Meng Calls on Head of FDA to Eliminate Unsafe Colorants from Feminine Hygiene Cosmetics

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today wrote to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf urging him to remove potentially harmful colorants from feminine hygiene cosmetics.

Presently, the FDA considers feminine hygiene cosmetics – such as feminine washes – to be “externally applied” products, a designation which allows manufacturers to include colorants that are only approved for external use. But since most women use feminine hygiene cosmetics internally, they risk suffering from negative health effects that the colorants may cause.

“Many women have complained of skin irritation, rashes, and other side effects from using feminine cosmetic items that contain colorants,” said Meng. "That is why the FDA must require makers of these products to eliminate colorants that stand to do harm. Women should no longer be putting potentially harmful chemicals into their bodies.”

Meng’s letter follows a Citizen Petition submitted to the FDA in August 2015 by the organization “Women’s Voices for the Earth” that requested the FDA issue safety guidance on the use of colorants in feminine care cosmetics. The group, a women’s advocacy organization that focuses on removing chemicals and toxins from consumer products, has yet to hear back from the agency.

“Aside from aesthetics, the use of colorants in feminine wash serves no purpose in these products,” said Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research at Women’s Voices for the Earth. “Instead, they are exposing women to unnecessary, additional health risks – risks already recognized by the FDA.”

In her correspondence, Meng also called for updated labelling and ingredient listing if the FDA acknowledges that feminine washes, and similarly situated feminine hygiene cosmetics, are not “externally applied” products.

A copy of Meng’s letter can be viewed here.