FDA is not a four-letter-word

Why does the mere mention of 3 little letters strike terror in our little B&B hearts and simultaneously cause eye-rolling?

I think it’s fear of the unknown or watching to much Oz on HBO.

Playing against the hype, I’ve actually found that the FDA tries to be as user friendly and consumer oriented  as possible.

If you’re serious about being in the Bath & Body biz, then you’ve probably already visited the Cosmetic section of the FDA site on more than one occasion. If you haven’t been there, I highly recommend the trip.

I’m not going to get up on any “soap box” about cosmetic issues. I just thought I’d point out that there is a a lot of useful information on the  site and it warrants a few minutes surfing. You may be surprised at how much information is there and it’s even in a readable, understandable format.

Will you still have tons of questions, be mildly confused and exasperated? Um, probably. However, it’ll give you a good starting point for questions and a base for doing more research.

I have links to the Cosmetic section of the FDA site throughout this site, but, let me list a few of the helpful pages to get you started.

Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both?: Or Is It Soap?

Need to know more about labeling?: Cosmetic Labeling Guide

Want to know more about how the FDA is involved with Import & Exports?: Cosmetics: Import & Export

Do I need to print expiration dates on my cosmetic products?: Shelf Life/Expiration Date

What’s a “Cosmeceutical?”

Is there any danger to Temporary Tattoos or Henna /Mehndi?

What is VCRP- Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program?

Since the FDA is a government agency, it’s important to use this as a starting point when researching and analyzing information. I’m not advocating or criticizing it’s power, I’m simply pointing out that it is the US regulatory agency.

There are other organizations that may mean well for the agenda that they’re representing.  “Their” agenda may or may not be for the public good – I’m not here to judge (well not right now anyway.) The point is, the FDA is responsible for regulating and supervising the safety  of  product that we produce – Bath and Body products otherwise known as “cosmetics.” You should know where they stand.

Check it out.