ICMAD Rejects Feinstein Bill for ‘Restraining Innovation’

On Monday, April 21, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), co-sponsor, introduced the Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Safety Act. The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD) opposed the bill, reporting the ruling places too large a burden on small business, restrains innovation in the cosmetics and personal care industry, and does not provide appropriate and significant national uniformity.

Feinstein is looking to build a similar system to Europe, where product registration and ingredient reviews are required. The Feinstein Bill requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review chemicals used in products and provide clear guidance on their safety. Read more about the bipartisan bill.

“By improving FDA oversight of the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, this legislation aims to protect consumers while also providing regulatory certainty for manufacturers, enabling them to plan for the future,” added Collins in a press statement.

“ICMAD has a long track record of working with federal regulators to promote product safety, honor the best science in our industry, and advance small businesses that innovate and provide jobs,” explained Pam Busiek, ICMAD CEO, in a press statement. “We admire Senator Feinstein’s sincere efforts toward these goals and we welcome her partnership. However, the approach taken in this legislation is in conflict with these goals.”

As an organization of small business entrepreneurs, ICMAD will continue to collaborate with sister organizations—the Personal Care Products Council and the Professional Beauty Association—and the FDA to modernize its laws and ensure consumers are purchasing safe, high-quality, innovative products that help them look and feel their personal best. As it has for 40 years, the ICMAD will continue to support small businesses as the creators of innovation and jobs. The organization wishes to ensure these businesses remain viable.