Source: https://www.customboxesworld.com/cosmetic-labeling-guide/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 06:56:10+00:00

Document:
The Cosmetics Labeling Guide provides step-by-step help with cosmetic labeling, with examples and answers to questions manufacturers often ask about labeling requirements under U.S. laws and related regulations.
To protect consumers from unsafe or deceptively labeled or packaged products by prohibiting the movement in interstate commerce of adulterated or misbranded food, drugs, devices, and cosmetics.
The cosmetics marketed in the United States, whether they are manufactured here or are imported from abroad, must comply with the labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, the Fair Packaging and Labeling (FP&L) Act, and the regulations published by the Food and Drug Administration under the Authority of these two laws.
The FD&C Act was enacted by Congress to protect consumers from unsafe or deceptively labeled or packaged products by prohibiting the movement in interstate commerce of adulterated or misbranded food, drug devices, and cosmetics.
To ensure that packages and their labels provide consumers with accurate information about the number of contents and facilitate value comparisons.
The FP&L Act was passed by Congress to ensure that packages and their labels provide consumers with accurate information about the quantity of contents and facilitate value comparisons.
The FD&C Act prohibits the marketing of cosmetics that are adulterated or misbranded as well as their adulteration or misbranding while in interstate commerce.
A cosmetic is considered misbranded if…..
Sec. 602 of the FD&C Act defines the conditions which cause a cosmetic to be deemed misbranded.
Labeling may be considered misleading not only because a label statement is deceptive but also because a material fact is not revealed on a label.
A fact may be material in light of a statement made on a label or because certain consequences may result from the recommended use of a product.
“Intended use” within the meaning of the FD&C Act is determined from its label or labeling.
According to Senate Report No. 493 and court decisions, the term “intended” in the legal definition of the term “cosmetic” or in other definitions means, with respect to the use of a product, its directed or prescribed use as determined from the statements made on a product’s label or labeling.
The courts, in deciding whether a product is a “cosmetic”, a “drug”, or both a “drug” and a “cosmetic”, have relied principally on the consumer’s perception of the meaning of a label statement and less so on the interpretation of the meaning of a label statement by the labeler or a regulatory agency.
When is a cosmetic also a drug?
A cosmetic is also a drug when it is intended to cleanse, beautify or promote attractiveness as well as treat or prevent disease or otherwise affect the structure or any function of the human body.
Section 509 of the FD&C Act provides that the categories of “drug” and “cosmetic” are not mutually exclusive.
What is a consumer commodity?
A product customarily distributed for retail sale for use by consumers or for the performance of services at home and usually consumed during such use.
A container or wrapping, other than a shipping container or wrapping, in which a consumer commodity is delivered or displayed to retail purchasers.
The term package is defined in the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act [sec. 10(b)] and the Code of Federal Regulations [21 CFR 1.20].
Essentially, the “package” is the outer container of a product as, for example, a box or folding carton. However, the “package” can also be the immediate container, e.g., bottle, jar or aerosol can that holds the product if the immediate container is not displayed in a box or folding carton.
One may say that the term “label” applies in the first instance to the information appearing directly on the immediate container and in the second instance to information attached to the immediate container and directly on or attached to the outer container if so packaged.
The FD&C Act, however, requires in sec 201(k) that any information required to appear on the label of the immediate container shall also appear on the outside container of the retail package or is legible through the outside container.
This includes labels, inserts, risers, display packs, leaflets, promotional literature or any other written or printed information distributed with a product.
A label may consist of more than one panel. It may consist of a front panel, side panels and a back panel. Back and side panels are generally called information panels.
The FP&L Act also defines for consumer commodities, or packages containing a consumer commodity, the term “principal display panel,” otherwise known for short as PDP.
The “principal display panel” is that part of a panel that is most likely to be shown or examined under customary conditions of display for retail sale. Usually, it is the front panel of the label of the outer package.
As mentioned before, the PDP is that part of the label that is most likely to be shown or examined under customary conditions for retail sale.
Regulations [21 CFR 701.10] published by the FDA require that the PDP be large enough to accommodate all required label information with clarity and conspicuousness.
If a package bears more than one PDP, the information required to be placed on the PDP must be duplicated on all PDPs.
Rectangular package: One entire side.
Cylindrical package: 40% of height x circumference.
Any other shape of container: 40% of total container surface, excluding top, bottom, neck, shoulder, flanges.
The PDP of a “boudoir-type” or decorative cosmetic container, e.g., cartridge, pill box, compact or special variety, and those containing 1/4 oz or less may be a tear-away tag or tape affixed to the container [21 CFR 701.13(e)(1)]. It may also be the display panel of a card to which the immediate container is affixed [21 CFR 701.13(e)(2)].
The information above must appear on the label of the outer container which usually is a box, folding carton, wrapper etc. holding the inner (immediate) container. The immediate container holding the cosmetic product also is the outer container if it is not displayed in a box, folding carton etc.
Please note that only the label of an outer container has a PDP.
Statement of the brand name of the product is not a regulatory requirement under the FD&C or FP&L Act.
The information above must appear on the label of the inner (immediate) container holding the cosmetic product. The inner container is packaged and displayed in a non-transparent box, folding carton etc. If the outer container is removed and the product displayed for sale without it, the label of the immediate container becomes a label of an outer container.
Section 602(c) of the FD&C deems a cosmetic misbranded if any word, statement, or other label or labeling information required by law or regulation is not placed on the label or labeling with such prominence and conspicuousness that it is likely to be read, or if it is not stated in such terms that it is likely to be understood by ordinary individuals.
Regulations [21 CFR 701.2] published by the FDA offer detailed information on how to comply with the requirement for prominent and conspicuous placement of information on cosmetic labels or labeling.
Panel display: The required information must be on a panel which is presented or displayed under customary conditions of purchase. This eliminates placement of required information on a bottom panel of a cosmetic unless it is very small and customarily picked up by hand where inspected for possible purchase.
Panel Size: The label must be large enough to provide sufficient space for prominent display of the required information.
Style and Size of Letters: The type must be of such size, and at least of the required minimum size, and of such style that the required label statements are easily readable.
Background Contrast: The contrast must be sufficient to make the required label statements conspicuous and easily readable.
Obscuring Designs, Vignettes: The required statements must not be obscured by vignettes or other designs or by crowding with other printed or graphic matter.
English Language Statements: All label or labeling statements required by law or regulation must be in the English language. Products distributed solely in Puerto Rico or a Territory where the predominant language is one other than English, may state the required label information in the predominant language in place of English.
Foreign Language Statements: If the label contains any foreign language representation, all statements required by regulation must also appear on the label in the foreign language. If labeling bears foreign language representations, the required statements must appear on the label or other labeling as required in English.
Ingredient Declaration: Generally, in letters not less than 1/16″ in height [21 CFR 701.3(b)]. If surface area available to bear label (excludes surfaces with decorative relief, sculptured surfaces) is less than 12 square inches, letter height may be not less than 1/32″ [21 CFR 701.3(p)].
Net Contents Declaration on PDP: Minimum letter height determined by the area of the PDP. In the case of “boudoir-type” containers, including decorative cosmetic containers of the cartridge, pill box, compact or pencil type, and cosmetics of 1/4 oz. or less capacity, the type size is determined by the total dimensions of the container. If the container is mounted on a display card, the display panel determines the letter height [21 CFR 701.13(e) and (i)].
Warning Statements: Type size no less than 1/16″ unless smaller size established by regulation [21 CFR 740.2].
Letter Height: The lower case letter “o” or equivalent when upper and lower case letters are used [21 CFR 701.13(h)].
Sec. 4 of the FP&L Act [21 U.S.C. 14554] requires that a consumer commodity bear a statement of identity. Regulations [21 CFR 701.11] published by the FDA require that the identity statement appear on the PDP.
The identity of the commodity may be expressed in terms of the common or usual name of the cosmetic, a descriptive name, or when the nature of the cosmetic is obvious, a fanciful name. It may also be expressed in form of an illustration.
The identity statement must be in bold type and in a size reasonably related to the most prominent printed matter, which is usually the name of the cosmetic. It must be in lines generally parallel to the base on which the product rests when displayed at retail.
The name and business address appearing on the label may be those of the manufacturer, packer or distributor.
The business address must include the street address, name of the city and state, and the ZIP code. The street address may be omitted if the firm is listed in a current city or telephone directory.
The Tariff Act of 1930 requires that imported products state on the label the English Name of the country of origin.
Location: If the cosmetic is sold at retail in an outer container, the net contents statement must appear (1) within the bottom 30% of the PDP of the outer container, generally parallel in line to the base on which the package rests, and (2) on an information panel of the inner container. The bottom location requirement is waived for PDPs of 5 square inches or less.
The PDP may be a tear-away tag or tape affixed to a decorative container or to a container of less than 1/4 oz., or it may be the panel of a display card to which the container is affixed.
Prominence: The declaration must be a distinct item, separated from other printed matter by a space equal to at least the height of the lettering used in the declaration and twice the width of the letter “N”.
Conspicuousness: The print must be easily legible bold face type in distinct contract to background and other matter on the package. The letter height must be at least that of the lower case letter “o”, and the aspect ratio of height to width must not exceed 3:1.
The type size, as determined by the area of the PDP must be at least 1/16 in. if PDP area < 5 sq. in., 1/8 in. if PDP area > 5 to < 25 sq. In., 3/16 in. if PDP area > 25 to < 100 sq. in., and 1/4 in. if PDP area > 100 sq. in.
Cosmetics of less than 1/4 av. oz. or 1/8 fl. oz.
Cosmetics in packages containing less than 1/4 av. oz. or 1/8 fl. oz. are exempt from the net quantity of contents declaration if affixed to a properly labeled display card or sold at retail in a properly labeled outer container [21 CFR 1.24].
When a cosmetic is required to bear net quantity of contents declarations on the inner and outer container, the declaration on the outer container must appear on the PDP; on the inner container, it may appear on an information panel other than the panel bearing the name of the product, i.e., the front panel.
Accuracy: The net quantity of contents (net contents) declaration must accurately reveal the quantity of cosmetic in the container in terms of weight, volume, measure, numerical count, or combinations of count and weight, volume or measure. Reasonable variations due to loss or gain of moisture, or deviations in good manufacturing practice, are acceptable. In case of an aerosol product, the net contents statement must express the net quantity of contents expelled.
Product Consistency: Unless there is a firmly established, general consumer usage or trade custom to the contrary, the statement must be in terms of fluid measure if the cosmetic is liquid and in terms of weight if the cosmetic is solid, semi-solid, viscous, or a mixture of solid and liquid. Fluid measures must express the volume at 68°F (20°C). The customary net contents declaration for aerosol products is in terms of weight.
Systems: Weight is expressed in terms of avoirdupois pound and ounce. Fluid measures are expressed in terms of the U.S. gallon, quart, pint and fluid ounce. Net contents may additionally be stated also in the metric system.
Unit Terms: The term “net weight” or “net wt.” must be used in conjunction with a weight statement, and the term “net contents,” “net” or nothing must be used in connection with a liquid statement.
Additional abbreviations are for: weight – wt., fluid – fl., gallon – gal., quart – qt., pint – pt., ounce – oz., pound – lb.
Net wt. 4 av. oz.
Net contents 4 fl. oz.
4 av. oz. net wt.
Dual Declaration: If the net weight exceeds one pound but is less than 4 pounds, the net contents statement must reveal the total number of ounces followed, in parenthesis, by the number of pounds and ounces or by the number of pounds and fraction thereof. Fluid measures exceeding one pint, but being less than one gallon, must be expressed in terms of the total number of fluid ounces followed, in parenthesis, by the number of quarts, pints and ounces or by the fractions of the quart or pint.
Declaration of fractions: Fractions may be expressed in terms of common fractions ranging from 1/2 to 1/32 or as decimal fractions of no more than two significant numbers.
Economy Size: Representations of this type are permitted if the firm offers at least one other packaged size of the same brand, only one is labeled “economy size,” and the unit price of the package so labeled is substantially (at least 5%) reduced compared to that of the other package.
Giant Pint, Full Quart: Supplemental statements describing the net quantity of contents are permitted on panels other than the PDP. However, these statements must not be deceptive or exaggerate the amount present in the package.
Six Applications: Declarations by numerical count or linear or area measure may be augmented by statements of weight or size of individual units or total weight or measure to give accurate information. These are not regarded as separate statements and must appear on the PDP.
Cosmetic Kit: If a package contains the integral components making up a kit and delivers the components in the manner of an application as, for example, a home permanent wave kit, the net contents declaration may be stated in terms of the number of applications as per given instructions [21 CFR 701.13 (g) (2)].
Regulations require that “[the label of a cosmetic product shall bear a warning statement whenever necessary or appropriate to prevent a health hazard that may be associated with the product” [21 CFR 740(1)]. A cosmetic not bearing a necessary warning statement may be considered misbranded under sec. 602(a) of the FD&C Act because it fails to reveal a fact “material … with respect to consequences which may result from the use of the article” [sec 201(n), FD&C Act].
Prominence: A warning statement must appear on the label prominently and conspicuously as compared to other words, statements or designs so that it is likely to be read by ordinary consumers at the time of purchase and use.
Conspicuousness: The lettering must be in bold type on contrasting background and may in no case be less than 1/16 inch in height.
Warning–The safety of this product has not been determined.
Even if the safety of each ingredient has been substantiated, there usually still is at least some toxicological testing needed with the formulated product to assure adequate safety substantiation.
Warning–Avoid spraying in eyes. Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not store at temperature above 120°F. Keep out of reach of children.
The label of a cosmetic packaged in a self-pressurized container and intended to be expelled from the package under pressure must bear the warning stated below.
The words “Avoid spraying in eyes” may be omitted if the product is not expelled as a spray. Example: Aerosol shave cream.
The word “puncture” may be replaced by the word “break” if the product is packaged in a glass container.
If the product is intended for use by children, the phrase “except under adult supervision” may be added at the end of the last sentence of the warning.
Warning–Use only as directed. Intentional misues by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal.
If the propellant of a cosmetic packaged in a self-pressurized container consists in whole or in part of a halocarbon or hydrocarbon, the label must bear a second warning as stated below.
1.Aerosol foam or cream products containing less than 10% propellant.
2.Products which do not expel the propellant at the time of use. Examples: products with built-in piston barrier or propellant bag.
3.Metered spray products of less than 2 oz. net contents.
4.Aerosol products of less than 1/2 oz. net contents.
Caution–For external use only. Spray at least 8 inches from skin. Do not apply to broken, irritated, or itching skin. Persistent, unusual odor or discharge may indicate conditions for which a physician should be consulted. Discontinue use immediately if rash, irritation, or discomfort develops.
A feminine deodorant spray which, for the purpose of this regulation, is defined as “any spray deodorant product whose labeling represents or suggests that the product is for use in the female genital area or for use all over the body” must bear the caution stated below.
If the expelled product does not contain a liquefied halocarbon or hydrocarbon propellant, the sentence “Spray at least 8 inches from skin” may be omitted.
The regulation further states that the use of the word “hygiene” or “hygienic” or similar words renders any such product misbranded.
Caution–Use only as directed. Excessive use of prolonged exposure may cause irritation to skin and urinary tract. Discontinue use if rash, redness or itching occurs. Consult your physician if irritation persists. Keep out of reach of children.
The regulation further requires that the label “Shall bear adequate directions for safe use” of the product.
Cosmetic ingredient labeling became an issue in the early 1970s. Guidelines for ingredient labeling were published in mid-1972. Regulations were proposed in early 1973. After publication of two final regulations, stays of final regulations, terminations of stays, and lengthy court proceedings challenging the legality of the published regulations, the requirement for cosmetic ingredient labeling became fully effective in early 1977.
The regulations requiring the declaration of cosmetic ingredients were published under the authority of the FP&L Act [secs. 5(c) and 6(a); 15 U.S.C. 1454 and 1455] and FD&C Act [sec. 701(e); 21 U.S.C. 371(e)].
The ingredients must be declared in descending order of predominance. Exceptions to this requirement are discussed later.
The ingredient declaration may appear on any information panel of the package which is the outer container in form of a folding carton, box, wrapper etc. if the immediate container is so packaged, or which is the jar, bottle, box etc. if the immediate container is not packaged in an outer container. It may also appear on a tag, tape or card firmly affixed to a decorative or small size container.
Prominence: The declaration must appear with prominence and conspicuousness so that it is likely to be read and understood (read with ease) by ordinary individuals under normal conditions of purchase. The letters must not be obscured by design, vignettes, background or crowding.
Type Size: Not less than 1/16 inch in height. It may be not less than 1/32 inch in height if the total surface area available to bear labeling (which excludes bottom, shoulder, neck, flange, decorative or sculptured surfaces) is less than 12 square inches.
The type size consisting of upper and lower case letters is determined by the height of the lower case letter “o”.
The name established by the commissioner as specified in § 701.30.
Section 701.3(c) requires that an ingredient be identified by the name established by the Commissioner for the purpose of cosmetic ingredient labeling or, in the absence of a name established by the Commissioner, the name adopted for that ingredient in the editions and supplements of the compendia listed below.
The Commissioner may establish a name as petitioned or propose such a name on his own initiative. See section 701.3(e). The names specified by the Commissioner are listed in section 701.30.
The currently recognized edition of the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Inc.) Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary is the second edition published in 1977. This edition is recognized only in part, i.e., not all names listed in the second edition have been adopted.
The third edition of the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary published in 1982 and the Supplement published in 1985 have not yet been recognized. However, FDA has informed the CTFA that the agency will not take regulatory action against products labeled in accordance with these editions while their review is in progress.
The compendia are listed in the descending order by which they must be utilized for identification of an ingredient name. If none lists a name for an ingredient, the name generally recognized by consumers, or the chemical or technical name or description, must be used.
4. The name of an ingredient accepted by FDA in accordance with the procedure established in § 720.8 as a trade secret need not be disclosed on the label. In lieu of declaring the name of that ingredient, the phrase “and other ingredients” may be used at the end of the ingredient declaration [§ 701.3(a)].
In this example, the correct ingredient declaration lists castor oil (58), lanolin (8), candelilla wax (6.5), carnauba wax (3), and ozokerite (2) in descending order of predominance. The concentrations (which need not be declared by regulation) are provided in parentheses.
The color additives titanium dioxide (2) etc. may be declared in any order after the other ingredients.
The hypothetical pressed powder formulation portrayed in this example illustrates the two options for the listing of ingredients.
On the left side, the ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance according to § 701.3(2).
On the right side, the ingredients are listed according to § 701.3(f)(1), (2), and (3), i.e., ingredients other than colors present at a concentration exceeding 1% in descending order or predominance, followed by ingredients other than colors present at 1% or less in any order, followed by colors present at any concentration listed in any order.
The components (ingredient) of a fragrance or flavor may also be declared individually by their appropriate label names.
The ingredient or mixture of ingredients acting as a masking agent, i.e., covering the undesirable off-odor of a product without adding a discernable odor to it, may be declared by their individual name(s) or as “fragrance” (in lieu of a better designation). A masking agent present in a product at an insignificant level may be considered an incidental ingredient under § 701.3(1)(2)(iii) in which case it need not be declared on the label.
If accepted by FDA as exempt from public disclosure pursuant to the procedure of § 720.8.
The FP&L Act states in section 5(c)(3)(B) [15 U.S.C. 1454(c)(3)(B)] that “nothing … shall be deemed to require that any trade secret be divulged.” Accordingly, the cosmetic ingredient labeling regulation does not require the declaration of the identity of an ingredient FDA has accepted as exempt from public disclosure. In lieu of the declaration of the name of a confidential ingredient, the phrase ” and other ingredients” may be used at the end of the ingredient declaration.
The policy the agency is following for processing requests for confidentiality of cosmetic ingredient identities has been codified under § 720.8.
A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device or compilation of information which is used in one’s business and which gives one an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it.
The question “what is a trade secret” may be answered by restating the definition of the term “trade secret” as provided in § 20.61(a) of regulations published in 1974 for enforcement of the law commonly known as the “Freedom of Information Act” (the public information section of the Administrative Procedures Act; 5 U.S.C. 552).
(a) A semi-quantitative cosmetic formulation statement of the product in question on forms FD-2512 and 2512a.
(b) A full statement of the factual and legal grounds for the request, including all data and other information on which the petitioner relies (as well as any information known to the petitioner that is unfavorable to petitioner’s position).
(c) A statement that the identity of the ingredient in question has not previously been disclosed to anyone without appropriate safeguards for secrecy as further explained in § 20.81.
Statement of prior non-disclosure (§ 20.81).
FDA reviews the submitted information to determine whether the data are sufficient to permit a review of the merits of the request.
A request that contains insufficient data to conduct a confidentiality review on the merits is returned and petitioner is advised about the additional information that is necessary to enable the agency to proceed with the review of the request.
When the submitted information is sufficient to permit a review of the merits of a request, FDA proceeds with the review.
When the agency concurs with petitioner and decides that the ingredient identity is a trade secret, the request for exemption from label disclosure is granted. If FDA does not concur with petitioner, the agency tentatively denies the request. The person requesting trade secrecy is informed in writing of the agency’s determination. In case of a tentative denial, FDA informs petitioner of the grounds on which it relied in making this tentative determination.
1. Is the information publicly known?
1. Is the ingredient’s identity and intended use publicly known?
2. Does the intended use of the respective ingredient have value?
3. Can the identity of the ingredient readily be acquired by legal means and its intended use duplicated?
These questions are based on the factors considered in Comment B to section 757 of the Restatement of Torts in determining whether given information is a trade secret.
Since the same factors are also being considered by FDA in determining whether the identity of an ingredient qualifies as a trade secret, a person requesting trade secrecy must address them factually and convincingly in the statement of grounds.
Absence of public knowledge of an ingredient’s identity under conditions of intended use may be demonstrated by documenting the extent to which the information is known by employees or others in petitioner’s business, the extent the information is publicly disclosed in pertinent literature, and the extent of measures taken by petitioner to guard the secrecy of the information.
2. Does the information have value?
The value of knowing the identity and intended use of the ingredient in question may be determined in terms of the importance of the ingredient to the product formulation. It must be assumed that, to be of value, the ingredient significantly contributes to the claimed performance or other pertinent characteristics of the cosmetic and that a cosmetic not containing the claimed trade secret ingredient, or containing conventional substitutes in place of the respective ingredient, could not be expected to perform equally well or otherwise meet certain requirements. Appropriate comparative testing of a cosmetic containing the trade secret ingredient, or one containing conventional substitutes, as well as testing of petitioner’s cosmetic against competitor’s cosmetic of the same use category may provide factual documentation to this effect and thus demonstrate the value of the information to petitioner. The value of the ingredient information may also be determined in terms of future market performance of a cosmetic or its profitability. However, this kind of value assessment is usually a difficult and inexact task and often provides little factual data to support a value assessment.
Documentation of the effort expended and financial resources invested in the development of the product formulation containing the ingredient in question and providing the claimed characteristics may further support a request for trade secrecy.
The factor concerning the ease or difficulty with which the identity of the ingredient in question could properly be acquired or duplicated by others may be addressed by documenting an ingredient’s rare or unexpected use for the intended purpose in cosmetics of a particular product category or by demonstrating the complexity of the analytical methodology necessary to identify it.
When FDA tentatively decides to deny a request, the petitioner may withdraw the records for which FDA has tentatively denied a request for confidentiality. Petitioner may also submit, within 60 days from the date of receipt of the written notice of the tentative denial, additional relevant information and arguments and request that the agency reconsider its decision in light of both the additional material and the originally submitted information.
If the petitioner submits new data, the agency considers that material together with the initially submitted information and makes its final determination. This constitutes final agency action. The petitioner is informed of the agency’s final determination in writing.
The agency’s final decision may be challenged in the courts under 5 U.S.C., Chapter 7. If suit is brought within 30 days after such determination, FDA will not disclose the records involved until the matter is finally determined in the courts. If suit is not brought within 30 days and the petitioner does not withdraw the records for which a request for confidentiality has been denied, the records involved will be made part of FDA’s files and will then be available to the public upon request.
It should be noted that until the agency has completed its determination that the identity of a cosmetic ingredient is a trade secret, the cosmetic product in question may not bear the label statement “and other ingredients” in lieu of a declaration of the identity of the ingredient for which confidentiality has been requested. The phrase “and other ingredients” may be used on the label only after an ingredient is accepted by FDA as exempt from public disclosure or, when confidentiality has been denied, if suit is brought within 30 days after a final determination that the ingredient in question is not a trade secret.
A product intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance is a cosmetic. If this product claims to accomplish these deeds through physiological activity or by changing the structure of the skin, it is also a drug. The product categories “drug” and “cosmetic” are not mutually exclusive. This is recognized in sec. 509 of the FD&C Act.
This hypothetical aerosol antiperspirant formulation illustrates on the right side the correct label declaration of the ingredients of a cosmetic which is also a drug.
A color additive(s) that is added to a cosmetic during manufacture for the purpose of color matching may be declared on the label of each batch or lot even if not present in each.
This hypothetical toilet water formulation in which D&C Yellow No. 10 is added to some batches for the purpose of color adjustment shows on the right side the correct label declaration of the color additive D&C Yellow No. 10.
Incidental ingredients need not be declared on the label.
3. A substance added to a cosmetic during manufacture for its technical effect in processing but present in the finished cosmetic at an insignificant level and not having any technical or functional effect in that cosmetic. Example: Defoaming agent.
On outside retail package only if components are not customarily sold individually.
The ingredients of the units of cosmetics marketed as multiunit or multicomponent packages must be declared on the label of the outside container. They must also be declared on the labels of the inside containers of the units if the inside containers are customarily separated from the outer container for individual retail sale.
A MULTIUNIT package is a package which contains an assortment of similar or dissimilar products. Examples: A shade assortment of eye shadows in an eye make-up kit or a gift set consisting of a lotion, powder and toilet water in a gift box.
A MULTICOMPONENT package is “a package which contains the integral components making up a complete kit, and which is designed to deliver the components in the manner of an application.” See 21 CFR 701.13(g)(2). Examples: A hair coloring kit consisting of dye solution and hydrogen peroxide or a permanent wave set consisting of thioglycolate solution and sodium bromate solution.
1. Dissimilar products. Example: Gift set containing a shave cream and an after shave lotion.
2. Products of similar composition and intended for the same use in a package with a total surface area available for labeling of 12 square inches or more. Example: Two toilet waters of different fragrance or color in gift set.
3. Products of similar composition and intended for the same use in a package with a total surface area available for labeling of less than 12 square inches. Example: Eye shadows of different color in a compact case.
4. Products that are single units or assortments of a branded shade line. A branded shade line is a series of products of similar composition, intended for the same use, and sharing a common label with the same brand name. Example: A shade line of lipsticks.
An alternate ingredient declaration in which the color additives of all products of the assortment are integrated into a single composite list that indicates that the list pertains to all products.
Please note that if the units of an assortment are customarily separated from the outer package for retail sale, the ingredients must also be declared on the label of each inside unit.
This example of a hypothetical assortment of dissimilar products consisting of a toilet water and a dusting powder illustrates on the right side the alternate ingredient labeling option in which all color additives are declared in a single composite list. The declaration advises that the color additives pertain to both products.
If, for example, Red 40 or Blue 1 were present in both products, they would have to be listed only once in the declaration.
3. The color additives of all products without identification of products in which they are present.
An alternate ingredient declaration listing the ingredients of all products in a single integrated list in cumulative descending order of predominance according to § 701.3(a), or cumulatively according to § 701.3(f).
Labeling Area Less Than 12 Sq. In.
This example of an assortment consisting of two similar hypothetical eye shadow formulations demonstrates the optional ingredient declarations for packages with a total surface area available for labeling of 12 square inches or more (center) and for packages with a total surface area available for labeling of less than 12 square inches(right side).
On the left side are shown two conventional ingredient declarations, each representing one shade.
On the right side is shown the integrated ingredient declaration for the two shades in the package with less than 12 square inches of available labeling area. Note that the ingredients not common to all formulations need not be identified by the products in which they are used.
According to §§ 701.3(g)(2) and (o)(3), a branded shade line may be defined as a line of individually packaged eye or facial make-up cosmetics or nail enamels bearing a label that is shared with other products, i.e., bearing the same product name. Example: A line of lipsticks with the same brand name.
According to §§ 701.3(g)(2) and (o)4), a branded shade line assortment may be defined as several assortments of eye or facial make-up cosmetics or nail enamels in packages bearing the same label. Example: Several compacts with the same name and label, each containing several eye shadows.
According to 701.3(g)(2) and (o)(4), a branded shade line assortment may be defined as several assortments of eye or facial make-up cosmetics or nail enamels in packages bearing the same label. Example: Several compacts with the same name and label, each containing several eye shadows.
An alternate ingredient declaration listing all ingredients for all branded shades in the cumulative order shown below. In this case, each shade of a branded shade line or each package of a branded shade line assortment bears the same ingredient declaration.
3. The ingredients other than colors which are not included in all shade formulations must be identified as to the shades in which they are present.
Direct mail cosmetics may utilize off-package ingredient labeling as an alternative to the declaration of ingredients on an information panel.
For the purpose of cosmetic ingredient labeling, direct mail cosmetics are defined as cosmetics ordered by mail and delivered to consumers through the mail without the involvement of an intermediary sales agent.
Cosmetics sold to consumers through “door-to-door” salespersons are not considered direct mail cosmetics even though they may be delivered to consumers directly by mail.
Labeling furnished to each consumer for personal use and from which cosmetics are ordered through the mail, e.g., a direct mail sales catalog or brochure.
1. The package mailed to consumers must be accompanied by a notice in 3/16 of an inch lettering informing the consumer of the location of the ingredient declaration(s), of the name and address of the mail order distributor, and that a copy of the ingredient declaration(s) will be mailed to any person requesting it.
2. The mail order distributor must promptly mail a copy of an ingredient declaration to any person requesting it.
3. The notice in 3/16 of an inch lettering must be located on, or affixed to, the top of the package; or it must be inside the package on top of the contents or on the face of the platform surrounding and holding the product(s) and must be readily visible to the consumer on opening.
4. The ingredient declarations must be conspicuous and presented in a way that the consumer can readily associate each ingredient declaration with each cosmetic.
(3)The products are held for sale in tightly compartmented trays or racks.
The ingredient declaration must be in letters not less than 1/16 of an inch in height and may appear on padded sheets, leaflets or similar labeling accompanying the product.
Products which are not eye or facial make-up cosmetics or nail enamels must be displayed for sale in tightly compartmented trays or racks of a display unit. The holder of the padded sheets or leaflets bearing the ingredient declaration(s) must be attached to the display unit.
Products which are eye or facial make-up cosmetics or nail enamels may be held for sale in tightly compartmented trays or racks located below the sales counter. The holder of the ingredient labeling must be attached to a display chart which bears samples of the product shades and is displayed to purchasers.
1. The display unit or chart must bear the statement “Federal law requires ingredient lists to be displayed here” in letters not less than 3/16 of an inch in height. This statement becomes conspicuous when the last ingredient list has been taken or may also be shown at all times adjacent to the holder of labeling bearing the ingredient declaration(s).
located on the side only and bear the location notice.
2. The holder of off-package cosmetic ingredient labeling, e.g., padded sheets or leaflets, must be attached to the display unit or chart so that the labeling is in front of the display unit or chart and can be read in full by a purchaser facing the display under customary conditions of retail sale.
1. Leaflets must bear declarations of all products sold with display unit or chart.
2. Leaflets must be identical.
1. The padded sheets or leaflets attached to the display unit or chart must declare the ingredients of all products sold with the display.
2. The padded sheets or leaflets must be identical.
3. Leaflets and displays must be shipped together.
4. Leaflets must be sufficient in number and replaced with refills with replacement instructions to retailer.
3. The number of copies of padded sheets or leaflets provided with each shipment of a cosmetic must be sufficient so that each purchaser may obtain a copy of an ingredient declaration. Further, the display units and replacement labeling must be accompanied by appropriate instructions to the retailer to assure that retailers display the padded sheets or leaflets.
4. Shipments of refill items also must be accompanied by sufficient copies of ingredient declarations, and the container holding the refill items and the respective copies of ingredient declarations must not contain other cosmetic products.
5. Label firm must send copy of ingredient declaration to requesting person.
6. In case of formulation change, leaflet must declare both formulations.
5. The firm engaged in off-package cosmetic ingredient labeling must promptly mail a copy of the ingredient declaration to any person requesting it.
6. In case of a formulation change, the new padded sheet or leaflet must be dated if not shipped together with the display unit or chart. If a padded sheet or leaflet is to be used in conjunction with the old and the new formulations, it must bear both ingredient declarations, and the declarations must be identified in a way that the purchaser can determine which declaration pertains to which product. As an alternative, the padded sheet or leaflet bearing the two ingredient declarations may advise the purchaser that the formulation has been changed and that either declaration may be applicable.
Sounds okay written down, but-probably unenforceable in reality, sorry..

References: § 701
 § 720
 § 701
 § 701
 § 701
 § 720
 § 720
 § 20
 § 20
 § 701
 § 701