Regulations > Safety | Cosmetics & Toiletries

Revisions include adding “special cosmetics” and “cosmetics using new ingredients” to the key categories of sampling testing.

China Revises Cosmetic Sampling Testing Rules, Calls for Comments

The measures will focus on testing in children’s cosmetics, special cosmetics and cosmetics containing new ingredients. Measures are open to public comment through July 14, 2022.

The UK and EU have made robust regulatory changes due to recently trending ingredient concerns. Updated guidances for lilial, DHA and cyclic silicones are outlined here, along with other regional updates.

European Regulatory Update: UK and EU Ingredient Management

Patient applying psoriasis relief cream

FDA Approves Dermavant’s VTAMA Cream, 1%, for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis in Adults

Bio-Botanica offers Licorice Root Extract in Glycerin [sample request]

Bio-Botanica offers Licorice Root Extract in Glycerin [sample request]

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin and glabridin. Glycyrrhizin is anti-inflammatory; used topically, it may help reduce redness or irritation. It is also an antioxidant. Glabridin may cause skin lightening and reduces dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase.

Henkel is conducting this voluntary recall with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Henkel Recalls Alterna Bond Repair Leave-in Heat Protection Spray

Henkel has so far received no reports of harm or injury in connection with this product.

The company responded stating its entire sun-care range is free of the two ingredients that are harmful toward reefs: oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Bondi Sands 'Reef Friendly' Sunscreen Hit with Class Action Suit

The class action suit in the United States alleges the company's sunscreens claim to be "reef friendly" while they are harmful to the environment.

As the first quarter of 2022 came to a close, several regulatory changes were announced in the Asia-Pacific region. Following is an overview, which includes ingredient restrictions, claims guidelines, adverse reactions and more.

Asia-Pacific Regulatory Update: GMPs, Safety, Ingredient Restrictions, Claims and More

As the first quarter of 2022 came to a close, several regulatory changes were announced in the Asia-Pacific region. Following is an overview, which includes ingredient restrictions, claims guidelines, adverse reactions and more.

The FDA has received reports of serious side effects including skin rashes, facial swelling and discoloration from the use of skin brighteners containing hydroquinone.

FDA Flags 12 Companies for Illicit Hydroquinone-containing Skin Brighteners

The products contain the active drug hydroquinone, rendering them unapproved over-the-counter (OTC) drugs rather than cosmetics.

China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) plans to introduce a more systematic and comprehensive standard consistent with the current industry situation.

China Drafts 2022 Safety and Technical Standard for Cosmetics

This draft will supersede the 2015 edition, which includes the overarching technical standards for cosmetics safety supervision and testing in China. Public comments will be accepted through April 30, 2022.

The plaintiffs claim the product is a misbranded drug that can cause serious side effects due to its isopropyl cloprostenate content. (Note: Depiction only; not the actual product).

Rodan + Fields to Pay Out $38 M in Lash Boost Settlement

Rodan + Fields will pay $38 million to settle several class action suits against its Lash Boost serum. The plaintiffs claim the product's labeling misleads consumers and its isopropyl cloprostenate content makes it subject to FDA oversight.

The CTPA and the U.K. cosmetic industry wants to promote the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) as alternatives to animal testing for these vital safety requirements under other chemicals legislation, especially UK Reach.

CTPA Convenes to Progress the Use and Regulatory Acceptance of Animal Testing Alternatives

The CTPA and the U.K. cosmetic industry wants to promote the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) as alternatives to animal testing for these vital safety requirements under other chemicals legislation, especially UK Reach.

The bacterium typically poses little medical risk to healthy individuals but could affect those with health issues such as weakened immune systems.

Kao USA Recalls Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer Over Microbe Concerns

Kao USA has issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of its Jergens brand Ultra Healing Moisturizer over the possible presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae.

Forty-seven percent of the products tested reportedly contained more than the permitted level of mercury.

ZMWG Reports Mercury Findings in Skin Care, Raises Public Alarm

The Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG), comprising 110+ global public interest and NGO health organizations, recently published findings that 129 of some 271 skin brightening products it tested contain high levels of mercury. This has raised public alarm.

Health Canada has issued recalls for three personal care products since January 2022, two for microbial contamination, and the third for potential benzene.

Health Canada Recalls Bioderma Micellar Water, Brut Deo, Equate Oral Rinse

In recent months, Health Canada has recalled Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water and Equate Dry Mouth Oral Rinse due to microbial contamination. Also, Unilever's Brut Classic Aerosol Spray deodorant was recalled for potential benzene content.