Some consumers select "alcohol free" products because they believe ethyl alcohol dries out their skin or hair. For many years cosmetic manufacturers have marketed certain cosmetic products that do not contain ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol, …
Consumers and manufacturers sometimes have questions about the term "cosmeceutical." The term "cosmeceutical" has no meaning under the law. While the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) does not recognize the term " …
Consumers sometimes ask about use of claims such as "Cruelty-Free" or "Not Tested on Animals" on cosmetic labeling. Some cosmetic companies promote their products with claims of this kind in their labeling or advertising. The …
Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. Consumers with hypersensitive skin, and even those with "normal" skin, may be led to believe that these products will be …
Face paints can be fun on Halloween and other special occasions. Here are tips to help keep your fun from leaving you with a rash, swollen eyelids, or other reaction. Painting Your Face: Special Effects Without Aftereffects Decorating your face with face …
Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics. Here are answers to questions that consumers often ask about the safety and use of these ingredients. What are parabens, and why are they used in cosmetics? Parabens are a family of related …
You may see fragrance products, such as “essential oils,” marketed with “aromatherapy” claims that they will treat health problems or improve well-being. Who regulates these products, and how? Find answers here: What's the "intended use"? …
Throughout the last decade, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) have increasingly appeared as ingredients in cosmetics intended to reduce the signs of aging in the skin. More recently, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or a combination of AHAs and BHAs, have appeared as …
Consumers and manufacturers may have questions about the safety of diethanolamine (DEA) and related ingredients in cosmetics. The following information is from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and FDA. The NTP completed a study in 1998 that found an …
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FAQs Main Page Are tattoos and permanent makeup safe? How about henna and other temporary tattoos? FDA is looking into the safety of tattoos and permanent makeup because of their growing popularity. For example, we are looking at tattoo removal, adverse …
What ingredients are prohibited or restricted from use in cosmetics? You can find the information on what the law and FDA regulations say about cosmetic ingredients and safety below. Are harmful ingredients allowed in cosmetics? It’s against the law for a …
The warning statement that FDA requires on tanning products that do not contain sunscreen is important for both consumers and manufacturers. All suntanning preparations that do not contain sunscreen ingredients are required to carry the following warning …
Cosmetics marketed on a retail basis to consumers must have an ingredient list. But under the law, this list cannot be used to make a company disclose “trade secrets.” What does this mean for cosmetic labeling? The Legal Background FDA requires cosmetics …
It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. The following information answers common questions about some nail products and ingredients. How Nail Products Are Regulated Nail …
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits the distribution of cosmetics that are adulterated or misbranded in interstate commerce. Here is an introduction to what those terms mean. Introduction The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C …
The following is an introduction to how cosmetics are regulated under U.S. law, and how these laws may be different from those in other countries. On this page: Introduction Among the important differences between requirements for cosmetics in the United …
The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
Consumers and manufacturers sometimes ask about the use of animals for testing cosmetics. The following information addresses the legal requirement for cosmetic safety and FDA policy on developing alternative methods. FDA is responsible for assuring that …
Most people use cosmetic products containing latex without adverse effects. However, some people may have had allergic reactions to latex-containing products. Because of this the FDA is concerned that consumers might not be aware that some cosmetic …
