10/08/2020
How do we categorize SOAP?
Article source: "Introduction to Cosmetic Formulation And Technology" by Gabriella Baki & Kenneth S. Alexander
According to the FDA, a true soap is:
“(1) The bulk of the nonvolatile matter - in the product consists of an alkali salt of fatty acids and the product’s detergent properties are due to the alkali-fatty acid compounds;
(2) the product is labeled, sold, and represented solely as soap.”
Today, there are only a small number of true soaps in the traditional sense on the market.
Most hand and body cleansers on the market are actually synthetic surfactant-based products and go under the jurisdiction of the FDA. These surfactant cleansers are popular because they easily make suds in water and do not form deposits.
Some of these synthetic surfactant products are actually marketed as soaps; however, they are not true soaps by the legal definition of the word.
With regard to the claims made by soap manufacturers, a soap can be considered a simple noncosmetic product, a cosmetic, or a drug.
If no cosmetic claims are made for a soap, other than that it cleanses our hands and body, and no drug claims are made, a soap is considered a noncosmetic, nondrug product, similar to a dishwashing detergent.
If a cosmetic claim is made on the label of a true soap, such as moisturizing or deodorizing, it is considered a cosmetic and regulated by the FDA.
If a drug claim is made for a soap, such as antibacterial, antiperspirant, or anti-acne, the product is considered an OTC drug–cosmetic product and regulated by the FDA.
This information is vital for both soap makers and consumers to have better understanding about soap products.
For soap makers or even resellers who are new to the industry, knowing which category our soap belongs to will equip us with confidence and knowledge. Doing so will help build consumers' trust and awareness.
