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Surfer with blue surfboard standing on beach with white sunscreen on cheeks

The Lowdown on Australia's Sunscreen Crisis — And How The U.S. Avoided a Similar One

This report examines the current status of the sunscreen labeling crisis in Australia, including what went wrong and ways to move forward — plus how the U.S. avoided a similar crisis. It also considers whether the industry has reached its SPF limit.

Ulta Beauty store interior with cosmetics and skincare products on yellow and white shelves

Class Action Against Ulta Beauty Over 'Clean Ingredient' Claims Advances

The class action alleges violations of California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, False Advertising Law, Unfair Competition Law and Environmental Marketing Claims Act. It also alleges fraud, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment.

Natural skincare ingredients with herbs, bath salts, soap bars, and essential oil bottles

3 Areas of Concern — But Also Strides in Safety: ChemForward Presents 2025 Beauty Ingredient Report Powered by Sephora, Ulta and Other Member Data

The report — powered by data from Sephora, Ulta, The Honest Company, Credo Beauty, Counter, Inolex and Dow — analyzed more than 48,000 products and 1.25 million ingredients, marking a fivefold increase in data since 2023.

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[special report] What the Testing Lab Got Wrong: Brian Ecclefield on the Australian Sunscreen Labeling Crisis

Many of Australia's recalled sunscreens were validated by the same testing lab, Princeton Consumer Research (PCR). Here, Brian Ecclefield helps us dig into the testing report, highlighting discrepancies and what the lab appears to have gotten wrong.

Lab scientist in white coat analyzing yellow liquid in round-bottom flask

U.S. Regulatory Update: How to Anticipate Cosmetic Ingredient Bans in the EU — and Plan a Reformulation Strategy

This article explains how cosmetic ingredients are restricted in the EU. It also offers strategies to help global product developers anticipate bans, plan reformulations and stay compliant with evolving regulations.

Woman in coral sweater examining product on shelf in pharmacy

Asia-Pacific Regulatory Update: Safety and Testing Updates, Fragrance and Toothpaste Labeling, Ingredient Restrictions and More

In 2025, the Asia-Pacific region saw major cosmetic regulatory updates: China's new test methods and ingredient data; Taiwan's fragrance labeling mandate; Japan's tighter ingredient claims; and more. Following is a recap.

Professional woman in glasses working on laptop at home office desk

U.S. FDA Launches Real-time Adverse Event Dashboard for Cosmetics

The FDA has unveiled the FAERS public dashboard for cosmetic products, an interactive, real-time tool for querying adverse event data. It aims to increase transparency and facilitate public access to safety information for cosmetic products.

Hand under purple UV nail lamp during gel manicure process

Safety Alerts in Beauty: TPO Bans, Heat Styling and Nanoparticle Emissions, Soap and Sunscreen Recalls and More

Here, we provide an overview of recent red flags relating to cosmetics and personal care product safety; from ingredient bans to product recalls and emerging research on nanoparticle emissions.

Person applying sunscreen on shoulder near swimming pool with turquoise water

Safety Alert: Sunscreen 'Doping' and Foam Formats Raise Red Flags

Recent regulatory attention highlights both hidden sunscreen actives in cosmetic products, and the legal gray zone of mousse-format sunscreens — prompting calls for clearer labeling and format approval.

European Union flag waving in front of modern glass building

How the EU's Proposed Regulation Clean-up Benefits Cosmetic Companies

The draft proposal reportedly "responds to growing concerns in the cosmetics sector regarding the interpretive rigidity of the current legal framework and the obstacles it poses to innovation."

U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. with white marble facade and blue sky

4 U.S. Bills Propose Ban on 18 Cosmetic Ingredients, Fill the MoCRA 'Gap'

This legislative effort reflects growing public interest in ingredient safety and environmental health.

Pastel world map surrounded by makeup and skincare products on blue background

Global Cosmetics Regulation in Flux: Policy Reforms, Recalls and Market Access Shifts

Reforms for cosmetics across the U.S., EU, UK and China are reshaping product safety, market access and compliance obligations.

Chemist At Bench Examining Samples Adobe Stock 318722948

Poll Results: What is Your Biggest Concern Regarding Consumer Safety in Cosmetics?

Recently, we polled our audiences on social media about their biggest concern for safety in cosmetics. Their responses surprised us.

Woman applying skincare cream, showcasing radiant skin and beauty product

Recent Global Recalls in Beauty: Mercury, Hydroquinone, Benzene and Bacteria Raise Red Flags

This report summarizes recent responses to acne treatments, shampoos and cosmetics cited for benzene and potential bacteria risks; plus a sweeping recall of 91 brands flagged in Jakarta for hazardous substances.

The Thai Minister of Public Health expanded the list of banned advertising terms under Cosmetic Act B.E. 2558 (2015) to include terms referring to internal use or injectable applications.

Asia-Pacific Regulatory Update: Advertising Laws, Notifications, Halal Certification, Ingredient Restrictions and More

Regulatory updates in Asia-Pacific emphasize ingredient use, advertising standards, notification requirements and halal certification. The tightening of safety and quality standards reflects a focus on consumer protection and regulatory alignment.

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Health Canada to Make Over its Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist: Additions, Revisions Proposed

This notice has been issued in advance of the official consultation; Health Canada will not be responding to feedback at this stage.

Cosmetics safety testing podcast graphic with lab scientist preparing chemical samples

[podcast] How to Meet MoCRA's Safety Testing Mandates

In this podcast, Lenore Coyle, president of Eurofins, shares insights on the challenges of MoCRA testing mandates. She provides tips on ways to prepare, and highlights Eurofins' services that support these efforts. Listen now to learn more.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued stern warnings regarding methylene chloride, a banned substance detected in four gel nail polish removers.

Regulation and Safety Update: Methylene Chloride in Nail Products, Europe on PFAS, U.S. Recall Alerts and Talc Settlement Setback

This roundup highlights recent headlines in cosmetic safety and regulations, including FDA alerts on banned substances in nail products and efforts in the EU and France to curb PFAS. Updates on talc and recalled products are also noted.