It has been a busy week in the cosmetic industry. The Campaign for 'Safe' Cosmetics has put out word that their bill The 'Safe' Cosmetics Act of 2010 would not harm small businesses. Their response shows the lack of understanding that they have of the cosmetic industry, ingredients and science in general.
The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 is aimed at all companies that are a "(1) DOMESTIC ESTABLISHMENT.—The term ‘domestic establishment’ means an establishment located in any State that manufactures, packages, or distributes cosmetics." This means Suzy Q small business and the big businesses.
Further, "The Secretary may allow that the declaration of an ingredient present as a contaminant is not required if the contaminant is present at levels below technically feasible detection limits." That means everything, because we can detect at parts per billion! That means Suzy Q business needs to test her finished product for these "technically feasible detection limits."
Continue reading "Links and Quotes Regarding the Impact of the Safe Cosmetics Act 2010" »
Sometimes when you go looking for adventure you get more than you bargained for; such was the case on Monday night when my daughters and I set out for a night horse ride in the mountains of Montana. The adventure portion of the horse ride was the fact that it was going to be just over an hour long ride in the mountains as the sun set and ending in utter darkness.
The darkness meant that we had to rely fully on the horse in the end to navigate the mountain trail. I've been on this ride before and since my daughters have spent two summers taking horse lessons and riding here in Montana on progressively difficult trails I thought this would be a fun new adventure to take them on with me.
Continue reading "Adventures with Bonus Thrills" »
Kristen Fraser Cotte of the Grapeseed Company writes fun recipes for her segment Fresh From Your Kitchen on her Green Skin Care blog.
These quick hair brightening rinses for both blonds and brunettes to help add shine, brighten and clarify your mane are perfect for summer and Kristen was kind enough to share them with me at Essential U.
Continue reading "fresh from your kitchen: bright & shiny locks :: Guest Post by Kristen Fraser Cotte" »
Kelly Ann Taylor of Cassia Aromatics is a classic Proverbs 31 woman. She is of noble character, she works with eager hands, she sets about her work vigorously, strength and honor are her clothing and so many of the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman are true of Kelly. She shares parts of herself in her blog Cassia's Kitchen and pours her passion into Cassia Aromatics.

How did you get into the aromatherapy and candle business?
In 1997 after I had my daughter, I did not feel well physically. I began to be in earnest about my health, being a first time mother at the age of 41! I took some herbology classes with the intent on becoming a naturopathic doctor. I got so far when my husband told me he did not think it was the right time for us to make the financial investment for me to get certified. But I had already become "hooked" on the essential oils and stocked up an arsenal of them. So I shelved the natural herbalist idea but kept my oils! I absolutely love essential oils and fragrance in general.
Continue reading "The Business of Aromatics :: The Story of Cassia Aromatics" »
Katherine Corkill of Sterling Minerals is an amazing researcher who opening shares her wealth of knowledge. Her post regarding the FDA and FTC compliance is full of important information and I thank Katherine for allowing me to share her post on Essential U.
FDA & FTC Compliance :: Wading Through the Muck :: Guest Post by Katherine Corkill
Keeping In The Loop
It seems like a tireless journey of wading through the continuous changes and updates within the cosmetics and skincare industry, trying to always make sure we remain updated at every level.
New photos, take down of pages, updated or changing information and added features such as our Beauty News, Specials & Events, and our new comments box have been occurring since the first part of this year. But what I want to address most importantly are page take downs and product information. This is getting done as my web team has time and I have the time to get them the latest information. It is a constant state of a "work in progress". Plus as we progress forward, much of the information becomes antiquated as the industry thrives and changes. So in the future, our best updates for all pertinent information will be provided through Beauty News since these will be dated when published and later articles will be representative of the latest information as it becomes available to us. Same with our Skin Care Guide!
Continue reading "FDA & FTC Compliance :: Wading Through the Muck :: Guest Post by Katherine Corkill" »
I remember clearly the afternoon I first meet representatives of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. I was working my booth at Natural Product Expo and two young ladies approached me to ask if I would commit to my company making safe cosmetics. I explained that I already make safe cosmetics and that the focus of my business was natural, organic safe cosmetics.
They were delighted and explained that they were looking for companies who would commit to making safe cosmetics. Well, since I already did business that way I thought, what harm could it do to sign their compact for safe cosmetics? Full circle now, I understand the harm.
Continue reading "The Lesson of "What Harm Can it Do?"" »
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CFSC) has been masquerading as David in the David and Goliath epic story. They have acted as though they are up against big business and government. Today the perfectly timed release of their video The Story of Cosmetics in conjunction with introduction into Congress of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 revealed that in fact the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is Goliath and the cosmetic industry (especially the small business portion) is in reality David.
If only the small businesses in the cosmetic industry had the star power, political clout and government in their back pocket like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and their cohorts The Environmental Working Group (EWG), Tides Foundation and Free Range Studios. Their video The Story of Cosmetics (link purposefully not included) accuses the cosmetic industry of directing the government; however today it is clear that the non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) CFSC and the EWG are actually the puppeteers directing the government.
Continue reading "Comments & Concerns Regarding The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010" »
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