In a historic step for consumer safety, Washington has adopted the nation’s first comprehensive ban on all formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products.
The Washington Department of Ecology’s newly adopted rule strengthens the state’s 2023 Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act. It sets a national precedent for protecting public health. The new rule prohibits the intentional addition of chemicals that release formaldehyde.
Landmark rule targets cancer-causing chemicals
Formaldehyde is a carcinogen linked to leukemia, nose and throat cancer, asthma, and skin irritations. It lists 25 commonly used formaldehyde-releasing chemicals and broadly restricts any formaldehyde releaser intentionally added to cosmetics.
“Washington is leading the way by banning these cancer-causing chemicals in products like skin cream, hair styling gels, and eyelash glue. By taking this action, Washington state is putting the health of people first,” said Cheri Peele, director of government and market policy at Toxic-Free Future. “Safer solutions are available, and we expect this landmark action to prompt the reformulation of products sold throughout the United States.”
Protecting consumers and workers
Formaldehyde exposure has been a particular concern for women of colour and salon workers. A 2023 Department of Ecology study detected high levels of formaldehyde in lotions, creams, and hair products. Many of these are specifically for women of colour. Hair and nail salon professionals face heightened daily exposure.
“Washington State continues to lead in reducing dangerous chemical exposures,” said Brandi Hyatt, cosmetologist. “This rule is a big step forward in protecting people’s health and safety, and it’s the kind of commonsense progress everyone can get behind.”
Implementation timeline and enforcement
The Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-29, Tacoma), initially banned formaldehyde in cosmetics beginning January 2025. The new rule expands the law by banning all formaldehyde-releasing chemicals intentionally added to cosmetics and personal care products.
Key highlights include:
- Comprehensive ban: Covers all intentionally added formaldehyde releasers. It’s any chemical serving a function or acting as an ingredient in the final product. The rule lists 25 common chemicals but applies to all formaldehyde releasers.
- Strong enforcement: Any detected formaldehyde will be presumed intentionally added, ensuring industry accountability.
- Timeline: The rule takes effect January 1, 2027. Retailers can sell existing stock until December 31, 2027, giving companies time to reformulate.
“This ban is a victory for science, health, and justice. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers are well-documented hazards that no one should be exposed to in the products they use every day. This action especially matters for women of colour and salon workers who face the highest exposures – and it should inspire policymakers across the country to take similar steps to protect their communities.” Says Dr. Ami Zota, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
A call for broader action
Environmental advocates view Washington’s move as a catalyst for nationwide change. “WE ACT for Environmental Justice applauds the Washington Department of Ecology for their leadership and the advocates that made this possible,” said Mae Kennedy, WE ACT’s Global Advocacy and Environmental Health Fellow. “This ban will give all consumers access to safer cosmetics while also addressing the poor health outcomes faced especially by Black women as a result of racist, Eurocentric beauty standards that encourage chemical hair straightening. Here in New York, we are advancing the Beauty Justice Act to ban the most dangerous chemicals in personal care products, including formaldehyde releasers.”
