ICMAD Issues Position Statement On Straightening Product Ingredients

FDA Provides Overview Of Annual ICCR Meeting

•The International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR)—an international group of cosmetic regulatory authorities from Canada, the EU, Japan, and the US—held its fifth annual meeting (ICCR-5) June 28-July 1 in Paris to discuss issues related to cosmetics and cosmetic-like drug/quasi-drug products.

As part of this meeting, the regulators entered into a dialogue with cosmetics industry trade associations from each region and other interested parties. The meeting focused on the following topics: alternative test methods, nanotechnologies, safety assessment principles, trace contaminants and involvement of interested parties in ICCR.

In June, ICCR regulators hosted an open stakeholder meeting. Participants in this session included members of consumer organizations, industry associations, and academia, with an interest in regulatory issues involving cosmetics. Information on the ICCR process, as well as current work items such as nanotechnology, alternatives to animal testing, trace contaminants and safety of cosmetics was shared. Several proposals for new work items were presented for future consideration. There are plans to have a similar session at ICCR-6, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In regard to alternative test methods, regulators received an update from International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM). The report “Applicability of Animal Testing Alternatives in Regulatory Frameworks” within ICCR Regions was accepted.

Regarding nanotechnology, regulators accepted the report of the ICCR Ad Hoc Working Group on “Characterization of Nanomaterials,” which describes the characterization methods listed in the annex to the Report of the ICCR Joint Ad Hoc Working Group on Nanotechnology in Cosmetic Products: Criteria and Methods of Detection–ICCR-4.

According to FDA’s update, a new Working Group will be formed to examine methods to characterize insolubility, biopersistance, measurement of size in the realm of one to 100nm in final formulations. ICCR-6 will be held in the US in 2012.

More info: www.fda.gov/Cosmetics

ICMAD Issues Position StatementOn Straightening Product Ingredients

• The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers & Distributors (ICMAD) has joined the Personal Care Products Council, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and consumer groups that support a safety review by the Independent Expert Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel (CIR) on the use of formaldehyde/methylene glycol in professional hair straightening products.

“The CIR in its review reaffirmed its earlier finding regarding safe levels of use of these ingredients in cosmetic products at concentrations of 0.2% or less,” noted ICMAD in a statement. “Additionally CIR noted that use of these ingredients in hair straightening products with the application of heat could release formaldehyde gas, which is an irritant and sensitizer. We support the work of OSHA, its state counterparts in ensuring compliance with worker safety and hazard communication rules, and the work of FDA in ensuring that the safety of these products is substantiated and the labeling is compliant.”

Group Responds to Safe Cosmetics Act
• Personal Care Truth, a group of independent cosmetic business owners who say they represent the interests of the cosmetic industry as a whole, shared its response to H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, a bill recently introduced by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

Personal Care Truth believes the bill holds universal flaws that could impact the entire cosmetics industry, including large and small businesses. While Personal Care Truth is pleased that Congress is taking a proactive approach at looking at the cosmetics industry, there are several concerning issues in the bill, such as label confusion. According to the group, the bill shows no exceptions for contaminants that occur in nature and appear in botanicals. The process of labeling all components and contaminants of each ingredient will be nearly impossible.

Council Appoints Breslawec as Chief Scientist

• The Personal Care Products Council (The Council) named Halyna Breslawec, Ph.D., as chief scientist, replacing John Bailey, Ph.D., who officially retired on July 29 after nine years of service.

In her new role, Breslawec will oversee The Council’s scientific programs, technical committees and publications and will serve as the industry’s scientific liaison for several domestic and international organizations.

Breslawec worked at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for more than 14 years in numerous leadership roles directing the review and approval of medical devices at both the office and division levels. She assessed clinical trials as well as the organization and structure of operational units at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. While working in the FDA commissioner’s office, Breslawec also developed a program to implement FDA’s human subject protection regulations for the clinical and academic communities.

Breslawec currently serves as deputy director for the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). Prior to joining CIR, she worked as a consultant where she was a recognized expert in FDA regulation.

More info: www.CosmeticsInfo.org