In this industry, we are spoilt for choice. There is no shortage of small, independent beauty companies offering a variety of products and that's a fantastic thing for consumers. However, as consumers we have a responsibility to perform our due diligence as well. Whether you're buying tires for your car or selecting a new shade of eyeshadow, do you know where your products originate? My head was swirling last night after learning over the weekend of some irresponsible actions taken by a few independent beauty companies. I decided the most productive way to address the issue was to encourage Bella Lucce clients, and consumers in general, to think of ways they can "shop smart" while supporting small indie companies. With that in mind, when making purchasing decisions, I urge you to consider these seven questions...
1. Is your favorite beauty product properly labeled?
The FDA, which governs cosmetics on a federal level, mandates that beauty products be
properly labeled. Sufficient labeling includes the contact information of the distributor, the volume of product in the package and a full disclosure of all ingredients, among other items. If you receive a body scrub or a foot cream or a blush and those items aren't included on the product label, then you're in possession of a product that does not adhere to federally mandated cosmetic regulations. It’s important for consumers to understand that adherence to these laws is not optional. If the producer of your favorite product doesn't follow labeling regulations, how can you be certain they follow other federal regulations? Regulations that concern safety and testing? While one doesn't necessarily lead to the other, as a consumer I'd be wary of any company that knowingly violated federal law. The current regulations are easily accessible by manufacturers and simple to institute as part of their business practices. Whether or not a company adheres to federal safety regulations is difficult to determine simply by picking up one of their products, but labeling is an easy giveaway that speaks volumes about the ethics of the manufacturer and their knowledge base with regards to the important rules that govern this industry.
2. Is the cosmetic manufacturer voluntarily registered with the FDA?
At present, registration of a cosmetic facility with the FDA is voluntary. I expect that will change in the near future, but for the time being it is optional. However, the process is rather simple,
can be completed online and takes just a few minutes. If you’re in doubt, ask your favorite cosmetic manufacturer if they are on record with the FDA. If not, why not? It doesn’t mean inspectors will suddenly start turning up on their doorstep, but it is an important distinction. If manufacturers are adhering to generally accepted good manufacturing practices, why not let the FDA know that you’re in business and where you do your manufacturing?
3. Is the manufacturer willing to show you their workspace?
One of the reasons I believe people connect so deeply with “indies” is the level of intimacy they experience working with a small company versus a corporate conglomerate. It’s exciting to be able to connect directly, to receive a personal email or a Facebook response from the “CEO” themselves. However- for whatever reason- we often stop short of extending that intimacy to the area where products are actually made. Does your preferred manufacturer offer an online tour? Do they post pictures of “products in process” on various social media outlets? If they create products in their home, is it done with equipment that is reserved solely for the purpose of manufacturing cosmetics? In a designated area? Is access to that area by children and pets restricted? No matter where they are manufacturing, are sanitary procedures in place? Are hairnets worn during production? Gloves? Do products undergo microbial testing before being released to the public? Are samples of every batch retained in case- heaven forbid- there is an issue that necessitates further testing? These are critical questions we should be asking of all indies- whether we’re buying homemade cupcakes or body lotion. If a manufacturer won’t show their workspace, I think a healthy dose of skepticism is in order.
4. Do they carry liability insurance?
While product liability insurance is not federally mandated, it should be the foundation of any beauty business. Medical expenses from injuries of any kind can amass quickly and exhaust personal funds. Who will be responsible in the unlikely event that a defective product causes an injury? If your gut is telling you that something may be amiss with a manufacturer, try asking specific questions about whether or not they carry adequate product liability coverage to protect you as a consumer. I am personally aware of two trade organizations (
IBN and
HSMG, though there may be others) that offer excellent product liability insurance to even the smallest of companies for the price of a cup of coffee each day- there’s truly no reason that every indie manufacturer shouldn’t have coverage.
5. Is their contact information posted for all to see?
At a minimum, does the manufacturer's website display a full mailing address (I’m personally not a fan of P.O. boxes) and a phone number? I don’t do “anonymous” well...at least not when talking about my money and my health.
6. How do they respond to customer concerns?
Thanks to the internet, it’s becoming more challenging to sweep indiscretions under the proverbial rug. Social media provides consumers the opportunity to interact directly with companies, offering both praise and concern. When a legitimate concern is respectfully raised, is it addressed in a timely manner? In a courteous tone? With a spirit of transparency? Watch closely how other customers are treated. Today it might not be you asking a question or raising a concern, but how questions and concerns are addressed today is a good indicator of how you’ll one day be treated should a similar situation ever arise. If comments are deleted, users banned and emails ignored, it’s caveat emptor (“buyer beware”) and you'd be wise to proceed with caution.
7. Don’t check your common sense at the door.
If something seems too good to be true, pause and reflect a bit. If a manufacturer tells you they conceived of a new product in the morning, custom formulated it by lunch, produced and packaged it in the afternoon and had a professional photo shoot and the product loaded onto a website by dinner, doesn’t that seem a bit much? If someone claims to create certified organic products all by hand, selling them at a fraction of the price of most other companies, does that seem logical? No matter how in love with a product you may be, don’t suspend reality. And please don’t fall into the trap of “well, I love how it smells/makes me feel/ looks on me so I really don’t care what’s in it or if the manufacturer follows the rules.” Manufacturers who are scofflaws, whether they be large or small, jeopardize the industry for everyone. If select indies behave irresponsibly, they run the risk of attracting negative attention, eroding the trust of the general public and influencing future legislation that could stifle innovation and limit entry by new companies while simultaneously restricting growth of established companies...and that’s not fair to anyone.
