Cosmetic Product Labeling

Prop 65 Warning Labels – Compliance Deadline

New California Prop 65 label requirements are now required on all products past a shelf life or created on or after August 30th 2018. There are some exemptions for smaller businesses and for products that are classified as being below the regulatory safe harbor levels of the listed chemicals.

New Label Requirements

Previous compliance allowed for the warning labels to list that the product “contains” the chemical that can expose you to a prop 65 chemical, but the new law will change the language to the product “can expose you to” a Proposition 65 chemical rather than saying “contains.” Also included:

The name of at least one listed chemical requiring the warning
The URL for OEHHA’s website www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
A triangular yellow warning symbol on most warnings

Here’s an example of what a new warning message might look like (via sourceintelligence):

When is a Prop 65 Warning Label Required?

Whenever a product contains a listed chemical, the warning must be present, unless the level of exposure is below the regulatory safe harbor level. Businesses with less than 10 employees in CA may be exempt. The requirement is for every type of product, not just chemical products, that contain any amount of the listed chemical above the safe harbor level.

When Must Products Comply With the Rules For “Clear And Reasonable Warnings?”

Prior to August 30, 2018, products can use either the new form of warning or the September 2008 regulations. After this date, new products must only use the new regulations. Consumer products manufactured before August 30, 2018, do not require the new warning, as long as it is labeled with a warning that is compliant with the 2008 regulations.

More Highlights of the New Warning Label

Provides website warnings for online purchased products
Adds “tailored” warnings to provide detailed information for certain exposures, places and products
Shows warnings in other languages than English in some cases
Lists the roles and responsibilities of those providing the warnings

Where to Find More Details About Proposition 65 Warning Requirements

Proposition 65 and its regulations are posted at https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/law/proposition-65-law-and-regulations.

For a side-by-side comparison of the current and new warning regulations, see https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/crnr/side-sidearticle6.pdf.

You can also contact the Proposition 65 Implementation Program office: (916) 445-6900 or email P65.Questions@oehha.ca.gov.

Want to Prevent Labeling Disaster? QC Tech Makes No Mistake

Got milk?

A label for one bread crumbs manufacturer did not. Last year, their simple labeling error failing to list “milk” as an ingredient led to nine Class I FDA recalls for more than 3.5 million pounds of food.

Make no mistake: When it comes to labeling, the stakes couldn’t be higher. You’re holding people’s lives in your hands, sometimes quite literally. The smallest labeling errors can quickly become breaking news nightmares on CNN.

And even beyond the FDA and criticality issues, labeling mistakes threaten the success of marketing campaigns and compliance. Shoddy labeling can deter a sale, as well as incur substantial fines from big box stores and online retailers.

It’s enough to keep any manufacturer up all night, whether you’re Chef Boyardee or a small craft brewery bottling IPAs in your basement.

Want to sleep great at night? Implement a system of quality control (QC). It’s practically melatonin for any manufacturer looking to destress. Detect a labeling error while the product’s still on the line and the adhesive’s still sticky and not overly aggressive. QC measures catch problems before they become exponentially expensive.

The 3 Primary Approaches to Quality Control

The good news is QC technology is prevalent, easy to use, and can integrate seamlessly to solve nearly any challenge presented by the most robust labeling systems. It only depends on how intricate an analysis you choose to implement, according to the criticality, expense, and complexity of the labeling production.

Essentially, there are three technological methods to ensure quality labeling: photoelectric sensors, ultraviolet detection, and visual camera inspection. Each of these can be integrated cooperatively together to assure reliable compliance.

Photoelectric Sensors use infrared light to analyze the contrast between the label and the background of the product to ensure the presence of a label.

Ultraviolet Detection uses electromagnetic radiation to detect the presence of ultraviolet responsive ink on a label. It is used to detect a label that does not have a contrast detectable by a photoelectric sensor, such as a white label on a white product.

Visual Camera Inspection takes a photo of a label to provide a deeper inspection into the quality of the label itself. As highly sophisticated QC, camera inspection can accept or reject according to acutely specific quality standards at accelerated cycle rates. It does more than just tell if a label is present – it can determine if the label is positioned correctly. It can evaluate text on a label, measure color coding as well as the accuracy of a barcode. It can read batch codes, lot numbers, or expiration dates. And yes, it can tell you if the label for a dairy related product accurately lists “milk” as an ingredient.

Yet even the best QC tech should always be used in conjunction with traditional manual inspection through spot checking. There is always the risk computers have been programmed incorrectly, or that sensors have been configured for the wrong setup. Despite the benefits of technology, there’s still nothing better than a set of eyes at the end of the line to guarantee a product is bonafide shelf worthy.

How to Strategize Priority in QC Integration

In any healthy relationship, communication is essential. To implement the best quality assurance, first find out what issues are most critical to the customers you supply. What are their biggest concerns, challenges, and priorities when it comes to accuracy and critical error? What are they looking for? What keeps them awake at night? Don’t just guess or assume what’s critical or a priority. Quantify concrete specifications to which the QC needs to conform through clear and open communication with the client who receives your product.

Next, take that information to your labeling distributor or supplier and pick their brain. At CTM Labeling Systems, we insist on reaching out to the companies who use our label applicators to determine what criticalities are at stake. Then we can sit down together and discuss what QC technologies should be implemented to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance throughout the labeling process.

Perfect Labeling Evolving in the Flow of Continuity

When it comes to labeling systems, everything is on the line, both literally and figuratively. The criticality of immediately identifying errors cannot be overstated. QC technology provides efficient and comprehensive tools to ensure the integrity of labeling productions. Nevertheless, manual human inspection continues to be an essential cog in any quality assurance integration.

Naturally, as companies grow and evolve, so do their labeling systems and their needs for QC. Say you start out as a small brewery hand-labeling bottles in the family garage. As business improves and expands, your labeling needs grow conjunctively, as do concerns for accuracy against critical error. Rather than simply adding on new features and QC measures, it is often best to start fresh with a new labeling and QC system that can better handle this new stage of evolution. Talk to your labeling systems provider about what options might suit you best.

In the end, you can achieve a robust labeling and QC system that meets your needs and identifies critical errors right on the production belt. The FDA never knocks on your door. Nobody gets sick or poisoned. CNN calls someone else. Life continues to flow smoothly like the beltway of product continuously streaming off your manufacturing line, every package labeled correctly and ready for the shelf.

They can quote larger and more valuable opportunities and accept more projects.

Want to learn more about how to get the most out of your next labeling project? Check out CTM Labeling Systems’ FREE GUIDE, “The Secret to Planning a Labeling System.”

Guest Post By Ed Schneider | July 16, 2018

Ed Schneider is the Director of Sales and Marketing for CTM Labeling Systems — a leading manufacturer of pressure sensitive labeling systems located in Salem, Ohio. He has held this role for over 10 years.

Prior to joining the team at CTM, Ed spent 22 years with a major plumbing manufacturer in Salem, Ohio where he held various positions during his professional development, ultimately holding the position of Plant Manager for 7 years prior to his departure and current position held at CTM.

Ed earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University in Canton, Ohio where he received his degree in Business Management. Ed currently resides in Columbiana, Ohio with his wife Cindy.

Effective Colors for Label Design

The Psychology of Color

The psychology of color plays an essential role in the way that products are viewed by consumers. What does this mean? Marketers need to take the time to understand the importance and impact of color when it comes to labeling and brand identity. A brands impact on consumers can be heavily swayed by color, font, and calls to action on a products labels.

There are other important elements to consider when you are choosing your label materials, and one of them is matching the colors used on the label to the actual package design. You do not want your label to clash with the packaging, so choosing the best colors that look good together is a factor.

Colors and Influence

Red

One of the boldest colors to use in your label design is red. It can help your product stand out when sitting next to competitors products. Red is associated with impulse buying, excitement, and warmth.

Blue

Blue is associated with trust and reliability, as well as feelings of calmness and security. This makes it another one of the more popular colors to be used in different types of design. Blue is also the color that is commonly preferred by men.

Orange

Orange is said to create feelings of warmth and vitality, and is also tied to excitement and adventure. It is an energetic color, which is why it invokes positive, warm emotions.

Green

These days green is often associated with the environment and eco-friendly products, and many people that energy conscious are attracted to the color. Green is also associated with feelings of good luck and tranquility. Green is thought to relieve stress and can create a calming effect for consumers.

White

White is another popular color because of its simplicity and it will match well with any other color. It represents purity, cleanliness, and simplicity.

Yellow

Yellow is the most attention grabbing color that there is, this is because it is the most visible color when used for design. It is associated with cheerful and warm emotions. It is important to not over use yellow in design, because too much of it can have a negative impact because it causes fatigue to the eyes.

Brown

Brown is another color that is often associated with natural products, and it can create feelings of comfort and security.

Other Factors to Remember

Actual Package Color (or product color if clear)

When choosing colors for your label printing you need to make sure that the colors you choose will be compatible with the actual package color. If the packaging that your brand is clear then you need to make sure that the label colors are compatible with the color of the actual product.

Fonts/Legibility

The font is another element that needs to be considered. It should be an easy to read font, and it should also be big enough so people are not straining their eyes to read it. Legibility is a very important factor in all different areas of design, because if people cannot read the product label, they most likely will not buy it.

Label Requirement Advice for Handmade Soaps & Cosmetics

Even if you think your business is too small to really matter in the eyes of the FDA, your best bet is to follow the FDA’s custom label printing rules and regulations to avoid any future issues.

No matter how large or how small your handmade soap or cosmetics business is, there are rules and regulations you need to follow in accordance with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Even if you think your business is too small to really matter in the eyes of the FDA, your best bet is to follow the FDA’s custom label printing rules and regulations to avoid any future issues. We know how confusing and overwhelming it may be to obtain information about label printing for handmade soaps and cosmetics, which is why we’re here to help!

Beware of Health Claims on Custom Label Printing

According to the FDA, cosmetic labels must tell the truth and not be misleading. This includes making any health claims. Any products used for therapeutic purposes or those that may affect the structure of the body must be regulated as drugs are. Even if you think that your business is too small for the FDA to find you, think again!

As the creator of handmade products, you need to be especially careful about including any medical claims on your product labels. There are plenty of rules regarding this topic for manufactured cosmetics and soaps, and the same rules apply for handmade products.

Expect an FDA Inspector

An article published by Modern Soapmaking highlighted the experience that Robin from River County Soapworks had with the FDA when she first got started out back in 2014. Robin had just began working from home as a handmade soapmaker, and she thought she’d been doing everything right to follow the rules and regulations of the FDA. However, she hadn’t finished the process to become 100 percent compliant before she started listing her products online.

One morning, the FDA showed up at her door to conduct an unexpected inspection after she’d found a couple of her products on the internet. The inspector had noticed that Robin used the term “medicinal” and “antibacterial” in two of her product descriptions, which are problem areas for regulatory compliance.

Unannounced, the inspector drove two and a half hours to Robin’s home to discuss what Robin could and couldn’t say when marketing her products. The inspector also completed a full walk-through of her soapmaking studio. Before the inspector left, she took three product labels with her and made sure that Robin understood the whole process of getting in compliance. She made it clear that she wanted to help her, not worry her. She was given a few days to make the necessary changes to her website and correct a few other important issues that were brought up during the inspection.

Other Resources for Creating Handmade Products

Custom label printing doesn’t have to be a strenuous task, and SheetLabels.com, can help. However, you should first get to know the rules and regulations for creating handmade cosmetics and soaps at home. Some great resources to check out include:

● The FDA’s rules and regulations for cosmetic products

● Marie Gale, who has spent many years educating the public about regulations for selling handmade soaps and cosmetics

● Handmade Cosmetics Alliance

Once your business becomes FDA compliant, the fun begins! When it’s time to order your product labels, look no further than SheetLabels.com. Our great selection of cosmetic labels and soap labels are perfect for your handmade soaps and cosmetic products. Contact us today!

7 Ways to Ensure a Product’s Package is Retail Ready

It’s a fact, retail shelves and shoppers discriminate and they’ll judge your product’s packaging for what it is or isn’t. You might have thought the hardest part of getting your product on the market was getting a spot on store shelves, but who wants a product that just sits there collecting dust? About 1/3 of buying decisions are based on a product’s packaging. Here are 7 ways you can ensure your product’s packaging is market ready.

Ensure Packaging is Functional and Stands Out

When you look down a store aisle, do similar containers catch your eye or do uniquely shaped containers pull you in? Choose packaging that suits your product, yet also helps it stand out from your competitors. Even well-known brands often repackage their product to keep up with changing consumer needs and interests. In 2011, the iconic Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey spirit bottle was refined with a more pronounced square shoulder and simplified label to continue the legacy of the brand’s distinct look.

Packaging for convenience with the consumer in mind is another important factor. Packaging needs to be functional, durable, and easy to access. Consider whether the product needs to be squeezed, poured, sprayed, or consumed directly. Does it have a handle or none at all? The type of container, cap, and packaging material (e.g. glass or plastic— from clear, transparent, to colored) used helps to address these issues. It is necessary to note that stores have their own requirements too, in terms of packaging sizes and other preconditions.

Product Information Transparency

Today’s breed of consumers demand information and want it in the easiest, most convenient way possible. According to the 2016 Label Insight Food Revolution Survey, 37% of consumers were willing to switch to another brand if the competing brand had more detailed product information. Make sure you sell your brand using clear and concise language. Provide important information on the product label, instructions for use, reasons why the product is better, and its benefits. Avoid an overload of content, misinformation, and most importantly, inconsistencies in your language. Your potential customer wants to be an informed consumer, not a confused reader.

Font Should Represent the Product

A packaging label’s font helps set the tone for the product’s brand. Using modern and easy to read letters allows consumers to quickly scan for information. Font style, size, and color stirs up various types of consumer emotions. Make sure you’re connecting with the right audience (age, gender, race, and lifestyle) for the right reasons. Is your product more formal and serious or fun and youthful? Black creates a serious tone, whereas green is happy and often associated with healthy products. Too much or too little of the same color can also affect product perception.

Visuals Bring the Content to Life

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then purchasing decisions are based on visual appearance. Images on labels help connect shoppers to a product and visually provide an explanation for the product’s use. Products such as air fresheners come in various scents and to convey this to the consumer, images or colors of flowers representing the scent can help to define the smell more than the word itself.

Disclose Important Regulatory and Warning Information

From potential allergies consumers can avoid to hazardous or poisonous products, risks associated with your product should be clearly stated on the label. Certain industries have to comply with specific federal, state, and local requirements and at times, may require certification. These regulations are in place to protect the consumer, from warning labels, heath risks, to nutritional facts. How this material is presented and its format on the product’s label design must meet necessary provisions.

Hire a Professional Designer

Product labels are a form of advertisement, offering a sneak peak to what is inside the packaging. Trained label designers can create labels that give a product more direction and a clear message. They can also help select complimentary fonts or visuals to make the product unique. More experienced designers can provide better feedback based on their previous work with clients who have similar products

Find a Good Label Printer

While printing your labels with your home printer is an affordable option, selecting a good printing company will provide you with more high-quality labels. Printers can offer advice on potential problems a label artwork may have on the press and can work with you to select a label material that works best with your packaging. They also can mass produce product labels quickly and efficiently into various printed label styles and sizes that suit your packaging needs.

Nothing beats a great product but the packaging is the first impression consumers have of a product, be it online or in store. Think of it as persuasive elements that guide someone to pull the buy trigger. Packaging can tell a brand’s inspiring story or can be used as an additional marketing tool for other forms of product engagement, from recipes, sweepstakes, QR codes that are scanned with smartphones, to peel and seal product information labels or coupons. Just make sure you have the basic ingredients to making your product consumer and retail friendly before taking the plunge.

What Information Is Required On Cosmetic Labels?

Do you have a cosmetic product that is ready to be labeled and pushed out to customers? Whether it’s a soap or skin care product, there are incredibly strict requirements on what is necessary to display to your customers, and it’s important to make sure you have the correct information included before your labels are finalized.

The FDA has strict regulations for what information is deemed necessary to include in cosmetic labels in the United States. They require all of the following products to abide by these cosmetic labeling regulations:

Skin creams
Lotions
Perfumes
Lipsticks
Fingernail polishes
Eye and facial make-up preparations
Shampoos
Permanent waves
Hair colors
Toothpastes
Deodorants
And any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product

Make sure to check out the guidelines, and if you still have questions feel free to contact us! We’d be happy to help you with all of your cosmetic labeling needs.

Top Seven Most Common Cosmetic Labeling Mistakes

Here at SheetLabels.com, we make it our mission to provide our valued customers with excellent customer service, high-quality products, quick turnaround time, and helpful labeling advice and education. To make the process of creating cosmetic customized labels as easy as possible, we’ve put together a list of the top seven most common cosmetic labeling mistakes that cosmetic companies make—and how to avoid making these mistakes on your own products. Read on to learn more and be sure to follow our News & Sticky Notes Blog for the latest labeling industry news and updates.

Cosmetic Mistake #1: The Product Name

If the front of your product’s packaging includes a snippet of your product ingredient list but not the whole ingredient list—the product could be considered misbranded. For example, if your soap products feature tea tee oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil in the ingredient list, but the product’s front-facing label refers only to tea tree oil, you could have a problem.

Cosmetic Mistake #2: Not Knowing When to Use an Ingredient List

If you’re selling a product that doesn’t make any cosmetic claims (such as it being a skin moisturizer or acne reducer), then an ingredient list is not usually required. However, if you do make cosmetic claims, you need to follow the FDA’s cosmetic labeling guidelines. In this case, an ingredient list is required.

Cosmetic Mistake #3: Not Listing Ingredients by Predominance

Like all customized labels that must be regulated by the FDA, ingredients must be listed in order of predominance by weight. Additionally, all ingredients should be separated by commas and not by the word and.

Cosmetic Mistake #4: Using the Incorrect Front Size

Cosmetic labels and ingredient lists are difficult enough to read, so it’s important that you use the correct type size and fonts required by the FDA. Once you’re familiar with the FDA’s type size guidelines, physically measure the printed lowercase o on your customized labels as well as the printed uppercase L.

Cosmetic Mistake #5: Bolding the Net Weight

Bolding the net weight of the product may not seem like a huge deal, but it is. The net weight of your cosmetic product must be located near the bottom third of the product’s principal display panel. Additionally, the net weight must be bolded.

Cosmetic Mistake #6: Not Correctly Listing Micas

Mica refers to mica-based pigment and all mica-based pigments must be included on cosmetic labels. If a product uses aqua pearl mica (like in this example from Bramble Berry), the ingredient list would need to include all the mica-based pigments, including mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and chromium oxide green.

Cosmetic Mistake #7: Omitting Contact Information

All company contact information should be included on cosmetic customized labels. However, many cosmetic companies tend to forget that this information is required. If a company is listed in a telephone directory or city directory (in print or online), the street address may be left out. However, the manufacturer or distributor name, city, state, and zip code must all be listed.

To learn more about cosmetic labels and to create eye-catching beauty industry labels, contact SheetLabels.com today.

What Popular Symbols On Cosmetic Labels Mean

These days, shoppers are all about making informed purchases. With more and more people going for natural, vegan, organic, biodegradable, and recyclable products, various symbols are popping up all over the labels of cosmetic and personal care products. These symbols continue to grow in popularity since they make it easier for many people to find the types of products they’re looking for.

To get ahead of the game and keep up with your competitors who are having their product stickers printed with these symbols, it’s important for you to first understand what each of these seals means.

1. Organic Products

Like organic foods, organic cosmetics must only contain organically produced ingredients without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. USDA Certified Organic products may use the USDA Organic seal if they contain at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients. The other 5 percent of ingredients must be ingredients that are not available in organic form.

Products that are made of 100 percent organic ingredients do not have a specific seal, but the USDA Organic seal may be used in addition to the phrase “100 percent organic”. There is no seal for products that are made with organic ingredients, but in order to use the phrase “made with organic ingredients” on the product label, the product must be made up of at least 70 percent organic ingredients.

2. Natural Products

Organic and natural do not mean the same thing. However, products with the NATRUE seal mean that a product is made up of natural and organic ingredients, using minor manufacturing methods and environmentally-friendly practices. These products are also not tested on animals. Synthetic fragrances, colors, petroleum-derived or genetically-modified ingredients are not allowed in NATRUE products.

On the other hand, natural products are unregulated, do not contain a seal, and do not have to contain completely natural ingredients. Natural is a term used to define products that contain a combination of plant-based or plant-derived ingredients, and any product can use the term. However, manufacturers must use their own personal discretion when labeling products as natural.

Products that are naturally-derived do not contain a seal, but manufacturers can market the product as naturally-derived if the product was produced from ingredients found in nature. These products may also contain chemicals or be treated with synthetic ingredients.

3. Cruelty-Free and Vegan

There are two types of reputable cruelty-free seals that can be used. The first means that the product is cruelty-free and vegan, and the second means that the product is specifically cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

Products with the Cruelty-Free and Vegan seal mustn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients including honey or beeswax, and none of the ingredients may be tested on animals.

The Leaping Bunny seal means that animal testing was not performed during any part of the manufacturing process, and that none of the ingredients have been tested on animals. Product stickers printed with the Leaping Bunny logo mustn’t be tested on animals, but do not necessarily need to be vegan.

SheetLabels.com has the experience, tools, and resources you need to shine in the cosmetics industry. Have your product label stickers printed through us and enjoy our large selection of cosmetic labels. We’re looking forward to serving you!

Your Guide To Labeling Organic & Natural Beauty Products

The natural skin care and personal care movement is in full force and shoppers are becoming more and more knowledgeable about the products they choose to use on their bodies. More than half of American women want their skin care products to be all natural, according to Skin Inc.

Cosmetic label printing makes it easier to reach your target customers when you do switch out your conventional ingredients to natural and organic materials. All you need to do is learn about the ways in which you can label your natural products!

Natural Products Are in Demand

In an online poll published by PR Newswire, 1,000 American women were surveyed about their beauty product preferences. The Green Beauty Barometer poll found that nearly 60 percent of women read beauty product labels to avoid certain ingredients.

According to the survey, 29 percent of women would like to avoid sulfates, where 22 percent would like to avoid parabens, and 18 percent prefer to avoid synthetic fragrances. PEG compounds and mineral oil were also included at 15 percent and 11 percent.

Eco-Friendly and Cruelty-Free Products

According to Consumerist, 57 percent of shoppers prefer to purchase products that are cruelty-free and are not tested on animals. However, Only 43 percent would be willing to pay more for cruelty-free products.

The same goes for eco-friendly products. 81 percent of shoppers believe that eco-friendly beauty products cost more than the average beauty product. 61 percent of the people surveyed would only buy an environmentally-friendly beauty product if it cost the same or less than a non-green product.

Attract Your Target Audience

If you do sell natural, organic, eco-friendly, cruelty-free, or fair trade certified products, you can easily label your products to attract customers to your brand. Product label printing makes it easy to grab the attention of conscious shoppers, especially in an industry where more than half of shoppers are reading product labels.

For natural, organic, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, or fair trade beauty products, there are specific logos available to include on your product label, but many of them require a certification or an application process before you have the go-ahead to become certified. While this is sometimes a time-consuming process that comes with a price, it is often well worth it to satisfy shoppers.

Important Labeling Certifications

To include the Leaping Bunny logo on your product labels, which signifies products that are cruelty-free and not tested on animals, you need to first follow the Leaping Bunny Certification Program. There are other cruelty-free logos to look into, but the Leaping Bunny logo is internationally known and trusted.

To market your beauty product as Certified Organic, you will need to become certified by the United States Department of Agriculture. However, you don’t need to follow any rules or regulations from the USDA or FDA in order to market your product as natural. Natural products should be minimally processed and should not be misleading. If you label your product as natural but it actually contains artificial and processed ingredients, you could end up harming your brand.

As the name states, you must first become certified in order to label your product as Fair Trade Certified. Eco-friendly products, on the other hand, are a bit trickier to label. Green means a variety of things but is typically defined as a product that has less of an environmental impact than a regular product would have. Green Seal can help you to make the best product label printing decision for your eco-friendly beauty product.