The Expert Panel consists of world-renowned scientists and physicians who have been publicly nominated by consumer, scientific and medical groups; government agencies; and industry. PCPC initiated the CIR program and the associated Expert Panel at the suggestion of and with support from FDA and Consumer Federation of America (CFA).

For 45 years, the Expert Panel, with support of the CIR, has examined and evaluated worldwide published and unpublished scientific safety data for a majority of ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products. Representatives from FDA, CFA and PCPC serve as non-voting liaisons to the Expert Panel and are actively involved in the comment and discussion processes. Expert Panel members must meet similar conflict of interest requirements regarding financial interests as special non-government advisory experts to FDA. Meeting four times per year in Washington, D.C., the Expert Panel conducts safety data evaluations in an open and unbiased manner.

The Expert Panel develops safety assessment monographs, publishes its work in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Toxicology, and issues an annual comprehensive collection of all CIR reports, including abstracts, discussions and conclusions. The Expert Panel has received several awards, including the American Academy of Dermatology Gold Triangle Award and the National Association of Insurance Agents Consumer Product Safety Award. Executive Director Bart Heldreth, Ph.D., manages all of the staff’s activities to effectively and efficiently implement the program’s procedures.