burnd Q&A | Episode 2

What if a company invents a brand new skin care ingredient?

New active ingredients cannot be used in over-the-counter drugs without thorough safety testing and regulatory approval. If a company creates a new molecule, they must conduct years of safety and efficacy testing before seeking regulatory approval. This process is expensive and time-consuming but is designed to ensure that new ingredients are safe for consumers.

Are foods and supplements regulated the same way as cosmetics?

Not exactly, but the general regulatory framework is similar. Both cosmetics and dietary supplements must comply with rules to ensure that products are safe for consumers and marketing claims are accurate and not misleading.

While these rules can sometimes slow down innovation, they exist to protect consumers from unsafe or ineffective products.

How are topical insect repellents regulated?

Insect repellents are not regulated by the same authorities that oversee cosmetics and over-the-counter drugs. Instead, they fall under the jurisdiction of the environmental regulatory agencies because they are classified as pesticides.

If a repellent contains deet, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, it must be registered with the regulatory agencies and may require safety and efficacy testing. Natural repellents, such as citronella or peppermint oil, do not require formal registration, but they also cannot make certain claims and tend to be less effective.