FDA Guidelines for Soap and Cosmetics

[#1]

They have re-arranged some of the guidelines for soap and cosmetics. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out.

http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ucm074201.htm

For the most part soap is ok, just make sure you market it properly.....

[NotMyTreeStore]

>smart buyers will know without use making claims.

Exactly. Last summer, when I was looking for non-toxic/natural sunscreen and bug repellent for my kids, I did my research first and THEN came here, knowing pretty much what I was looking for. I think buyers can make their own choices, without claims from sellers that might get the sellers in legal trouble.

[Former_Member]

Marking!

[Former_Member]

yeah, the EPA may cover your product too.

[Former_Member]

Thanks KBShimmer.. :)

[Former_Member]

Can I say what type of skin the cleanser is good for?

[Former_Member]

KBShimmer says:
KreatedbyKarina says:
Osay, I wouldn't write it so that it reads about YOUR soap doing those things---I think that's where you can cross the line---but rather just talk about the benefits of Tea Tree/Lavender oil in general.

For example, I have this as part of my description for my Tea Tree Lemon soap:

Much like regular Tea Tree, Tea Tree Lemon is said to have antiseptic, anti-microbial (praised to be good for acne problems), carminative and sedative properties. It has also grown into a premiere ingredient in bug-repellent products – in other words, Tea Tree Lemon oil is said to help ward off those pesky mosquitoes and other bugs, so among other times, it's also perfect for use at the cottage or during camping trips.
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That is exactly what you can NOT do. Even if just making claims as to ingredients, the FDA sees it as making a claim as to the product.

This I have learned, not only from selling B&B, but from working at a drug mfg plant. There I completed and gave training on FDA regulations.

And mentioning about repelling bug will get us in trouble with the EPA, who regulates repellents. It is a fine line we walk with so many overseeing our products.

Say what is in the soap and let the buyer figure out why you added it, smart buyers will know without use making claims.
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Damn---looks like I'm going to have to rewrite that description then. So we can't even discuss the general (already FDA-approved) benefits of ingredients in our listings?

[KBShimmer]

Nope, sorry. We have to prove our products, with our formulations have specific effects to make claims. Clinical trials, inspections, basically FDA or EPA approval. None of use want to go through that, it is a multi-million dollar expense.

[KBShimmer]

OsayinHolistics said:
Can I say what type of skin the cleanser is good for?
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I think that saying your ingredients wick away oil, or work well for normal skin is fine. Dry skin you might have to be careful with, don't make claims that will cure or treat, maybe focus on being gentle or not stripping natural oils, etc.

[Former_Member]

Thanks KB for returning to this thread.

[ABreathOfFrenchAir]

I'm glad to see this is still going. Great info!

[Former_Member]

Marking for later! Great information:)

[Former_Member]

Marking, thanks for posting this!

[Former_Member]

Great info! Wish there was a manual out there in black & white...so many gray areas and legal mumbo-jumbo to navigate through.

[Former_Member]

GREAT DISCUSSION...

It's good to see this being talked about in the forum! I love bath & body products & have been making soap for over 12yrs.(funny that I have a jewelry shop instead of b&b, but that's another story...)

I have noticed some shops on ETSY are making serious claims to impact your skin but they do not show proper labeling in their pictures nor give an accurate ingredient list in their shop. This is such a serious health hazard and it's against FDA laws not to display this info online AND on the container when retailing bath & body products. People need to know exactly what they're putting on their skin. I've read somewhere that most online buyers are already well-informed of what they want before they even make their purchase so NOT making claims to boost your product description shouldn't hurt your business...just be clear about what the product is and what it's for.

I would not be surprised if the FDA starts browsing ETSY just to fine sellers on the matter of not displaying ingredients & making product claims. It's better to be safe than sorry! Follow FDA guidelines everyone, please. Honesty is the BEST policy!

That's All I Got...:)

[Former_Member]

Good info here...it's nice to see so many comments on this topic.

I'm trying to stick with scent, texture and ingredients for my products. It is hard though when you spend so much time researching what ingredients to use to help heal, nourish, moisturize, soothe the skin, etc. and then you can't legally add that in your listings.:(

[Former_Member]

Yeh I've seen some intense claims..myself..just like wow..

[LaPetiteVie]

I agree, OwlNaturals, "I'm trying to stick with scent, texture and ingredients for my products. It is hard though when you spend so much time researching what ingredients to use to help heal, nourish, moisturize, soothe the skin, etc. and then you can't legally add that in your listings.:( "

I wish we could share the information we have with our customers!

[Former_Member]

this article makes me know further about the FDA

[TsunamiSuds]

well if you use my soap you are guaranteed to have a baby girl if you try to :)

[Former_Member]

Marking

[ABreathOfFrenchAir]

Yes, there are some shops that make many claims. What's sad is that because of their claims, they have ended up on the front page and in the storque.

[Former_Member]

Why sad.... let them sell to the gullible, another market niche that I'm not interested in. I much prefer our niche of serious soap buyers and label readers who know a genuine natural soap when they see and feel it. Everyone to their own niche is our motto.

What makes me laugh are the number of "business men" who drop in and want me to make these miracle soaps that are sweeping the market in SE Asia.... they soon see my "savage" side and are scurrying away in a short time!!!

[Former_Member]

I am so glad that this thread is still going. Been away for a few days and was very pleased that we are still talking about this. ; )

Happy creating everyone. Now I'm bumping.

[Former_Member]

lapetitevie says:
I agree, OwlNaturals, "I'm trying to stick with scent, texture and ingredients for my products. It is hard though when you spend so much time researching what ingredients to use to help heal, nourish, moisturize, soothe the skin, etc. and then you can't legally add that in your listings.:( "

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Oh you can of course, just do the testing for documentation and have them ready as proof. That's all it takes.

[Former_Member]

Well said James!!!