California Bans 26 Potentially Harmful Chemicals in Cosmetics
California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a significant step in protecting consumer health by banning 26 chemicals commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. These chemicals are found in a wide range of products, including shampoos, conditioners, hairspray, dyes, hygiene products, foundations, lotions, fragrances, and more.
This action, introduced as Assembly Bill 496 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman and signed into law by Gov. Newsom on October 8, 2023, builds upon the state’s 2020 Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, which initially banned 24 other harmful chemicals from such products. The original law is set to take effect in 2025, while the new law will be implemented in 2027, allowing companies sufficient time to reformulate their products.
The banned chemicals, including vinyl acetate, boron substances, certain colors, and styrene, have been found in hundreds of products, posing health concerns. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues such as cancer, genetic defects, impaired fertility, skin burns, and environmental damage.
Assemblymember Laura Friedman emphasized the importance of non-toxic personal care products for everyone. She pointed out that the European Union prohibits nearly 2,000 chemicals in such products, making California’s ban on harmful carcinogens and endocrine disruptors long overdue.
The lack of comprehensive federal regulation prompted this state-level action to protect consumers from these harmful substances. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cosmetics under the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, products related to cleansing or beautifying are not subject to FDA premarket approval except for color additives.
The Personal Care Products Council, representing over 600 companies, including 100 with a presence in California, supports FDA regulations but also recognizes the importance of ensuring consumer safety and well-being. The 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), signed by President Joe Biden, imposes new requirements on cosmetic manufacturers and the FDA, including reporting serious adverse events, registering facilities, listing ingredients, and ensuring product and ingredient safety.
Chemicals like borate compounds, found in some cosmetics, have raised concerns about their potential to disrupt the endocrine system and cause skin irritation. Cyclotetrasiloxane, another newly banned ingredient, has been found to be environmentally persistent, accumulating in water and posing risks to aquatic life. Some chemicals, like styrene, are used in packaging materials and have been associated with cancer risk from long-term exposure to high levels.
Consumers who wish to avoid these chemicals before the law takes effect in four years are advised to check product ingredient labels for synonyms and use resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database to make informed choices regarding the products they use.
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