In many ways, the FDA requirements for cosmetics are more impenetrable than those for medications. They’re subject to conditions related to everything from branding to safety, all of which are outlined in the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. These regulations outline general conditions of safety and honesty, but more specific laws and guidelines aren’t always as easy to comb through as you might expect.

Honesty

Package labels must clearly identify all ingredient,s including color additives, so that buyers are fully informed of any potential allergens and the like. This regulation falls under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, which requires you to inform buyers of the quantity of contents as well as where they are made.

Approval

Generally, skincare ingredients don’t need to be FDA approved before they go to market unless they’re color additives. That said, some cosmetics will be classified as personal care products, which must jump over the same stiff approval hurdles as medications. Intended use partially determines which banner products fall under. Those that are made to treat or prevent illness or change physiological function are drugs. The approval process for personal care products is split into two broad categories:

Those approved as supplements and devices
Those that fall under the Consumer Product Safety Commission

To complicate the matter further, some products fall under both cosmetic and drug regulations. Dandruff shampoo and sunblock are two examples. Hair removal products and abrasive devices are instead regulated as medical devices. False nails and eyelashes are categorized as cosmetics.

Keeping cosmetics unadulterated requires excellent manufacturing practices, and no brand can afford to fall short of FDA requirements at our facility since routine inspections are carried out. Contact Healthy Solutions if you need a manufacturer with the expertise to not only manage your regulatory needs, but also to advise you on more complex aspects of cosmetics manufacturing.