The Truth About Running a Cosmetics Business

If you're making and selling cosmetic products, I need to be honest with you.

And I know some people won't like hearing this.

But somebody needs to say it.

There seems to be a growing belief that compliance is something you can simply buy.

That if you purchase a CPSR, get a label made, have someone create a PIF, or hire somebody to handle the paperwork, then your legal responsibilities disappear.

Unfortunately, that's not how it works.

As the Responsible Person, or business owner, the legal responsibility sits with you.

Not your assessor.

Not your CPSR provider.

Not your fragrance supplier.

Not your label designer.

You.

A CPSR is only one small part of cosmetic compliance.

You also have ongoing responsibilities.

You need to understand the regulations that apply to your products.

You need to keep up with regulatory changes.

You need to know when ingredients become restricted, prohibited, or reclassified.

You need to monitor IFRA updates.

You need to check updated allergen information.

You need to ensure your labels remain compliant.

You need to maintain your Product Information Files.

You need to make sure your products continue to match the assessment you purchased.

And you need to understand when changes require action.

None of these responsibilities disappear simply because somebody wrote a safety report for you.

The safety report is just a part of the process.

Not the whole process.

What concerns me is that many people want to start a cosmetic business without making an effort to learn any of the regulations.

Some actively avoid learning them.

Some argue with them.

Some ignore them.

Some expect somebody else to take responsibility for them.

But if you're putting products onto the market that consumers are applying to their skin, hair, face, lips, or body, then understanding the rules isn't optional.

It's part of the job.

Nobody expects you to become a cosmetic chemist.

Nobody expects you to become a toxicologist.

Nobody expects you to memorise every regulation.

But you do need a working understanding of the responsibilities that come with running a cosmetic business.

Now, if you're sitting there thinking:

"I find all of this overwhelming." 

That's completely understandable.

Many people do.

The regulations can be complicated.

The paperwork can be confusing.

The terminology can feel like another language.

But if that's you, then there are only really two options.

Option one:

Make time to learn.

Little by little.

Ask questions.

Read guidance.

Watch training videos.

Build your knowledge.

Option two:

Bring somebody into your business who can manage compliance properly.

Whether that's an employee, consultant, business partner, or specialist service.

Because what isn't an option is simply ignoring it and hoping for the best. It's not just boring regulations made by people who don't like fun, in this industry they are there for the safety of everyone, and because of this they are constantly evolving as new studies on ingredients are published.

I know this isn't the most exciting blog you'll read today.

It's certainly not the easiest.

But if you genuinely want to build a successful cosmetic business, compliance isn't an obstacle standing in your way.

It's part of being a professional.

The businesses that survive long-term aren't usually the ones with the prettiest labels.

Or the biggest social media following.

They're the businesses that take their responsibilities seriously.

So if you're serious about this industry, step up.

Learn the regulations.

Understand your responsibilities.

Ask questions when you need help.

And remember:

A CPSR is not the end of compliance.

It's the beginning.

We provide so much information on our website and Youtube channel for you to read and watch for free.  You just have to to be willing to learn, and if you're not.  Find someone who is.

Safety for cosmetics isn't negotiable.