Advocates hoped a study suggesting octocrylene in sunscreens may degrade into benzophenone would convince lawmakers to expand ban, but a House committee maintained its commitment to wait on more research.

Firmenich, Givaudan, IFF and Symrise have decoupled from the Fragrance Creators Association, launching their own trade association to focus on providing technical expertise in North American policy matters. “Any advocacy work has to be based on fact,” says Shawn Blythe, president of the Fragrance Science and Advocacy Council, which intends to partner strategically with FCA and other sister groups.

The trade association’s foremost priorities in 2021 include “advocating for science-based regulations and education and promoting newer, greener chemistry and technology.” 

After years of campaigning, Women’s Voices for the Earth is pleased by Summer’s Eve’s apparent reformulation of feminine cleaning products to remove ingredients of concern. But the NGO’s larger complaint pertains to the overall intimate-care category and its marketing.

Proposed bills in the Aloha State would ban the sale of sunscreens containing octocrylene and/or avobenzone, adding to a UV filter blacklist that already includes oxybenzone and octinoxate. On 17 February, Hawaiian legislators elected to defer the legislation to await completion of a National Academy of Sciences study, targeted for 2022.

Market analysts and forecasters discuss the evolving role of influencers, which COVID-19 has affected like virtually everything else.