The following frequently asked questions address many of the most common issues surrounding cosmetic ingredients and product safety
Cosmetic Regulation
- How are cosmetics regulated in the United States?
- Does the FDA have the authority to regulate cosmetic safety?
- How are cosmetics regulated in Europe?
- Are cosmetics regulated more strictly in Europe than in the U.S.?
Cosmetic Information & Safety
- How are the FDA and cosmetics manufacturers working together to ensure consumer safety?
- What factors are considered as part of a cosmetic safety evaluation in the U.S.?
- Do independent experts research and evaluate cosmetic safety?
- Is the safety of a cosmetic product evaluated once it hits the market?
Special Cosmetic Oversight
- What is the cosmetic industry's Consumer Commitment Code, and why was it developed?
- What is the Cosmetic Ingredient Review? Is it a part of the FDA?
- How safe are cosmetics and personal care products compared to other products regulated by the FDA?
- What voluntary steps are cosmetic manufacturers taking to provide cosmetic safety and protect consumers?
- What actions can the FDA take against manufacturers that produce and market unsafe cosmetics?
Overview of Cosmetic Ingredients
Cosmetic Ingredients
- Is there a link between phthalates and baby care products?
- What are phthalates and why are they used in cosmetics?
- What are parabens and what do they do?
Cosmetic Technology
Cosmetic History
- When and where did the first cosmetics originate?
- When were cosmetics and personal care products first regulated in the U.S.?
Cosmetic Rumors
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if an e-mail, or other information we see on the Internet, is true or false. Misinformation can be dangerous and it is important to be sure that the information you have is true and factual. Some people seeking to use misinformation for their own purposes may represent the e-mail as being factual. It is very important to get the facts.
There are several government information sites that can be helpful:
United States:
http://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/general_1165337828628.shtm
http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
Canada:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/person/cosmet/hoax-vente_e.html
Europe:
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/industry/comms/internet
The following Web Sites might be helpful in determining when a message is a hoax:
(1) http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/HBHoaxInfo.html
(2) http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/521469_2
(3) http://www.hoax-slayer.com/spotting-email-hoaxes.html
(4) http://www.internetsecurityguide.com/...
