Which organization ensures the safety of cosmetics in the United States?

The organization responsible for ensuring the safety of cosmetics in the United States is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA plays a critical role in regulating not only food and pharmaceuticals but also cosmetics and personal care products. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the FDA oversees the safety and labeling of cosmetics to help protect consumers from harmful substances.

The FDA does not require pre-market approval for cosmetics, but it does monitor products on the market and can take action against cosmetics that are found to be unsafe or misbranded. This is crucial for maintaining standards in consumer safety and public health.

In contrast, other organizations have different focuses; for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily regulates environmental issues and chemicals that may affect human health and ecosystems rather than cosmetics specifically. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is focused on public health and safety, primarily in relation to disease prevention and control. The World Health Organization (WHO) operates on an international level to coordinate responses to health issues across nations, but it does not regulate cosmetics in the United States. Thus, the FDA is the correct answer because of its specific mandate in overseeing cosmetic safety.