Are you in compliance with Cosmetic labeling requirements?

 

 

 

 Cosmetic labeling requirements is not required to have FDA approval before cosmetic products go on the market, and the FDA doesn’t have a list of approved or accepted claims for cosmetics. but there are FDA labeling requirements that apply to cosmetic labeling claims.

 

If you sell one of the following cosmetic products in the USA (Alcohol-Free, Cosmeceutical, Cruelty-Free / Not Tested on Animals, Hypoallergenic Cosmetics, Organic Cosmetics), you may have some questions regarding claims and cosmetic labeling. We will answer your burning questions below.

 

Let’s dive into it! 

 

 

 

How to deal with cosmetic labeling claims?

 

 

Alcohol-Free Labeling Claims

 

Some consumers buy “alcohol-free” products because they think ethyl alcohol dries out their skin or hair.

 

For many years, cosmetic manufacturers have marketed certain products that do not contain ethyl alcohol as “alcohol-free” products. But, this claim can lead to some misleading, confusing information among consumers when they check the ingredient listing on cosmetic labels to check whether it contains alcohol.

 

But, “alcohols” have different names and a variety of effects on the skin. So, cosmetic products labeled “alcohol-free” may contain other alcohols,  such as cetyl, stearyl, Cetearyl, or lanolin alcohol.

 

And, to prevent the ethyl alcohol from illegally being consuming as an alcoholic beverage, you may need to use “denatured”, which means that added “denatured” is undrinkable.

 

 

 

Cosmeceutical Labeling Claims

 

The term cosmeceutical” has no meaning under FDA law. The cosmetic industry uses this term to refer to cosmetic products that have medicinal or drug-like benefits.

 

In other words, a product can be a drug, a cosmetic, or both, not “Cosmeceutical”

 

 

 

Cruelty-Free, Not Tested on Animals Labeling Claims

 

Some cosmetic companies promote their products with claims of “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals” in their labeling or advertising. But, these companies may rely on raw material suppliers or contract laboratories to perform product or ingredient safety.

 

Cosmetic manufacturers might only use those their “cruelty-free” claims on the fact that the materials or products are not “currently” tested on animals.

 

 

 

Hypoallergenic Cosmetics Labeling Claims

Hypoallergenic cosmetics are referred to produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. So consumers with hypersensitive skin or even with normal skin are likely to believe that these products will be smoother and gentler their skin.

 

As there is no definition that governs the use of the term “hypoallergenic”, cosmetic manufacturers are not required to submit substantiation of their claims to the FDA.

 

 

 

Organic Cosmetics Labeling Claims

 

FDA does not have a definition that governs the use of the term “Organic”. But, the USDA (Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) oversees the national organic program.

 

So cosmetic products labeled with organic claims must comply with both USDA regulations for the organic claim and FDA regulations for labeling and safety requirements for cosmetics.

 

 

As FDA cosmetic labeling requirements is not only used to help inform consumers of a product’s intended use and any related warnings, also notify its ingredients, the net quantity of contents, and its place of manufacture or distribution, Proper labeling is an important aspect of marketing a cosmetic or personal care product.

 

For more information about the cosmetic labeling requirements,

 

you can check our blog post “Cosmetic Labeling, Why is it so important?”

 

 

☞ Want to verify that your labeling meets current FDA cosmetic labeling requirements?

☞ Need assistance with designing product labeling?

☞ Need assistance with labeling claims?

 

Chat with our FDA regulatory Experts today!