Cosmetics, soaps, lotions and many other personal care products are used by everyone in their daily lives. We trust 
that the products we use are safe; however, who determines whether the personal care products used by us is safe or not?
The regulation of personal care products comes under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But, the guidelines followed by the agency is outdated and does not adhere with some of the recent scientific findings. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Dianne Feinstein (D-California) introduced the Personal Care Products Safety Act (PCPSA) in April 2015 in an attempt to bring about some changes to the outdated cosmetics laws and guidelines.
The Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act, H.R. 4075, is another legislation focused on bringing changes to the existing cosmetics laws. It was introduced by US Congressman Pete Sessions and is supported by the Independent Cosmetics Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD). The Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act attempts to improve and modernize the FDA’s potential in assuring the safety of cosmetics products by analyzing its key ingredient, their safety, manufacturing process and identifying adverse health issues from unsafe products and addressing it quickly. It also requires every manufactures to be registered with the FDA.
Personal Care Product Safety Act (PCPSA)
At present, the Personal Care product Safety Act has been just introduced into the Senate. There is a long process awaiting prior to it becoming a law. The good news is that the bill has garnered some bipartisan support, which a very rare situation considering the present political climate. Besides the original sponsors, Senators Feinstein and Collins, four additional co-sponsors have joined – Senator Mark Kirk (R-Illinois), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California).
There is much to do in regard to Personal Care Product Safety Act prior to enacting it. However, it shows much needed common sense approach in regulating the personal care industry which have not seen any updates in almost 75 years. It is essential for every one of us to have transparency and accountability as to what is used in our personal care products in order to ensure the health of all, particularly the ones who use it on a daily basis.
Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act
Two additional members of the Congress, U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-TX-17th District) and U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30th District), have signed on as co-sponsors since the Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act bill was introduced on November 18, 2015. This progress is being applauded by the Independent Cosmetics Manufacturers & Distributors.
ICMAD which supports the Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act on behalf of its members representing small, entrepreneurial and independent cosmetics companies is of the opinion that the bill will strengthen the FDA and help it in aligning its powers with the United States trading partners in the international market along with meeting the demands of the consumer for distribution of the best information available on the safety of cosmetics products.
Be better prepared for the future regulatory changes and understand its effect. Get to know which proposed laws would do more harm or good to you and your company by attending this session on New Laws for Personal Care and Cosmetic Products by expert speaker Kristi A. Davidson.
