Cosmetics

Cosmetics are a globally expanding industry and include products for skin care, hair care, nail care, make up, and fragrances. Cosmetics encompass not only traditional personal care products, but also products in the emerging fields of cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics. Technology advancements and market-driven demands for new products and product reformulations have created endless opportunities for this dynamic industry. However, pursuing these opportunities on a multi-national level usually triggers unique regulatory challenges as the quality, safety, efficacy, and labelling requirements for a cosmetic product differ according to the country of interest. In a globalized market, it becomes challenging to identify and comply with the relevant regulations that affect the introduction and widespread marketing of a new cosmetic product.

Intertek Cantox has a wealth of expertise and proven experience for supporting clients who wish to launch their new cosmetic products into a number of target markets, including, but not limited to, the following geographic regions:

• European Union (EU)

The Department of Consumer Affairs regulates the sale of cosmetics under the Cosmetics Directive. This directive outlines expectations on the notification, product composition, labelling, and packaging of cosmetic products. There are additional bans on the use of animals for product and ingredient testing for cosmetics intended to be sold in the EU member states. The EU Regulation on cosmetic products, a re-cast of the current Directive, will apply as of 11 July 2013 (earlier for some types of products).

• United States

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the legal authority regulating cosmetic products. Cosmetic products are not required to undergo pre-market approval, but must comply with the Requirements of Specific Cosmetic Products (21 CFR § 700) and warning labelling requirements.

• Canada

Cosmetics fall under the Food and Drugs Act and its Cosmetic Regulations. Cosmetic products are required to comply with Health Canada’s mandatory notification process, safety of ingredients and products, and product labelling. Environmental assessment of new cosmetic ingredients may also be necessary under the New Substances Notification (NSN) Regulations of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.