The Need for Government Regulation of the Cosmetic Industry Prisila Godoi SUNY Purchase

Abstract

This paper investigates the role the FDA plays in the monitoring of the ingredients used in cosmetics. It discusses the mismanagement the FDA has on the cosmetic industry. The FDA has stringent regulations and testing for drugs and food, yet allows cosmetic companies to monitor themselves. This allows the public to use products unknowing what the effects have on their health. The absences of strict government oversight lead cosmetic companies to use ingredients that have little to no testing and could lead to larger health risks in using these products. This has allowed cosmetic companies to use inferior ingredients in their products. The use of these ingredients is not to the fault of these companies, as it is the fault of the FDA. They lack the resources needed to ensure the safety of the consumer. This paper will demonstrate what key ingredients consumers should stay away from and be aware of. It also argues the need for a new agency to fill the void the FDA has left.

Keywords: “Harmful + ingredients + Cosmetics”, “Ingredients + Cosmetics”, “Effects + Cosmetics”, “Regulation + Cosmetics + Ingredients”, “FDA + Parabens”, “FDA + Cosmetics”