Trade groups PCPC and CHPA say they likely will request that FDA defer further rulemaking on sunscreen ingredients that require additional data to retain their GRASE designations under the agency’s proposed rule for a final OTC sunscreen drug monograph, issued in February. For now, the associations are asking for an extension of the allotted comment period beyond May 28, 2019.

In a March 5 statement, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb included labeling disclosure of known cosmetic allergens among elements that could be included in a modernized system for cosmetics oversight. The agency’s planned consumer survey, designed to assess “allergy to cosmetics,” could help to inform exploratory steps in that direction.

The jewelry and cosmetics retailer announced March 11 that it is voluntarily recalling selected lots of three makeup products due to the “possible presence of asbestos fibers.” FDA issued a safety alert the previous week that has made Claire’s the latest poster child for cosmetics regulatory reform.

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., is taking another swing at legislation to require cancer warnings on talc-containing cosmetics marketed to children if they have not been determined asbestos-free via transmission electron microscopy to FDA’s satisfaction.

“If I were in your shoes or in Commissioner Gottlieb’s shoes I wouldn’t wait another day to require a warning on all [talc-containing cosmetic] products,” EWG’s Scott Faber told a House Oversight and Reform subcommittee March 12, while maintaining that large-scale regulatory changes are what's truly needed to protect users of talcum powders and other personal-care items.

A bipartisan proposal from new House Energy & Commerce chair Frank Pallone and Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., is a near-facsimile of the reintroduced Personal Care Products Safety Act in the Senate. This could set the stage for simultaneous consideration and expeditious movement in both chambers of Congress.

The Federal Trade Commission is accustomed to seeking permanent injunctions (and monetary penalties) from companies for past violations under Section 13(b) of the FTC Act, which it contends is an invaluable deterrent to bad behavior. However, the Third Circuit says FTC’s interpretation of the section’s provisions is an untenable stretch of statutory language.

“It is simply not in the best interests of our stakeholders to litigate these claims in perpetuity,” says Imerys Talc America President Giorgio La Motta of the company’s decision to reorganize its business and debts under Chapter 11 in negotiation with claimants in cosmetic talc-related suits.

Marketing insiders are denouncing the growing trend of beauty companies weaponing influencers against competing brands. Mary Engle, associate director of FTC’s Division of Advertising Practices, discusses the practice and lines that shouldn’t be crossed, blurry as they may well be.

P&G, Church & Dwight and Clorox executives say firms are looking to add brands to portfolios. P&G's developing assets through a brand creation project; C&D seeks top brands, largely in non-US markets; and Clorox looks for opportunities in select ‘spaces’ in US health, wellness and personal care.

P&G’s introduction of Waterless hair care in South Africa, where water is a precious commodity, marks the first new retail hair-care brand for the firm in four years. Meanwhile, liquid-free DS3 shampoo, body wash and other personal-care swatches, available now for pre-order, support P&G’s sustainability goals while representing attractive cost efficiencies.

Cosmetics Europe expects its in vitro method for SPF determination to be a published ISO standard within two to three years. The European Commission is behind in vitro sunscreen testing, and the method could significantly reduce costs and technical challenges while providing in vivo-equivalent results, the trade group says.

Nivea manufacturer Beiersdorf's three-pillar growth strategy will accelerate the firm’s presence in emerging markets, drive innovation and ramp up digitization in response to disruption by new, more agile market entrants.

Nivea manufacturer Beiersdorf's three-pillar growth strategy will accelerate the firm’s presence in emerging markets, drive innovation and ramp up digitization in response to disruption by new, more agile market entrants.

Prestige skin care continues to win big with young Chinese consumers, and makeup demand is picking up, according to Lauder leadership. Overall, the firm’s Asia/Pacific sales climbed 17%, reported, to $1.02bn, helping to offset continued declines in the Americas.

P&G, Church & Dwight and Clorox executives say firms are looking to add brands to portfolios. P&G's developing assets through a brand creation project; C&D seeks top brands, largely in non-US markets; and Clorox looks for opportunities in select ‘spaces’ in US health, wellness and personal care.

Firm launched Prosoria in 2018 as a four-product topical line for inflammatory autoimmune disease psoriasis containing salicylic acid 3% combined with turmeric and other botanicals. CEO Arthur Clapp says firm will launch turmeric supplements and plans adding products for acne, eczema, warts, nail fungus and rosacea.

Church & Dwight estimates 3.5% organic sales growth in 2019 on innovations including Orajel Toothache Strips as well as organic gummy vitamins and "world’s first flossing toothbrush.” Reporting weaker-than-expected Q$ earnings, it plans to raise prices on more product categories in 2019.

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., is taking another swing at legislation to require cancer warnings on talc-containing cosmetics marketed to children if they have not been determined asbestos-free via transmission electron microscopy to FDA’s satisfaction.

The agency issued a safety alert March 5 advising consumers to avoid three makeup products sold – at least previously – in Claire’s stores, which cater to girls and young women. The situation throws into relief the limitations of the current regulatory framework for cosmetics, which FDA is committed to modernizing while exploring steps to improve oversight using existing tools.

Warning letter to Bocchi Laboratories details violations of FDA regulations agency inspectors found in an inspection of firm's facility from late March through early June 2018 "in response to an outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia associated with" a cleanser it manufactures. In addition to product adulteration due to microbial contamination, FDA found Bocchi in violation of drug GMPs because products were labeled with indications rendering them drugs under FDA regulations.

The Federal Trade Commission is accustomed to seeking permanent injunctions (and monetary penalties) from companies for past violations under Section 13(b) of the FTC Act, which it contends is an invaluable deterrent to bad behavior. However, the Third Circuit says FTC’s interpretation of the section’s provisions is an untenable stretch of statutory language.

Fushi Wellbeing – which markets a range of organic, fresh-pressed face oils derived from the cherry seed, baobab seed and argan nut, among other natural sources – challenged Clinique’s Fresh Pressed line name in light of the brand’s heavy reliance on chemically derived ingredients.

Federal judge says plaintiffs “have at best shown that St. Ives Scrub could, in theory, alter the skin’s surface.” Drug and device law attorney says the complaint "is not really a labeling issue” and the court applied “a healthy dose of common sense” in ruling.