ICMAD Issues Statement on 'The Story of Cosmetics'

The statement below was just sent to the press in reponse to the video titled "The Story of Cosmetics". If you have any comments or concerns, please email us or call our office at the number below.

ICMAD Issues Statement on ‘The Story of Cosmetics’

The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers & Distributors (ICMAD) is an association of over 650 small- and medium-sized companies that manufacture and distribute cosmetics.  Just like you, the consuming public, we are concerned about the health and safety of families, friends, our employees and consumers.

The Shockumentary "The Story of Cosmetics" video just released is an outright distortion of the cosmetic industry's long-term record of safety. Fact and fiction are combined to create a problem where there is none.

There is a rigorous scientific safety process for cosmetic ingredients.  The Food and Drug Administration has broad powers to regulate cosmetics.  By law, the FDA can ban and restrict ingredients, stop imports, enter and inspect manufacturing facilities and issue warning letters. Violations of FDA laws are punishable by injunctions, seizures, criminal prosecutions that can result in significant fines and jail sentences.  Federal databases that record adverse reactions document the safety of cosmetics.  The fact is cosmetic products are among the safest consumer products and this is well substantiated by our low product liability insurance rating.

The distortion and manipulation of scientific facts to reach preposterous conclusions is a false indictment of an industry that has been a vital contributor to the well-being of this country.