U.S. GAO publishes report on cosmetics safety, including recommendations for FDA for MoCRA implementation

In response to persistent doubts being raised by consumer groups and scientists regarding the safety of cosmetics, as well as in the backdrop of implementation of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), which grants the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded powers to regulate cosmetic safety, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) was tasked with evaluating the FDA's oversight of cosmetic safety. The study analyzes the research being conducted on the safety of certain compounds used in cosmetics and the steps taken by the FDA to enforce its new powers. It also evaluates the effectiveness of these efforts in addressing key practices for agency reforms. 

This report contains details about state laws and regulations that ban or impose limitations on compounds used in cosmetics. Additionally, GAO is proposing seven suggestions to enhance FDA's efforts in implementing its newly acquired responsibility for overseeing cosmetic safety. These suggestions include the development of MoCRA implementation plans and staffing the workforce in a strategic manner.