Why Ethical Packaging & Promotion Matter in Cosmetic Products

Who doesn’t love lathering up with a great-smelling soap bar or using a rich, fragrant lotion? I sure do! That’s one of the reasons I was intrigued by the idea of making my own. I didn’t want to just buy these products. I wanted to make them myself so I could experiment with different fragrances and formulations to create something truly unique.

This started as a hobby — one that I shared with my longtime best friend, Theresa. As we got better at it and received positive feedback from family and friends, we decided to turn it into a business. Whiff Soapworks was born!

We are one of numerous soap and cosmetic makers in our area. One of the things we noticed after we established our business — and still see today — are product packages and promotional signage that make claims that can affect consumer trust. At Whiff Soapworks, we don’t like seeing this. We feel that what sets our business apart isn’t just our high-quality, yet affordable items but also our integrity in marketing and sales.

We aim to be upfront and honest about the ingredients in our products and what our consumers can expect to get from them. There are lots of misleading claims out there, so I decided to write this blog post to help inform consumers about what to look for and why it’s important to be ethical when it comes to cosmetics.

What Are Cosmetics and Cosmetic Claims?

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics as:

“articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance”

It includes products commonly produced by local makers like lotions, lip balms, roll-on perfume, and shampoos.

It’s important to differentiate between cosmetics and drugs. Cosmetics simply enhance appearance, while drugs are intended to treat or prevent disease (think acne treatments or anti-dandruff shampoo).

The FDA has strict regulations regarding cosmetic claims. Companies must avoid making unverified claims, as this can mislead consumers and undermine trust in the beauty and cosmetic industry. Common examples of unverified health claims include:

• Reduces wrinkles
• Improves eczema
• Anti-aging properties
• Soothes inflammation
• Encourages collagen production
• Cure
• Detoxify

Businesses that violate regulations and make unverified claims like these could be fined by the FDA for deceiving the public and encouraging them to purchase products by using language that is untrue or can’t be proven as fact.

For instance, imagine a vendor selling a lotion they claim improves eczema. Maybe they said it worked for them or someone they know. While that technically could be true, without FDA testing to confirm it really works as advertised, there’s no way to prove the lotion was the thing responsible for the improvement or that it would work for every consumer.

Why Ethical Practices Matter to Us

Misleading claims confuse customers and lead to distrust in other cosmetic companies — even those that are ethical and follow all applicable rules and regulations. We are adamant about operating Whiff Soapworks ethically and doing right by our customers. We would love to tell you that our lotions soothe eczema, but we only claim that they moisturize.

We have seen many businesses make claims about their products that may sound appealing, but there’s no way to actually prove them. They haven’t been tested and verified by the FDA. Without that supporting evidence, the claims are nothing more than marketing gimmicks.

What to Look For

So, as a consumer, what should you be on the lookout for? My advice is to be keen on exaggerated claims that sound too good to be true. Terms like “cure” or “treat” are common red flags. Ask the seller questions about the product, research the ingredients and their benefits, and seek companies that prioritize transparency in their labeling and marketing.

In an industry that is full of unverified claims, it’s important to support businesses that operate ethically and are transparent with their customers. By understanding the regulations regarding cosmetic products, you will empower yourself to make informed choices.

I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s work together to foster a cosmetic market where honesty and quality reign supreme!

Whiff Soapworks is a small, women-owned business that was established in 2021. We produce a variety of items including soaps, wax melts, lotions, sugar scrubs, shampoo bars, lip balms, and more. Our products are available online, as well as at True North’s Building 2 in Morris, Illinois.