Recently I have read claims made by handcrafted cosmetic and soapmakers that really “get my goat.”
First, let me explain to you in very simple terms, soap is considered soap until the manufacturer claims that the soap cures or prevents a medical condition. Notice how I am very careful with my wording in my Product Monday posts? If I claim that my soap clears acne, fights bacteria, you name it, I must call my soap something other than soap. It is obvious I do not have a license to sell drugs or medications, so I stick with selling soap.
I saw a claim today, via a handcrafted cosmetic ad, that stated, “Ward off H1N1 with these all natural ingredients.” Oh my word! People…I honestly want to take your ad to the shredder. First, you cannot stake those claims unless you are a licensed pharmaceutical company with a registered product. From what I saw, you are not. Secondly, you make it very difficult for us (soapmakers) to stay credible with the US government. It is your type of claim that causes the government to scrutinize the simple soap and cosmetic makers more than we know is needed.
I have learned a lot this year. And, we all make mistakes! I am much more careful with my product claims. I tell you the exact ingredients in my soap, and leave it to you to decide what it can or can not do (if anything) for your skin.
If you have a medical or skin condition, you should always seek advice from your physician!
Off my soapbox for today…I hope I (and other ethical soap and cosmetic makers) can continue to be in business, selling products that are wholesome, for many years to come!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
I have a claim about your soap. It is strictly from personal experience. The soap I bought from you for Christmas is FABULOUS! My skin hasn’t felt this good in years. My kids all think it’s wonderful too. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I am going to aim the thank you back to you, Susan. I appreciate your claim!
I publish blog posts when I am passionate about the topic, otherwise it does not get written. I hoped this post was received as something positive. I am determined to help protect honest soap and cosmetic makers.
Ha ha, “off my soap box ” is almost literal for you. I do believe anyone can read for themselves just how passionate you are about your soaps and that you stand behind your product 100 %. I love your soaps Mary, and obviously your passion is the reason you are making such wonderful soap.
Kathy, I have had my morning laugh already. I didn’t even catch what I had said, “off my soap box” until you pointed it out. It is almost literal for me!
I have learned a lot in the years I have been making soap, but there is always room to grow. The books come out, learning the technical terminology, along with another closely related field.
We all make mistakes, as I said, but I have a hard time believing those that make deliberate claims to “cures” via a soap or cosmetic are not aware of the government’s focus on those types of claims, and the potential damage they can inflict upon all soap and cosmetic manufacturers, especially the small businesses.
It’s the purity, richness and personality of the soap and the maker that makes this a wonderful place to do business. 🙂
Keep up the good work, Mary.
Thank you for the double-sided testimonial, Lynnanne. It is appreciated.
I’m on my soapbox this morning, too, Mary, to let you and anyone else know that I appreciate your integrity in your soap-making business. I love having a product that is pure and natural and all the ingredients are right there on the side for one to read. You make a great product!
I didn’t think about all the “government” stuff that you have to put up with to sell your soaps and lotions (which I also love) and about claims about what they can do. Just never thought about it. It’ll make me be more aware of what I’m thinking about buying and about the claims that people make about their products!
Thanks for the heads-up!
What I wrote did provide a window into the things we, as soap makers, do consider and follow when we make our products. I am sure I have fallen off of the bandwagon myself from time to time. But, Vickie, as you know, the effort is most definitely there. I am not happy with those that simply ignore what they know is wrong.
Yes, I have noticed your careful wording. I know of the problems that can arise from “claims to do” statements.
I wondered if you knew of the consequences and was ready to “warn” you if needed.
Only to protect you from those consequences.
But from this post I see that is not necessary.
Glad to know you are on top of this and I don’t have to worry about Uncle Sam visiting you!!!!
Nothing better than a watchful friend, Becky. Yes, I am careful. Always trying to learn and stay on top of it. It is a big job. We really can not do it alone!
I understand that you cannot make claims to curative powers or treatments of medical conditions- but isn’t handwashing in general a way to “ward off the H1N1 virus”? (Not dependent on the quality of soap).
I think that handwashing prevents the spread of many communicable diseases such as the common cold and influenza so I don’t think that one was much of a stretch. I’m glad people everywhere are reminding everyone to wash your hands frequently.
Nice to know you are so conscientious with your claims though. You just seemed so upset, I wanted to write in and hopefully allow you to let go of that one a bit.
Poppy, you made an excellent point!
There are some hard working advocates talking with government entities in an effort to keep small businesses from being wiped out by requirements that many will not be able to abide by.
I am not upset at those that are careless with claims, just making a point. I am concerned for our industry and guarded.
The specific claims that I read where not descriptions of hand washing, they actually contained mentions of certain ingredients that warded off H1N1 (and other diseases and medical conditions).
As I said, excellent point made. And I am okay. I think it is only fair for everyone to know what is involved.