Here in the lovely islands of Trinidad and Tobago there seems to be no regulations by which to follow when it comes to handmade soaps and body products. However if you plan to export your products you must meet certain standards that for some reason are not applied to the artisans that sell locally.
Many times I have been approached by a potential customer and the first question asked is " Do you have a soap that can remove dark spots" or acne and even scars. Well to answer that question simply would be "No". Since there are no apparent guidelines to follow, we at Sensational Soaps adhere to the US and EU FDA regulations and do not attach any claims to our products; as it would change its category from a Cosmetic to a Drug.
How does the FD&C define a cosmetic? As articles to apply to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractivenes or altering the appearance. Products included in this defination are skin moisturizers, purfumes, lipstick, nail polish, eye and facial makeup preparations, cleansing shampoos, hair colour and deoderant.
https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceRegulation/LawsRegulations/ucm074201.htm#Definecosmetic
In this very link you can see that a drug is determined as an article that is used in diagnosis, treatment, cure, treatment or prevention of disease.
"But the lady/man at the other table said their soap can get rid of stretchmarks." Yes we have heard this. We have noticed that more and more soapmakers have popped up and they have not hesitated in attaching claims to their products. Be it directly or indirectly. Case in point. I recently came across a new soapmaker in the area. Beautiful soaps but I couldn't help but notice the description.
"This soap combines two ingredients that have been used for beauty purposes for centuries-Milk and Turmeric. Goat's milk is believed to delay signs of aging, act as an anti-inflammatory and moisturizer and packed full of nutrients and vitamins to nourish the skin. Turmeric has antseptic and antibacterial properties and help give skin that healthy glow. It is also thought to relieve some skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis."
Even attaching a claim to an ingredient can imply that your product would yield the same result. The words that have given the qualities of a drug are "delay signs of aging, anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic and antibacterial. And even though it isn't said directly it is implied that because it contains Turmeric it can relieve psoriasis and eczema.
Every person is different. Where one customer may have had amazing results understand that these results would not be typical. If you are seeking to alleviate a skin condition, see your Dermatologist. If you are seeking skincare that is gentle and not loaded with chemicals, see you local experienced artisan.
Here is another fact for you. If a customer posts a review that claims extraordinary results on your page/website, you can be held accountable for that claim. It's your page/website ergo you are responsible for the information that is put out.
What do we offer you at Sensational Soaps? Simple. We offer you a carefully formulated handmade skin care products. A complete listing of ingredients in descending order of the % used. Our products can be described Moisturizing, Exfoliating, Cleansing, Conditioning, Relaxing, Soothing, Creamy, Fragrant, Pampering, Sensuous and Rejuvenating. There are other words that can also be used to describe our products that are permitted by the FD&C.
Why do people choose to make claims on their products? Well, I can only speak for myself. Quite simply I didn't know any better. Soaping for yourself is one thing, soaping as a business is another. It was only after being connected to other artisans that have been in business longer than I have did I learn and understand. Another reason may simply be because they can. We don't have an FDA watching over us therefore they can make as many claims as they wish.
So there it is. We are simply in the the business of skin care. We love our products and firmly believe that in adhering to these standards we wouldn't be misleading our customers. Our products are made in small batches to maintain quality and consistency. Most importantly we love what we do and are consistently looking to expand our product lines and searching for ways our service to you can be improved.
Very informative.. and yes you have to be very careful with product claims.. but even in the US, companies make claims, then there is a tiny disclaimer with says that these claims have not been approved by the FDA... antics yes..
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