In France, self-regulation of cosmetic claims is the responsibility of the ARPP, particularly through its Recommendation “Cosmetic Products”. Its last version, the seventh one, was dated 2013. The eighth was published on 14 November 2018. During the information meeting on cosmetic claims organized by the FEBEA, Erica Mennesson, Director of Quality, Regulatory Affairs and Objectification of the Nuxe Group, explained why it was necessary to modify this reference text.
Érica Mennesson was transparent, making amends at the beginning of her presentation: “Nuxe has clearly been drinking from the ‘Free-from…’ fountain, and I will try to explain why we think today that it is no longer a very good idea to communicate in this way.” A demonstration that she has supported by a history of regulatory texts over the past ten years and what has been observed in the market.
A brief history of the allegations
Five main texts mark the history of the current regulation of cosmetic claims.
2009 : Regulation 1223/2009
Its Article 20 is devoted to allegations. It announces the publication by the European Commission of Common Criteria to define the framework for their use, and also a Commission report by July 2016 on their compliance in practice.
On the consumer side, a feeling of mistrust towards the safety of cosmetic products is strongly emerging. The ” Free-from… ” claims appear on the packaging, fuelling concerns widely reported by the media.
2013 : The Common Criteria
Regulation 655/2013 is published and the Common Criteria come into force. There are six of them: Legal compliance, Truthfulness, Evidential support, Honesty, Fairness, Informed decision-making.
They are accompanied by guidelines to …
