Regulatory roundup: A review of US beauty sector enforcement and compliance actions

Tariffs, court cases, bills, and more have been filling the beauty news headlines in recent weeks, with CDU rounding up expert industry insight into the summer's top stories.
Tariffs, court cases, bills, and more have been filling the beauty news headlines in recent weeks, with CDU rounding up expert industry insight into the summer's top stories. (Getty Images)

From packaging laws to the potential impact of the US-EU tariff deal, industry experts weighed in on a flurry of recent legislation proposals and legal decisions.

The cosmetics industry has seen a series of significant regulatory and legal developments across the US and beyond in the Summer of 2025. From new legislative proposals addressing ingredient safety and transparency to evolving enforcement priorities on marketing claims, companies face an increasingly complex compliance landscape.

This roundup covers critical updates, including the Senate panel’s approval of the OTC Reform Bill with sunscreen provisions, the introduction of the ‘Safer Beauty Bill Package’ targeting toxic chemicals, and shifts in influencer marketing regulations.

Industry reacts to Senate panel approval of OTC Reform Bill with key provisions for sunscreens

The Senate Committee’s recent approval of the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Reform Bill marked a pivotal step toward modernizing regulations for OTC products, including sunscreens. We spoke to industry stakeholders who expressed cautious optimism about the bill’s potential to streamline approvals and enhance product safety standards.

‘Safer Beauty Bill Package’ targets toxic chemicals in cosmetics

The four pieces of legislation included in this package propose stricter regulations on consumer safety through ingredient disclosures, bans on hazardous chemicals, transparency requirements, and the allocation of funds for research. This legislation reflects the growing legislative momentum toward comprehensive oversight of cosmetic ingredients.

Key takeaways: PCPC webinar reviews industry challenges in biodiversity compliance

A recent webinar hosted by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) highlighted the complex challenges cosmetics companies face in meeting biodiversity compliance standards, emphasizing the importance of sustainable sourcing and supply chain transparency.

We spoke with the webinar’s moderator, Jonathan Hicks, PCPC Director of International Trade and Regulatory Affairs, to gather his key takeaways on the potential impact for industry stakeholders.

How the US-EU tariff deal could affect Europe’s cosmetics industry

The new US-EU tariff agreement has implications for European cosmetics exporters, potentially reducing costs and easing trade barriers. However, industry experts caution that regulatory alignment and compliance issues remain key factors influencing market access.

Dr. Squatch ends select TikTok Shop affiliate posts amid disclosure scrutiny

In response to a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge over affiliate marketing disclosures, personal care brand Dr. Squatch ceased certain TikTok Shop affiliate promotions. We spoke to Jennifer Adams, attorney at Amin Wasserman Gurnani, for her analysis of the case and how its outcome underscored the growing regulatory focus on transparency in influencer partnerships.

How recent rulings are shaping the legal risk of vegan collagen marketing

A series of recent court decisions has clarified the boundaries for marketing vegan collagen products and highlighted the legal risks associated with misleading claims, emphasizing the need for clear and substantiated labeling. In this article, Shawn Collins, a partner at Stradling Law, broke down the key takeaways from these actions and offered strategic clarity for stakeholders to mitigate potential litigation.

Three additional states to mandate textured hair training in cosmetology schools

New legislation in Washington, Vermont, and Maine will require cosmetology programs to include training on textured hair, reflecting a broader push for inclusivity and specialized education within the beauty industry. These efforts have been supported by the Personal Care Products Council, the Professional Beauty Association, and the Texture Education Collective.

July sees heightened FTC scrutiny on ‘Made in USA’ labels

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has intensified enforcement around ‘Made in USA’ claims, signaling to brands the necessity of rigorous substantiation and accurate labeling practices.

With many brands leaning into patriotic advertising during the summer months, former FTC “Made in USA” program manager Julia Solomon Ensor urged cosmetics and personal care products companies to proceed with caution to avoid overstating US manufacturing or content in marketing.

SB 54 is coming fast: Is the beauty industry ready?

California’s SB 54, which focuses on reducing packaging waste and promoting recycling, is set to take effect soon. The beauty industry is evaluating its readiness to comply with the law’s requirements, which could have a significant impact on product packaging and sustainability initiatives.

In this CDU Q&A, we spoke with a spokesperson from the Circular Action Alliance for a deeper understanding of the actions required from industry stakeholders for regulatory compliance.