A new research paper has been published which explores methods by which personal care companies can gain the trust of consumers.

The paper, published by UL Environment, a US safety consulting and certification company, found that consumers are most concerned about the safety of cosmetics ingredients. It recommends that brands engage in voluntary risk assessments that go beyond the requirements of existing industry regulations.  

Angela Griffiths, director of Advisory Services, UL Environment, commented, “The market for personal care products is expanding rapidly. At the same time, with the rapid increase in global access to information, more consumers are actively seeking information on the health impacts of the products they consume.”

“This is especially true for the personal care sector, where consumers are becoming increasingly interested in the products they and their families use every day. In light of this growing market and the corresponding demand for safety information by consumers, we see a need to understand and develop a ‘best practice’ for evaluating personal care product safety.” 

The research draws upon the views of non-governmental organizations and activists, as well as views from safety, stewardship, and sustainability experts from the retail, brand, and chemical supplier communities. It explores various methods of voluntary safety assessments, such as hazard characterization, exposure assessment, dose response, and risk characterization.