Deciphering a Cosmetic Label

Hey y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. It has been some time since I've posted only because I am having trouble typing with my finger injury. Here goes my re-entry into the blogosphere!


Cosmetics, whether manufactured in the United States or imported from abroad, must be in compliance with the labeling guidelines of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FD&C Act).

Items required on a label are:

• Ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name.

• Must state the name of the product and accurate statement of net weight. Solid, semisolid or viscous cosmetics are listed as pound and ounce where liquid measurements are listed as U.S. gallon and the subdivisions of fluid ounce, quart and pint.

• The name and place of the company distributing the cosmetic must be present. If the company is listed in the phone book, the street address may be omitted. If the company distributing the cosmetic is not the manufacturer, it must state "Manufactured for or Distributed by".
  

• Cosmetics which may be hazardous when misused must bear a warning label and adequate directions for safe use. Examples of products requiring such statements are cosmetics in aerosol containers, feminine deodorant sprays and bubble bath products for children.

• Labels bearing misleading or false information or not labeled in accordance with the labeling guidelines, may be considered misbranded and may be subject to regulatory action.

For more Cosmetic Labeling Guide information, please visit the FDA website.


You may see a period after opening (PAO) symbol on the label. It symbolizes an open jar, which designates the lifespan of the product in months, after opening. The number of months may be listed out to the right side or on the base of the image.


Manufacturers may also include a logo to indicate the product is certified vegan, organic or cruelty free. Other images you may see:
Recycle logo
The Leaping Bunny logo

Caring Consumer (PETA) logo

Cactus & Ivy is licensed to use both The Leaping Bunny and Caring Consumer logos. Each year, I must complete a statement that our products are not tested on animals and I only purchase from suppliers who adhere to the same standards.

I hope this helps you determine what is in your bath and beauty products. If you have any questions, please ask. Whether you are purchasing from Cactus & Ivy or another company, I want you to be informed. I am here to help.

Thanks for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

No Animal Testing Here

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. The countdown has begun and as the saying goes, "out with the old and in with the new". I still can't believe that another year has passed by so quickly.

What does it mean for Cactus & Ivy to be cruelty free? It means that we have not, nor will we ever test our products on animals. Furthermore, we do not engage in business with suppliers that test their products on animals. Cactus & Ivy began with this standard and we have absolutely no intention of ever changing it.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love animals! Our friends say that when they die, they want to come back as one of our four legged family members. That's right, they aren't considered pets around our house, they are family! I couldn't imagine using the lovable, furry creatures as anything other than a warm and soft cuddle bug!

Every year, Cactus & Ivy signs The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program cruelty-free standard. We also list our suppliers, and they must recommit to the standard as well.

We are also a member of PETA's Caring Consumer program. Feel free to visit both sites to see that Cactus & Ivy is listed. If you have any questions about Cactus & Ivy being cruelty free, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Thanks for stopping by y'all and have a fantastic day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy