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 COSMETICS 

Get safe products, that live up to their promise, to support your mood and social health

Keep reading about current standards and resources for you.

Description

A cosmetic is meant for "cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, altering the appearance" per the regulations.

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A cosmetic product must be free of allergens, harmful chemicals, harmful fragrances or hidden drug products.

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Use of these products is essential for personal hygiene and supports mood and social interactions - important elements of SAFEST BRAINS. Some examples provided below.​​​​​

Infant

Childhood-Adolescence

white male and female icon graphic

Adulthood

white elderly male and female icon graphic

Elderly

EXAMPLES

 

Fragrance-free or sensitive-skin personal-care products, Moisturizers and emollients,  Hair/scalp care

Lip care, Body and Facial cleansers and moisturizers, Deodorants as age appropriate,  Makeup as age appropriate, Shaving and after-shave products, Nail products, Specialized skin care products​​​

FDA does not

  • Review and approve cosmetics before they go on the market

FDA does

  • Review and approve color additives used in them (except coal tar hair dyes)

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  • Provide guidances for product labeling​​​

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  • Set standards for some personal care products that are both cosmetics and drug like anti-dandruff shampoo, psoriasis and dermatitis products  

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  • Take enforcement action against adulterated (unsafe) products.

 

  • Take enforcement action against misbranded products that make 'drug' claims without evidence of benefit 

 

  • Works with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on enforcement actions.

FDA Standards: Is it a cosmetic? 

sunscreen bottle with sun emblem graphic

Sunscreen

Drug 

lotion bottle graphic

Acne 

Drug 

shampoo bottle with pump graphic image

Anti-dandruff shampoo

Drug and Cosmetic 

lotion or soap pump bottle graphic

Antibacterial soap 

No benefit over plain soap and water 

Benefits

Products need to met standards of how they are classified.

  • Cosmetic: Intended to cleanse or beautify 

  • ​Drug: Intended to treat or prevent disease, or affect the structure or function of the body​

  • ​Medical device: Certain hair removal and microdermabrasion devices

  • ​​Drug & Cosmetic: Anti-dandruff shampoos, antiperspirant-deodorants, moisturizers and makeup with SPF (sun protection factor) numbers, Nail product to treat nail fungus​​​

Not FDA recognized

  • ​Cosmeceutical: No recognized stabdard

  • ​Hypoallergenic: No Federal standards or definitions, may have little benefit 

  • ​Organic: No FDA definition, not considered safer than other sources

  • ​Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: No FDA definition

  • ​Unscented: May contain fragrance ingredients to mask unpleasant smell of other ingredients

Safety

​Companies are legally responsible for product safety​

​​Color additives must be approved by FDA before they are used

Hair dyes with coal tar: Permanent, semi-permanent, temporary

  • Don't need approval but must have 'Caution' statement on label about skin irritation and eye protection​​​

​Harmful ingredients in any cosmetic

  • Benzene, Bithionol, Chlorofluorocarbon propellants, Chloroform, Halogenated salicylanilides, Hexachlorophene, Mercury compounds, Methylene chloride, Prohibited cattle materials, Vinyl chloride, Zirconium-containing complexes. 

  • Kohl in eye cosmetics - may contain harmful heavy metals

  • Certain permanent ​eyelash and eyebrow tints/dyes known to cause serious eye injuries, including blindness

​​​Contaminants in any cosmetics

  • Dioxane, metals like lead (particularly in lipsticks), arsenic, cadmium, mercury 

Nail product chemicals that may have safety concerns

  • Acetonitrile, Formaldehyde, Methacrylate Monomers (Acrylics), Phthalates, Toluene

Tattoos, Permanent Makeup

  • Skin injection safety of color pigments not reviewed by FDA

  • Potential safety concerns: Allergic reactions, Infection, Removal problems, Granulomas, Keloid formation, MRI complications​

Decorative contact lenses

  • Likely to cause irritation, can lead to serious eye infections, blindness

COSMETIC CHECKLIST
for satisfaction and safety 

General tips

  • Read the label, follow directions, heed warnings

  • Wash hands before use 

  • Don't share makeup

  • Keep the containers clean and tightly closed, protect from extreme temperatures

  • Throw away cosmetics if changes in color or smell

  • Use aerosols or sprays cans in well-ventilated areas

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Eye makeup tips

  • Only use cosmetics meant for eyes, don't dilute with water/saliva

  • Throw away if irritating to eye

  • Don't apply while on moving vehicles (prevent from entering eye)

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​Watch for claims that may not have the desired effects (but may cost more)

  •  Cosmeceuticals, Hypoallergenic, Organic, Essential Oils, Aromatherapy, Unscented, Antibacterial soap

Serum Bottle Display

 RESOURCES FOR YOU 

  If you are experiencing a harmful effect  

STOP USING DEVICE

Seek medical Care

REPORT SERIOUS PROBLEMS TO FDA

Online through Safety Reporting Portal  →​

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