ICMAD and its more than 800 member-companies support modernization of federal regulation of cosmetics as a means to provide long-term support for American companies' leading role in promoting quality and innovation in the global cosmetics industry.

We welcome the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions’ (HELP) discussion draft of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2018 and applaud the bipartisan spirit in which it was developed. We extend our thanks to Senators Alexander and Murray for their leadership in furthering this important work.

We have already begun an in-depth review of the draft legislation and look forward to providing our feedback and comments by the March 15th deadline. 

What We Need In Cosmetics Regulation Reform

There are several principles ICMAD and its member companies will be looking for in cosmetics regulation reform. The cosmetics industry, backed by years of science-based research and testing, represents one of the safest categories regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

While oversight of cosmetics by the FDA should provide reassurance to consumers of the safety of cosmetics, it must also give businesses, of all sizes, the guidance and clarity they need to succeed in the cosmetic marketplace and a strong, level foundation for future innovation.

ICMAD also supports a clear and uniform national standard for ingredient safety review and good manufacturing practices, which are critical to both large and small independent cosmetics manufacturers across the country who are presently burdened with cumbersome and overlapping regulations.

We look forward to continuing this important conversation in the days and weeks ahead and providing our detailed feedback to the staff of the HELP Committee.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pam Busiek is president and CEO of the organization, Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD).

ICMAD is a non-profit trade association supporting companies, from startups to established multinational businesses of all sizes. Our goal is to help our members succeed in the rapidly changing, highly competitive global cosmetics and personal care industry — and we have been providing essential guidance and support since 1974.