Safe Cosmetic Act Re-Introduced in Congress

They’re back! Lawmakers are calling for new regulations for the U.S. cosmetics industry.

Last week, Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc. introduced the Safe Cosmetics Act to the House which would give the FDA the power to regulate chemicals in cosmetics. The act would require that these companies phase out chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects, require complete ingredients lists, and create health and safety standards for cosmetics.

“The growing number of reports of serious health problems arising from the use of dangerous chemicals in personal care products shows a need to update our laws and protect men, women, and children from harmful exposure,” said Rep. Schakowsky. “Currently, manufacturers are not required to disclose all their ingredients on labels, and the FDA has no power to supervise the use of toxic chemicals in cosmetics. Americans are left in the dark about harmful mystery ingredients in personal care products; consumers deserve confidence that the products that they use will not hurt them.”

Last year, the industry came together to successfully defeat the same bill. During his keynote speech at HBA Global Expo, Personal Care Products Council Chairman Dan Brestle urged the industry to come together once again to fight needless regulations.