The FDA continues working to close cannabidiol data gaps while maintaining that CBD-containing cosmetics cannot be adulterated, misbranded or marketed as affecting body structure/function or treating or preventing disease, including skin ailments. Cosmetics office head Linda Katz revisited the issue during the Independent Beauty Association’s annual FDA Cosmetics Regulations Workshop.

The opportunity represented by cannabidiol, and the uncertain future for commonly used sunscreen active ingredients in the US and microplastic in the EU, were issues of high interest among cosmetics industry stakeholders in 2019.

Cannabidiol (CBD) represents an intriguing opportunity for cosmetics, without the statutory obstacles faced by food and dietary supplement companies. Cosmetics marketers are taking advantage, but the FDA’s recent warning letter blitz is a reminder that CBD-infused beauty products are bound by the same rules that apply to other cosmetics.