Benefit Cosmetics fined over hazardous materials
The beauty retailer, which is known for its brightly colored, candy themed color cosmetics, admitted to breaking the law back in March 2006, when it failed to follow guidelines for handling the toxic substance isopropyl alcohol, according to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is commonly used as a cleaning fluid, and is used to dissolve other ingredients in a variety of formulations as well as reducing the thickness of liquids and creams.
No training or certification
The Californian law courts found that the company’s employees were not properly trained or certified to prepare hazardous materials that were destined for air transport.
In answer to the conviction the company says that it intends to issue a notice in a beauty industry trade journal in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of handling such materials.
California state hinted at tougher regulations for cosmetics under the proposals of the Green Chemistry Initiative, which were unveiled earlier this year.
California tightens regulations
The significance of the Californian market means that cosmetics companies operating in the US will have to adapt their procedures and practices to comply with tighter legislation.
The Department of Toxic Substances Control unveiled various goals related to the elimination of toxic chemicals along with options as to how best to achieve them.
The suggestions were reviewed by stakeholders and sent to the Governor in July with the broad aim of moving from the management of hazardous materials to their elimination.
