Friday, July 1, 2011

The Safe Cosmetics Act- finally!


On Friday June 24Th, 2011 the announcement was made introducing The Safe Cosmetics Act, H.R. 2359. Considering I was active in this campaign, this was great news to me. I've had additional information sent to me that I can now finally share with consumers.

I give Washington due credit for giving the FDA recall authority for products misbranded, adulterated or otherwise fail to meet safety standards.

Why am I excited about this? Besides the well-being of the consumer it gives smaller companies who followed strict procedure before the law was passed due credit over the big companies who felt invincible to follow strict procedure. Ironically, many consumers seem to trust the ad campaigns in slick glamour magazines and commercials, from the big skin care and cosmetic companies and don't take the smaller companies seriously.

This year's bill included changes signed to ease any potential burdens a small cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers and clarify intent of the bill.
"The health risks caused by harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, in cosmetic products demonstrate the pressing need to see the products we use are safe. The Safe Cosmetics Act is critical to ensuring that personal care products do not compromise the health of the workers and consumers". Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis said.Key provisions in the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 include:

* Post market testing. Requires the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct annual random sample tests for pathogens or contaminants in cosmetic products. (I love this).

* Cosmetic companies will be required to register with the FDA.

* The FDA will establish a list of ingredients prohibited from being used in cosmetics. (Europe has been doing this). This includes carcinogens and reproductive and developmental toxins (often disguised by another ingredient name). Your favorite model and/or actress, doctor who is endorsing your favorite cosmetic or personal skin care brand may not realize the product has toxic ingredients). There is a skin care line always on television commercials with two dermatologists endorsing and taken credit for developing the product line. I wonder how they disguised one ingredient that is common household bleach. This line targets acne sufferers.

* The FDA will have recall authority for products that are misbranded, adulterated or otherwise fail to meet the safety standard. The FDA will be able to order ceasing of distribution of any cosmetic or personal skin care product. (Uh-oh, some big companies are scrambling to figure out what to do to avoid this).

Now you can feel a bit at ease knowing the government will be providing help to you. Many consumers don't have time to read and study up on the ingredients they apply on them. And, they shouldn't have to. I'm quite glad this Act went into effect. I hope you are too.

By Sandy Alcide founder Motion Medica skin care
Copyright 2011