A WHO recommendation to explicitly exempt low-THC CBD from international narcotics controls has been emphatically rejected by UN member states. The CBD industry had hoped for a positive outcome to remove regulatory pressure on product manufacturers in Europe and around the world. 

A combined final opinion on the European Chemicals Agency’s proposed microplastic restriction is expected from ECHA committees by year-end, at which point the European Commission will consider whether and when microplastic must be removed from all leave-on cosmetic products marketed in the EU.

The Environmental Working Group and Scientific Analytical Institute say inadequate testing of talc-containing personal-care products is to blame for findings of asbestos in cosmetics, including three of 21 powder-based cosmetics SAI analyzed at EWG’s request. They continue to push for updated testing standards that include electron microscopy as a core component.

Efforts to modernize US cosmetics regulations fell short in the 116th Congress as lawmakers swung their focus to COVID-19, but industry expects a resumption of discussions in the next term, even as pandemic relief and recovery remains top priority.

Seven years after the EU’s cosmetic animal testing ban went into full effect, leading beauty companies, chemical suppliers and animal welfare groups agree that European authorities’ administration of REACH is undermining the historic measure, inhibiting innovation and hindering societal progress.

The EU Observatory for Nanomaterials says survey respondents repelled by nanomaterial-containing cosmetics skew less informed. Among other measures, increased safety information labeling could help to educate and reassure consumers, the EUON suggests, but its study also shows a highly hazard-averse European public.

A WHO recommendation to explicitly exempt low-THC CBD from international narcotics controls has been emphatically rejected by UN member states. The CBD industry had hoped for a positive outcome to remove regulatory pressure on product manufacturers in Europe and around the world. 

California-based Brazilian Blowout appears not to have opposed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, signed into law in the Golden State at the end of September, which will ban a key ingredient in its professional hair-smoothing systems beginning 1 January 2025. The company remains oddly quiet about the legislation, which was backed by NGOs, public health advocates and other cosmetic industry reps.

Efforts to modernize US cosmetics regulations fell short in the 116th Congress as lawmakers swung their focus to COVID-19, but industry expects a resumption of discussions in the next term, even as pandemic relief and recovery remains top priority.

CFSAN regulatory affairs chief Douglas Stearn says a regulatory pathway wouldn’t be an open door for CBD-containing food and supplements due to concerns about the ingredients’ safety. Legislation from Congress might "do something with CBD that’s different than the rest of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act," he says. 

Trade secret protections for fragrance ingredients in consumer products have been under pressure for years as consumers’ “right to know” has ascended over competitive business interests. California’s newly enacted SB 312 imposes substantial new ingredient-reporting duties on cosmetic product manufacturers, including disclosure of fragrance allergens restricted in Europe.

Starting in 2025, use of selected preservatives, phthalates and other ingredients already banned in Europe will be prohibited in cosmetics sold in California.

US FTC commissioners Rohit Chopra and Rebecca Slaughter maintain that the agency’s no-money, no-fault settlement with Sunday Riley Skincare, now finalized, sends a message of FTC permissiveness regarding fake online reviews that artificially boost brands’ standing and product sales.

Three years ago, the Kerasal fungal nail brand brought a challenge to the National Advertising Division that decimated claims for competing Fungi-Nail products and got federal agencies involved. The shoe is now on the other foot, as the NAD agrees with Fungi-Nail that a slew of Kerasal claims should be discontinued.

The US FDA has primary jurisdiction over labeling claims on OTC consumer antiseptic rubs, and state false advertising claims lodged by the plaintiff are preempted by federal law, Edgewell Personal Care argues in its motion to dismiss a proposed class action in California federal court regarding Wet Ones germ-killing claims.

Manufacturers considering use of the popular 99.99% germ-kill claim on hand sanitizer products should consult the Office of Compliance, said Division of Nonprescription Drug Products director Theresa Michele during a recent industry workshop. “Be very, very cautious about the claims you are making,” she said.

Some firms that challenged ad claims NAD attorneys later bring to FTC's attention want to take more shots at the claims while businesses making the claims want to repeat their arguments from NAD reviews, says Carolyn Hann, FTC chief of staff for advertising practices.

Speaking at the National Advertising Division’s 2020 annual conference, the media/technology executive said his proposal for independent arbitration of social media speech disputes may not be perfect, but it beats the alternatives. He further suggested that the system he envisions “might be tailor-made for what BBB National Programs is all about.”