The Personal Care Products Council Requests Public Comments on the Revised Microbiology Guideline “Cleaning and Sanitization”

The Personal Care Products Council (the Council) is requesting public comments by February 20, 2014 on the revised Microbiology Guideline “Cleaning and Sanitization.”

The Council’s Microbiology Guidelines are intended to provide manufacturers with guidance regarding establishing and maintaining microbiological quality programs within their companies.  These Guidelines are also recommended for contract packagers and suppliers of raw materials.

Each Guideline undergoes an extensive development and review process by the Council’s technical committees and scientific staff, as well as public review by member companies, nonmember companies, federal government agencies, and scientific professional societies.

An electronic copy of the draft guideline is available online. Comments should be submitted by email to John Krowka, Senior Microbiologist, krowkaj@personalcarecouncil.org.

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Statement by Halyna Breslawec, PhD, Chief Scientist Personal Care Products Council On The Use of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)

“We are aware of reports about increased sensitization resulting from greater use of methylisothiazolinone (MIT) alone as a preservative and varying opinions in Europe on further limiting the use of MIT in cosmetics.  Currently in the U.S., the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel limits MIT as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products up to 0.01% (100 ppm). MIT is used in products such as shampoos and conditioners that are rinsed off.

“Preservatives help keep us safe by preventing bacteria growth or mold during the typical use of a product so it does not spoil, for example, like a gallon of milk or a block of cheese.  Microbial contamination of cosmetic products, especially those used around the eyes and on the skin, can cause significant problems. Preservatives help prevent such problems.

“In light of new data, the Personal Care Products Council and its members are evaluating information relevant to exposure to MIT as used in North America and will report those findings to the CIR, an independent body of scientific and medical experts that assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics in the U.S.  CIR will reassess the use of MIT in cosmetics at their upcoming meeting in March 2014.

“In accordance with science-based findings, the personal care products industry will continue to act responsibly and maintain its highest commitment to safety.”

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Statement by Halyna Breslawec, PhD, Chief Scientist Personal Care Products Council In Response to Inquiries about a New State of California Website Listing Materials Used in Cosmetic and Personal Care Products

“The nation’s cosmetics and personal care products companies are pleased to announce they have provided a wealth of ingredient information to the State of California under the Safe Cosmetics Act.

“The Safe Cosmetics program is aptly named because cosmetics are among the safest consumer products on the market.  Cosmetics and personal care products undergo rigorous scientific safety testing and review, and in the case of colors and products that qualify as over-the-counter drugs, are approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the authority that regulates cosmetics.  Additionally, federal law mandates that companies substantiate the safety of their products before they are brought to market.

“We appreciate the state’s efforts to create an online repository of ingredient information already found on product labels and submitted to the FDA under the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP).  The state’s website, however, simply presents raw data that requires more context if it is to be meaningful and properly understood by the public. For example, it is important for consumers to be informed that the ingredients listed on the website are found at concentration levels that scientists and authoritative bodies in California and around the world have deemed safe.  Other factors such as usage patterns that would provide consumers with necessary perspective are missing.

“We invite consumers interested in learning more about cosmetics safety to visit, www.cosmeticsinfo.org.”

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Lisa Powers Promoted to EVP for Public Affairs and Communications– Seasoned Communicator Directs Strategic Communications for Industry

The Personal Care Products Council announced today that it has promoted Lisa Powers to Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications, the organization’s top communications position.

“For the past eight years, Lisa has been a tireless advocate for our member companies, their commitment to safety, quality and innovation, and the consumers who trust and use our products every day,” said Lezlee Westine, the Council’s President and CEO.  “This promotion reflects Lisa’s exceptional background in developing strategic public information initiatives, both nationally and globally, on a variety of issues facing our industry.”

Powers oversees the development and execution of strategic communications and public affairs programs including media relations, issues management and the integration of communications with the needs of the Council’s more than 600 member companies, which manufacture and distribute the majority of cosmetic and personal care products sold in the U.S.  Powers joined the organization in 2006 as Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs and was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2012.

Before joining the Council, Powers worked at the Mercury Group where she was responsible for a full spectrum of services from business development and client acquisition, to communications strategy, branding and marketing campaigns, to website and publications management.  During that time, Powers developed and executed successful communications campaigns on behalf of the agency’s key clients which included Fortune 500 companies, advocacy and trade associations, political candidates and celebrities.

Powers has served in top communications and public affairs positions throughout her career and has worked with hundreds of national and international news outlets.

She holds an M.A. in Public Affairs/Communications from American University, and a B.A. in Journalism from Temple University.

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