If you've ever visited Japan and tried out some of the popular makeup brands we carry, you might have noticed something about the products we carry – there are some colors, especially for eye makeup, that we don’t offer. It's not because we think U.S. consumers wouldn’t like bold shades like burgundy mascara or vibrant eyeshadows. The reason lies in something a little less glamorous: FDA regulations, specifically the Modernization of Regulation Act (MoCRA).
What is MoCRA?
Signed into law in late 2022 and enforced starting in 2024, MoCRA gives the FDA new powers and marks the first major update to U.S. cosmetic regulations since 1938. This act aims to ensure better safety standards and more accountability in the cosmetics industry.
Some of the key provisions of MoCRA include:
- Mandatory facility and product registration
- Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
- Adverse event reporting
- Safety substantiation for all products
- Additional labeling requirements
- Enhanced enforcement powers for the FDA
In essence, MoCRA requires all cosmetic products to be registered with the FDA and fully comply with these regulations before they can be sold in the U.S.
The Issue with Colors
The FDA maintains a list of approved colors for cosmetics, and products containing colors not on this list are considered illegal for import into the United States.
Even more specifically, the FDA has stricter rules for products used around the eyes, including the eyebrows, eyelids, and eyelashes. For example, while there are 14 different red shades approved for other parts of the face, only one red color (FD&C Red No. 40) is allowed around the eyes. This creates a challenge for replicating certain shades, especially in products like mascara and eyeshadows.
Why This Matters to Us
At Rei Cosmetics, we’ve made it our mission to only offer products that can be safely brought into the U.S. and are compliant with the latest regulatory guidance. We partner closely with our distributors and regulatory teams to ensure that every product we sell meets FDA standards. While some overseas retailers may carry makeup that doesn’t adhere to these regulations, we go the extra mile to ensure our products are safe, properly labeled, and in compliance with U.S. law.
This means that every product we ship from the U.S. has already passed customs and meets the necessary safety and regulatory standards. We also collaborate with Japanese brands looking to enter the U.S. market to ensure they obtain FDA approval and label their products correctly for U.S. consumers.
Our Promise to You
We know that navigating regulations can seem like a lot of red tape, but for us, it’s a crucial part of ensuring that the products you use are both safe and legal. Our commitment to compliance means that when you buy from Rei Cosmetics, you can trust that the products you’re receiving will meet U.S. safety standards and won’t face any issues getting to you or being safely used.
While some retailers may take shortcuts, we believe it’s worth the effort to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your makeup has been carefully vetted and can be sold in the United States. After all, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities!