FDA Asks for Input on Cosmetic Allergies - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

According to an article from the Food and Drug Administration's web site, if you've had a negative reaction to a beauty, personal hygiene or makeup product, the FDA wants to hear from you.

"Even though these products are widely used, most don't require FDA approval before they're sold in stores, salons, and at makeup counters," says Linda Katz, M.D., director of the agency's Office of Cosmetics and Colors. "So, consumers are one of FDA's most important resources when it comes to identifying problems."

The federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines "cosmetics" as products that are intended to be applied to the body "for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." But the legal definition includes items that most Americans might not ordinarily think of as cosmetics, including:

• face and body cleansers
• deodorants
• moisturizers and other skin lotions and creams
• baby lotions and oils
• hair care products, dyes, conditioners, straighteners, perms
• makeup
• hair removal creams
• nail polishes
• shaving products
• perfumes and colognes
• face paints and temporary tattoos
• permanent tattoos and permanent makeup

Consumers should contact FDA if they experience a rash, hair loss, infection, or other problem—even if they didn't follow product directions. FDA also wants to know if a product has a bad smell or unusual color—which could signal contamination—or if the item's label is incomplete or inaccurate.

If you have any concerns about a cosmetic, contact MedWatch, the FDA's problem-reporting program or call 1-800-332-1088; or contact the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

When you contact FDA, include the following information in your report:

• the name and contact information for the person who had the reaction;
• the age, gender, and ethnicity of the product's user;
• the name of the product and manufacturer;
• a description of the reaction—and treatment, if any;
• the healthcare provider's name and contact information, if medical attention was provided; and
• when and where the product was purchased.

Be sure to give the age, gender, and ethnicity of the person who had the reaction. FDA scientist Wendy Good, Ph.D. says that information is important because it can help scientists spot trends.