Washington passes law to ban chemicals in cosmetics

On 15 May 2023, a legislation (the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, HB 1047) was signed by Washington Governor Jay Inslee to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates and several other chemicals from personal care products. This is considered the strongest law in the United States on the regulation of cosmetics and personal care products.

The following chemicals which are intentionally added in cosmetic products will be banned from 1 January 2025. Retailers will be allowed to sell existing noncompliant products until 2026.

The following two main modifications to the House bill have been adopted by the US Senate in April 2023.

• By May 2024, an initiative is to be taken to assist independent cosmetologists and small businesses in transitioning to safer products.

• The Washington State Department of Ecology is required to build up a list of products giving off formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing agents which may subject to restriction.