Thousands of people have recently lost their hair after using the popular Wen Hair Care line created by L.A. hairstylist Chaz Dean. Some also reported rashes, itching, and bald patches. These products have been endorsed by Alyssa Milano, Brooke Shields, and other celebrities who are a role model for their fans. So far, more than 21,000 complaints have been filed against Mr. Dean. Should the FDA take action? How much power do they have over cosmetics?
FDA regulations over cosmetics haven’t changed too much since 1938 when the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act was made public. With the exception of color additives, the law doesn’t require makeup and skin care products to obtain FDA approval before going on the market. Manufacturers can not use misleading labels to market their products. However, the FDA has little power in the cosmetic industry. It’s the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that its labels are truthful.
Considering the latest events, it’s no wonder customers are concerned about the safety of cosmetics. Millions of products contain toxic ingredients like mercury and formaldehyde. Yet, they are widely available on store shelves. Basically, there is no regulation of beauty, hair, and skin care products. What’s even worse is that many of these products are marketed towards children. For instance, the Wen Hair Care line is promoted as a unique formulation that’s gentle enough for pediatric use.
Unlike drug manufacturers, cosmetic companies do not have to notify the government of possible adverse reactions. As long as they don’t break the law, there isn’t anything the FDA can do. Currently, the government is trying to pass the Feinstein-Collins bill, which would require that cosmetic companies let the FDA know about any potential side effects to their products. This new law has won the endorsement of MAC, Neutrogena, Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder, and other big names. Additionally, several major companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, have reformulated their products to make them safer for customers.
