Statement by the Personal Care Products Council in Support of the Bipartisan Humane Cosmetics Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558

Statement by the Personal Care Products Council in Support of the Bipartisan Humane Cosmetics Act

WASHINGTON – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies strongly support the Humane Cosmetics Act reintroduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Don Beyer (D-Va.), Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) and Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.). We applaud these members of Congress for driving a significant bipartisan effort that sets the stage for eliminating new cosmetics animal testing in favor of innovative, scientifically advanced safety assessments.

“The Humane Cosmetics Act prohibits animal testing of cosmetics and their ingredients and prohibits the sale in the United States of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. This reintroduction builds on the decades’ long effort by industry and stakeholders to promote non-animal alternatives. For nearly four decades, both in the U.S. and globally, our member companies have been instrumental in the movement to develop viable alternative safety assessment methods, and we will continue to work towards this important charge.

“PCPC and our member companies have worked with policy makers to achieve regulatory and scientific advancements that will move the world closer to eliminating the need for animals in product safety testing. Our industry has been at the forefront of the ambitious goal to eliminate animal testing and has long advocated for government recognition and acceptance of non-animal testing methods for product safety. The bill includes select exemptions for products that undergo animal testing mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other international regulators.

“PCPC stands united with a diverse coalition of stakeholders to support a uniform, humane standard for animal welfare and cosmetics safety. PCPC works closely with the International Cooperation on Cosmetic Regulation (ICCR), International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM) and the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS) in an effort to advance science and encourage global adoption of alternative methods for safety assessments. Launched in February 2023 with the support of approximately 40 cosmetics brand manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, international industry associations and animal rights NGOs, ICCS is committed to the adoption of animal-free safety assessments for cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients.

“We look forward to working with animal welfare groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, and members of Congress to enact this important legislation to protect animal welfare while ensuring the safety of these innovative products that consumers trust and rely on every day.”

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $529.3 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to safety, quality and innovation. 

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Statement by Lezlee Westine, President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council, on U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s Visit to China

WASHINGTON – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) supports U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo’s approach to advance U.S. commercial interests in China and to establish a new formal dialogue with Chinese officials and the private sector from both countries. China is an important market for U.S. cosmetics and personal care products companies, and we are optimistic the initiatives announced during the Secretary’s visit will help address longstanding issues hindering trade and investment. PCPC is eager to participate in and gain valuable insights from these discussions.”

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $529.3 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to safety, quality and innovation. 

 

More from PCPC

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council, on Congressional Funding for the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, Advancing Cosmetics Innovation and Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council, on Congressional Funding for the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, Advancing Cosmetics Innovation and Safety

WASHINGTON – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies are deeply appreciative of the Senate Appropriations Committee approving the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bill, which includes $7 million in funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support the implementation of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA). This critical action reflects our industry’s advocacy efforts and dedication to consumer safety, product innovation and scientific excellence. PCPC has long supported providing the FDA with the resources it needs to advance modern federal regulatory oversight of cosmetics and personal care products.

“For more than a decade, PCPC has been at the forefront of advocating on behalf of our member companies for well-crafted, science-based federal reforms to invigorate our industry’s ability to innovate and modernize regulation. The unwavering leadership of Committee Chair Patty Murray and Ranking Member Susan Collins guided the appropriations process. Their commitment not only made MoCRA possible, but their efforts ensure that the FDA has the necessary tools to maintain consistent and effective regulation of cosmetics and personal care products.

“Consumer and product safety remains at the heart of our industry. PCPC and our member companies look forward to working closely with the FDA and key stakeholders to implement this landmark legislation effectively. Our collective dedication will further reinforce consumer trust in the products they use daily, driving the growth of our science-driven beauty and personal care industry.”

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $529.3 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to safety, quality and innovation. 

More from PCPC

Statement by Alexandra Kowcz, Chief Scientist, Personal Care Products Council, in Response to the Environmental Working Group’s 2023 Sunscreen Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558

Statement by Alexandra Kowcz, Chief Scientist
Personal Care Products Council
in Response to the Environmental Working Group’s 2023 Sunscreen Report

WASHINGTON – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and its member companies are aligned with health professionals and organizations worldwide – including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Surgeon General, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation – about the essential public health benefits of sunscreens. Sunscreens on the market today are backed by decades of scientific research and safe use to help adults and children guard against the dangers of excessive sun exposure. As part of a daily safe-sun regimen, sunscreen products help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. It is unfortunate that as Americans spend more time outdoors, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2023 sunscreens report resorts to fearmongering with misleading information that could keep consumers from using sunscreens altogether.

“The cosmetics and personal care products industry is proud of the innovative sunscreen products we provide to help protect consumers from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is important to note that the FDA regulates all sunscreen products as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

“EWG’s 2023 shopping guide contains little new information compared to previous reports. For example, this report claims that sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both as active ingredients are better for consumers and implies a conclusion that the FDA did not reach. EWG suggests sunscreen products containing other active ingredients may be harmful. The FDA rejects this characterization and has publicly stated that Americans should continue to use sunscreens. Ensuring consumers have access to sunscreen products containing a wide variety of active ingredients is an important contribution to the FDA’s public health mission. 

“Working with our industry, the FDA requested additional data for certain sunscreen ingredients currently used in products worldwide to further evaluate their status as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE). Importantly, sunscreens made with these ingredients are not considered unsafe by the FDA and will remain on the market to be used as part of consumers’ sun-safe practices while additional data are collected. The FDA specifically noted, ‘Sun safety is important for everyone, regardless of your skin tone. Americans can reduce risks from sun exposure with continued use of sun protection measures including broad spectrum sunscreen.’ Ultimately, having a range of safe and effective sunscreen active ingredients allows manufacturers to formulate safe and effective products that meet the differing needs and preferences of individuals and their families, while providing necessary protection. 

“EWG further claims that most sunscreen products on the market today offer inferior broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation. The FDA requires rigorous testing for sunscreen effectiveness (both sun protection factor [SPF] and broad spectrum). Broad-spectrum sunscreens must protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Consumers can be confident that these reliable and credible testing methods, which are well recognized by scientific experts and regulatory authorities worldwide, result in sunscreens that are safe and effective. Neither EWG’s methods nor its newly introduced sunscreen verification program have been subject to scrutiny or approval by scientific or regulatory agencies. 

“Skin cancer is a significant and largely preventable public health concern. Our industry’s goal continues to be to help consumers make informed decisions and use sunscreen as an important part of an overall safe-sun program as recommended by numerous nonprofit and government organizations to prevent skin cancer. The CDC’s Sun Safety recommendations note the importance of daily sunscreen use, including on cloudy and overcast days, to help prevent most skin cancers. The National Toxicology Program identifies solar UV radiation as a ‘known human carcinogen.’ A single bad sunburn as a child increases the skin’s susceptibility to damage and skin cancer throughout life.

“Some simple tips for sun safety include:

  • Avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wearing sun-protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses
  • Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 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

“We hope that using sunscreen becomes as much of a habit as using your seat belt. For more information about cosmetics and personal care products companies, products and their ingredients, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org.”

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $529.3 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation. For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

More from PCPC

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council, on Proposed FDA Reorganization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558  

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council, on Proposed FDA Reorganization

Washington, D.C. – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support its mission to protect consumer health and to understand better how the FDA’s proposed reorganization could impact cosmetics and personal care products regulation. As we have in the past, we stand ready to collaborate with the Agency and other stakeholders to ensure any reorganization enables the beauty and personal care industry to continue to provide innovative, safe and effective products while maintaining consumer trust.

“PCPC’s current priority is to work with the FDA to effectively implement the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022. This historic legislation gives the FDA additional tools to ensure cosmetics’ safety and to protect public health, reinforcing consumer confidence in the products they trust and use every day. MoCRA also brings the FDA’s oversight of the beauty and personal care sector more in line with other categories the agency regulates and helps contribute to global regulatory alignment. We look forward to working with FDA Chief Scientist Namandjé Bumpus, Ph.D., who will be leading the effort on MoCRA’s implementation as cosmetics and personal care products will now reside in the Office of the Chief Scientist within the Office of the Commissioner. We believe the Commissioner’s decision is the right one.

“Our industry will work with the FDA as it moves forward with the proposed reorganization, and contribute our expertise to support appropriate cosmetics and personal care products regulation. We recognize the importance of transparency in regulatory decision-making and will continue to advocate for a transparent, science-based and risk-based approach to regulation.”

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For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $529.3 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

More from PCPC

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO, Personal Care Products Council, on the Congressional Passage of INFORM Consumers Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558      

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO, Personal Care Products Council,
on the Congressional Passage of INFORM Consumers Act

Washington, D.C. — “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies applaud Congress for passing legislation that addresses the critical and growing risk posed by online sales of stolen and counterfeit consumer products, including cosmetics and personal care products. The Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act protects consumers by verifying the identities of high-volume sellers.

“We commend Sens. Bill Cassidy and Dick Durbin, along with Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Gus Bilirakis, for their leadership and commitment to producing a bipartisan bill that limits the online sale of stolen, counterfeit and dangerous consumers products in online marketplaces, requiring them to collect information of high-volume, third-party sellers and disclosing it to shoppers and law enforcement. 

“PCPC’s member companies invest substantial resources to ensure the safety and quality of their products and that those products meet federal and state safety and quality requirements. Counterfeit cosmetics and personal care products are fraud — they damage businesses, drain the economy, and most importantly, threaten consumer health and safety. We strongly support best practices for online platforms to help ensure that products sold are authentic and safe.

“We look forward to continuing our engagement with Congress and other stakeholders to advance solutions designed to protect consumers when purchasing products from online marketplaces.”

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For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org. 

Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $484.1 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

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Statement by Kimberly Norman, Ph.D., DABT, ERT, Personal Care Products Council, on Hair Straighteners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558

Washington, D.C. – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies believe there is nothing more important than the safety of our products and the trust that consumers place in them. If our consumers can’t believe in a product and rely on it to do what it says, then nothing else matters. Our 600 members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most recognized and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. These companies are committed to ensuring consumer choice and access to safe and effective products that meet the differing needs of individuals and their families. Science and safety are the cornerstone of our industry.

“PCPC is aware of a recent study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, reporting the possible association between hair straighteners and the incidence of uterine cancer. A fundamental principle of epidemiology is that association is not the same as causation; one does not necessarily lead to the other. The association observed in the study is with people who straighten their hair, not the ingredients in hair products or any specific chemicals as this data was not collected.

“The study does not account for a number of other differences that may be associated with increased incidence as the ‘uterine cancer cases tended to be older with an earlier age at menarche [the first menstrual period], a higher BMI, and lower physical activity,’ and notes a stronger association of straightener use among women with low physical activity. These other observed associations were largely ignored in the study. Additionally, the study suggests that Black women could be affected more by this observed association of hair straightener use, even though the generated data show ‘no differences in the hazard ratios between racial and ethnic groups.’

“In the U.S., cosmetics, including hair straighteners and relaxers, are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). All cosmetics products and their ingredients are subject to the same safety requirement under the FD&C Act – companies have a legal responsibility to ensure that their products and the ingredients used in them are safe for consumers before they are marketed to the public. Product safety is also established though strict adherence to the principles of Quality Assurance and Good Manufacturing Practices.

“FDA notes that it is important to follow the directions on the label and inside the package for cosmetics products to ensure that the product performs as intended. For more information on our industry, our products and the ingredients used in them, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org. By providing access to accurate information, consumers can make informed choices about the best products available.”

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $484.1 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

More from PCPC

Statement by the Personal Care Products Council in Response to the National Academy of Sciences Report, “Review of Fate, Exposure, and Effects of Sunscreens in Aquatic Environments and Implications for Sunscreen Usage and Human Health”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558

Washington, D.C. – “Cosmetics and personal care products companies provide innovative sunscreen products to help protect consumers from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies welcome the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) thorough and comprehensive review of the state of the science, released today, on the use of currently marketed sunscreen ingredients, their environmental impact on aquatic environments, and the potential public health implications associated with changes in sunscreen use.

“An ad hoc committee of the NAS calls upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct an environmental risk assessment (ERA) of sunscreen UV filters to characterize possible risks to aquatic ecosystems and the species that live within them, including coral. The report identified information gaps and research priorities necessary to inform a tiered approach to the ERA.

“The key conclusions confirm PCPC’s long-held position that there is currently insufficient relevant and reliable scientific data to conduct realistic ERAs and there is not enough scientific data to support sunscreen ingredient bans. Policymakers, regulators and legislators should not make any decisions that impact consumers’ access to FDA-approved sunscreen UV filters until the scientific community reaches an informed consensus.

“Sunscreen use is a critical and well-recognized tool in the fight against skin cancer and premature skin aging. Despite some recognized knowledge gaps, NAS acknowledges that if consumers reduced their use of currently marketed sunscreens because of regulatory restrictions or perceived environmental risks, there could be significant potential adverse public health impacts of increased UV-induced skin cancers. Medical experts and regulatory authorities worldwide agree that sunscreens play a critical role in a safe-sun regimen and nothing in the report changes that recommendation.

“The NAS report makes clear the environmental and public health data gaps are complex and will require close cooperation among governmental agencies, sunscreen manufacturers and UV filter manufacturers to conduct the needed research. As a science-driven industry, we have been and continue to be committed to advancing robust and reliable research to address these data gaps in both environmental and public health research.

“Our industry’s research aims to develop UV sunscreen environmental monitoring data, a validated standardized toxicity testing model for coral and a multi-tiered ERA model for sunscreen UV filters that realistically reflects what occurs in nature.

“PCPC member companies remain firmly committed to providing consumers with access to a wide variety of safe, effective and innovative sunscreens. Together, we hope sunscreens will remain as much of a public health habit as wearing your seatbelt.”

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For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org. 

Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $484.1 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

More from PCPC

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO, on the Introduction of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Landmark Advancements Act of 2022 by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Richard Burr (R-NC)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558

Washington, D.C. — “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and its member companies stand united in our longstanding commitment to work with all stakeholders to modernize federal regulatory oversight for cosmetics and personal care products. We commend Chair Murray and Ranking Member Burr for their leadership in advancing FDA cosmetics reform and their commitment to producing a bipartisan discussion draft that would create a more contemporary legislative framework for oversight of the cosmetics and personal care sector.

“The release of the discussion draft is a significant step forward for cosmetics reform. As this process moves forward, we will continue to work with the HELP Committee to advance a bipartisan bill into law – a goal we have all shared for more than a decade. As part of our ongoing commitment to modernizing the regulatory system for our sector, PCPC and its member companies have contributed substantive feedback to the HELP Committee to help inform legislative action.

“We strongly believe that well-crafted, science-based reforms will enhance our industry’s ability to innovate and further strengthen consumer confidence in the products they trust and use every day. We look forward to reviewing the discussion draft with our member companies to fully assess its provisions.”

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $484.1 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation. For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

More from PCPC

Statement by Alexandra Kowcz, Chief Scientist, Personal Care Products Council, in Response to the Environmental Working Group’s 2022 Sunscreens Guide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558

Washington, D.C. – “Sunscreens on the market today are backed by decades of scientific research and safe use to help adults and children guard against the dangers of excessive sun exposure. The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and its member companies are aligned with health professionals and organizations worldwide – including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Surgeon General, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation – about the essential public health benefits of sunscreens. As part of a daily safe-sun regimen, sunscreen products help prevent sunburn and reduce skin cancer risk. It is unfortunate that as Americans spend more time outdoors, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2022 Guide to Sunscreens resorts to fearmongering with misleading information that could keep consumers from using sunscreens altogether.

“The cosmetics and personal care product industry is proud of the innovative sunscreen products we provide to help protect consumers from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunscreen use is a crucial and well-recognized step in the fight against skin cancer and premature aging. It is important to note that the FDA regulates all sunscreen products in today’s marketplace as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

“EWG’s 2022 shopping guide contains little new information compared to previous reports. For example, this report claims that sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both as active ingredients are better for consumers and implies a conclusion that the FDA did not reach. EWG suggests sunscreen products containing other active ingredients may be harmful. The FDA rejects this characterization and has publicly stated that Americans should continue to use sunscreens. Ensuring consumers have access to sunscreen products containing a wide variety of sunscreen active ingredients is an important contribution to the FDA’s public health mission. 

“Working with our industry, the FDA requested additional data for certain sunscreen ingredients currently used in products worldwide to further evaluate their status as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE). Importantly, sunscreens made with these ingredients are not considered unsafe by the FDA and will remain on the market to be used as part of consumers sun-safe practices while additional data are collected. The FDA specifically noted, ‘Sun safety is important for everyone, regardless of your skin tone. Americans can reduce risks from sun exposure with continued use of sun protection measures including broad spectrum sunscreen.’ Ultimately, having a range of safe and effective sunscreen active ingredients allows manufacturers to formulate safe and effective products that meet the differing needs and preferences of individuals and their families, while providing necessary protection against the damaging effects of the sun. 

“EWG further claims that most sunscreen products on the market today offer inferior broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation. The FDA requires rigorous testing for sunscreen effectiveness (both Sun Protection Factor [SPF] and Broad Spectrum). Broad-spectrum sunscreens must protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Consumers can be confident that these reliable and credible testing methods, which are well recognized by scientific experts and regulatory authorities worldwide, result in sunscreens that are safe and effective. EWG’s methods have not been subject to scrutiny or approval by any scientific or regulatory agency.

“Unjustly criticized by EWG every year, oxybenzone is one of the few FDA-approved ingredients that provides safe and effective broad-spectrum protection and has been approved and safely used since 1978. Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia, China, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan and Brazil have also approved it. Oxybenzone protects against UVA rays, which penetrate more deeply into the skin and are scientifically proven to contribute to skin cancer. AAD notes that available peer-reviewed scientific literature and current regulatory assessments from national and international bodies show there is no causal link between oxybenzone use in sunscreens and health issues in humans.

“Skin cancer is a significant and largely preventable public health concern. Our industry’s goal continues to be to help consumers make informed decisions and use sunscreen as an important part of an overall safe-sun program as recommended by numerous nonprofit and government organizations to prevent skin cancer. The CDC’s Sun Safety recommendations note the importance of daily sunscreen use, including on cloudy and overcast days, to help prevent most skin cancers. The National Toxicology Program identifies solar UV radiation as a ‘known human carcinogen.’ A single bad burn as a child increases the skin’s susceptibility to damage and skin cancer throughout life.

“Some simple tips for sun safety include:

  • Avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wearing sun-protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses
  • Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 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

“We hope that using sunscreen becomes as much of a habit as using your seat belt. For more information about cosmetics and personal care products companies, products and their ingredients, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org.”

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $484.1 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation. For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

More from PCPC