Cosmetics are more than makeup. They include most self-care products—anything intended to be used on the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance, such as shampoo, deodorant, and lotion.

In 2023, Washington’s Legislature passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) to improve cosmetic product safety and protect Washington’s people and environment from toxic chemicals in cosmetics.

TFCA restricts the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cosmetic products that contain certain toxic chemicals within Washington. Our work under TFCA may also include conducting a rulemaking to restrict chemicals that release formaldehyde. We’re developing assistance programs to help manufacturers, retailers, and small businesses use safer ingredients, switch to safer products, and get the cosmetics they make certified as safer.

Some chemicals used in cosmetic products are linked to harmful impacts on health, such as cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. People can be exposed to these chemicals every time they use those products.

Toxic chemicals in cosmetics can affect people and the environment throughout the product lifecycle. When they are washed down the drain or put in the trash, they enter the environment and can affect water quality and wildlife health and cause further human exposure.

Some people are exposed more than others. For example, we know that some products, such as hair relaxers and skin lightening creams, are disproportionately marketed to people of color, especially Black women, and can contain harmful chemicals. Salon workers are likely to be exposed every day at work.

If you make, sell, or use cosmetics for your business, here’s what you can do to start making the switch to safer products and ingredients. 

• Request more information or technical assistance. Review the law and guidance information. Our TFCA website is a great place to start. We’ll continue to add content, including guidance. Companies of any size can contact us for technical assistance at ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov.   
• Plan for reformulation. Manufacturers should take steps to reformulate products, if needed, to use safer alternatives. Review the TFCA timeline and identify products that contain chemicals addressed in the law. Ask suppliers if ingredients contain any of the restricted chemicals. Test products for restricted chemicals, if needed.  
• Share this message with colleagues. Encourage them to subscribe to our Toxic-Free Cosmetics email list to get updates.