ABSTRACT
The regulatory environment for cosmetics in the U.S.A. is rapidly evolving. This is not due to changes in the U.S. regulatory framework for cosmetics; rather it is the effect of globalization. Globalization impacts cosmetic regulation in two, somewhat related, ways. Firstly, as manufacturers of both cosmetic raw materials and finished products try to sell their goods in multiple markets, they must abide by the regulations in each market. The U.S. is just one of the major markets in which companies sell their products. Other large, key markets include the European Union (EU), Japan, and China. The framework developed by the EU is becoming the model towards which many other countries and regions are gravitating. Thus, if an ingredient or product is to be compliant on a global, rather than on a national or even regional basis, it must take account of EU requirements.
