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What’s New in Nail Anatomy? The Latest Facts!

April 2019: The Internet is filled with confusing and competing misinformation about nail anatomy. I’ve been on a multi-year quest to determine all the facts but finding them has been very difficult. Many doctors and scientists are also confused by the various “schools of thought.” To get to the root of the issue, I’ve worked …Read More

Water-free Water: It’s the Safer Choice

Hello Valued Friends, My name is Ken C. Waternixer and I hope you will support my foundation’s quest to warn the public about the many dangers of water and to share the wonderful benefits of “water-free water”. In fact, there are so many benefits, I can’t mention them all. Water, on the other hand, has …Read More

The Eponychium’s Dilemma

Nail anatomy terminology is confused and there is no shortage of competing ideas and not much clarity. Everyone seems to be confused about the names for the parts of the natural nail, even doctors and scientists aren’t sure which terms to use. Misinformation is abundant, so it can be very difficult to know the facts, but …Read More

What is acetaldehyde?

What is acetaldehyde? It is a “naturally occurring carcinogen” found in most fruits and many vegetables. It exists even in “organically grown and certified” foods. So even organically grown foods also contain naturally occurring carcinogens, in fact, they contain many different natural carcinogens. For instance, many foods, including mushrooms and apples contain significant amounts of …Read More

Great News!

Great News! Scientists have found a naturally occurring bacteria that “completely degrades and assimilates PET plastic” (used to make water bottles). This bacteria uses PET as its “sole carbon source”, meaning, they can eat and live happily on one of the most common plastics in the world. They caught these bacteria in the act, digesting …Read More

Confusion and Contradiction

The hallmarks of any profession are its’ technical terms and language. Doctors, lawyers, carpenters, florist alike… all have an agreed upon set of technical terms so they can properly communicate information. Unfortunately, the nail industry doesn’t have an agreed upon set of technical terms, so “confusion and contradiction” has become the technical language of the …Read More

Farce Flash

A fear-based activist group calling themselves the EWG claims nail polish makes people fat, which is laughable and typical of the silly nonsense they invent. Why? To trick people into donating money to them… which you should never do, IMO. I’m not too worried many will believe this latest batch of EWG lunacy. Here’s what …Read More

Team “Beauty and the Breast” Walks 3-Days/60 miles- Again in 2016!

“It’s crazy but I am celebrating my 15th annual 3-Day Walk to Fight Breast Cancer by raising $15,000! That’s 50% more than I’ve raised in any single year, but I can do it with some help from my friends.” Doug S choon 3-Day Walker Team “Beauty and the Breast” Walks 3-Days/60 miles- Again in 2016! …Read More

Fear-Mongers Beware!

I recently learned something hilarious that’s also really not funny at all. One of the so-called “Free” we are all now supposed to fear in nail polish is “camphor”. What? Not 100% all natural and organic camphor oil? Isn’t camphor oil one of the oldest medicinal substances on Earth, used since ancient times by untold …Read More

The Ingredient TPHP EWG Can’t Be Trusted to Provide the Facts!

I’ve read the original report about the ingredient TPHP which is used in some nail polishes. I’ve also read the so-called “analysis” by the activist group EWG or Environmental Working Group, who actually commissioned this study and report, as well as helped to write it. I have a few comments to share, but my research …Read More

Why Subscribe to Face-to-Face with Doug Schoon?

What is Face-to-Face with Doug Schoon? Hi, I’m Doug Schoon.  I’d like to tell you about my new series of 15 minute videos where I answer questions, dispel myths and discuss concerns of nail professionals everywhere.  In each episode, I spend about 4-5 minutes in each Episode discussing three or four questions/topics suggested by nail pros from around the world.  I’ll answer …Read More

Reducing Inhalation Exposure to Nail Salon Products

If you understand how, it is easy to improve the quality of your salon’s air and minimize inhalation exposure to potentially irritating or harmful substances.   Yes, there are things you can do to avoid excessive inhalation of dusts or vapors.  By taking the right steps you can improving the salon environment for customers and …Read More

The Complexity of UV Curing

I’ve noticed that many nail professionals tend to over simplify the UV curing process for nail coatings and this is creating misunderstandings. In my opinion, UV cured nail coatings are the most technically sophisticated and complex products in the beauty industry. Many underestimate various aspects of UV curing, including the nail lamps. They don’t appreciate …Read More

Navigate OSHA Standards with Industry Expert, Doug Schoon

Are you confused about salon safety? Are you struggling to understand the recent keratin smoothing controversy and how it may affect your salon? You are in good company. Let the Professional Beauty Association help you navigate these confusing issues with an informative and clarifying webinar. Led by industry expert Doug Schoon, this webinar will cover …Read More

Disinfect or Sterilize? Which is Better for Salons?

To disinfect or to sterilize? That is the question I’m often asked by nail technicians and the media, however this isn’t the right question to ask.  Why?  It’s not about “which”, but instead “how”.  Salon related infections would be rare if all items used in performing nail salon services were either disposed of or they …Read More

Can UV Nail Gels Be Over Cured?

Yes, but over curing is avoidable.  It happens in two ways; 1) too much UV energy is used or 2)  the nail coating is exposed to significant levels of UV after leaving the salon.  In other words, UV nail coatings can be over cured in the short-term and/or long-term.   Too Much UV Energy   …Read More

Teacher reveals the ingredients of normal foods to de-bunk the myth of “chemical-free living”

Does this high school chemistry teacher and his students know something about “chemicals” that fear-based activist groups don’t know? Of course not. These groups know they are INTENTIONALLY distorted the facts and to pretend that chemicals are dangerous. The facts revealed by these posters show that EVERYTHING is made from chemicals, except light and electricity. …Read More

Salon Education Now Enhanced by Wearable Technology

Matrix has adopted the Google Glass device to modernize their education efforts in a three phase effort to better educated salon professionals. This initiative likely could lead the way toward changing how the way the entire professional beauty industry is educated, so it is worth paying close attention. Click for more information

Fear-Based Activist Groups Propose Faulty Cosmetic Regulations

Fear-Based Activist Groups Propose Faulty Cosmetic Regulations Once again, the so-called “Safe Cosmetics Act” has been introduced by fear-based activist groups that don’t understand the industry or the issues. Each year, this bill is reintroduced in a slightly different form and each year their proposals are seriously flawed. This latest proposal inadvertently requires “more” animal …Read More

Keep These Out of Salons!

In my view, two of the biggest problems facing the professional beauty industry could best be solved by salon professionals!  These two big problems are tightly interlinked; you might say they’re “birds of a feather”. It is widely known that diverting professional products into salons through unauthorized channels of distribution hurts the salon industry and …Read More

Want to make £1million (1.1 million US Dollars) the easy way?

Want to make £1million (1.1 million US Dollars) the easy way? All you have to do is identify a truly chemical-free product.  That should be pretty easy with so many companies claiming to have “chemical-free” products.  A £1million bounty was offered for UK’s first chemical-free product in February 2010, but so far no one has …Read More

Risks of Improperly Curing Nail Coatings

Recently, I recommended to a group of nail professionals that they should NOT try every new nail product that comes along, especially if it is a UV cure nail coating product.  Nail professionals are better off focusing on only a few different systems, (or even just one) and specializing in the proper and correct use …Read More

Health Canada New Cosmetic Notification Form

Health Canada has developed a new Cosmetic Notification Form which allows users to save the form with data, validate ingredients before submitting the notification via the Internet. Click here to download the Cosmetic Notification Form. Users will need Adobe Reader V9 or higher to set their Adobe Reader preferences to allow access to the Health …Read More

Beiersdorf Rapped Over Misleading Ad

Cosmetic and personal care marketers must be more vigilant to avoid misleading or exaggerated claims. Marketing is supposed to be the “Truth Well Told”, yet many marketers seem to think they have a license to freely exaggerate and even deceive consumers. Even large companies are coming under the microscope to have their product claims challenged. …Read More

The Natural Nail

This month’s Education Update is focused entirely on the natural nail. You may not realize it, but over the past several months I’ve regularly posted on Facebook some pretty cool images related to the natural nail.  These images are posted as “Cover” photos on my personal page.  I use these same images in my presentations …Read More

October Two-Day EU Cosmetic Safety Assessment Seminar Cosmetic Safety Assessments in accordance to European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 Legal Background and Practical Approach

This is the first seminar of this type that I’m aware of being held in the US and it promises to be important for anyone interested in learning HOW to prepare EU cosmetic product safety reports (CPSR) and Product Information Files (PIF).  A link with a description of the seminar is below. I hope you …Read More

The Game of Fear: Cosmetic Activism Gone Wild!

I received yet another e-mail from an anti-cosmetic activist group asking me to donate money to their “cause”.  This is the third such e-mail in the last few weeks. It doesn’t matter which particular group sends the e-mail- they all start the same way; telling us how lucky we are THEY are working to save …Read More

Two Leading UV Researchers Determine That UV Nail Lamps Are Safe

A scientific study was just released by two of the leading experts on UV and skin exposure. They are the first to “properly” test UV nail lamps to the Internationally Accepted Standards. These results are profound! It is now CLEAR, that UV nail lamps are safe! Even more, they are safer than the same length …Read More

New Sunscreen Monograph for Canada

Health Canada recently announced the release of the final Sunburn Protectants Monograph, dated July 7, 2013 Version 2.0. The document is titled “Sunscreen Monograph” to reflect the common term used by Canadian’s to describe this category of products. This monograph replaces the existing Sunburn Protectants Monograph of October 12, 2006. It identifies permitted medicinal/non-medicinal ingredients, …Read More

Pregnancy and Artificial Nail Coatings

When your clients discover they’re pregnant, one of the first questions they will ask nail professionals is, “Can I keep wearing my nail enhancements during my pregnancy?”  The answer is YES; they can safely wear artificial nails!  There is no reason to believe wearing artificial nail enhancements or polish during pregnancy is harmful.  All artificial …Read More

New Studies Examine Safety of UV Curing for Fingernail Coatings

This technical article was written for the Radtech Report, a magazine that specializes in UV curing applications. This article reviews two studies commissioned by the Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) of the Professional Beauty Association. One of the studies was performed by Dr. Robert Sayre and his partner Dr. John Dowdy; both are leading research experts …Read More

What’s the Harm in Doing That?

Nail Professionals work in a unique and diverse profession and often unintentionally put themselves and their clients at risk.  They regularly work with the most technologically advanced products in the beauty industry. Many nail coatings are based on high-tech substances used to create everything from bone cements to dental implants or contact lenses to bullet …Read More

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revised “Green Guides”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently revised their “Green Guides.” This important document will help marketers avoid inadvertently making misleading labeling claims about environmental topics such as; “Non-Toxic”, “Free of ___”, “Ozone-Friendly” “Biodegradable”, “Recyclable”, etc. The FTC states, “These guides set forth the Federal Trade Commission’s current views about environmental claims. The guides help …Read More

“Ten Top Myths Related to Artificial Nails”

I recently posted a request on Facebook asking which artificial nail myths to address in my next education update.  Included below are two of the ten most requested myths.  You can learn about the eight other myths by reading the full article on my website – link below. Myth 1:  Nails Need to Breath. No, …Read More

Two Independent Studies Confirm Nail Polish Products Do NOT Harbor Microbes!

Water-based cosmetic products typically contain preservatives to prevent microbial contamination when sold in multi-use packages.  Organic solvent based nail polish products (e.g. nail polish, lacquers, enamels, varnish, base coats, top coats) provide a hostile environment that prevents microbial contamination even when the product and brush are used repeatedly and therefore additional preservatives are not needed …Read More

FDA Definitions of “Cosmetic” and “Drug”

FDA Director, Office of Cosmetics and Colors, Linda Katz issued a recent statement clarifying the FDA position on the definitions “cosmetic” and “drug” and provides detailed information about which types of marketing claims are proper used for cosmetics and which are allowed only for drugs. This is important information for cosmetic marketers to understand. Inadvertently …Read More

Prestigious Medical Researchers Declare UV Nail Lamps Safe

The facts and truth about the safety of UV Nail Lamps is once again confirmed by a newly released, independent study from medical researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Alpert Medical School at Brown University. They confirm the safety of these lamps and state conclusively, “UV nail lamps do not appear to significantly increase …Read More

Prestigious Medical Researchers Declare UV Nail Lamps Safe

The facts and truth about the safety of UV Nail Lamps is once again confirmed by a newly released, independent study from medical researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Alpert Medical School at Brown University.  Once again independent scientific researchers have confirm the safety of these lamps.  This latest report states conclusively, “UV nail …Read More

UV Gel Manicures Proper Removal for Continued Nail Health

UV gel manicures are used to cosmetically beautify natural nails. These safe and useful salon services require proper application, maintenance and periodic removal, followed by reapplication of the nail coating.  During the removal process, the goal of every nail technician should be to exercise great care and avoid techniques which may damage the natural nail. …Read More

Understanding UV Nail Lamps Traditional and LED Style

“Two styles of UV nail lamps are used in salons to cure UV nail products; Traditional and LED.   Although these nail lamps use different types of bulbs, both types emit UV and can quickly harden UV curable artificial nail coatings. The bulbs used in traditional UV nail lamps are “fluorescent tubes,” while the bulbs used …Read More

Pass Another Slice of Life, Please!

As you many of you may know, for 11 years I’ve participated in the 3-Day, 60 mile (97 km) Breast Cancer walk in San Diego, CA. This education update is about what happened a few days after 2011 3-Day Walk.   My best friend seriously detests going to the doctor, so she asked me to …Read More

Straight Talk

Recently I gave a presentation on UV nail lamps to a large group of scientists and engineers who specialize in using UV to cure all types of products. Everything from Italian lacquer wood, dental and medical prosthetics to DVDs, newspaper ink and flooring; you would be amazed at how many diverse applications exist for UV …Read More

Seven “More” Secret Facts! Properly Curing UV Gels Part II

Several years ago I wrote an article entitled, “Seven Secrets to Curing UV Gel Nails”, which explained that UV gel enhancements are often improperly cured, which can lead to service breakdown and natural nail damage.   “Under” cured UV gel nail coatings may contain significant amounts of unreacted ingredients that can trigger skin irritation or …Read More

Good rule to follow is, “use the utmost care for 60 minutes after immersing natural nails in any liquid for more than 60 seconds.”

When small white spots appear on the nail plate after removal of the UV nail color coatings, a likely reason is improper removal.  Fortunately, the vast majority of this type of nail damage is completely avoidable. How? By taking the appropriate time, care and caution when removing UV nail color coatings, precisely following the manufacturer’s …Read More

Don’t Let This Happen to Your Clients

When small white spots appear on the nail plate after removal of the UV nail color coatings, a likely reason is improper removal.  Fortunately, the vast majority of this type of nail damage is completely avoidable. How? By taking the appropriate time, care and caution when removing UV nail color coatings, precisely following the manufacturer’s …Read More

Guilty by Six Degrees of Separation?

Until recently, certain cosmetic advocacy groups focused on deceiving the general public about cosmetic, beauty and personal care products.  Now they’re branching out to attack salon products and services!  They regularly e-mail scaremongering misinformation and post outlandish statements on their websites.  Why?  In large part, to frighten the public into donating millions of dollars, much …Read More

Misinformation Hurts Us All!

In recent years several different negative reports have surfaced that unfairly attack nail products and services. This misinformation creates unwarranted fear which threatens to unfairly destroy public trust in salon services and worse, puts tremendous economic stress on nail technicians by driving business away from salons. Misinformation about UV nail lamps, products and services are …Read More

“The Safety/Risk Equation” — Learn How Cosmetic Advocacy Groups Distort the Facts.

This very fun to watch, short animation explains how fear-based advocacy groups distort information to fool the public into believing cosmetics are filled with so-called “toxic ingredients”, when in fact cosmetics have proven they are among the safest products consumers can purchase. This animation, produced by the CCTFA, a highly respected Canadian cosmetic association, demonstrates …Read More

Good rule to follow is, “use the utmost care for 60 minutes after immersing natural nails in any liquid for more than 60 seconds.”

When small white spots appear on the nail plate after removal of the UV nail color coatings, a likely reason is improper removal.  Fortunately, the vast majority of this type of nail damage is completely avoidable. How? By taking the appropriate time, care and caution when removing UV nail color coatings, precisely following the manufacturer’s …Read More

What to Do About Unhealthy Nail Conditions?

The picture below was recently sent to me by Becky J., a nail technician in the UK.  When a new client walked into her salon with this condition, she wasn’t sure what to do or say, so she asked for my input.  Since this is an important issue facing many nail professionals, I decided to …Read More

Learn from Scientific Expert Doug Schoon

Nail Structure and Product Chemistry Second Edition, Doug Schoon  Want to learn more about the science behind the natural and artificial nail? This easy-to-read and understand book begins by telling the story of the “natural nail”, but from a very unique perspective. Doug Schoon takes you on a fun and interesting journey deep into the natural …Read More

LED and Proper Curing

Proper UV Curing is Important! There is a lot of confusion about LED Lamps; can they be used to properly cure any type of UV curing nail product?  The answer is NO!  It is true that all LED lamps create UV light and will “harden” UV curable products, but unless the LED lamp was specifically …Read More

Doug Schoon Responds to Formaldehyde Air-Monitoring by Oregon OSHA

Oregon OSHA recently conducted salon air monitoring studies came to essentially the same conclusion reached by Schoon Scientific and described in an October Press Release (see article below). Even so, Oregon OSHA continues to intentionally ignore its own published definition for Formaldehyde and continues to spread misinformation about Formaldehyde, Formalin and Methylene Glycol. This open …Read More

Doug Schoon responds to misleading claims by Oregon OSHA that “Methylene Glycol” is a synonym for “Formaldehyde”

Oregon OSHA is attempting to justify why they claim to measure for “Formaldehyde” in water-based cosmetics, when in fact they are measuring and reporting concentrations of completely different substance called “Methylene Glycol”. This is both misleading and causing confusion in many areas including medical and environmental research. OSHA should lead the way and clear up …Read More

The Hair Smoothing Controversy: 15 Things the Public Should Know!

You may have heard about recent Hair Smoothing Controversy and had difficulty separating the Facts from the Misinformation. To address the many misconceptions, Doug Schoon has created a list of the 15 things the public should know about the Hair Smoothing Controversy. The facts are eye-opening! For example, did you know that both Oregon OSHA …Read More

Fear-Based Advocacy Groups in Canada Release Report Filled with Junk Science

A highly conservative environmental group based in Vancouver, David Suzuki Foundation, continues to parrot misinformation disseminated by other fear-based advocacy groups such as, EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, even though these groups are not credible sources of information about cosmetics. In true form, the “Dirty Dozen” report released by this Canadian Foundation is …Read More

Do UV Nail Lamps Emit Unsafe Levels of Ultraviolet Light?

A recent report incorrectly concluded that UV nail lamps are a source of “high-dose UV-A” and also inaccurately compared UV tanning beds with UV nail lamps. Worked with two of the leading scientists in the professional nail industry, we verify the facts, by using an independent laboratory to test the leading UV nail lamps to …Read More

Consumer Product Safety Information Database

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposes to establish a publicly available database where consumers can find product safety information. The proposed database would allow product users to submit reports of harm or injury and that information will be provided to product manufacturers. Although well intended, much needs to be considered, such as confidentiality issues, …Read More

FDA Cracks Down on False Medicinal Claims Regarding Bee Byproducts

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a raid on Wisconsin-based Beehive Botanicals, Inc., confiscating creams, capsules, tablets, gums, throat sprays and shampoos. The FDA stated that Beehive Botanicals is misrepresenting their bee byproducts (e.g. propolis) by using unapproved and unfounded medical claims on their website and in marketing materials. The company wrongly claimed …Read More

FDA Comments on Triclosan Concerns

Responding to an inquiry by Rep. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has commented on the concerns related to the use of “triclosan” in antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, body washes and other personal care products. The FDA stated that based on existing scientific evidence, there is no need to change consumer …Read More

Colorado Says “No Way” to Silly Cosmetic Regulation

In February, following the urging of irresponsible fear-based advocacy groups such as the EWG, two naive and uninformed democratic legislators from Colorado were duped into proposing an amazingly silly regulation that would have completely shut down sales of all cosmetics and personal care products in the state. Under the proposed law, any product containing even …Read More

Newest Data on Parabens Suggest No Adverse Hormonal Effect on the Body

A new study performed at the request of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) show that parabens are only partially absorbed after dermal exposure and also strongly suggests they are fully metabolize before they can enter the bloodstream. The metabolite PHBA (para-hydroxybenzoic acid) was found in the bloodstream, but no concentrations of parabens …Read More

Paraben Free Claims Could Backfire on the Personal Care/Cosmetic Industry

Many companies have been quick to jump on the “free from” bandwagon, especially where arabens are concerned, fueling irrational fears that such ingredients should be avoided. Large companies such as Beirsdorf and the other major players are offering a number of “araben-free” products, even though these companies offer other product lines that are not paraben-free. …Read More

USDA has No Plans to Crackdown on Use of the Term “Organic”

In a recent press release, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) erroneously claimed that the USDA is about to crackdown on the misuse of the word “organic” for personal-care and cosmetic products. According to industry experts, this is not likely to occur in the foreseeable future. When asked if a crackdown was imminent, National Organic Standards …Read More

Cancer Rates Continue to Fall in the US

Cancer diagnosis and deaths continued to decline in the US according to the latest available data States a recent report from the National Cancer Institute. New diagnosis for all types of cancers has fallen on average about 1% each year between 1999 and 2006. This information flies in the face of scare mongering claims made …Read More

National Organic Standards Board Powerless to Enforce Organic Standards on Cosmetics

At the NOSB semi-annual meeting in November it was “recommended” that the Secretary of Agriculture enact a regulation extending the NOP to personal-care products. To date the law has not changed: for personal-care products NOP compliance remains “voluntary” and the NOSB does not have the authority to enact regulations. Should the Secretary accept the NOSB …Read More

FDA Claims Popular Eyelash Growth Product is a Drug, Not a Cosmetic

The FDA sent a letter to Allergan expressing concerns that the eyelash growth drug Latisse is being incorrectly promoted as a cosmetic product. The active ingredient, bimatoprost, clearly affects the structure and function of the body and is therefore not a cosmetic, according to the FDA definition of a cosmetic product. Interestingly, Allergan had been …Read More

FDA Study Confirms Traces of Lead in Lipstick Is Not a Safety Concern

A report released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) consumer advocacy group has needlessly alarmed consumers by raising irrational fears that many popular lipstick products contain dangerous levels of lead. FDA scientists tested the same selection of lipsticks evaluated by the CSC and have determined that the lead levels present are safe and well …Read More

Canada Reclassifies Antiperspirants as Cosmetics

Health Canada no longer considers aluminum or zirconium base antiperspirants as drugs under new regulations. Canada has determined that these products mode of action is “mechanical in nature” and does not correct, change or modify natural body functions. However, antiperspirants designed to reduce hyperhidrosis (overproduction of sweat) or claim to protect for more than 24 …Read More

Bogus Study Tricks Media and Frightens Consumers

In recent decades periodic, unverified reports of a worldwide decline in sperm count/quality and increases in testicular cancer have been blamed on ingredients found in plastics, cosmetics and children’s toys. A 2005 study performed by Dr. Shanna Swan loudly proclaimed that hormone disrupting ingredients in plastics, cosmetics and children’s toys known as “phthalates” were causing …Read More

“Free from …insert your scary story here…”

Using terms such as “contains no…” or “free of…” misleads consumers into believing the ingredient safety is questionable, when scientific evidence may show the ingredient is safe. Chris Flower of the CTPA, a UK cosmetic trade association provides this example, “in the case of parabens, we feel that people are trading on the false allegations …Read More

Fear and Politics Trumps Science and Rational Thinking

Despite recommendation by scientists at the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) which regulates toys, Congress recently implemented a ban on the use of phthalates in all children’s toys. The Consumer Product Safety Commission opposed the ban because “there was not a risk of injury to children” according to Dr. Marilyn Wind of the CPSC. This …Read More

Cosmetic Labeling Violations Reported in Canada

A media investigation by the Canada’s CanWest News claims to have found many problems with cosmetic products found on store shelves. They also claim that some of the products with labeling violations came from large companies. The most common violations were: Ingredients not listed using their proper INCI names. Inappropriate cosmetic claims, e.g. “reverses wrinkling”. …Read More

CIR Expert Panel Continues to Grow and Improve

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR) adds two distinguished chemists to fill newly created positions on this prestigious panel, expanding it from a group of seven to nine world-class experts. The CIR is an independent body that conducts extensive searches of the scientific and medical literature, compiles the data, then reviews the information and often …Read More

New Labeling Rules for Carmine and Cochineal Extract Colorants

All products containing carmine and cochineal extract must now declared this ingredient on the package label under a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruling. The FDA has revised its requirements for these color additives in response to reports of moderate to severe allergic reactions toward cosmetics and foods containing carmine and foods containing cochineal …Read More

Markwins Recalls Lip Gloss Product

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of about 75,000 Markwins lip gloss keychains. The reason for the recall is due to a metal clasp attached to the keychain contains high levels of lead. Lead can cause adverse health effects if ingested by young children. The lip products are being recalled have …Read More

Pharmaceutical Giant Sees Opportunity in Beauty Industry

A drug that Allergen Pharmaceutical sells to people with certain types of glaucoma and ocular hypertension has shown some very unusual side effects. The drug contains an ingredient called “bimatoprost” that unexpectedly and quite effectively stimulates the growth of eyelashes. Allergan has decided to introduce a bimatoprost containing product called “Latisse” targeted to consumers who …Read More

Notable Quotes

On cosmetics: “I think it’s incorrect to say we are self-regulated. The FDA sets out standards for how our products can be put together.” John Hurson, Personal Care Products Council. Source: The Rose Sheet

New Book available on EU Cosmetic Safety

Safety Assessment of Cosmetics in the European Union (S. Karger) is a new book available from Dermato-Cosmetic Sciences. This book deals with many aspects of cosmetic safety assessment, including an overview of the EU legislation on cosmetics, SCCP safety assessments, searches for toxicological data in databases and the challenges of applying alternative methods in safety …Read More

Progress Report: International Cooperation of Cosmetic Regulation (ICCR)

Substantial progress is being made toward establishing a system of globalization for cosmetic regulations. The group working to achieve this important goal is called the International Cooperation on Cosmetic Regulations (ICCR). More Info: A progress update can be found at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

CTTFA Exploring Siloxane Question

The Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA) held a meeting with the Environment Canada scientists responsible for drafting the reports pertaining to three cyclic siloxanes (D4/D5/D6). These three are cosmetic ingredients used widely in many common products used around the world, including shampoos, hair conditioners and skin products. The goal of the CCTFA meeting …Read More

Tests reveal lead in lipsticks at safe levels

In response to media reports of high levels of lead in lipstick, Health Canada tested lipsticks sold in Canada and the agency confirmed levels do not pose any health risk consumers. Further proof that the Campaign for Sale Cosmetics got it wrong in their report! The Canadian government decided to challenge the claims made by …Read More

The FDA Globalization Act of 2008

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce is proposing legislation entitled “The FDA Globalization Act of 2008.” The legislation intent is to stimulate discussion about ways to provide adequate funding for the FDA and contains several provisions that are sure to impact the cosmetics industry. The most important changes related to cosmetics would be: …Read More

Tougher Regulations for Cosmetic Products in Asia

In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HAS) introduced tougher regulation for cosmetic products beginning January 1, 2008 under the Asean Cosmetic Directive (ACD) with the goal of promoting higher standards for safety and quality. Going forward, all cosmetic products, toothpastes, soaps, shampoos, make up and perfume will be regulated under the Health Products Act, instead …Read More

REACH Update

REACH legislation is evolving all the time, as is its effect on our industry. Big changes will be coming over the next few years, so make sure to keep up to date. REACH applies to all chemicals that are marketed or manufactured in the European Union, with few exceptions. Cosmetics, beauty and personal care products …Read More

Informative, New Cosmetic Safety Website Goes Live

A new website has launched: one that provides and in-depth look at cosmetic and personal care product safety. The site is sure to be very useful for consumers. CosmeticInfo.org is an extremely well-designed website that will be useful for locating safety and health information on beauty, cosmetic and personal care products and ingredients. It reviews …Read More

U.S. House of Representatives Fails to Develop Nanotech Safety Research Plan

A subcommittee chaired by Representative Brian Baird has failed to develop a detailed plan for assessing the environmental and health impact posed by nanotechnology. “I am generally puzzled why more progress has not been made to develop this research strategy… necessary for successful development of nanotechnology.”  click to read more of this article At the …Read More

FDA and European Commission to Work More Closely on Animal Testing Alternatives

An agreement struck between the FDA and EC will allow better coordination between these two groups so they finish the peer review validation of alternative animal tests for cosmetics and personal care products. The agreement reached on November 9 at the Trans Economic Council meeting will help speed up the process, which is especially important …Read More

China’s Cosmetic Blacklist

The Chinese Ministry of Health blacklisted 10 domestic cosmetics alleging that they contain ingredients which discolor and injure skin. The ingredient “dexamethasone” initially shows beneficial improvement to skin but over time can cause it to become thin, dry and develop rashes. The ingredient was found in nine types of lotions, essences and masque produced by …Read More

Global Cosmetic Harmonization: Will it Become a Reality?

A gathering of regulatory organizations and trade associations in Brussels (September 26-28) could lead to regulatory harmonization in the beauty, cosmetic and personal care industry, at least that’s the goal of the “International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulations” (ICCR). Topics under discussion include good manufacturing practices, animal testing alternatives, ingredient regulations and nanotechnology. Participants claim the …Read More