- Prominence
- Ingredient Identification
- Order of Declaration
- Fragrances and Flavors
- Trade Secret Ingredients
- Petitioning for Trade Secrecy
- Drug Ingredients
- Color Additives Added for Color Matching
- Incidental Ingredients
- Dissimilar Product Assortments
- Similar Product Assortments
- Branded Shade Lines
- Direct Mail Cosmetics
- Off-Package Ingredient Labeling
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, as amended
To protect consumers from unsafe or deceptively labeled or packaged products by prohibiting the movement in interstate commerce of adulterated or misbranded food, drugs, devices, and cosmetics.
21 U.S.C. 321-392
The cosmetics marketed in the United States, whether they are manufactured here or are imported from abroad, must comply with the labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, the Fair Packaging and Labeling (FP&L) Act, and the regulations published by the Food and Drug Administration under the Authority of these two laws.
The FD&C Act was enacted by Congress to protect consumers from unsafe or deceptively labeled or packaged products by prohibiting the movement in interstate commerce of adulterated or misbranded food, drug devices and cosmetics.
Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
To ensure that packages and their labels provide consumers with accurate information about the quantity of contents and facilitate value comparisons.
15 U.S.C. 1451-1460
The FP&L Act was passed by Congress to ensure that packages and their labels provide consumers with accurate information about the quantity of contents and facilitate value comparisons.
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
The FD&C Act prohibits the marketing of cosmetics that are adulterated or misbranded as well as their adulteration or misbranding while in interstate commerce.
Sec. 301, FD&C Act
The FD&C Act prohibits the marketing of cosmetics that are adulterated or misbranded as well as their adulteration or misbranding while in interstate commerce.
A cosmetic is considered misbranded if.
- labeling is false or misleading
- label does not state
- the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
- the net quantity of contents
Sec. 602, FD&C Act
Sec. 602 of the FD&C Act defines the conditions which cause a cosmetic to be deemed misbranded.
Factors Determining Whether Labeling Is Misleading
- Representations made or suggested
- Failure to reveal material facts:
- Material in light of such representations
- Material with respect to consequences resulting from the intended use
Sec. 201(n), FD&C Act
21 CFR 1.21Labeling may be considered misleading not only because a label statement is deceptive but also because a material fact is not revealed on a label.
A fact may be material in light of a statement made on a label or because certain consequences may result from the recommended use of a product.
What is a cosmetic?
A cosmetic is a product, except soap, intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.
Sec. 201(i) FD&C Act
As defined in section 201(i) of the FD&C Act, a cosmetic is a product, except soap, intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance.
In short, one may say that a cosmetic is a product intended to exert a physical, and not a physiological, effect on the human body.
The raw materials used as ingredients of cosmetic products are by law also cosmetics.
In section 701.20 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations [21 CFR 701.20], the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines the term "soap" as a product in which the non-volatile portion consists principally of an alkali salt of fatty acids, i.e., the traditional composition of soap; the product is labeled as soap; and the label statements refer only to cleansing. If cosmetic claims, e.g., moisturizing, deodorizing, skin softening etc., are made on a label, the product is a cosmetic. Synthetic detergent bars are also considered cosmetics, although they may be labeled as "soap."
"Intended use" within the meaning of the FD&C Act is determined from its label or labeling.
Senate Report No. 493
73d Cong. 2d Sess. (1934)
U.S. Courts of Appeals DecisionsAccording to Senate Report No. 493 and court decisions, the term "intended" in the legal definition of the term "cosmetic" or in other definitions means, with respect to the use of a product, its directed or prescribed use as determined from the statements made on a product's label or labeling.
The courts, in deciding whether a product is a "cosmetic", a "drug", or both a "drug" and a "cosmetic", have relied principally on the consumer's perception of the meaning of a label statement and less so on the interpretation of the meaning of a label statement by the labeler or a regulatory agency.
When is a cosmetic also a drug?
A cosmetic is also a drug when it is intended to cleanse, beautify or promote attractiveness as well as treat or prevent disease or otherwise affect the structure or any function of the human body.
Sec. 201(g) and (i), FD&C Act
Sec. 509, FD&C ActA cosmetic is legally also a drug if it is intended to exert a physical as well as a physiological effect because the FD&C Act defines in section 201(g) the term "drug" to mean, among other things, "articles intended for use in the . cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease . and . articles . intended to affect the structure or any function of the body . "
Section 509 of the FD&C Act provides that the categories of "drug" and "cosmetic" are not mutually exclusive.
What is a consumer commodity?
A product customarily distributed for retail sale for use by consumers or for the performance of services at home and usually consumed during such use.
Sec. 10(a), FP&L Act.
A cosmetic is legally also a drug if it is intended to exert a physical as well as a physiological effect because the FD&C Act defines in section 201(g) the term "drug" to mean, among other things, "articles intended for use in the . cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease . and . articles . intended to affect the structure or any function of the body . "
Section 509 of the FD&C Act provides that the categories of "drug" and "cosmetic" are not mutually exclusive.
A container or wrapping, other than a shipping container or wrapping, in which a consumer commodity is delivered or displayed to retail purchasers.
Sec. 10(b), FP&L Act
21 CFR 1.20The term package is defined in the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act [sec. 10(b)] and the Code of Federal Regulations [21 CFR 1.20].
Essentially, the "package" is the outer container of a product as, for example, a box or folding carton. However, the "package" can also be the immediate container, e.g., bottle, jar or aerosol can that holds the product if the immediate container is not displayed in a box or folding carton.
A written, printed or graphic display of information.
Sec. 201(k), FD&C Act.
- affixed to or appearing on a package containing a consumer commodity
Sec. 10(c), FP&L Act
21 CFR 1.3(b)The term "label" is defined in the FD&C Act and the FP&L Act. The definitions differ in that under the FD&C Act definition a label is "a display of written, printed or graphic matter upon the immediate container," and under the FP&L Act definition "written, printed or graphic matter affixed to any consumer commodity or affixed to or appearing upon a package containing any consumer commodity."
One may say that the term "label" applies in the first instance to the information appearing directly on the immediate container and in the second instance to information attached to the immediate container and directly on or attached to the outer container if so packaged.
The FD&C Act, however, requires in sec 201(k) that any information required to appear on the label of the immediate container shall also appear on the outside container of the retail package or is legible through the outside container.
All labels and other written, printed or graphic material on or accompanying a product in interstate commerce or held for sale
Sec. 201(m), FD&C Act
21 CFR 1.3(a)The FD&C Act defines in sec. 201(m) "labeling" to mean "all labels and other written, printed or graphic matter on or accompanying such article."
This includes labels, inserts, risers, display packs, leaflets, promotional literature or any other written or printed information distributed with a product.
Principal Display Panel
The part of a label that the consumer sees or examines when displayed for retail sale
Sec. 10(t), FP&L Act
21 CFR 701.10A label may consist of more than one panel. It may consist of a front panel, side panels and a back panel. Back and side panels are generally called information panels.
The FP&L Act also defines for consumer commodities, or packages containing a consumer commodity, the term "principal display panel," otherwise known for short as PDP.
The "principal display panel" is that part of a panel that is most likely to be shown or examined under customary conditions of display for retail sale. Usually, it is the front panel of the label of the outer package.
Placement and Size of Principal Display Panel
Location
Size
Multiple PDPsDecorative containers
Compacts or pencils
Containers of 1/4 av. oz. or 1/8 fl. oz. capacity
Display cards21 CFR 701.10 and 701.13(e)
As mentioned before, the PDP is that part of the label that is most likely to be shown or examined under customary conditions for retail sale.
Regulations [21 CFR 701.10] published by the FDA require that the PDP be large enough to accommodate all required label information with clarity and conspicuousness.
If a package bears more than one PDP, the information required to be placed on the PDP must be duplicated on all PDPs.
For the purpose of assuring uniform type size for declaring a product's net quantity of contents, the size of the surface area bearing the PDP, and not the size of the PDP itself, is the determining factor. The area of the PDP is for a:
Rectangular package: One entire side.
Cylindrical package: 40% of height x circumference.
Any other shape of container: 40% of total container surface, excluding top, bottom, neck, shoulder, flanges.
The PDP of a "boudoir-type" or decorative cosmetic container, e.g., cartridge, pill box, compact or special variety, and those containing 1/4 oz or less may be a tear-away tag or tape affixed to the container [21 CFR 701.13(e)(1)]. It may also be the display panel of a card to which the immediate container is affixed [21 CFR 701.13(e)(2)].
Placement of Information on Labels
Outer Container
(Or Label of Single Container Product)Principal Display Panel:
Name of product
Identity
§ 740.10 warning
Net quantity of contents
Directions for safe use
Warnings
Name and place of business
Ingredient declaration
Any other required information
The information above must appear on the label of the outer container which usually is a box, folding carton, wrapper etc. holding the inner (immediate) container. The immediate container holding the cosmetic product also is the outer container if it is not displayed in a box, folding carton etc.
Please note that only the label of an outer container has a PDP.
Statement of the brand name of the product is not a regulatory requirement under the FD&C or FP&L Act.
Placement of Information on Labels
Inner Container (If Packaged in an Outer Container)Directions for safe use
Warnings
Name of Product
Name and Place of Business
Net Quantity of Contents
Any Other Required Information
The information above must appear on the label of the inner (immediate) container holding the cosmetic product. The inner container is packaged and displayed in a non-transparent box, folding carton etc. If the outer container is removed and the product displayed for sale without it, the label of the immediate container becomes a label of an outer container.
Form of Stating Required Information
Section 602(c) of the FD&C deems a cosmetic misbranded if any word, statement, or other label or labeling information required by law or regulation is not placed on the label or labeling with such prominence and conspicuousness that it is likely to be read, or if it is not stated in such terms that it is likely to be understood by ordinary individuals.
Prominence and Conspicuousness
21 CFR 701.2
Regulations [21 CFR 701.2] published by the FDA offer detailed information on how to comply with the requirement for prominent and conspicuous placement of information on cosmetic labels or labeling.
Panel display: The required information must be on a panel which is presented or displayed under customary conditions of purchase. This eliminates placement of required information on a bottom panel of a cosmetic unless it is very small and customarily picked up by hand where inspected for possible purchase.
Panel Size: The label must be large enough to provide sufficient space for prominent display of the required information.
Style and Size of Letters: The type must be of such size, and at least of the required minimum size, and of such style that the required label statements are easily readable.
Background Contrast: The contrast must be sufficient to make the required label statements conspicuous and easily readable.
Obscuring Designs, Vignettes: The required statements must not be obscured by vignettes or other designs or by crowding with other printed or graphic matter.
21 CFR 701.2(b)
English Language Statements: All label or labeling statements required by law or regulation must be in the English language. Products distributed solely in Puerto Rico or a Territory where the predominant language is one other than English, may state the required label information in the predominant language in place of English.
Foreign Language Statements: If the label contains any foreign language representation, all statements required by regulation must also appear on the label in the foreign language. If labeling bears foreign language representations, the required statements must appear on the label or other labeling as required in English.
Ingredients: 1/16", 1/32" (Labeling surface, less than 12 sq. in.)
Net Contents:
- 1/16" (PDP less than 5 sq. in.)
- 1/8" (PDP 5-25 sq. in.)
- 3/16" (PDP 25-100 sq. in.)Warning: 1/16"All Others: Reasonably related to panel size21 CFR 701.2(a) (b), 701.3(b),
701.11(c), 701.13(i), 740.2(b)
Ingredient Declaration: Generally, in letters not less than 1/16" in height [21 CFR 701.3(b)]. If surface area available to bear label (excludes surfaces with decorative relief, sculptured surfaces) is less than 12 square inches, letter height may be not less than 1/32" [21 CFR 701.3(p)].
Net Contents Declaration on PDP: Minimum letter height determined by the area of the PDP. In the case of "boudoir-type" containers, including decorative cosmetic containers of the cartridge, pill box, compact or pencil type, and cosmetics of 1/4 oz. or less capacity, the type size is determined by the total dimensions of the container. If the container is mounted on a display card, the display panel determines the letter height [21 CFR 701.13(e) and (i)].
Warning Statements: Type size no less than 1/16" unless smaller size established by regulation [21 CFR 740.2].
Letter Height: The lower case letter "o" or equivalent when upper and lower case letters are used [21 CFR 701.13(h)].
Identity Labeling
Sec. 10(t), FP&L Act
21 CFR 701.11Sec. 4 of the FP&L Act [21 U.S.C. 14554] requires that a consumer commodity bear a statement of identity. Regulations [21 CFR 701.11] published by the FDA require that the identity statement appear on the PDP.
The identity of the commodity may be expressed in terms of the common or usual name of the cosmetic, a descriptive name, or when the nature of the cosmetic is obvious, a fanciful name. It may also be expressed in form of an illustration.
The identity statement must be in bold type and in a size reasonably related to the most prominent printed matter, which is usually the name of the cosmetic. It must be in lines generally parallel to the base on which the product rests when displayed at retail.
Name and Place of Business
Corporate name
Manufactured for.
Distributed by.
Address
Principal place of business21 CFR 701.12
The name and business address appearing on the label may be those of the manufacturer, packer or distributor.
If the name and address is not that of the manufacturer, the name must be preceded by phrases such as "Manufactured for . ", "Distributed by . ", or other appropriate wording.
The name of the firm must be the corporate name, and the address may be that of the principal place of business. Stating also the name of a corporation's particular division is optional.
The business address must include the street address, name of the city and state, and the ZIP code. The street address may be omitted if the firm is listed in a current city or telephone directory.
The Tariff Act of 1930 requires that imported products state on the label the English Name of the country of origin.
Quantity of Contents
Location on Package § 701.13 (e) and (f)(2)
On PDP
On information panelProminence § 701.13 (f) and (f)(1)
Placement
SpacingConspicuousness § 701.13 (h) and (i)
Contract
Letter height
Aspect ration
Type sizeLocation: If the cosmetic is sold at retail in an outer container, the net contents statement must appear (1) within the bottom 30% of the PDP of the outer container, generally parallel in line to the base on which the package rests, and (2) on an information panel of the inner container. The bottom location requirement is waived for PDPs of 5 square inches or less.
The PDP may be a tear-away tag or tape affixed to a decorative container or to a container of less than 1/4 oz., or it may be the panel of a display card to which the container is affixed.
Prominence: The declaration must be a distinct item, separated from other printed matter by a space equal to at least the height of the lettering used in the declaration and twice the width of the letter "N".
Conspicuousness: The print must be easily legible bold face type in distinct contract to background and other matter on the package. The letter height must be at least that of the lower case letter "o", and the aspect ratio of height to width must not exceed 3:1.
The type size, as determined by the area of the PDP must be at least 1/16 in. if PDP area 5 sq. in., 1/8 in. if PDP area > 5 to 25 sq. In., 3/16 in. if PDP area > 25 to 100 sq. in., and 1/4 in. if PDP area > 100 sq. in.
Exemptions from Net Contents Declaration
Cosmetics of less than 1/4 av. oz. or 1/8 fl. oz.
21 CFR 1.24
Cosmetics in packages containing less than 1/4 av. oz. or 1/8 fl. oz. are exempt from the net quantity of contents declaration if affixed to a properly labeled display card or sold at retail in a properly labeled outer container [21 CFR 1.24].
When a cosmetic is required to bear net quantity of contents declarations on the inner and outer container, the declaration on the outer container must appear on the PDP; on the inner container, it may appear on an information panel other than the panel bearing the name of the product, i.e., the front panel.
Quantity of Contents
Accuracy § 701.13 (g) and (s)
Declaration by Product Consistency § 701.13 (a)
Systems of Measures and Weights § 701.13(b) and (r)
Unit Terms and Abbreviations § 701.13 (j) (2) & (n)
Dual Form of Declaration 701.13 (j) (1)
Declaration of Fraction § 701.13 (d)
Examples of Net Quantity Statements
"Net Wt. 6 Oz." or "6 oz. Net Wt."
"Net Contents 6 fl. Oz." or "Net 6 Fl. Oz." or "6 Fl. Oz."
"Net Wt. 1/4 Oz." or "Net Wt. 0.25 Oz."
"Net 1/8 Fl. Oz." or "0.12 FL. Oz."
"Net Wt. 24 Oz. (1-1/2 Lb.)" or "Net Wt. 24 Oz. (1.5 Lb.)"
"Net 56 Fl. Oz. (1 Qt. 1 Pt. 8 Fl. Oz.)" or ". (1 Qt. 1-1/2 Pt.)" or ". (1 Qt. 1.5 Pt.)"Accuracy: The net quantity of contents (net contents) declaration must accurately reveal the quantity of cosmetic in the container in terms of weight, volume, measure, numerical count, or combinations of count and weight, volume or measure. Reasonable variations due to loss or gain of moisture, or deviations in good manufacturing practice, are acceptable. In case of an aerosol product, the net contents statement must express the net quantity of contents expelled.
Product Consistency: Unless there is a firmly established, general consumer usage or trade custom to the contrary, the statement must be in terms of fluid measure if the cosmetic is liquid and in terms of weight if the cosmetic is solid, semi-solid, viscous, or a mixture of solid and liquid. Fluid measures must express the volume at 68°F (20°C). The customary net contents declaration for aerosol products is in terms of weight.
Systems: Weight is expressed in terms of avoirdupois pound and ounce. Fluid measures are expressed in terms of the U.S. gallon, quart, pint and fluid ounce. Net contents may additionally be stated also in the metric system.
Unit Terms: The term "net weight" or "net wt." must be used in conjunction with a weight statement, and the term "net contents," "net" or nothing must be used in connection with a liquid statement.
Additional abbreviations are for: weight - wt., fluid - fl., gallon - gal., quart - qt., pint - pt., ounce - oz., pound - lb.
In case of a weight ounce statement, the term "oz." is sufficient. A fluid ounce is expressed as "fl. oz."
- Net wt. 4 av. oz.
- Net contents 4 fl. oz.
- 4 av. oz. net wt.
- 4 oz. net wt.
- Net 4 fl. oz.
- 4 fl. oz.
Dual Declaration: If the net weight exceeds one pound but is less than 4 pounds, the net contents statement must reveal the total number of ounces followed, in parenthesis, by the number of pounds and ounces or by the number of pounds and fraction thereof. Fluid measures exceeding one pint, but being less than one gallon, must be expressed in terms of the total number of fluid ounces followed, in parenthesis, by the number of quarts, pints and ounces or by the fractions of the quart or pint.
- Net Wt. 24 oz. (1 lb. 8 oz.)
- Net Wt. 24 oz. (1 - 1/2 lb.)
- Net Wt. 24 oz. (1.5 lb.)
- 56 fl. oz. (1 qt. 1 pt. 8 fl. oz.)
- 56 fl. oz. (1 qt. 1-1/2 pt.)
- 56 fl. oz. (1 qt. 1.5 pt.)
- 56 fl. oz. (1-3/4 qt.)
Declaration of fractions: Fractions may be expressed in terms of common fractions ranging from 1/2 to 1/32 or as decimal fractions of no more than two significant numbers.
Quantity of Contents
On Principal Display Panel
"Economy Size" or "Budget Size"
"Giant Pint" or "Full Quart"
"Net 6 Fl. Oz." and "Six Applications"
"Net 6 Fl. Oz." and "6 Bottles of 1 Fl. Oz. Each"On Information Panel
Any non-deceptive supplemental statement
21 CFR 1.31 and 701.13 (g)
Economy Size: Representations of this type are permitted if the firm offers at least one other packaged size of the same brand, only one is labeled "economy size," and the unit price of the package so labeled is substantially (at least 5%) reduced compared to that of the other package.
Giant Pint, Full Quart: Supplemental statements describing the net quantity of contents are permitted on panels other than the PDP. However, these statements must not be deceptive or exaggerate the amount present in the package.
Six Applications: Declarations by numerical count or linear or area measure may be augmented by statements of weight or size of individual units or total weight or measure to give accurate information. These are not regarded as separate statements and must appear on the PDP.
Cosmetic Kit: If a package contains the integral components making up a kit and delivers the components in the manner of an application as, for example, a home permanent wave kit, the net contents declaration may be stated in terms of the number of applications as per given instructions [21 CFR 701.13 (g) (2)].
Cosmetic Warning Statements
General Requirement:
ProminenceConspicuousness
21 CFR 740 (1) and (2)
Regulations require that "[the label of a cosmetic product shall bear a warning statement whenever necessary or appropriate to prevent a health hazard that may be associated with the product" [21 CFR 740(1)]. A cosmetic not bearing a necessary warning statement may be considered misbranded under sec. 602(a) of the FD&C Act because it fails to reveal a fact "material . with respect to consequences which may result from the use of the article" [sec 201(n), FD&C Act].
Prominence: A warning statement must appear on the label prominently and conspicuously as compared to other words, statements or designs so that it is likely to be read by ordinary consumers at the time of purchase and use.
Conspicuousness: The lettering must be in bold type on contrasting background and may in no case be less than 1/16 inch in height.
Cosmetics With Unsubstantiated Safety
Warning--The safety of this product has not been determined.
21 CFR 740.10
A cosmetic is considered misbranded if its safety has not adequately been substantiated, and it does not bear the following conspicuous statement on the PDP:
Warning - The safety of this product has not been determined.
The safety of a cosmetic may be considered adequately substantiated if experts qualified by scientific training and experience can reasonably conclude from the available toxicological and other test data, chemical composition, and other pertinent information that the product is not injurious to consumers under conditions of customary use and reasonably foreseeable conditions of misuse.
The safety of a cosmetic can adequately be substantiated by:
a. Reliance on available toxicological test data on its ingredients and on similar products, and
b. Performance of additional toxicological and other testing appropriate in the light of the existing data.
Even if the safety of each ingredient has been substantiated, there usually still is at least some toxicological testing needed with the formulated product to assure adequate safety substantiation.
Cosmetic Aerosols
Warning--Avoid spraying in eyes. Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not store at temperature above 120°F. Keep out of reach of children.
21 CFR 740.11 (a)
The label of a cosmetic packaged in a self-pressurized container and intended to be expelled from the package under pressure must bear the warning stated below.
The words "Avoid spraying in eyes" may be omitted if the product is not expelled as a spray. Example: Aerosol shave cream.
The word "puncture" may be replaced by the word "break" if the product is packaged in a glass container.
If the product is intended for use by children, the phrase "except under adult supervision" may be added at the end of the last sentence of the warning.
Cosmetic Aerosols
Warning--Use only as directed. Intentional misues by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal.
21 CFR 740.11 (b)
If the propellant of a cosmetic packaged in a self-pressurized container consists in whole or in part of a halocarbon or hydrocarbon, the label must bear a second warning as stated below.
This second warning is not required for the following products:
1.Aerosol foam or cream products containing less than 10% propellant.
2.Products which do not expel the propellant at the time of use. Examples: products with built-in piston barrier or propellant bag.
3.Metered spray products of less than 2 oz. net contents.
4.Aerosol products of less than 1/2 oz. net contents.
Feminine Deodorant Sprays
Caution--For external use only. Spray at least 8 inches from skin. Do not apply to broken, irritated, or itching skin. Persistent, unusual odor or discharge may indicate conditions for which a physician should be consulted. Discontinue use immediately if rash, irritation, or discomfort develops.
21 CFR 740.12
A feminine deodorant spray which, for the purpose of this regulation, is defined as "any spray deodorant product whose labeling represents or suggests that the product is for use in the female genital area or for use all over the body" must bear the caution stated below.
If the expelled product does not contain a liquefied halocarbon or hydrocarbon propellant, the sentence "Spray at least 8 inches from skin" may be omitted.
The regulation further states that the use of the word "hygiene" or "hygienic" or similar words renders any such product misbranded.
Foaming Detergent Bath Products
Caution--Use only as directed. Excessive use of prolonged exposure may cause irritation to skin and urinary tract. Discontinue use if rash, redness or itching occurs. Consult your physician if irritation persists. Keep out of reach of children.
21 CFR 740.17
A foaming detergent bath product--also known as bubble bath product--is, for the purpose of this regulation, defined as "any product intended to be added to a bath for the purpose of producing foam that contains a surface-active agent serving as a detergent or foaming ingredient."
The caution stated above is required on the label of any foaming detergent bath product which is not clearly labeled as intended for use exclusively by adults. The following are two examples of label statements identifying a product as intended for use exclusively by adults: "Keep out of reach of children" and "For adult use only."
If the bubble bath product is intended for use by children, the phrase "Keep out of reach of children" may be expanded to further read "except under adult supervision."
The regulation further requires that the label "Shall bear adequate directions for safe use" of the product.
Cosmetic Ingredient Labeling
Declaration of ingredients except flavor, fragrance, and trade secret ingredients in descending order of predominance
21 CFR 701.3
Cosmetic ingredient labeling became an issue in the early 1970s. Guidelines for ingredient labeling were published in mid-1972. Regulations were proposed in early 1973. After publication of two final regulations, stays of final regulations, terminations of stays, and lengthy court proceedings challenging the legality of the published regulations, the requirement for cosmetic ingredient labeling became fully effective in early 1977.
The regulations requiring the declaration of cosmetic ingredients were published under the authority of the FP&L Act [secs. 5(c) and 6(a); 15 U.S.C. 1454 and 1455] and FD&C Act [sec. 701(e); 21 U.S.C. 371(e)].
Since the FP&L Act applies only to consumer commodities and their packages as defined in the Act, cosmetic ingredient declarations are required only on the label of the outer container of cosmetics customarily sold at retail or used in the performance of services conducted within the households. It does not apply, for example, to products used at professional establishments or samples distributed free of charge, unless such products are customarily also sold at retail, even if they were labeled "For professional use only."
The ingredients must be declared in descending order of predominance. Exceptions to this requirement are discussed later.
Prominence of Ingredient Declaration
Prominent and conspicuous to render it easy to be read and understood by ordinary individuals under normal conditions of purchase
1/16 inch
Exception:
If total available labeling surface area is less than 12 sq. in.1/32 inch
Firmly affixed tag, tape, or card
21 CFR 701.3(b) and (p)
The ingredient declaration may appear on any information panel of the package which is the outer container in form of a folding carton, box, wrapper etc. if the immediate container is so packaged, or which is the jar, bottle, box etc. if the immediate container is not packaged in an outer container. It may also appear on a tag, tape or card firmly affixed to a decorative or small size container.
Prominence: The declaration must appear with prominence and conspicuousness so that it is likely to be read and understood (read with ease) by ordinary individuals under normal conditions of purchase. The letters must not be obscured by design, vignettes, background or crowding.
Type Size: Not less than 1/16 inch in height. It may be not less than 1/32 inch in height if the total surface area available to bear labeling (which excludes bottom, shoulder, neck, flange, decorative or sculptured surfaces) is less than 12 square inches.
The type size consisting of upper and lower case letters is determined by the height of the lower case letter "o".
The ingredient declaration may appear on any information panel of the package which is the outer container in form of a folding carton, box, wrapper etc. if the immediate container is so packaged, or which is the jar, bottle, box etc. if the immediate container is not packaged in an outer container. It may also appear on a tag, tape or card firmly affixed to a decorative or small size container.
Prominence: The declaration must appear with prominence and conspicuousness so that it is likely to be read and understood (read with ease) by ordinary individuals under normal conditions of purchase. The letters must not be obscured by design, vignettes, background or crowding.
Type Size: Not less than 1/16 inch in height. It may be not less than 1/32 inch in height if the total surface area available to bear labeling (which excludes bottom, shoulder, neck, flange, decorative or sculptured surfaces) is less than 12 square inches.
The type size consisting of upper and lower case letters is determined by the height of the lower case letter "o".
Identification of Ingredients by Name
- The name established by the commissioner as specified in § 701.30.
- The name adopted for the ingredient as listed in:(a) CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary
(b) United States Pharmacopeia
(c) National Formulary
(d) Food Chemical Codex
(e) USAN and the USP Dictionary of Drug Names - The name generally recognized by consumers
- The chemical or technical name or description
21 CFR 701.3(c)
Section 701.3(c) requires that an ingredient be identified by the name established by the Commissioner for the purpose of cosmetic ingredient labeling or, in the absence of a name established by the Commissioner, the name adopted for that ingredient in the editions and supplements of the compendia listed below.
The Commissioner may establish a name as petitioned or propose such a name on his own initiative. See section 701.3(e). The names specified by the Commissioner are listed in section 701.30.
The currently recognized edition of the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Inc.) Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary is the second edition published in 1977. This edition is recognized only in part, i.e., not all names listed in the second edition have been adopted.
The third edition of the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary published in 1982 and the Supplement published in 1985 have not yet been recognized. However, FDA has informed the CTFA that the agency will not take regulatory action against products labeled in accordance with these editions while their review is in progress.
The compendia are listed in the descending order by which they must be utilized for identification of an ingredient name. If none lists a name for an ingredient, the name generally recognized by consumers, or the chemical or technical name or description, must be used.
Order of Ingredient Declaration
Descending order of predominance
Exceptions.
Active drug ingredients
Ingredients with less than 1% concentration
Color additives
"And other ingredients"21 CFR 701.3(a), (d), (f) (2), (f) (3)
The ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance. However, there are a few exceptions to this requirement.
1. If the cosmetic is also a drug, section 502(c) of the FD&C Act requires that the active drug ingredient(s) be declared before declaration of the cosmetic ingredients. A declaration, thus, would read as follows: "Active Ingredient: . (Name of drug ingredient). Other (or Cosmetic) Ingredients: . (Names of cosmetic ingredients in descending order)." [§ 701.3(d)]
2. Ingredients present at a concentration not exceeding 1% may be listed in any order after the listing of the ingredients present at more than 1% in descending order of predominance. [§ 701.3(f)(2)]
3. Color additives of any concentration may be listed in any order after the listing of the ingredients which are not color additives [§ 701.3(f)(3)].
4. The name of an ingredient accepted by FDA in accordance with the procedure established in § 720.8 as a trade secret need not be disclosed on the label. In lieu of declaring the name of that ingredient, the phrase "and other ingredients" may be used at the end of the ingredient declaration [§ 701.3(a)].
Order of Predominance
Incorrect Label Copy:
Caster Oil (58)
Beeswax (6.5)
Candelilla Wax (6.5)
Carnauba Wax (3)
Lanolin (8)
Ozokerite (2)
Propylene Glycol (and) BHA
(And) Propyl Gallate
(And) Citric Acid (1.3)
Titanium Dioxide (2)
D&C Red No. 21 (2)
D&C Red No. 6 Barium Lake (4)
D&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake (5)
Fragrance (0.5)
Correct Label Copy:
Castor Oil
Lanolin
Beeswax
Candelilla Wax
Carnauba Wax
Ozokerite
Propylene Glycol
BHA
Propyl Gallate
Citric Acid
Fragrance
Titanium Dioxide
D&C Red No. 21
D&C Red No. 6 Barium Lake
D&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake
In this example, the correct ingredient declaration lists castor oil (58), lanolin (8), candelilla wax (6.5), carnauba wax (3), and ozokerite (2) in descending order of predominance. The concentrations (which need not be declared by regulation) are provided in parentheses.
The compounds of the proprietary antioxidant mixture dissolved in propylene glycol must be integrated into the product formulation and declared individually in order of decreasing predominance without the term "(and)."
The color additives titanium dioxide (2) etc. may be declared in any order after the other ingredients.
Declaration of Color Additives and Ingredients Present at One Percent or Less
Pressed Powder
Label Declaration:
Talc (75)
Kaolin (7.5)
Zinc Stearate (5)
Titanium Dioxide (5)
Mineral Oil (3)
Iron Oxides (2.5)
Isopropyl Myristate (0.9)
Lanolin Oil (0.5)
Lanolin (0.2)
Fragrance (0.1)
Ultramarine Blue (0.05)
Alternate Declaration:
Talc
Kaolin
Zinc Stearate
Mineral Oil
Lanolin
Isopropyl Myristate
Fragrance
Lanolin Oil
Titanium Dioxide
Ultramarine Blue
Iron Oxides
The hypothetical pressed powder formulation portrayed in this example illustrates the two options for the listing of ingredients.
On the left side, the ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance according to § 701.3(2).
On the right side, the ingredients are listed according to § 701.3(f)(1), (2), and (3), i.e., ingredients other than colors present at a concentration exceeding 1% in descending order or predominance, followed by ingredients other than colors present at 1% or less in any order, followed by colors present at any concentration listed in any order.
Declaration of Fragrance and Flavor Ingredients
Fragrance
Flavor
Fragrance and flavor
21 CFR 701.3(a)
Fragrance and flavor compounds may be declared in descending order of predominance as "fragrance" and "flavor." If a fragrance compound also serves as a flavor, it must be declared as "flavor and fragrance."
The components (ingredient) of a fragrance or flavor may also be declared individually by their appropriate label names.
The ingredient or mixture of ingredients acting as a masking agent, i.e., covering the undesirable off-odor of a product without adding a discernable odor to it, may be declared by their individual name(s) or as "fragrance" (in lieu of a better designation). A masking agent present in a product at an insignificant level may be considered an incidental ingredient under § 701.3(1)(2)(iii) in which case it need not be declared on the label.
Declaration of Trade Secret Ingredients
By the Phrase "And Other Ingredients"
If accepted by FDA as exempt from public disclosure pursuant to the procedure of § 720.8.
21 CFR 701.3(a)
The FP&L Act states in section 5(c)(3)(B) [15 U.S.C. 1454(c)(3)(B)] that "nothing . shall be deemed to require that any trade secret be divulged." Accordingly, the cosmetic ingredient labeling regulation does not require the declaration of the identity of an ingredient FDA has accepted as exempt from public disclosure. In lieu of the declaration of the name of a confidential ingredient, the phrase " and other ingredients" may be used at the end of the ingredient declaration.
The policy the agency is following for processing requests for confidentiality of cosmetic ingredient identities has been codified under § 720.8.
What is a trade secret?
A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device or compilation of information which is used in one's business and which gives one an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it.
21 CFR 20.61
The question "what is a trade secret" may be answered by restating the definition of the term "trade secret" as provided in § 20.61(a) of regulations published in 1974 for enforcement of the law commonly known as the "Freedom of Information Act" (the public information section of the Administrative Procedures Act; 5 U.S.C. 552).
Procedure for Requesting Exemption of an Ingredient Identity From Public Disclosure
Cosmetic formulation or raw material composition statement (Form 2512 OR 2513) Statement of factual and legal grounds justifying trade secrecy Statement of prior non-disclosure (§ 20.81)
21 CFR 720.8
The first step in processing a request for trade secrecy, i.e., a request for exemption from label declaration, of the identity of a cosmetic ingredient is the submission to FDA of the following information:
(a) A semi-quantitative cosmetic formulation statement of the product in question on forms FD-2512 and 2512a.
(b) A full statement of the factual and legal grounds for the request, including all data and other information on which the petitioner relies (as well as any information known to the petitioner that is unfavorable to petitioner's position).
The statement of factual grounds should include scientific or technical data, reports, tests, and other relevant information that address the factors FDA considers in determining whether the identity of an ingredient qualifies as a trade secret. (The factors FDA considers are stated elsewhere.)
(c) A statement that the identity of the ingredient in question has not previously been disclosed to anyone without appropriate safeguards for secrecy as further explained in § 20.81.
Procedure for Requesting Exemption of an Ingredient Identity From Public Disclosure
Cosmetic formulation or raw material composition statement (Form 2512 or 2513) Statement of factual and legal grounds justifying trade secrecy Statement of prior non-disclosure (§ 20.81).
21 CFR 720.8
FDA reviews the submitted information to determine whether the data are sufficient to permit a review of the merits of the request.
A request that contains insufficient data to conduct a confidentiality review on the merits is returned and petitioner is advised about the additional information that is necessary to enable the agency to proceed with the review of the request.
Procedure for Requesting Exemption of an Ingredient Identity From Public Disclosure
Cosmetic formulation of raw material composition statement (Form 2512 or 2513) Statement of factual and legal grounds justifying trade secrecy Statement of prior non-disclosure (§ 20.81)
21 CFR 720.8
When the submitted information is sufficient to permit a review of the merits of a request, FDA proceeds with the review.
When the agency concurs with petitioner and decides that the ingredient identity is a trade secret, the request for exemption from label disclosure is granted. If FDA does not concur with petitioner, the agency tentatively denies the request. The person requesting trade secrecy is informed in writing of the agency's determination. In case of a tentative denial, FDA informs petitioner of the grounds on which it relied in making this tentative determination.
Factors Considered in Determining Trade Secret Status
1. Is the information publicly known?
(a) Prior public disclosure by petitioner
(b) Public disclosure in the literature
(c) Measures taken to guard secrecy
When FDA reviews the merits of a confidentiality request and determines whether the identity of an ingredient qualifies as a trade secret, it considers the following three principal factors by seeking answers to the following three questions:
1. Is the ingredient's identity and intended use publicly known?
2. Does the intended use of the respective ingredient have value?
3. Can the identity of the ingredient readily be acquired by legal means and its intended use duplicated?
These questions are based on the factors considered in Comment B to section 757 of the Restatement of Torts in determining whether given information is a trade secret.
Since the same factors are also being considered by FDA in determining whether the identity of an ingredient qualifies as a trade secret, a person requesting trade secrecy must address them factually and convincingly in the statement of grounds.
Absence of public knowledge of an ingredient's identity under conditions of intended use may be demonstrated by documenting the extent to which the information is known by employees or others in petitioner's business, the extent the information is publicly disclosed in pertinent literature, and the extent of measures taken by petitioner to guard the secrecy of the information.
Factors Considered in Determining Trade Secret Status
2. Does the information have value?
(a) Importance to the product
(b) Product profitability
(c) Future market performance of product
(d) Effort and financial resources invested
The value of knowing the identity and intended use of the ingredient in question may be determined in terms of the importance of the ingredient to the product formulation. It must be assumed that, to be of value, the ingredient significantly contributes to the claimed performance or other pertinent characteristics of the cosmetic and that a cosmetic not containing the claimed trade secret ingredient, or containing conventional substitutes in place of the respective ingredient, could not be expected to perform equally well or otherwise meet certain requirements. Appropriate comparative testing of a cosmetic containing the trade secret ingredient, or one containing conventional substitutes, as well as testing of petitioner's cosmetic against competitor's cosmetic of the same use category may provide factual documentation to this effect and thus demonstrate the value of the information to petitioner. The value of the ingredient information may also be determined in terms of future market performance of a cosmetic or its profitability. However, this kind of value assessment is usually a difficult and inexact task and often provides little factual data to support a value assessment.
Documentation of the effort expended and financial resources invested in the development of the product formulation containing the ingredient in question and providing the claimed characteristics may further support a request for trade secrecy.
Factors Considered in Determining Trade Secret Status
3. Can the information readily be acquired or duplicated
The factor concerning the ease or difficulty with which the identity of the ingredient in question could properly be acquired or duplicated by others may be addressed by documenting an ingredient's rare or unexpected use for the intended purpose in cosmetics of a particular product category or by demonstrating the complexity of the analytical methodology necessary to identify it.
Procedure for Requesting Exemption of an Ingredient Identity From Public Disclosure
- Final determination of Trade Secrecy
- Cosmetic formulation or raw material composition statement (Form 2512 OR 2513)
- Statement of factual and legal grounds justifying trade secrecy
- Statement of prior non-disclosure (§ 20.81)
- Review of data for adequacy
- Tentative determination of trade secrecy
- Final determination of trade secrecy
21 CFR 720.8
When FDA tentatively decides to deny a request, the petitioner may withdraw the records for which FDA has tentatively denied a request for confidentiality. Petitioner may also submit, within 60 days from the date of receipt of the written notice of the tentative denial, additional relevant information and arguments and request that the agency reconsider its decision in light of both the additional material and the originally submitted information.
If the petitioner submits new data, the agency considers that material together with the initially submitted information and makes its final determination. This constitutes final agency action. The petitioner is informed of the agency's final determination in writing.
Procedure for Requesting Exemption of an Ingredient Identity From Public Disclosure
- Submission of Information
- Cosmetic Formulation or Raw Material Composition Statement (Form 2512 OR 2513)
- Statement of factual and legal grounds justifying trade secrecy
- Statement of prior non-disclosure (§ 20.81)
- Review of data for adequacy
- Tentative determination of trade secrecy
- Final determination of trade secrecy
- Judicial review under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 7
21 CFR 720.8
The agency's final decision may be challenged in the courts under 5 U.S.C., Chapter 7. If suit is brought within 30 days after such determination, FDA will not disclose the records involved until the matter is finally determined in the courts. If suit is not brought within 30 days and the petitioner does not withdraw the records for which a request for confidentiality has been denied, the records involved will be made part of FDA's files and will then be available to the public upon request.
It should be noted that until the agency has completed its determination that the identity of a cosmetic ingredient is a trade secret, the cosmetic product in question may not bear the label statement "and other ingredients" in lieu of a declaration of the identity of the ingredient for which confidentiality has been requested. The phrase "and other ingredients" may be used on the label only after an ingredient is accepted by FDA as exempt from public disclosure or, when confidentiality has been denied, if suit is brought within 30 days after a final determination that the ingredient in question is not a trade secret.
Cosmetics That Are Also Drugs
Declaration
- The established name of any active drug ingredient and the quantity, kind, and proportion of any alcohol, in compliance with Sec. 502(e) of the FD&C Act, as "Active Ingredients"
- The remaining ingredients, in compliance with § 701.3, as "Cosmetic Ingredients"
21 CFR 701.3(d)
A product intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance is a cosmetic. If this product claims to accomplish these deeds through physiological activity or by changing the structure of the skin, it is also a drug. The product categories "drug" and "cosmetic" are not mutually exclusive. This is recognized in sec. 509 of the FD&C Act.
If a cosmetic is also a drug, the label must list first the established name of the drug ingredient(s) and the quantity, kind and proportion of any alcohol, in compliance with sec. 502(e) of the FD&C Act, as "Active Ingredients" and then the remaining ingredients, in compliance with § 701.3(a) or (f), as "Cosmetic Ingredients."
Cosmetics That Are Also Drugs
Aerosol Antiperspirant
Incorrect Label Copy:
sobutane
Silicone Oil
Butane
Aluminum Chlorohydrate
Isopropyl Myristate
Denatured Alcohol
Propane
Bentone 38
Correct Label Copy:
Active Ingredient:
Aluminum Chlorohydrate
Cosmetic Ingredients:
Isobutane
Cyclomethicone
Butane
Isopropyl Myristate
SD Alcohol 40
Propane
Quaternium 18 Hectorite
This hypothetical aerosol antiperspirant formulation illustrates on the right side the correct label declaration of the ingredients of a cosmetic which is also a drug.
The active drug ingredient aluminum chlorohydrate is identified as "Active Ingredient" in accordance with sec. 502(e) of the FD&C Act. The remaining ingredients may be identified as "Cosmetic Ingredients" as shown or as "Other Ingredients."
Color Additives Added Sometimes for Color Matching
Listed after the declaration of other color additives and after the phrase"May contain"
21 CFR 701.3(g) (1)
A color additive(s) that is added to a cosmetic during manufacture for the purpose of color matching may be declared on the label of each batch or lot even if not present in each.
The color additive sometimes added for color matching is listed after the declaration of other color additives, or at the end of the declaration, and after the phrase "May Contain."
Color Additives Sometimes Added for Color Matching
Toilet Water
Incorrect Label Copy:
SD Alcohol 39C
Water
Fragrance
Propylene Glycol
Cetyl Lactate
FD&C Red No. 40
FD&C Blue No. 1
Correct Label Copy:
SD Alcohol 39C
Water
Fragrance
Propylene Glycol
Cetyl Lactate
FD&C Red No. 40
FD&C Blue No. 1
May contain:
D&C Yellow No. 10
D&C Yellow No. 10 used for Color Adjustment
This hypothetical toilet water formulation in which D&C Yellow No. 10 is added to some batches for the purpose of color adjustment shows on the right side the correct label declaration of the color additive D&C Yellow No. 10.
Incidental Ingredients
Definition:
Any processing aid added and removed or converted to a declared ingredient
or
Any ingredient of another ingredient or processing aid present at an insignificant level and having no technical or functional effectNeed not be declared
Incidental ingredients need not be declared on the label.
An incidental ingredient is defined in § 701.3(1) as:
1. A substance added during manufacture and removed from the cosmetic in accordance with good manufacturing practices before the cosmetic is packaged in finished form. Example: Filter aid.
2. A substance that is added during manufacture of a cosmetic, is converted to an ingredient declared on the label, and does not significantly increase the concentration of the declared ingredient. Example: Sodium hydroxide added to a sodium stearate and stearic acid-containing cosmetic.
3. A substance added to a cosmetic during manufacture for its technical effect in processing but present in the finished cosmetic at an insignificant level and not having any technical or functional effect in that cosmetic. Example: Defoaming agent.
4. A substance added to a cosmetic as a component of a cosmetic ingredient and having no technical or functional effect in the finished cosmetic. Example: Preservative of a raw material added to a cosmetic as an ingredient at a concentration which reduces the preservative to a level at which it is no longer effective.
Multiunit or Multicomponent Packages
Examples:
Gift set of makeup assortment
Hair coloring kit or home permanent
Declaration:
On outside retail package only if components are not customarily sold individually.21 CFR 701.3 (q)
The ingredients of the units of cosmetics marketed as multiunit or multicomponent packages must be declared on the label of the outside container. They must also be declared on the labels of the inside containers of the units if the inside containers are customarily separated from the outer container for individual retail sale.
A MULTIUNIT package is a package which contains an assortment of similar or dissimilar products. Examples: A shade assortment of eye shadows in an eye make-up kit or a gift set consisting of a lotion, powder and toilet water in a gift box.
A MULTICOMPONENT package is "a package which contains the integral components making up a complete kit, and which is designed to deliver the components in the manner of an application." See 21 CFR 701.13(g)(2). Examples: A hair coloring kit consisting of dye solution and hydrogen peroxide or a permanent wave set consisting of thioglycolate solution and sodium bromate solution.
Multiunit Packages (Assortments in Same Package)
Dissimilar products
Similar products intended same use
Labeling surface area
Less than 12 square inches
Over 12 square inches
Branded shade lines
Single units and assortmentsFor the purpose of cosmetic ingredient labeling and to take advantage of provisions for consolidated ingredient listing in place of somtimes repetitive listing of ingredients unit by unit, a distinction must be made between packages containing:
1. Dissimilar products. Example: Gift set containing a shave cream and an after shave lotion.
2. Products of similar composition and intended for the same use in a package with a total surface area available for labeling of 12 square inches or more. Example: Two toilet waters of different fragrance or color in gift set.
3. Products of similar composition and intended for the same use in a package with a total surface area available for labeling of less than 12 square inches. Example: Eye shadows of different color in a compact case.
4. Products that are single units or assortments of a branded shade line. A branded shade line is a series of products of similar composition, intended for the same use, and sharing a common label with the same brand name. Example: A shade line of lipsticks.
Assortments of Dissimilar Products
Alternate Declaration
Single composite list of color additives with statement that list pertains to all products21 CFR 701.3(h)
The package of an assortment of dissimilar products, i.e., a multiunit package, as, for example, a toilet water and a dusting powder in a gift box, may bear:
A conventional ingredient declaration in which each ingredient of each product is identified under an appropriate product heading, or
An alternate ingredient declaration in which the color additives of all products of the assortment are integrated into a single composite list that indicates that the list pertains to all products.
Please note that if the units of an assortment are customarily separated from the outer package for retail sale, the ingredients must also be declared on the label of each inside unit.
Assortments of Dissimilar Products
Toilet Water and Dusting Powder
Label Copy:
Toilet Water:
