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CONSUMERS UNION EVALUATION:
How meaningful is the label?
The “allergy tested” label is not meaningful. Allergy tested is a general claim that implies a product was tested for allergic reactions on skin.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manufacturers are not required to perform any tests or provide supporting evidence to demonstrate that products labeled “allergy tested” produce fewer allergic reactions than other products. The FDA also states that nearly all cosmetics are likely to cause an allergic reaction in certain sensitive people.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrance is the number one cause of allergic reactions in cosmetics. AAD also states that there are over 5000 basic fragrances used in various cosmetic products including perfumes, colognes, skin care products, soaps, shampoos, lipsticks, sunscreens, and lotions. Preservatives are another example of a common trigger for allergic reactions in cosmetic products.
Since manufacturers are allowed to consider fragrances as trade secrets, the government does not require them to list the specific ingredients in a fragrance. As a result, consumers may not be able to identify the specific agent causing an allergic reaction from a cosmetic product.
Foods, drugs, and cosmetics are required to list their ingredients (with a few exceptions, such as fragrances in cosmetics), but household cleaning products are not required to disclose their ingredients (except for disinfectants or other ingredients considered to be antimicrobial pesticides).
Is the label verified?
No. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the regulatory authority given by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics (FD&C) Act, can take action on products it deems “misbranded” (misleading to consumers) or adulterated (contaminated and potentially unsafe) after such products have already been marketed. However, FDA has not defined the term, and without any formal definition of “allergy tested,” it would be difficult for the FDA to take action against manufactures making such claims.
Is the meaning of the label consistent?
No, the label can have different meanings for different products.
Are the label standards publicly available?
No, there are no standards for the use of this label.
Is information about the organization publicly available?
No, there is no organization that has established standards for this label.
Is the organization free from conflict of interest?
No. There is no organization independently certifying this claim. The producer or manufacturer decides whether to use the claim and is not free from its own self-interest.
Was the label developed with broad public and industry input?
No.
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PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS