Labeling Cosmetic Products: The Dos, Don'ts, and Details

This presentation is designed specifically for lavender growers who create and sell cosmetic products such as lotions, balms, and soaps. It covers the essential rules for labeling cosmetic products legally and accurately, helping you avoid costly mistakes and
build trust with your customers. Whether you sell at farmer's markets, online, or in retail stores, knowing what must (and must not) appear on your product labels is critical to staying compliant and professional.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the Basics: Learn what information is required on every cosmetic product label.

• Avoid Common Mistakes: Discover the labeling pitfalls that can get you in trouble with the FDA — and how to steer clear of them.

• Get the Details Right: Dive into ingredient labeling rules, font size, and placement, and how to differentiate between claims that are allowed and those that aren’t.

• Stay Compliant with Confidence: Tailored guidance for lavender growers creating natural products — so your labels meet the rules without losing your brand’s charm.

About the Presenter

Marie Gale is an author recognized for her expertise in the field of soap and cosmetic labeling, as well as regulations governing these products. She has over 25 years of experience in the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry, first as a maker, then as a President of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild (2004-2009), and finally as an advocate, author, and consultant (2008-2025).

After observing the confusion among small business owners regarding labeling and other applicable laws and regulations, Marie researched and published her first book, Soap and Cosmetic Labeling: How to Follow the Rules and Regs Explained in Plain English.  It has become an indispensable mainstay for soap and cosmetic handcrafters, aromatherapists, herbalists, and others who make products and want to comply with US labeling requirements. A completely updated 4th edition was released in 2025.

Her other books include 300 Years of Natural Soap and Cosmetic Recipes (2011), Good Manufacturing Practices for Soap and Cosmetic Handcrafters (2012), Navigating the Rules and Regs: A Practical Guide for Soap and Cosmetic Handcrafters (2022), and Complying With MoCRA: A Guide for Cosmetic Handcrafters (2024). All of her books can be purchased from Amazon.com.

Her long-time passion is educating product makers so they have the peace of mind knowing their businesses and products are in compliance with existing laws and regulations. In addition to speaking engagements and classes on soap and cosmetic labeling, Marie maintains a website (https://www.mariegale.com) that offers a wealth of information on labeling and legislation.

She also offers a label review service and consulting services to those seeking assistance with labeling, GMP, or other regulatory matters.

Most of the time, Marie works from her home in the Seattle area, where she lives with her husband. In her spare time, Marie spends time researching her family tree.

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