THE LABEL CLAIMS OF COSMETICS

Under the Food and Drugs Act of 1906 the cosmetic industry functioned with little or no restraint. Occasionally the unfair trade practice laws of the Federal Trade Commission were used to inhibit extraordinary claims and occasionally manufacturers stepped into therapeutic fields; otherwise there was practically no limitation on the use of misleading names or deceptive containers or foolish advertising claims. In 1938 the Wheeler-Lea Act and the new Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act were passed. Now the Federal Trade Commission can require a manufacturer to show cause for certain claims. If such cause cannot be shown, a stipulation or a cease and desist order is issued with a view to preventing such claims. Thus the Federal Trade Commission has ordered certain manufacturers not to use the word "nonallergic." The Federal Food and Drug Administration, which enforces the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938, recently notified manufacturers, packers and distributors