Response To Bill H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011

On July 4, 2011, text for the proposed Bill H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Bill was made available to the public. The full text of the bill is available online at the Library of Congress Thomas.

We have waited to issue our official position so that we could read and interpret the material presented and to field questions regarding the proposed legislation. Because of the overwhelming amount of propaganda surrounding this bill, we find it necessary to make the following statement:

• We do not feel that additional legislation is warranted to ensure safe cosmetics, but understand that it is inevitable. 

• We agree that full disclosure of ingredients in cosmetics is necessary so that it is clear to consumers that the safety of cosmetics in the United States is both important and indisputable. This needs to be accomplished in a manner that does not harm businesses while fostering pride and continued growth in manufacturing safe cosmetics.

• We support provisions in the proposed bill that provide exemptions for small and micro businesses. It is invaluable that new legislation does not create a barrier to entry for new small and micro businesses, while protecting those that already exist and produce safe cosmetics.

• We continue to support the work of the Handcrafted Soapmaker's Guild. The HSMG has worked tirelessly to educate committee members about our industry as well as how the details of this bill need to be improved so that our industry is not inadvertently and/or negatively impacted.

• We look forward to supporting the HSMG in future bill discussions with the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Members of Congress and the Sponsors of the Bill. Additionally, we have offered to participate in these discussions. We believe that it is imperative to keep the lines of communication flowing in a non-confrontational manner to quash miscommunication.

We encourage each of YOU to read the contents of the bill and to formulate your own opinion regarding how it applies to your business. It is evident that the voices of small business owners in our industry are being heard and considered. It is more important now to keep that momentum going to ensure that we continue that progress.

Allison Kontur

Smell No Evil, Ltd/AliMar Labs, LLC

330-467-1637