For all cosmetics sold in California, the CSCP program requires manufacturers, packers, and/or distributors listed on the product label to provide a list of all cosmetics containing ingredients known or suspected to cause cancer, developmental harm, or other reproductive toxicity. Manufacturers must determine whether their products are subject to the CSCP reporting requirements before distribution and prepare and submit the necessary cosmetic filing materials as required by California.

All cosmetic color ingredients and additives must be FDA-approved for their specific intended use and cosmetic formulations. Cosmetic color additives must be FDA-approved for specific uses, FDA-certified colors (on a batch basis), or exempt from FDA color certification. Batch certification is the process by which the FDA analyzes all color ingredients used in cosmetic formulations to ensure they meet regulatory standards.

To obtain batch certification for a color additive, cosmetic manufacturers must submit samples of each batch of color additives used in their product formulations, along with documentation for the specific batch. After proper inspection, if the analysis of the batch sample meets FDA requirements, the FDA will certify the color additive.