the US market, particularly surrounding ingredient narratives and testing.
UK and EU regulations diverge on use of talc in cosmetics
The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has not classified talc as a potential carcinogen, while EU scientific bodies have flagged safety concerns that will most likely result in a usage ban.
Across the CD-Verse: January 2026
This month’s global beauty news headlines encompass exciting innovations, regulatory pressures, and acquisitions with significant industry impacts.
Why Prop 65 matters for cosmetics and personal care stakeholders in 2026
A recent decision permanently blocked new Prop 65 cancer-warning lawsuits related to certain uses of titanium dioxide in cosmetics and personal care products, removing a long-standing source of litigation and labeling risk for the industry.
Cosmetics industry warns against altering USMCA provisions
After a recent US Trade Representative hearing, the Personal Care Products Council is reiterating that the USMCA’s Cosmetics Annex remains central to regulatory alignment, trade efficiency and supply chain stability for US cosmetics manufacturers and...
FDA cites ‘significant’ PFAS safety data gaps in report
The US Food and Drug Administration says it cannot determine whether most perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in cosmetic products are safe, citing major gaps in available toxicological data in a congressionally mandated review.
PCPC president and CEO breaks down the biggest beauty industry shifts of 2025
Thomas Myers shares his insights into how new FDA actions, regulatory advancements and fast-moving innovation pipelines are reshaping the cosmetics and personal care market heading into 2026.
Top 10: Most read CDU articles of 2025
Throughout 2025, CosmeticsDesign US welcomed over 116,000 unique visitors who generated more than 207,000 page views of news content, covering beauty industry regulatory updates, scientific innovation, and other relevant topics.
Ingredient‑led hair care: what formulators must know for the future
From premiumisation and skinification to a scalp care surge and the growth of dermocosmetics. We spoke to an expert at Euromonitor International to get a market overview of the haircare category’s potential for 2026 and beyond.
FDA targets sunscreen modernization with bemotrizinol proposal
If finalized, it would mark the first new sunscreen active introduced to the United States market in decades, with potential significance for formulators seeking broader UVA coverage and improved photostability.
Indie Insights: How adhering to EU regulations can boost US indie brands
Formulating to tougher standards is costlier, but Kiyomi Skin CEO Daniel Struve argues it pays off in brand integrity and long-term loyalty.
US beauty manufacturers eye Indonesia’s 2026 halal deadline as certification pressures widen
Navigating Indonesia’s 2026 halal certification mandate, US beauty brands must adapt facility operations and supply chains for global market access, says American Halal Foundation director Mohammad Hussaini.
PCPC and NCPC warn consumers of holiday surge in fake beauty products
The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) are urging cosmetics and personal care manufacturers to stay vigilant as counterfeit activity accelerates across online marketplaces, particularly heading into...
Across the CD-Verse: November 2025
November’s global news roundup includes exciting announcements from the financial sector, intriguing regional industry data analysis, and more.
Industry reacts to passing of H.R. 5371
A portion of the recently passed legislation modernizes FDA regulations on over-the-counter sunscreen ingredients, promoting innovation and non-animal testing methods, while enhancing safety and efficacy standards.
What oral care stakeholders can learn from NAD’s 2025 case decisions
In this CosmeticsDesign Q&A, we sat down with Phyllis Marcus, vice president, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD), for a deep dive into the year’s biggest oral care case.
KBDB report finds 71% of beauty ingredients safer
Key findings from this year’s analysis include that 71% are verified safer (up from 65%), but despite this progress, the report’s authors noted that “gaps remain where innovation is needed across product categories, applications, and chemical functions.”
Q&A: US startup brings EU-level safety standards to unregulated pet cosmetics sector
In this CosmeticsDesign Q&A, Welltayl’s co-founders discuss formulation strategy, ingredient vetting, and what personal care brands can learn from their approach.
Could skin-on-chip methods be the future of cosmetics testing?
New research shows how new skin-on-chip methods could potentially disrupt animal testing in the beauty and personal care industry.
5 recent breakthroughs in cosmetic science
As researchers explore new biological pathways, ingredient mechanisms, and delivery systems, the gap between cosmetic science and clinical performance continues to narrow.
Finally, a vegan collagen: FDA’s ‘no questions’ letter for Geltor’s animal-free collagen opens doors to new markets
‘The beauty and longevity revolution demands both breakthrough science and the infrastructure to deliver it,’ according to Geltor CEO. ‘PrimaColl is the first ingredient to nail both’
US beauty industry returns to Capitol Hill with focus on MoCRA, non-animal testing, tariffs, OTC reform
As regulatory deadlines loom and global competition intensifies, beauty industry leaders are pushing Congress for clarity, consistency, and science-driven reforms.
MLB partners with Nutrafol highlighting ‘Certified for Sport’ achievement
NSF certification milestone reflects growing demand for third-party validation in appearance and wellness supplements.
Q&A: How smart modeling is making fragrance ingredients safer—without animal testing
RIFM’s pilot study demonstrates how PB/PK modeling can help meet regulatory expectations for genotoxicity data while avoiding additional animal testing.
Must Read: The top 5 CDU articles of Q3 2025
From Youthforia’s shutdown to OTC reform and California’s plastics law, these were the most-read CosmeticsDesign US stories shaping the beauty industry in Q3 2025.
Across the CD-Verse: September 2025
This month’s roundup of CosmeticsDesign’s global coverage includes an in-depth look at scientific developments, sustainable innovation, and notable brand launches.
EU microplastics regulation puts pressure on beauty brands ahead of key deadlines
The EU’s microplastics regulation is driving North American beauty ingredient manufacturers and suppliers to innovate sustainable alternatives that do not compromise performance, as global consumer demand and regulatory expectations converge.
EUDR enforcement delayed again over IT system readiness
The European Commission has proposed a second delay to the enforcement of the EUDR, citing that its technology systems are not yet ready.
‘Avobenzone is safe,’ says toxicology assessment
A comprehensive toxicological assessment has reaffirmed the safety of avobenzone, a key UVA filter in over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens, when used at approved concentrations.
FDA launches dashboard for real-time cosmetic safety data
The new FDA tool has registered a sharp increase in adverse event reports following the implementation of MoCRA.
EU bans reshaping clean beauty: what formulators must know
Gone are the days when clean beauty was an ambiguous buzzword. Changing EU regulations are making it the new normal, says one business expert.
Q&A: Experts provide legal analysis of PFAS-related regulations, research, and lawsuits for beauty industry stakeholders
In this CosmeticsDesign U.S. Q&A, we connected with legal experts from MG+M The Law Firm to dissect evolving state regulations on PFAS in cosmetics and more.
SUNucate initiative continues to boost sunscreen use in U.S. schools
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association’s (ASDSA) SUNucate initiative continues to gain momentum at the state level in the wake of several sunscreen-related wins in Congress.
Supplements for bruising? Products walk a regulatory fine line amid surging consumer demand
Social media is fueling consumer demand for non-surgical procedures to deliver a more youthful appearance. Market research shows these patients are also seeking nutritional support to help accelerate the recovery process.
Washington first state to ban formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics
The ban builds on the state’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act of 2023.
Across the CD-Verse: August 2025
This monthly snapshot of the latest CosmeticsDesign coverage from around the world includes regional retail launches, trend research and analysis, and regulatory insights.
Certain novel sunscreen forms face increased FDA scrutiny
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to five personal care brands marketing mousse, whipped, or foam sunscreen products without FDA approval.
Regulatory roundup: A review of US beauty sector enforcement and compliance actions
From packaging laws to the potential impact of the US-EU tariff deal, industry experts weighed in on a flurry of recent legislation proposals and legal decisions.
PETA to update cruelty-free eligibility for beauty brands as progress is “under threat”
The EU animal testing loophole threatens progress for cruelty-free cosmetics, says PETA US.
Industry reacts to Senate panel approval of OTC Reform Bill with key provisions for sunscreens
The Senate HELP Committee’s unanimous passage of S.2292 moves the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments closer to enactment, with provisions to modernize testing standards, streamline sunscreen approvals, and expand consumer access.
Across the CD-Verse: July 2025
This roundup highlights the global regulatory actions, innovative ingredient launches, and compelling trend analyses dominating the beauty and personal care industry news cycle.
‘Safer Beauty Bill Package’ targets toxic chemicals in cosmetics
Lawmakers aim to bolster cosmetic safety with new regulations as ‘safe, accessible beauty cannot wait,’ according to bill sponsor Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
Key takeaways: PCPC webinar reviews industry challenges in biodiversity compliance
Insights from the expert panel on Access and Benefit-Sharing included legal uncertainty, overlapping obligations, and emerging regulatory trends.
How the US-EU tariff deal could affect Europe’s cosmetics industry
The French cosmetics industry estimates that the agreement “could lead to an annual loss of 300 million euros and threaten up to 5,000 jobs in France.”
Dr. Squatch ends select TikTok Shop affiliate posts amid disclosure scrutiny
The case highlights the growing scrutiny of influencer marketing practices and the limitations of platform-based disclosure tools.