The beauty industry has been buzzing with changes ever since the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) was passed in 2022. But what exactly is MoCRA, and how does it affect the growing clean beauty movement? Here’s what you need to know in simple terms.
What is MoCRA?
MoCRA is the biggest update to U.S. cosmetics laws since 1938—yes, you read that right! For decades, beauty brands weren’t required to follow strict regulations like the food or drug industries. This meant that companies didn’t have to register their products, report safety concerns, or prove that their ingredients were safe before selling them.
With MoCRA, that has changed. Now, cosmetic companies must:
✔️ Register their manufacturing facilities with the FDA
✔️ List their products & ingredients with the FDA
✔️ Report serious health issues linked to their products
✔️ Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to ensure safety
✔️ Disclose certain fragrance allergens
This means more transparency, more accountability, and better safety standards for the beauty products we all use daily.
How Has MoCRA Impacted Clean Beauty?
The clean beauty movement has been pushing for safer, more transparent products for years. While MoCRA doesn’t ban harmful ingredients (like the EU’s stricter rules), it’s still a huge step forward. Here’s how it’s affecting clean beauty:
1. Stricter Labeling & Ingredient Transparency
Before MoCRA, brands could use vague terms like “fragrance”without disclosing what’s inside. Now, the FDA is working on fragrance allergen labeling rules, making it easier for consumers to avoid potential irritants.
2. Safer Formulations & Less Greenwashing
Brands that marketed themselves as “clean” without clear safety data will now face more scrutiny. With MoCRA in place, companies must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to prevent contamination and ensure ingredient safety.
3. More Trust in the Beauty Industry
Consumers are becoming savvier about what they put on their skin. MoCRA holds brands accountable, making it easier to trust companies that prioritize safe, effective ingredients.
You can find official information about the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website:
Image Credit: Photo by Salha Frija on Unsplash
