Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Examining the Current State of Cosmetics:
US Congress Explores Safety in Cosmetics

For those of you who are unaware, the US Congress sat down today to discuss and hear testimony on the regulation process of cosmetics in the United States.

Why is this such a big deal? Well, of course, these regulations determine what companies can put into our makeup, hair care, body care, toothpaste, children's personal care products, sunscreens, etc...and that's hugely important. They also have an effect on the US economical landscape: according to a 2010 report prepared the Personal Care Products Council by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the personal care/beauty industry accounts for 2.8 million jobs. That's a heck of a lot of people, and it results in $189 billion in GDP.

Obviously, this is a complex issue, and it is compounded by a lot of misinformation and scare tactic pseudo-science, which makes it even more important that we pay attention to what it going on. Here's the hearing in its entirety; I encourage each one of you to take the time, if you have it, to sit down and watch it.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/21403305

Additional information from the hearing, including opening statements and written testimony, can be found on the House Energy and Commerce Committee pages:

http://energycommerce.house.gov/hearings/hearingdetail.aspx?NewsID=9394

http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?q=hearing/health-subcommittee-hearing-on-examining-the-current-state-of-cosmetics

You can also view the social media reaction by checking out the Twitter topic #cosmeticshearing.

Of course, I hope everyone out there will take the time to go over this information and make your voice heard, but for those of you that do not have the time, attention span, or inclination to follow congressional subcommittee hearings, never fear, you can borrow my notes! Keep an eye out in the next day or so for a "highlight reel" of the hearing.

3 comments:

B said...

Thank you for helping to spread the word!! :)

Unknown said...

Hi! Your blog is awesome and super informative. We love it and just wanted to let you know that we nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award - http://thecateyeshaveit.blogspot.com/2012/03/our-first-blogger-awards.html

Unknown said...

B,
Of course! While it may not seem like an issue everyone needs to be aware of, I wouldn't be writing this blog if I didn't think that it's every person's right, maybe even responsibility, to understand what product claims mean, what ingredients can do, etc...and of course, this all ties in to that. Knowledge is power!

Cateye Girls,
Thanks so much, I'm honored! I love my readers and the community I've become a part of through this blog, but at the same time every second I spend on here is time I'm not spending with my family. It's important to hear from time to time that what I do here means something to someone! :)

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