The introduction of proposed bill H.R.5786 – Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 has resulted in an eventful week for my industry.  On the positive side, it’s uniting my community of colleagues.  On the negative side, responsible hard-working micro- and small-business owners are faced with our livelihoods, our American Dreams being needlessly threatened.

I’m reminded of words from the quintessentially American, chills-inducing 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Manifesto commercial: “The things that make us American are the things we make. We are a nation of builders, craftsmen—men and women for whom straight stitches and clean welds are matters of personal pride.”  It is with this same passion and painstakingly meticulous reverence for our craft that my colleagues and I approach our small-batch manufacture of premium quality personal care and cosmetic products.

The trouble starts with the fact that on the surface, this bill sounds like a positive move for consumers.  The FDA has been in the news with egg on its face a few times in recent memory in the food and drug arenas.  As such, it’s become an easy target for proposed “change.”  Part 3 in my series will address how the FDA regulation of the cosmetic industry currently works.

Indie Beauty Network Founder and award-winning small business legislative advocate Donna Maria Coles Johnson summed it up well: “Of course it sounds good, but it doesn’t take long to scratch beneath the surface and see that it is onerous, unnecessary and not based on good science.”

If you’re on Twitter, you may have noticed the hashtag #opposesca bouncing around.  If you follow me on Twitter, you’ve seen it for sure!

I’m a proud member of two prestigious trade organizations who have published their official positions opposing the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010.  I agree with their positions and invite you to read more here:

Indie Beauty Network  “It is the official position, and intention, of the Indie Beauty Network to oppose the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010.”

Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Great synopsis of the proposed bill’s impact on HSMG members’ micro- and small-businesses.

This is a complex issue, but those who value the opportunity we currently have in America to choose from a vast array of cosmetics, skin care, body care, perfume and toiletries from handcrafters, artisans, micro- and small-businesses at local boutiques and farmers markets on up to big corporations sold at fine department stores and big box mass merchandisers will want to understand and follow this closely.  The small business owners who would be burdened and forced out of the cosmetics industry are predominately women who create jobs and keep dollars flowing into local communities all over this country. In the current economic climate, it astounds me that legislators would even put this on the table for discussion.  We must band together and make our voices heard—as American manufacturers, American dreamers and American consumers of these amazing products.