Hair Care Cosmetics Regulation in Different Countries: A Comparative Study

The 2019 document compares hair care cosmetics regulations across various countries, detailing how these products are governed to ensure safety and efficacy. It outlines the FDA's recommendations for evaluating hair care cosmetics for allergic reactions, contamination, and the inclusion of antimicrobial agents. The study notes the global growth of the hair care market, particularly shampoos, and the varying regulatory frameworks, such as the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in the U.S. and the Cosmetics Directive in the EU. It also addresses the issue of formaldehyde in keratin treatments and the steps taken by countries to regulate or warn against high levels of this chemical. The document further examines regulations in India, Japan, Canada, and China, each with its own set of rules and requirements for cosmetics, including licensing, registration, and restricted substances. Safety considerations are discussed, emphasizing the use of GRAS ingredients, Good Manufacturing Practices, and the FDA's role in ensuring product safety. The document includes a table of clinical trials on hair care products for various conditions and mentions specific cases of product recalls due to microbial contamination and improper labeling. It concludes that while companies aim to create safe and attractive products, regulations are in place globally to ensure their safety, with several countries recalling hair straightening products due to high formaldehyde levels.