What's in your lotion? A guide to personal care product safety

Regulatory Gaps in Cosmetic Safety

The FDA’s regulation of cosmetics primarily occurs post-market, meaning products can be sold without prior approval, which raises concerns about consumer safety. Despite some improvements since the passing of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, many harmful ingredients still evade regulation, with the FDA only banning a limited number of substances. For example, while the FDA has the authority to ban products that cause significant harm, it is difficult to link long-term health issues, such as cancer or hormonal disruptions, directly to specific cosmetic ingredients. This limitation disregards the cumulative exposure consumers face from daily personal care products, underscoring the necessity for individuals to be proactive in educating themselves about product safety.