What actions can the FDA take against manufacturers that produce and market unsafe cosmetics?

The federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) requires that every cosmetic product and its individual ingredients be substantiated for safety before going to market and that product labeling be truthful and not misleading. Cosmetic manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that products comply with the law before they are marketed. This process includes analyzing a cosmetic ingredient's testing and safety data. If the manufacturer is unable to substantiate the safety of a product, the law requires the product to carry a conspicuous warning stating that its safety has not been substantiated.

The law provides severe penalties for products that do not meet these standards.