There’s noise surrounding the safety of cosmetics, and sometimes it can be tough for the truth to be heard. Below are three common myths and the truth about cosmetics and personal care products.

Myth: No independent body evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients.

Fact: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel is an independent panel of scientists and physicians that reviews the safety of cosmetic ingredients used in the U.S. and publishes its findings in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Toxicology. The panel holds public meetings each year in Washington, D.C. and anyone can attend. The program is open, independent and peer-reviewed. The FDA and Consumer Federation of America participate as non-voting members.

Under H.R. 4395, the FDA would review current and future findings of the CIR. Additionally, if someone was concerned about the safety of an ingredient, the bill would require FDA to make a safety determination.

For more information about the CIR, read here.

Myth: Cosmetic product labels can be misleading.

Fact: According to the FDA, cosmetic firms are responsible for substantiating the safety of their products and ingredients before marketing them. Improperly labeled or deceptively packaged products are considered misbranded and subject to regulatory action.

Myth: Cosmetics are not regulated.

Fact: Under federal law, the FDA has abundant legal and regulatory authority over cosmetics. Cosmetic manufacturers have responsibility for ensuring their products’ safety. It is a federal crime to put an unsafe product on the market. Federal law dictates FDA enforcement and oversight to ensure companies comply with the regulations governing pre-market approval, labeling, packaging and safety substantiation requirements. While cosmetics are not regulated the same as food and/or drugs, they are regulated.

H.R. 4395 would make reporting mandatory and modernize the law to further empower the FDA.

For more information about the FDA’s cosmetics regulations, read here.

The Safe Cosmetics Alliance represents the men and women working in the personal care product and services industry committed to providing the highest quality and safest products – from manufacturers to your local salon owner. We support science-based legislative and regulatory policies that enhance current consumer safeguards and strengthen FDA oversight of cosmetic and personal care products to ensure continued product safety.