In the absence of federal oversight, states have taken steps to ensure that consumers have access to safer products and more information about the products they buy.

Numerous states have introduced safe cosmetics legislation over the last four years. Two notable successes:

• Washington State adopted legislation in 2008 that bans phthalates from personal care products marketed to or used by kids, part of the broader Children's Safe Products Act.

• In 2005, California became the first state in the nation to pass state legislation governing the safety and reporting of cosmetic ingredients. The California Safe Cosmetics Act requires manufacturers to disclose to the state any product ingredient that is on state or federal lists of chemicals that cause cancer or birth defects.
  

Status Update

California is in the process of collecting ingredient information from cosmetics manufacturers now, pursuant to the 2005 law. We expect the data to be published in early 2009 on a publicly accessible database.

Check back for updates on new introductions in the 2009 legislative session.

What You Can Do

If you're interested in passing safe cosmetics laws in your state, contact us for resources and information.

More Information

California Department of Public Health: Safe Cosmetics Program