Comments on: Do you care if your cosmetics are approved?

By: sesame

sesame — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:23:24 +0000

You’re spot on about the manufacture date. I wish they have it more transparent and not using batch code which is not easy to decode. A simple use by date would also be good but it’s only a requirement for natural/organic products.

As for notification with HSA, it’s true that companies have to file but I understand from one source that some companies wait till they’re reminded to send their samples for testing, which could be a long long time and I also won’t be surprised that some small ones do fall through the crack entirely. Plus considering that there are so many companies, I doubt the authorities have the resources to keep tabs unless there are active watchdogs and policing. The story about the blogshop being told to stop selling colored contact lenses was an example – it only came to the authorities’ attention after their shops were featured on the papers – if the story didn’t appear, would the authorities ever know? But my guess is these small-time sellers probably do not know the procedure and they’re not out to exploit.

Products that are recalled are actually listed on HSA’s website though I’m not too certain if all are listed. Apart from contact lenses solution, I agree with you that I don’t hear much of these recalls. Plus who checks the HSA website anyway except those with personal stakes?

By: sesame

sesame — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:10:55 +0000

Yup, the awareness will help us to be more vigilant. Afterall, we’re paying for the product and the company that is at the receiving end is expected to be more responsible.

By: sesame

sesame — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:08:57 +0000

I’ll also be more careful when I review products in future. This never really came up on my radar cos I never imagine there was a crack in the system. Now, except for those products that are readily available in the mass market, I’ll make an effort to check if the product has been approved (whether FDA or HSA) before posting – especially if they’re just sold online.

By: Dee

Dee — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:35:45 +0000

I didn’t start understanding certain ingredients and reading labels until recently. And I wouldn’t want to put anything on my face that isn’t safe. If I found out that a company came out with a product that wasn’t approved, I would stop purchasing their stuff. I completely agree with the above poster. There’s so many products out there that “claim” to be natural/organic and its really not. You just have to try and be more cautious and do your research.

By: icequeen

icequeen — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:46:48 +0000

Well not entirely true that “continue selling their products without ever having them tested”. For the product to be marketed -> they have file with HSA. And if they tell HSA -> they have to send samples for testing. So we’ll know sooner or later. (thou we all prefer sooner)

What bothers me more is that, more often than not, product recall is done quietly. (eg. elf recalled some products earlier this year and I only CHANCED upon a forum post…at a much later date.)

Oh and another thing that bothers: products which has “use-within” period printed (eg. ’12M’ which is 12 months, printed inside a half open jar) but no manufacture NOR expiry dates. Companies are supposed to at least print either of the dates, either which depends on the products’ minimum durability > or <30M. Now when should I start counting the 12M? When I first open the product? But some products aren't tightly sealed at all…