Statement by Beth Lange, PhD, Chief Scientist Personal Care Products Council On Latest Report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) “Marine Debris and Microplastics”


Washington, D.C. – “The Cosmetics and Personal Care Products industry firmly believes that protecting our oceans and waterways, including reducing the growing amount of plastic litter, is an important global issue.  The recent UNEP report aptly states, ‘Plastic litter in the ocean can be considered a common concern of humankind.’

“Our industry has a longstanding commitment to protecting the environment we all share.  That commitment is reflected in the environmental initiatives and partnerships with NGOs among many of our member companies.  In addition, our industry’s swift action to phase out plastic microbeads from its products, despite little scientific data to suggest that microbeads derived from cosmetics are a major contributor to environmental pollution, also reflects our strong commitment.  

“We applaud the most recent UNEP report for finally setting the record straight about our industry.  The report recognizes that the use of microplastics in personal care products is ‘not a significant source of environmental pollution, especially compared with other sources of primary and secondary microplastics.’  These conclusions confirm the findings of other studies that show microbeads make up only 0.1 – 1.5 % of all sources of microplastics pollution.

“Equally important, the UNEP report accurately notes that current science does not support a conclusion that microplastics pose a threat to human health.  Moreover, potential environmental impacts of microplastics should be based on scientifically valid, risk based assessments and not just based on exposure or hazard data in isolation.  This holistic approach would lead to a clearer understanding of how microplastic materials interact with the environment.

“We share the report’s solutions-oriented approach to marine plastic litter and its assertion that solutions should be based on a scientifically valid, risk-based assessment and an active management strategy that engages key stakeholders, both public and private.  The Personal Care Products Council (as well as several of our member companies) is actively engaging with NGOs, scientists and academics to support a collaborative and pragmatic approach to this important issue.

“Since microplastics originate from numerous sources, we agree with UNEP for calling attention to the most critical factor in reducing marine plastic pollution: proper waste management, especially in certain geographic regions.  As the report states, ‘Improving waste collection and management presents the most urgent solution to reducing plastic inputs, especially in developing economies. This will also have other societal benefits in terms of human health, environmental degradation and economic development.’

“We are hopeful the UNEP findings will help counter the many unsupported claims, myths and inaccurate news coverage that have marred this critical discussion and stalled appropriate corrective actions, as well as shift the conversation to finding real solutions to marine plastic debris.”

Statement by Beth Lange, PhD, Chief Scientist Personal Care Products Council in Response to the Environmental Working Group’s 2016 Guide to Sunscreens


“While the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2016 Guide to Sunscreens helps raise awareness of the dangers of sun exposure and the importance of using sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, the report also contains inaccuracies that can confuse consumers and be potentially harmful to public health.

“This year’s shopping guide contains little new information from previous years. The claims made by EWG could keep consumers from using sunscreen altogether. Sun protection and sunscreen use are critical to preventing skin cancer and premature skin aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation. Daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.

“Although the EWG report questions whether UVA rays are screened in U.S. products, broad spectrum sunscreens with SPF 15 and greater must protect against both UVB and UVA radiation.  To achieve high SPF protection values, products have to screen both UVA and UVB radiation.

“EWG cites inhalation and application concerns with spray sunscreen products, noting that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requested information on spray sunscreens from manufacturers. The Council and its member companies submitted significant safety and efficacy data to address FDA’s request, and scientists and dermatologists expressed their support of sprays and their desire to allow consumers access to these products. We are confident that FDA ultimately will acknowledge the continued safe use of these products and allow these sprays to remain on the market to provide consumers with additional sunscreen choices.

“Oxybenzone is one of the few FDA-approved ingredients that provides effective broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation, and has been approved for use since 1978. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), available peer-reviewed scientific literature, and regulatory assessments from national and international bodies around the world, there is no link between oxybenzone in sunscreen and hormonal alterations or any other significant health issues in humans.

“Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A that is sometimes used in sunscreen products as an antioxidant and to enhance skin suppleness.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Skin Cancer Foundation and health care professionals around the world all emphasize the importance of sunscreen use as part of a safe sun regimen. The dangers of sun exposure are clear and universally recognized by public health professionals and dermatologists. The National Institutes of Health Report on Carcinogens identifies solar UV radiation as a ‘known human carcinogen.’ A single bad burn as a child is known to increase the skin’s susceptibility to damage and skin cancer throughout life.

“It is also important to note that the FDA regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and requires rigorous testing for sunscreen effectiveness (both SPF and “Broad Spectrum”). Consumers can rest assured that this reliable and credible testing method results in sunscreens that are safe and effective in protecting them from harmful UV rays. FDA’s sunscreen testing requirements are well recognized by experts and regulatory authorities in the U.S. as well as globally.  

“Some simple tips for sun safety include:

  • Avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10am-4pm
  • Wearing sun protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses
  • Using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, even on cloudy days
  • Reapplying sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating
  • Seeing your health care professional every year for a skin exam

“Our goal is to help consumers make informed decisions and use sunscreen as an important part of an overall safe sun program. Sunscreen is a crucial step in the fight against skin cancer and premature skin aging. As EWG acknowledges, ‘a good sunscreen is one you’re going to use and reapply at least every two hours.’ It is our hope that using sunscreen becomes as much of a habit as using your seatbelt.”  

Statement by Francine Lamoriello, Executive Vice President, Global Strategies Personal Care Products Council In Response to USITC Report on the Importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP)


“The Personal Care Products Council welcomes the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) report, ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement: Likely Impact on the U.S. Economy and on Specific Industry Sectors’. The report reinforces our belief that the TPP provides a historic opportunity to facilitate international trade of cosmetics and personal care products by aligning regulatory policies.

“With the inclusion of an Annex on cosmetic products, TPP is the first trade agreement to promote regulatory convergence and address technical barriers to trade that impede the personal care products industry.  Among other things, potential benefits include addressing divergent labeling requirements among individual markets, eliminating requirements for Certificates of Free Sale, and eliminating dual registration for products that only differ by shade or fragrance. The Annex provides an important framework for international regulatory best practices that will raise standards and allow our industry to continue to provide safe, innovative products in a timely fashion to consumers around the world.

“The report predicts that there will be an increase in exports towards certain TPP markets that currently have high tariffs.  In addition, it will level the playing field allowing U.S. companies to enjoy similar benefits to those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Latin American regional agreements.

“The cosmetic and personal care products industry is a global industry that requires open markets and transparent, consistent regulatory environments. International trade is a critical component to the success of our industry, and significantly contributes to our ability to compete globally, to expand manufacturing and employment, and to support other industries such as advertising, packaging and transportation. Our industry also promotes continued technological innovation and supports small and medium sized businesses.

“Passage of this extraordinary agreement will mean a stronger global personal care products industry, a stronger U.S. economy and more U.S. jobs.  We urge Congress to recognize this historic achievement and ratify this agreement.”

Statement by Beth Lange, PhD, Chief Scientist Personal Care Products Council In Response to Consumer Reports’ “Summer Survival Guide”


“We are pleased to hear the strong message from Consumer Reports that the best sunscreen is the one a consumer is likely to use, and applaud the clear public health message that consumers should apply sunscreen adequately, to all exposed areas, and remember to reapply.  The report highlights the variety of sunscreens that are currently available to consumers. While there are many different forms (lotion, spray, etc.) and types (water resistant, fragrance free, oil free, etc.) of sunscreen available, finding one that works for an individual and proper use are key factors to protecting skin.  

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) and health care professionals around the world all emphasize the importance of sunscreen use as part of a sun safety regimen.  The dangers of sun exposure are clear and universally recognized by public health professionals and dermatologists. The National Institutes of Health Report on Carcinogens identifies solar UV radiation as a ‘known human carcinogen.’ A single bad burn as a child can increase the skin’s susceptibility to damage and skin cancer throughout life.

“It is important to note that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and requires rigorous testing for sunscreen effectiveness (both SPF and Broad Spectrum).  Consumers can rest assured that this reliable and credible testing method results in sunscreens that are safe and effective in protecting them from harmful UV rays. FDA’s sunscreen testing requirements are well recognized by experts and regulatory authorities in the U.S. as well as globally.  Consumer Reports did their own testing of the products but did not share whether they followed the FDA guidelines required by companies.  As such, it is difficult to determine whether their results were consistent with FDA testing requirements.

“Some simple tips for sun safety include:

  • Avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10:00 am- 4 p.m.
  • Wearing sun protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses
  • Using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on a cloudy day
  • Reapplying sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating
  • Visiting your healthcare professional every year for a skin exam

“Our goal is to help consumers make informed decisions and use sunscreen as an important part of an overall safe sun program.  Daily use of sunscreen is a crucial step in the fight against skin cancer and premature skin aging. It is our hope that using sunscreen becomes as much of a habit as putting on your seatbelt.”