Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for the cosmetic industry.
What is considered a cosmetic product?
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics by their intended use, as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" [FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)]. Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.
What is good manufacturing practice (GMP)?
Rigorous adherence to good manufacturing practices minimizes the risk of adulteration or misbranding of cosmetics.
As home crafters, DIY enthusiasts, and micro manufacturers its our responsibility to hold ourselves accountable for the integrity of the products that we are making. We have to ensure that the ingredients are of high quality, the equipment, containers, appliances and the facilities (even if it's our kitchen) are clean and properly sanitized when making these cosmetic products.
All molds and storage containers should be raised off the floor.
What is considered a cosmetic product?
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics by their intended use, as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" [FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)]. Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.
What is good manufacturing practice (GMP)?
Rigorous adherence to good manufacturing practices minimizes the risk of adulteration or misbranding of cosmetics.
As home crafters, DIY enthusiasts, and micro manufacturers its our responsibility to hold ourselves accountable for the integrity of the products that we are making. We have to ensure that the ingredients are of high quality, the equipment, containers, appliances and the facilities (even if it's our kitchen) are clean and properly sanitized when making these cosmetic products.
All molds and storage containers should be raised off the floor.
Labeling of the product - the primary display panel should have the name of the product, the statement of identity (what is the product and its purpose) the net weight (Net wt.) of the contents with the proper unit of measurement. The statement "Warning--The safety of this product has not been determined" if the safety of the respective product has not adequately been substantiated. Determine whether and what toxicological and/or another testing the firm has conducted to substantiate the safety of its products. The information panel should have The name and address of the firm manufacturing the product. The list of ingredients (only on outer container) if intended for sale or customarily sold to consumers for consumption at home. Any other warning statement is necessary or appropriate to prevent a health hazard, such as (this product contains nut oil/butter DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE A NUT ALLERGY)etc., Determine the health hazard or their basis for a warning statement. Any direction for safe use of the product. Patch testing warning.
It is our responsibility to ensure that all cosmetic ingredients are safe for use in cosmetics to prevent adulterated products. The colourant must be FDA-approved for cosmetics.
Don't just take my word for it- DO YOUR RESEARCH - Doing your research will give you clarity, confidence, and the knowledge you need to formulate safe products for you, your family, your friends, and your customers (if you are making products for sale).
Resources for you
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines/Inspection Checklist for Cosmetics https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/
Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/