Consumers of cosmetics and personal care products are protected by strong federal safety regulations by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cosmetics companies that work to ensure ingredient safety, and a strong commitment by manufacturers to utilize the best science and latest available research data to substantiate the safety of a cosmetic product before it is marketed. Based on the information that is submitted to the FDA, via the Adverse Events Reporting System and other reporting mechanisms, it is important to note that only a very small percentage of cosmetics or personal care products on the market are associated with adverse events. Learn more about FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System.
Find more details on the scientific and cosmetic ingredient research processes and regulatory authority behind the safety of cosmetics and personal care products.
How Cosmetics are Regulated in the U.S./FDA Authority to Regulate Cosmetics:
There are strong federal safety requirements for cosmetics and personal care products sold in the U.S. It is a federal crime to put an unsafe cosmetic product on the market.
- Cosmetic Manufacturers' Commitment to Consumers:
The number one priority of those who make cosmetics and personal care products is consumer safety. Cosmetics companies work to uphold strict FDA regulations as required by the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act .
- The Science of Cosmetics Safety:
Cosmetic and personal care products companies take the science of safety very seriously. The development of a new cosmetic or personal care product involves numerous scientific disciplines and multiple areas of expertise.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR):
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) is an independent, non-profit scientific body that was launched in 1976 to assess the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics in the U.S. with the support of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Federation of America.
- Consumer Commitment Code:
In 2007, cosmetics and personal care products companies instituted a Consumer Commitment Code that further strengthens FDA oversight of cosmetics and personal care products.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Labeling:
FDA regulates cosmetic labeling under the authority of both the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) .
- How Cosmetics and Personal Care Products are Regulated in Other Countries:
Cosmetics and personal care products are regulated by different governmental entities around the world. While there may be different specific regulatory systems, they have a common goal of ensuring that cosmetic products are safe and properly labeled.
- History of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
The history of cosmetics and personal care products can be traced to ancient times. Cosmetics have been used in various forms beginning with early civilizations. From its earliest days, the United States has been at the forefront of cosmetic innovation, research, entrepreneurship and regulation.