When it comes to cosmetic regulations, anywhere in the world, there are 2 elements that have the biggest impact on how regulators view cosmetic products and the ingredients they contain:
You’ll need to make sure that at the very start of development, your product will comply with at least these two items. What does this mean? To answer this, we first need to look at the definition of cosmetics, which thankfully is remarkably similar around the world. This is, however, where the similarities end!
Cosmetic products are defined using different words by various regulators around the world, but in general, their use is based on:
This means claims should be reflective of the visible or odor based changes they make, for example:
Products also need to be packed with suitable dispensers and directions to ensure safe use. For products like creams and lotions, special precautions may not be necessary. But, this becomes important when the product is designed to have a specialty function. For e.g. highly acidic products designed for chemical exfoliation of the skin.
In these cases, the ingredients and the formula itself are subject to additional restrictions. Even, when the ingredient inputs and formula have been carefully checked, claims about the product, its directions for use and expected performance results must still be compliant with the local countries’ definition and permitted use of cosmetics.
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