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SO UNREGULATED: an overview of the regulations governing the animal cosmetics market

SO UNREGULATED:
SO UNREGULATED is a series meant to educate the pet market on the state of the animal cosmetics industry. We have spent years researching the science and developing our products. There's still so much to learn. This is series is an invitation to study with us. We are going to share our findings on this blog and invite other experts to share their knowledge on our soon-to-be-released podcast. If you wish to learn more about the chemistry and trends of dog cosmetics, you're in the right place. 
 
Let we start this off with some statistics:
  • Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will, at some stage in their life, develop a tumor. Almost half of the dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. [1]
  • 80% of dogs by age 8 and 20% of dogs by age 1, will show signs of arthritis. [2]
  • The estimated prevalence of dermatitis in dogs is approximately 10–15%. [3]
Although it seems normal in our current
day and age, we don’t think it’s okay that the most common cause of death in dogs is cancer. Cancer being a lifestyle-related health issue, it’s more important than ever to be aware of how we take care of our pups, what we feed them, and the chemicals that we soak them in each week.
 
Obviously, feeding your pet with generic kibble, which mostly consists of corn and flavor enchanters, will cause long-term health issues. Most pet owners already know this, which is why the premium dog food market is booming. But what about the cosmetics we clean our dogs with?
 
In 1976, the EU launched The Cosmetics Directive, after it became clear that the unregulated cosmetics industry is causing serious health issues for a vast part of mankind. The Directive was reevaluated in 2009, and the EU-wide Cosmetics Products Enforcement Regulation came into full force in 2013.

In summary, the act defined a wide array of regulations relating to the R&D, testing,production, labeling, and marketing of cosmetic products:

  • Animal testing was banned.

  • A list of allowed and banned substances was created;

  • As many preservatives were banned, the production facilities now had to follow strict sanitary guidelines;

  • To ensure their purity, and to eliminate the environmental issues associated, the chemicals used were now required to be produced following the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices);

  • All labels on cosmetic products now had to list every single ingredient they contained.

After the market adjusted to the regulations, there was a large drop in health issues related to toxic cosmetics. Great!

Let’s look at how the word “cosmetics” is defined in the act.

“The Regulation specifies six functions in relation to external parts of the HUMAN BODY for products that may be cosmetic products, namely:

  • to clean;

  • to perfume;

  • to change the appearance;

  • to protect;

  • to keep in good condition;

  • to correct body odors.”


"The Cosmetics Products Enforcement Regulation only applies to the products meant to be used on the human body. Animal cosmetics are, by definition, meant to be used on animals. The regulations don’t apply to animal cosmetics. What?!"

Now you’re going to ask what are the regulations governing the animal cosmetics market?The answer: THERE ARE NONE. Okay, we lied. To be absolutely correct, as the consumer of animal cosmetics is the person purchasing them, the EU Consumer Rights apply. The consumer has the right to return faulty products, receive truthful advertisement, etc.

 

And that’s pretty much it.

Here are some completely legal and unfortunately quite common practices in the production of animal cosmetics:

  • To use batches of chemicals deemed too impure to be used in human cosmetics;

  • To not list any of the ingredients used on the label or only the unharmful ones;

  • As the conditions producing or mixing the chemicals are unsanitary, pump the final mixture full of toxic preservatives - such as formaldehyde.

“The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living” by Daniel Hirst. A shark submerged in formaldehyde. You know, the same chemical used as a preservative in animal cosmetics.

 

We especially want to emphasise the use of formaldehyde. In our experience, we can confidently say you it's present in at least half of the dog cosmetics brands on the market. Definitely in the more generic and popular ones. If you see DMDM Hydantoin on the label, run.

As us humans don’t have a coat, our skin is much thicker and resistant to outside stressors. The main purpose of a dog’s coat is to keep them warm and to protect the skin from all kinds of environmental stressors they might encounter, such as bacteria and chemicals. Well, we’ve decided to start soaking our dogs in bacteria and chemicals. Weekly.

What do you think are the long-term consequences for the dogs? If you’re thinking cancer, dermatitis, arthritis, allergies, or even dementia, you’re completely right. How do you think these chemicals affect the health of groomers, who spend 8 to 10 hours a day washing pets?

So what’s the solution? How do we make sure we're not slowly poisoning our pets with god-knows-what? How do groomers make sure they're not poisoning themselves?

Well, we created our own brand, SO POSH. That way we know exactly what we wash our loved ones with. But for you? I guess you’ve got to find a brand you can trust. If that's not enough for you, the best you can do is to educate yourself.

Educate yourself on the regulations, the chemistry, the cosmetic industry's practices and the physiology of dogs. As we've yet to find a single source for all this information, all that is either going to take a couple of semesters in university, or hundreds of hours of organized research.

Or, you can subscribe to this blog.

Stay posh!
www.soposh.eu

Becca Alamenda

18 May 2024

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Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Safety in Cosmetics: A Comprehensive Guide for Gluten Sensitivity

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Safety in Cosmetics: A Comprehensive Guide for Gluten Sensitivity

Ever wandered down the beauty aisle, dog shampoo in hand, and wondered about the long list of ingredients you can barely pronounce? You're not alone. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, these lists are more than just confusing—they're a potential minefield.

But here's a little spoiler to ease your mind: when it comes to hydrolyzed wheat protein, the science is in, and the news is good. Despite ongoing debates in online forums and between well-meaning friends, researchers have given it a big thumbs up for safety. So, why do some folks still raise an eyebrow at this ingredient in human and pet cosmetics? Let's dive in together, unravel the mystery, and discover why this ingredient is on our side.

Understanding Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Imagine breaking down a giant, intimidating jigsaw puzzle into smaller, manageable pieces. That's what happens to wheat protein during hydrolyzation. This process chops up the protein, making it a valuable (and safe) ingredient in our products. Why? Because it turns rough hair smooth, dry skin moist, and makes coats shine like a diamond.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "But doesn't wheat mean gluten?" Typically, yes. But here's where it gets interesting. The magic of hydrolyzation transforms wheat protein to such a degree that what's left is far from the gluten that can cause us (or our pets) grief. And while some corners of the internet might lead you to believe that this is still up for debate, scientists have rolled up their sleeves, done the work, and assured us that hydrolyzed wheat protein is our friend, not foe.

Gluten causes inflammation in some people (and dogs) because it's hard to digest. Instead of being broken down and absorbed in the gut, it travels to the small intestine, leaks through the gut lining into the bloodstream, and triggers an immune response, causing inflammation. Hydrolyzation breaks down gluten (and all proteins) into its components, enabling proper digestion and resolving the issues.

The reason hypoallergenic dog food contains hydrolyzed proteins is because they don't trigger an immune response.
Gluten Hydrolyzatin

Potential Risks for Gluten-Sensitive Individuals and Pets

"Okay, but what about the risks?" is a question we often hear. Given the strong feelings gluten evokes among those of us who react badly to it, it's a fair one. The skin, our body's superhero cape, generally keeps gluten from penetrating our defences. But, because we love to worry (it's practically a hobby), we wonder if this villain could somehow sneak past our skin's barriers.

Here's where I remind you of our spoiler: the experts have done their homework, and the results are in—hydrolyzed wheat protein doesn't deserve its villain cape. But don't just take our word for it. The following study done by the American Institute for Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology gives an answer that leaves no room for opinions.

 

Scientific Research and Findings

In the heart of scientific exploration, a groundbreaking study[1] by Luigi Greco and others has shone a light on hydrolyzed wheat flour's safety for celiac disease patients. Their research, focusing on the transformative process of hydrolyzation, revealed that properly processed hydrolyzed wheat protein is not just safe but a viable ingredient for those traditionally avoiding gluten.

The real-world impact? Dermatologists, gastroenterologists, and veterinarians highlight this study as a pivotal moment, changing how we view ingredients in both our and our pets' products. One dermatologist remarked, "This opens up new possibilities for product formulation, making what was once off-limits, accessible and safe."

Echoing this, stories from the community reflect relief and newfound trust in products like So Posh, which prioritizes ingredient safety. "It's liberating," shared a customer, "to finally have options that are backed by science, ensuring that my sensitivity doesn't limit my choices."

Guidelines for Safe Use in Humans and Pets

Navigating the cosmetic aisle, whether for you or your pet, shouldn't feel like walking through a minefield. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Read the labels: Knowledge is power. Look for "hydrolyzed wheat protein" and remember, it's the friendliest component of the wheat for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Patch test: Trying a new product? Test it on a small skin area first. It's like dipping your toe in the water before diving in.
  • Consult the pros: When in doubt, your dermatologist or vet is just a call away. They can offer personalized advice based on the latest science.
  • Look for trusted brands: Some brands are committed to creating products that are safe for everyone, including those with gluten sensitivities. Doing a bit of homework to find these gems can make all the difference. So Posh has sold 100,000 bottles and doesn’t have a single known case of reaction. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s because we only use ingredients that are confirmed safe without a doubt by meticulous scientific research.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As we wrap up our journey through the world of hydrolyzed wheat protein, let's remember the key takeaway: science has spoken, and it's told us that this ingredient is a safe bet for those avoiding gluten. The conversations and cautionary tales surrounding it are natural, given our desire to do what's best for our health and that of our pets. But armed with knowledge, reassurance from experts, and a sprinkle of trust in scientific research, we can confidently embrace cosmetics that make us and our furry friends look and feel fabulous.

Citations:

1. Greco, L., Gobbetti. M., et al. (2010) Safety for Patients With Celiac Disease of Baked Goods Made of Wheat Flour Hydrolyzed During Food Processing. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 9(1) DOI: https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(10)00987-0/fulltext

Birk Sepp

23 Jul 26

SO UNREGULATED: an overview of the regulations governing the animal cosmetics market

SO UNREGULATED: an overview of the regulations governing the animal cosmetics market

SO UNREGULATED is a series meant to educate the pet market on the state of the animal cosmetics industry. We have spent years researching the science and developing our products. There's still so much to learn. This is series is an invitation to study with us. We are going to share our findings on this blog and invite other experts to share their knowledge on our soon-to-be-released podcast. If you wish to learn more about the chemistry and trends of dog cosmetics, you're in the right place. 
 
Let we start this off with some statistics:
Although it seems normal in our current
day and age, we don’t think it’s okay that the most common cause of death in dogs is cancer. Cancer being a lifestyle-related health issue, it’s more important than ever to be aware of how we take care of our pups, what we feed them, and the chemicals that we soak them in each week.
 
Obviously, feeding your pet with generic kibble, which mostly consists of corn and flavor enchanters, will cause long-term health issues. Most pet owners already know this, which is why the premium dog food market is booming. But what about the cosmetics we clean our dogs with?
 
In 1976, the EU launched The Cosmetics Directive, after it became clear that the unregulated cosmetics industry is causing serious health issues for a vast part of mankind. The Directive was reevaluated in 2009, and the EU-wide Cosmetics Products Enforcement Regulation came into full force in 2013.

In summary, the act defined a wide array of regulations relating to the R&D, testing,production, labeling, and marketing of cosmetic products:

  • Animal testing was banned.

  • A list of allowed and banned substances was created;

  • As many preservatives were banned, the production facilities now had to follow strict sanitary guidelines;

  • To ensure their purity, and to eliminate the environmental issues associated, the chemicals used were now required to be produced following the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices);

  • All labels on cosmetic products now had to list every single ingredient they contained.

After the market adjusted to the regulations, there was a large drop in health issues related to toxic cosmetics. Great!

Let’s look at how the word “cosmetics” is defined in the act.

“The Regulation specifies six functions in relation to external parts of the HUMAN BODY for products that may be cosmetic products, namely:

  • to clean;

  • to perfume;

  • to change the appearance;

  • to protect;

  • to keep in good condition;

  • to correct body odors.”


"The Cosmetics Products Enforcement Regulation only applies to the products meant to be used on the human body. Animal cosmetics are, by definition, meant to be used on animals. The regulations don’t apply to animal cosmetics. What?!"

Now you’re going to ask what are the regulations governing the animal cosmetics market?The answer: THERE ARE NONE. Okay, we lied. To be absolutely correct, as the consumer of animal cosmetics is the person purchasing them, the EU Consumer Rights apply. The consumer has the right to return faulty products, receive truthful advertisement, etc.

 

And that’s pretty much it.

Here are some completely legal and unfortunately quite common practices in the production of animal cosmetics:

  • To use batches of chemicals deemed too impure to be used in human cosmetics;

  • To not list any of the ingredients used on the label or only the unharmful ones;

  • As the conditions producing or mixing the chemicals are unsanitary, pump the final mixture full of toxic preservatives - such as formaldehyde.

“The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living” by Daniel Hirst. A shark submerged in formaldehyde. You know, the same chemical used as a preservative in animal cosmetics.

 

We especially want to emphasise the use of formaldehyde. In our experience, we can confidently say you it's present in at least half of the dog cosmetics brands on the market. Definitely in the more generic and popular ones. If you see DMDM Hydantoin on the label, run.

As us humans don’t have a coat, our skin is much thicker and resistant to outside stressors. The main purpose of a dog’s coat is to keep them warm and to protect the skin from all kinds of environmental stressors they might encounter, such as bacteria and chemicals. Well, we’ve decided to start soaking our dogs in bacteria and chemicals. Weekly.

What do you think are the long-term consequences for the dogs? If you’re thinking cancer, dermatitis, arthritis, allergies, or even dementia, you’re completely right. How do you think these chemicals affect the health of groomers, who spend 8 to 10 hours a day washing pets?

So what’s the solution? How do we make sure we're not slowly poisoning our pets with god-knows-what? How do groomers make sure they're not poisoning themselves?

Well, we created our own brand, SO POSH. That way we know exactly what we wash our loved ones with. But for you? I guess you’ve got to find a brand you can trust. If that's not enough for you, the best you can do is to educate yourself.

Educate yourself on the regulations, the chemistry, the cosmetic industry's practices and the physiology of dogs. As we've yet to find a single source for all this information, all that is either going to take a couple of semesters in university, or hundreds of hours of organized research.

Or, you can subscribe to this blog.

Stay posh!
www.soposh.eu

Birk Sepp

23 Jul 26