Founder and CEO of Beautycounter, Gregg Renfrew, will testify as an expert witness in a congressional hearing on cosmetic reform. Renfrew has advocated for cosmetic reform in both Washington, D.C. and state capitols since Beautycounter launched in early 2013.
 
A Landmark Case
 
The House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health will hold the hearing on cosmetic reform on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at 10 a.m. EST, entitled, “Building Consumer Confidence by Empowering FDA to Improve Cosmetic Safety.” This is a House subcommittee hearing led by chairwoman Anna Eshoo and ranking member Michael Burgess to examine the role the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) must play to protect consumers in the area of personal-care product safety.
 
“Today’s hearing marks a monumental day for consumers,” commented Renfrew. “After nearly seven years of advocating for better beauty laws in both Washington, D.C. and state capitols, Beautycounter is proud to share why cosmetic safety reform is so important for today’s consumer, the beauty industry, and future generations.”
 
In Need of More Regulation
 
Despite rapid growth, the $90 billion beauty industry in the United States is largely unregulated, with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938 being the most recent major legislation governing the industry. Beautycounter supports legislation that allows the FDA to screen the ingredients of personal-care products for safety, require greater transparency, and have the ability to recall products that are highly dangerous to consumers.
 
“It’s been over 80 years since Congress has passed comprehensive legislation that would protect consumers from harmful ingredients in personal-care and beauty products. As the CEO of a manufacturer of products, I believe it’s our duty to use the safest ingredients possible. In today’s underregulated beauty market, however, doing so is extremely challenging,” continued Renfrew. “We applaud the leadership of chairman Pallone, ranking member Walden, and representative Shimkus in taking steps to allow the FDA to review ingredients for safety before they make their way into beauty products.”
 
“Beautycounter looks forward to partnering with the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to pass bipartisan legislation. I, on behalf of Beautycounter, our advocates, and our clean beauty movement, commit to mobilizing our community of millions to support this important public health issue,” said Renfrew.