FEBRUARY 2008

New Phthalate Study Yields Confusing Results

John Bailey, Chief Scientist for the Personal Care Products Council commented on a recent study published in the journal “ Pediatrics” which suggests that the use of baby lotion, powder and shampoo is linked to the presence of phthalates found in the urine of babies.

Phthalates are primarily used in a wide range of products to soften or add flexibility to rubber and plastic substances. Both the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel in the United States and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) in the European Union have studied the matter and determined that the phthalate used in cosmetics (DEP) is safe, after reviewing the extensive research looking into this issue. Neither group believes there is a link to this ingredient and reproductive toxicity or endocrine disruption, as claimed by some activist groups.

The study author’s purported that nine different phthalate metabolites were found in infants and concluded that exposure was the result of baby products which contain phthalates.

Dr. Bailey clarifies the situation by stating, “The results of a study suggesting a link between the use of baby lotion, shampoo and powder and the presence of phthalates in infants does not make sense because only one of the seven phthalate compounds reported is even used in baby care products. This suggests that most of phthalates found in the urine samples came from another route of exposure, and we welcome additional studies to determine the source.”

For more information see: happi.com

 

JANUARY 2008

REACH Update

REACH legislation is evolving all the time, as is its effect on our industry. Big changes will be coming over the next few years, so make sure to keep up to date. REACH applies to all chemicals that are marketed or manufactured in the European Union, with few exceptions.

Cosmetics, beauty and personal care products are considered to be "preparations", and each preparation imported in greater than 1 ton metric per year must be registered by either the EU manufacturer or importer. If any ingredient found in such preparations is not registered (and exceeds the threshold limit), the importer into the EU is responsible for registration. The importer must be a naturalized or legal person established within the EU and responsible for the importation and adherence with all REACH obligations (called an "only" representative). click to read more

Tougher Regulations for Cosmetic Products in Asia

In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HAS) introduced tougher regulation for cosmetic products beginning January 1, 2008 under the Asean Cosmetic Directive (ACD) with the goal of promoting higher standards for safety and quality. Going forward, all cosmetic products, toothpastes, soaps, shampoos, make up and perfume will be regulated under the Health Products Act, instead of the Medicines Act. Companies must notify the HAS of all cosmetic products regardless of their product category.

The ACD is also calling for an expanded list of prohibited substances, as well as, permitted additives and detailed labeling to include information on ingredient-related precautions. Manufacture and expiration dates, as well as, handling precautions must also be listed. Fines of up to $100,000 and possible jail sentences are levied against those found guilty of adulterating products, using banned ingredients and/or preservatives.

More info: www.business.gov.sg/EN/News/Nov2007/20071122Tougherr.htm

DECEMBER 2007

Informative, New Cosmetic Safety Website Goes Live

A new website has launched: one that provides and in-depth look at cosmetic and personal care product safety. The site is sure to be very useful for consumers. CosmeticInfo.org is an extremely well-designed website that will be useful for locating safety and health information on beauty, cosmetic and personal care products and ingredients. It reviews 13 product categories and more than 1500 ingredients. The site is certainly worth checking out. Please share the link with others www.cosmeticsinfo.org.

Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association (CTFA) changes
its name to "Personal Care Products Council" (PCPC)

The PCPC (previously CTFA) is a beauty, cosmetic and personal care of association comprised of more than 600 member companies. They changed their name in November, 2007, but this organization continues to focus on providing easy to understand, science-based information for consumers, scientists, manufacturers and the media. For more information go to www.PersonalCareCouncil.org.

NOVEMBER 2007

China's Cosmetic Blacklist

The Chinese Ministry of Health blacklisted 10 domestic cosmetics alleging that they contain ingredients which discolor and injure skin. The ingredient "dexamethasone" initially shows beneficial improvement to skin but over time can cause it to become thin, dry and develop rashes. The ingredient was found in nine types of lotions, essences and masque produced by Gelamei Cosmetics Co., LTD.

The Chinese government pledges to continue cracking down on ingredients and products it deems to be potentially harmful to consumers.
Source: www.theRoseSheet.com

FDA and European Commission to Work More Closely
on Animal Testing Alternatives

An agreement struck between the FDA and EC will allow better coordination between these two groups so they finish the peer review validation of alternative animal tests for cosmetics and personal care products. The agreement reached on November 9 at the Trans Economic Council meeting will help speed up the process, which is especially important since the EU ban on animal testing for cosmetic products is set to go into effect in 2009 as required by the 7th Amendment to the EU's Cosmetic Directive.

Presently, there are not enough validated tests to replace animal-based testing and a bilateral effort is needed to ensure effective validation and acceptance of alternative testing methods that have already been created. Source: www.CosmeticsDesign.com

U.S. House of Representatives Fails to Develop
Nanotech Safety Research Plan

A subcommittee chaired by Representative Brian Baird has failed to develop a detailed plan for assessing the environmental and health impact posed by nanotechnology. "I am generally puzzled why more progress has not been made to develop this research strategy... necessary for successful development of nanotechnology."

At the hearing, the project's chief science adviser Dr. Andrew Manard stated, "the federal government's current approach to ensuring the development of responsible and successful nanotechnologies falls short of the mark."

Activist groups are calling for more research to be funded and propose a 10% increase in the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) budget. Clayton Teague, Director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office says, "I am highly confident that the forthcoming NNI EHA Research Strategies will provide the needed framework for the development and support of research programs that provide new knowledge as needed for risk assessment and risk management regarding the use of nanomaterials."
Source: www.theRoseSheet.com

OCTOBER 2007

Global Cosmetic Harmonization: Will it Become a Reality?

A gathering of regulatory organizations and trade associations in Brussels (September 26-28) could lead to regulatory harmonization in the beauty, cosmetic and personal care industry, at least that's the goal of the "International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulations" (ICCR). Topics under discussion include good manufacturing practices, animal testing alternatives, ingredient regulations and nanotechnology. Participants claim the meetings were productive and this group will gather again soon in the United States, sometime before mid-2008.
You can view the meeting report at www.cfsan.fda.gov
Source: www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com

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