I’m someone who makes cosmetics and keeps an eye on regulations for soapers as well as cosmetic manufacturers. Thank you for your efforts and you timely blog post keeping us all updated.

I’m wondering, you said above that they may be using the content from the Globalization Act of 2009 as a starting point for this newest legislation. Is there any possibility they will also be incorporating the changes and exemptions you all were able to suggest for that Act before it died? Do you know if the same, or some of the same, legislators involved in drafting this and who are already familiar with our issues were also involved with the 2009 Act?

Thanks again, to all of you.

Thank you for heading to DC on this fact finding mission.

While the news that some sort of legislation may be revived to give additional oversight to our already-safe industry is not ideal, having the opportunity to have a discussion with those crafting the legislation is valuable. I am thankful that they met with you, Lela and Donna Maria to further understand the position of small, micro businesses in this industry.

As we all know from anecdotal evidence, our industry is inherently safe without any known complaints that I’ve heard of in the last 13 years. Ultimately, what we eat and put IN our body is more likely to cause damage than what we put ON our body. We all know that most wrinkle creams are ineffective but vitamins, when taken internally, clearly are absorbed by the body and put to good use.

While the idea behind reviving the act may be well intentioned, it is one that would have damaging consequences for small business. As Kayla said above: “Entrepreneurship is not only for the rich. It must remain open to every American.”

Now is not the time for burdensome legislation. Small business is needed more than ever. I, too, would oppose any legislation if it did not contain specific exemptions for small business.

I would hang in there, there is no need for panic, we just need to take notice of what is and what could potentially happen.

All of our information right now indicates that there won’t be yearly registration fees, or any registration fees. Since the situation is so fluid, keep watch out for further updates.

What you can do now is make sure your house is in order. Make sure you are following the current regulations and stay on top of the new developments.

We will keep posting updates as they become available.

Regards,

Leigh O’Donnell
HSMG President

If these three advocates, HSMG President, IBN President and Bella Lucce President had not stepped forward to be our voice, we soapmakers who also handcraft wonderful bath and body products would be blindsided. We would have no voice in these matters as they dramatically affect our lives. These women are to be commended for taking the responsibility of their positions and supporting the membership that count on them.

For HSMG, our mission is to promote the handcrafted soap industry; to act as a center of communication among soapmakers, and to circulate information beneficial to soapmakers. HSMG members can count on their membership dues to be put to use for their own betterment.

Maria Gelnett
Vice President – HMSG
Social Media Chair
(also angelicglow.com)

I am really confused and nervous.

Thanks again.
The Pure-N-Simple Soap Family.

It is unfortunate that there is a perception that cosmetics aren’t safe out there. Cosmetics on the market are safe and the ingredients reviewed by the CIR panel have been proven safe. Yet there are organizations stricking fear in the hearts of consumers and Congress needlessly.

I agree, “Although we will be opposing any legislation that does not provide an exemption for small business, it is very important that we, as an industry, take a look at our practices and become compliant with the regulations that are already in force.” I have a blog post that links to detailed posts about ideas on ways become compliant with each of the GMP guidelines at any size based on my talk I gave at the 2009 conference. One size doesn’t fit all, but the more we work to comply with as many of the guidelines as possible the stronger our position becomes.

There needs to be exceptions in the language of the law for small businesses. Otherwise there will never be another Amway, Bella Lucce, L’Oréal (started 1907, 3 employees in 1920), EO, The Body Shoppe or countless other small companies that started out small.

Entrepreneurship is not only for the rich or companies with lots of investors. It must remain open to every American.