Animal testing was the 20th-century answer to product safety issues, and as the 21st-century cosmetics industry turns away from it some replacements are still up in the air.
Unilever-owned international beauty brand Dove is making a final push to inspire more European consumers to align on protecting the EU’s ban on animal testing in cosmetics.
Interest in natural and organic cosmetics continues to rise amidst a wider green beauty boom, but with little regulation around these two terms, certification schemes have taken on fresh importance - for industry and consumers alike.
There are strong opportunities to widen use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) for chemical risk assessments on worker safety and environmental impact of cosmetics, though regulatory acceptance will require a collaborative industry-research push, say...
The beauty and personal care industry must prepare for additional costs associated with the incoming UK Plastic Packaging tax but can also look forward to a wave of collaborative innovation, says the head of the UK’s Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association...
Confusion and misinformation regarding the marine safety of sunscreens can ultimately hinder cosmetic formulators’ ability to develop safe and effective UV protection.
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) has closed the comment period for its preliminary safety opinion on the two phytoestrogen isoflavone substances, genistein and daidzein.
An ad by a UK anti-ageing firm does not mislead viewers into thinking the appearance of the founder’s skin was due to the featured products containing marine algae, says an advertising watchdog ruling.
The trade association Cosmetics Europe and scientists from Beiersdorf, L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble and Unilever have published a study outlining a framework on using read-across as part of a next-generation method to conduct cosmetics safety assessments.
Establishing and encouraging EU-local partnerships as the European Commission pushes ahead with its green and digital agendas will be critical in ensuring the fragrance industry remains resilient and continues to thrive, says the president of the International...
Green beauty’s insatiable rise is now subject to additional scrutiny in the UK under the Green Claims Code, and industry ought to carefully consider the guidance, says the head of the UK’s Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA).
The British Beauty Council has developed an online hub to help UK beauty and personal care businesses navigate through post-Brexit confusion and concerns around evolving trade costs and rules.
Many CBD products are not actually legal under FDA regulation, but they are sweeping the US market anyways. CosmeticsDesign spoke with lawyer Tommy Tobin, associate at Perkins Coie LLP, about where CBD stands legally in the US.
The Interagency Working Group on Asbestos in Consumer Products said multiple types of testing should be used to catch as much of the contaminant in talc as possible.
Supply giant BASF says that whilst the European Green Deal’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability opens plenty of innovation opportunities, it will also cause significant disruption and challenges given the simplification of risk assessment and shrinking...
Beauty manufacturers are increasingly looking to substantiate more traditional and mainstream claims like moisturising with clinical data as consumer expectations shift and competition hots up, says an executive from Eurofins Cosmetics and Personal Care.
Brands across personal care are developing waterless products to meet the demand of eco-focused consumers, but in formulation and manufacturing they come with their own safety and contaminations concerns.
In the wake of Brexit, the UK formed a Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety in Consumer Products (SAG-CS) and established its own REACH regulation – both of which need to be understood and navigated by industry carefully, says the Cosmetic, Toiletry...
The publication of defined approaches to in silico skin sensitisation chemical assessment is a landmark moment for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with significant implications for an animal-free future, say agency leaders.
The European Commission (EC) has extended its list of prohibited carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) chemicals in cosmetics following extensive consultations with its Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and other interested...
The Long Read: In Conversation with Unilever Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC) executives
The beauty industry continues to be stuck between conflicting requirements on animal testing, with bans under the EU Cosmetics Regulation and new data calls under the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) REACH Regulation, and the scientific community is...
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published advice on how industry can reliably combine non-animal data from different sources to assess skin sensitisation of chemicals in the EU, using the new Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development...
The US Food and Drug Administration has announced revisions and updates to sunscreen requirements related to maximum sun protection factor (SPF) values, active ingredients, broad spectrum requirements, and product labeling, and other provisions.
E-commerce companies such as Shopee and Lazada are being urged to lead the fight against the sale of adulterated whitening products and the problem of plastic waste pollution.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have adopted a resolution vote calling on the European Commission to establish an EU-wide action plan to actively phase out animal experiments – a move that adds weight to the cosmetics industry’s fight to protect...
Industry must continue raising its concerns around the interface between ECHA and the Cosmetics Regulation on animal testing because there are issues that need to be debated and solutions found, says the director-general of Cosmetics Europe.
The Body Shop and Dove combining their scale and size brings a collective power to push forward calls to protect the EU’s existing animal testing ban on cosmetics, company executives say.
Unilever’s Dove and Natura &Co’s The Body Shop have joined forces alongside leading global animal protection groups to ramp up calls for the European Union to protect its ban on animal testing in cosmetics, unveiling a European Citizens’ Initiative...
A study has identified a number of EU cosmetic ingredients tested on animals since the Cosmetics Regulation ban; data largely collected to prove worker and environmental safety under REACH or because alternative testing methods were rejected, researchers...
Standing out in an increasingly competitive cosmetics market is often achieved with product claims, but brands and manufacturers must follow clear regulatory frameworks and closely monitor all digital activity - influencer content included.
In-depth insight from Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference (CEAC) 2021
The European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability will lead industry towards a cleaner, toxic-free environment via innovation, prevention and consolidation of existing legal frameworks, with funding set to be released under the EU's Horizon programme,...
In-depth insight from Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference (CEAC) 2021
The European Green Deal will see plenty of strategies and legislation rolled out to slash carbon emissions, phase out harmful chemicals and drive circular business models, but there will be no major overhaul to the existing EU Cosmetics Regulation, according...
An animal-free testing strategy for predicting skin sensitisation and allergen potency co-developed by chemistry major BASF and fragrance and flavour specialist Givaudan has been approved by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),...
In-Depth Insight from Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference (CEAC) 2021
A five-year, industry-led global programme will launch next year aimed at driving and shaping future worldwide uptake and regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing alternatives in cosmetics.
Retailers in China are being advised to pull any cannabis-based cosmetics off the shelves after China’s drug regulator formally banned the use of cannabis compounds in cosmetics.
The European Parliament and Council of the European Union will meet this month and next to adopt final positions on the upcoming European Climate Law that targets climate neutrality by 2050 and a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) has issued scientific advice to lower the threshold for warning labels on cosmetics containing formaldehyde releasing substances to better protect sensitised consumers.
The European Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability will lay important foundations for achieving European Green Deal goals, but it must consider the specificities of individual industries and value chains, say beauty and personal care industry...
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) has clarified the term ‘postbiotics’ in a statement that responds to the scientific groundswell and growing number of postbiotic applications.
The UK government has worked alongside the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) and wider beauty industry to digitally issue Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificates that should enable the export of ‘ordinary’ goods to China without...
China-based CBD company Asia Horizon has suggested a few ‘straightforward’ ways China can go about regulating CBD cosmetics instead of implementing a blanket ban over the category.
The firm behind US-based CBD skin care brand BOTA, Balanced Health Botanicals, says it will no longer invest in the APAC after China announced its proposal to ban the use of cannabis and cannabis extracts in cosmetics.
COVID-related delays and demand for planet-safe products are among the challenges that sunscreen makers will have to tackle in terms of testing in 2021.
Special Edition: Cannabis beauty - innovation and science in CBD and cannabinoids
Beauty manufacturers and formulators are highly interested in cannabis extracts but have not yet mastered global regulations, particularly those relating to ingredient sourcing and toxicology, says lab testing specialist Eurofins.
China’s proposal to ban the use of cannabis and cannabis extracts in cosmetics will likely affect sales via cross-border e-commerce channels as the authorities double down on ‘anti-drug’ education.
The European Commission (EC) is to ban botanical species containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) that includes aloe extracts in a decision set to have implications for the nutrition and nutricosmetic industry.
Stronger local connections and a proactive approach with regulators are some of the ways regulatory experts believe can help cosmetics regulation in Asia Pacific become as harmonised as possible.
An increasing emphasis on environmental issues will have a profound effect on the Asia Pacific cosmetics industry, said regulations experts, with the impact of policy changes in Europe likely to filter down to the region.
Imported ‘ordinary’ cosmetics will not be required to undergo animal testing from May 1 this year, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has confirmed in its finalised regulations.
![The European Citizens' Initiative calling on the European Commission to protect and strengthen the existing EU animal testing ban on cosmetics closes on August 31, 2022 and Dove is calling for more EU consumers to sign [Getty Images]](jpg/animal-testing-ban-cosmetics-eu-needs-protection-via-european-citizens-initiative-says-dove-2.jpg)
![[Lush Cosmetics]](jpg/beauty-broadcast-lush-cosmetics-says-waterless-beauty-trend-bound-to-become-mainstream-2.jpg)
![Industry and consumers have a plethora of certifications and standards that can be used for natural and organic cosmetics [Getty Images]](jpg/natural-and-organic-cosmetic-certifications-and-standards-for-eu-beauty-industry-2.jpg)
![New approach methodologies (NAMs) have already been well-proven for animal-free cosmetic product and ingredient safety testing, but should now be accepted as 'scientifically robust' for testing worker safety and environmental impact [Getty Images]](jpg/animal-free-chemical-risk-assessment-for-cosmetics-possible-with-collaborative-push-say-toxicology-experts-2.jpg)
![From April 1, 2022, certain beauty and personal care businesses will need to declare and pay taxes on plastic packaging manufactured or imported into the UK [Getty Images]](jpg/uk-plastic-packaging-tax-beauty-personal-care-impact-on-cost-innovation-and-collaboration-2.jpg)
![The assessed phytoestrogen substances Genistein and Daidzein are typically used in leave-on cosmetics for 'skin conditioning' benefits, particularly anti-ageing formulas [Getty Images]](jpg/endocrine-disruptor-potential-of-genistein-and-daidzein-phytoestrogens-assessed-by-sccs-2.jpg)
![The framework 'built on' existing methods, providing an exposure-driven and evidence-based approach for next generation risk assessment in cosmetics [Getty Images]](jpg/cruelty-free-cosmetic-safety-testing-needs-next-generation-risk-assessment-framework-say-cosmetics-europe-and-beauty-brands-2.jpg)
![The fragrance industry will engage with the European Commission as policies and strategies are set out to achieve European Green Deal goals [Getty Images]](jpg/european-green-deal-fragrance-industry-impact-and-future-policies-and-strategies-2.jpg)
![Under the UK's new Green Claims Code, all businesses, products and services must ensure environmental claims are not misleading and are 'genuinely green' [Getty Images]](jpg/green-claims-code-uk-competition-markets-authority-impact-on-beauty-analysis-from-ctpa-2.jpg)
![According to The British Beauty Council there had been plenty of 'uncertainty' in the run up to Brexit and businesses still faced difficulties in navigating rule changes [Getty Images]](jpg/british-beauty-council-trade-hub-for-brexit-confusion-and-international-growth-insight-2.jpg)
![Downstream users of chemicals, including beauty and personal care manufacturers, will start to face challenges if the chemical toolbox shrinks and a zero-tolerance approach is taken on non-compliance [Getty Images]](jpg/european-green-deal-chemicals-strategy-for-sustainability-beauty-and-cosmetics-impact-significant-2.jpg)
![Beauty manufacturers increasingly want instrumental data on mainstream benefits like moisturising, SPF and anti-ageing to make on-pack claims [Getty Images]](jpg/cosmetic-claims-substantiation-rising-for-mainstream-benefits-like-moisturising-says-eurofins-2.jpg)
![Whilst the foundational EU Cosmetics Regulation transitioned nicely across the pond into UK legislation, chemical safety assessment now looks slightly different due to a new working group and UK REACH [Getty Images]](jpg/uk-chemical-safety-legislation-for-cosmetics-post-brexit-includes-sag-cs-group-and-uk-reach-2.jpg)
![The OECD's guideline on in silico defined approaches to assess skin sensitisation is being praised as a landmark achievement [Getty Images]](jpg/oecd-skin-sensitisation-defined-approaches-guideline-a-landmark-in-animal-free-future-2.jpg)
![The European Commission has issued its fourth update to the regulation prohibiting and/or restricting carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) chemicals in cosmetics [Getty Images]](jpg/banned-cmr-substances-eu-cosmetics-regulation-update-by-european-commission-2.jpg)
![Decades of scientific work has advanced capabilities of in vitro safety assessment of chemicals, but these methods can't be used to their full potential because regulatory frameworks still need to catch up [Getty Images]](jpg/cruelty-free-cosmetics-future-needs-regulatory-catch-up-and-collaboration-say-unilever-execs-2.jpg)
![The OECD guideline outlines defined approaches for skin sensitisation assessment using in silico (computer simulation) methods and wider application under REACH will advance use of non-animal test methods, according to ECHA [Getty Images]](jpg/echa-advice-on-oecd-non-animal-skin-sensitisation-assessment-to-help-apply-under-eu-reach-regulation-2.jpg)
![Shopee and Lazada are being urged to lead the fight against the sale of adulterated whitening products and the problem of plastic waste pollution. [Getty Images]](jpg/e-commerce-firms-urged-to-combat-sale-of-mercury-laden-whitening-products-and-plastic-pollution-2.jpg)
![MEPs have adopted a resolution vote that will add political pressure to the European Commission to respond, proving important for the cosmetic industry's fight to uphold its existing EU animal testing ban [Getty Images]](jpg/european-parliament-adopts-resolution-vote-for-european-commission-action-to-end-eu-animal-testing-2.jpg)
![Cosmetics Europe has backed the recent European Citizens' Initiative led by Dove and The Body Shop calling on further protection of the EU animal testing ban on cosmetics and will continue to directly engage with EU policy makers on the issue [Getty Images]](jpg/eu-animal-testing-cosmetics-ban-concerns-needs-high-level-policy-dialogue-says-cosmetics-europe-2.jpg)
![The Body Shop and Dove want their partnership and work with animal protection groups to inspire other beauty brands to collaborate on the issue [Getty Images]](jpg/dove-and-the-body-shop-talk-animal-testing-ban-eu-campaign-and-importance-of-collaboration-2.jpg)
![The two beauty majors, along with animal protection partners, need to secure more than one million signatures to get their European Citizens’ Initiative considered by the Commission [Getty Images]](jpg/animal-testing-in-cosmetics-european-citizens-initiative-launches-from-dove-the-body-shop-and-humane-society-international-2.jpg)
![Since the 2013 EU Cosmetic Regulation ban on animal testing for cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic products, researchers found 63 REACH dossiers for cosmetic-only ingredients still conducted in vivo testing [Getty Images]](jpg/animal-testing-conflict-between-eu-cosmetic-regulation-and-echa-s-reach-regulation-says-study-2.jpg)
![The boom in social media and video platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok and work with influencers means cosmetic companies have much more to monitor around product claims [Getty Images]](jpg/cosmetic-claims-regulations-and-substantiation-in-the-digital-age-of-instagram-tiktok-and-facebook-2.jpg)
![Innovation to develop new safe and sustainable chemicals will receive public EU funding via the region's Horizon programme but also other channels, including private investment [Getty Images]](jpg/european-green-deal-chemicals-strategy-for-sustainability-will-receive-horizon-funding-for-chemicals-innovation-2.jpg)
![The European Commission is embarking on an overview of current legislations and practices in place in cosmetics, with some revisions planned, but there will be no significant changes made right now to the governing EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 [Getty Images]](jpg/european-commission-will-not-majorly-overhaul-cosmetics-regulation-under-european-green-deal-2.jpg)
![The approved approach involves a three-step method for assessing skin sensitisation and a bolt-on test to predict allergen potency [Getty Images]](jpg/animal-free-testing-for-skin-sensitisation-allergen-potency-from-basf-and-givaudan-receives-oecd-approval-2.jpg)
![The New Science Programme will be coordinated by a central advisory board and aims to drive forward non-animal safety assessment capabilities, regulatory use of these alternatives, and education and training across industry [Getty Images]](jpg/cosmetics-industry-unveils-animal-free-safety-assessment-new-science-programme-set-to-launch-2023.jpg)
![Retailers in China are being advised to pull any cannabis-based cosmetics off the shelves. [Getty Images]](jpg/china-cbd-ban-retailers-encouraged-to-pull-products-off-shelves-as-regulators-formally-ban-use-in-cosmetics-2.jpg)
![The provisional agreement of the European Climate Law Regulation will be adopted by the European Parliament in June and by the Council of the European Union in July [Getty Images]](jpg/european-climate-law-to-be-adopted-by-parliament-and-council-of-the-european-union-in-next-two-months-2.jpg)
![Formaldehyde has been banned in EU cosmetics since 2019 but formaldehyde releasers were still widely used and have to carry warning labels when formaldehyde concentrations are found above 0.05% in the final product [Getty Images]](jpg/formaldehyde-releasers-in-cosmetics-must-have-lower-warning-label-threshold-says-european-commission-scientific-committee-for-consumer-safety-2.jpg)
![Asia Horizon has suggested a few ‘straightforward’ ways China can go about regulating CBD cosmetics. [Getty Images]](jpg/china-cbd-ban-asia-horizon-ceo-suggests-how-china-can-better-regulate-cbd-cosmetics-market-2.jpg)
![Balanced Health Botanicals says it will no longer invest in the APAC after China announced its proposal to ban CBD cosmetics. [BOTA Skincare]](jpg/china-cbd-proposed-ban-leads-us-based-bota-to-shut-down-apac-expansion-plans-2.jpg)
![The COVID-19 pandemic is putting pressure on sunscreen testing processes. [Getty Images]](jpg/how-the-covid-19-pandemic-is-putting-pressure-on-sunscreen-testing-processes-2.jpg)
![Regulatory experts believe cosmetics regulation in Asia Pacific can become more harmonised. [Getty Images]](jpg/apac-cosmetic-regulation-experts-break-down-strategies-for-more-regulatory-alignment-in-the-region-2.jpg)
![Impact of policy changes in Europe likely to filter down to APAC. [Getty Images]](jpg/why-european-policy-changes-will-create-challenges-for-apac-s-cosmetics-firms-2.jpg)
![Imported ‘ordinary’ cosmetics will not be required to undergo animal testing in China from May 1. [Getty Images]](jpg/china-animal-testing-exemptions-for-testing-on-ordinary-cosmetics-start-in-may-officials-2.jpg)
![Chinese study highlights mental health challenges in atopic dermatitis, emphasising holistic patient care. [Getty Images]](jpg/chinese-research-linking-atopic-dermatitis-to-mental-health-underscores-need-for-holistic-care-2.jpg)
