WA Ecology proposes expanding rules restricting toxins in cosmetics
Restricting toxins in cosmetics
Dangerous chemicals are hiding inside cosmetics and personal products we use every day. Now, the state is working to ban toxins from products on local shelves.
SEATTLE - Dangerous chemicals, like formaldehyde, are hiding inside cosmetic and personal care products used by consumers every day.
The Washington State Department of Ecology proposed a plan that would expand current rules restricting toxins statewide. Officials said the new proposal is an effort to increase protection for human health and the environment.
"I’m really passionate about getting toxic chemicals out of products before they even reach consumers, so that we don’t all have to study ingredient labels to know that we’re selecting safer products," said Shari Franjevic, an environmental planner with the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Washington bans toxic chemicals in beauty products
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Franjevic has been doing this kind of work for the past 20 years. She currently leads the implementation of the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act in Washington. Franjevic urged people to think twice about the cosmetics and personal care products they’re using, as they commonly contain formaldehyde, and chemicals that release formaldehyde.
"The problem with formaldehyde is that it is toxic to people and the environment. In particular, it can cause cancer. It also can harm brain function, increase the risk of asthma, irritate the eyes and skin, various other health effects," said Franjevic.
The environmental planner explained formaldehyde mainly serves as a preservative in cosmetic products like nail polish, eyelash glue, shampoo, and hair gel.
"And cosmetics are not just makeup — this is all personal care products. Things that you might not anticipate are cosmetics, like your shampoo, your deodorant, your lotion, et cetera," said Franjevic.
Washington currently has a rule in place called the Toxic-Tree Cosmetics Act. The rule started on January 1, 2025. It restricts formaldehyde and eight other toxic chemicals in cosmetics. The state rule requires stores to sell or discard products containing the toxins through the end of this year, so that by the start of 2026, those items will not be made, sold or distributed in Washington.
"The Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act does reduce exposure to many different toxic chemicals by banning them from being intentionally added into products. And we’re really seeing this benefit all of us in our health of ourselves and health of the environment in our state," said Franjevic.
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In a new proposal, announced on February 6, the Department of Ecology wants to update the rule by expanding the list of toxins. If the proposal passes, the rule will restrict 28 additional formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics made, sold or distributed in Washington.
"These formaldehyde releasers aren’t always listed on the label. One, they’re not going to say formaldehyde releaser. So, it might say ‘DMDM hydantoin’ or some other name of a chemical, and you might not know that’s a formaldehyde releaser. And similarly, sometimes they don’t even have to be listed on the label if it comes in with an ingredient or if it’s in a really small concentration. So, the great news about the law is that it takes that guess work out for you, and you know that you don’t have that chemical in your product," said Franjevic.
If the proposal passes, products in Washington would not contain the additional 28 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, beginning on January 1, 2027.
As the department proposes the new list of chemicals to the state, Franjevic said they are also listening to comments from the public, manufacturers, and people in the industry.
"I think everything that comes in, whether its questions or comments, really help us also implement our laws and educate the public about our laws and the work that we’re doing," said Franjevic.
The Department of Ecology will be hosting virtual sessions on March 31 and on April 1 to hear public comments. Those interested can also submit comments online, or send them by mail to:
Stacey Callaway
Washington Department of Ecology
300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, WA 98504-7600
Attn: HWTR TFCA Rulemaking
The department has several online resources to help people make safer choices of products. The resources include chemical facts for cosmetologists, keeping homes healthy by reducing harmful chemicals in self-care products, and guidance from the department’s toxicologists to reduce formaldehyde exposure.
The Source: Information comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Franque Thompson, who interviewed Washington State Department of Ecology planner Shari Franjevic.
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