Washington State’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act passes House of Representatives, moves to Senate

Washington's Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act was approved by the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy, and Technology on March 21, 2023. The Fiscal Committee will now consider taking action on it.

The most comprehensive piece of legislation in the United States to regulate cosmetics and personal care products is the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, which the governor of Washington State just signed into law.

The legislation outlaws the use of dangerous chemicals such as PFAS, lead, phthalates, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde-releasing agents; it mandates the evaluation of substances that may have an impact on vulnerable populations; and it provides financial incentives for the development of safer goods. The prohibition will go into effect in 2025, with the exception of formaldehyde-releasing compounds, which will begin to be subject to stricter regulations in 2026.