Guide to Washington’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) restrictions
If you produce, manufacture, import, distribute, or sell cosmetic products in Washington (including through e-commerce), our Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act Guide: Restrictions for Cosmetic Industry & Sellers is for you. It explains which chemicals are restricted by the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) and when restrictions begin. It will also help you assess your supply chain and determine if these chemicals are in your products.
Hazard assessments for safer alternatives to chemicals restricted by TFCA
We’ve assessed 10 chemicals that serve the preservative function, and the assessments demonstrate that these chemicals are safer than the preservatives restricted by TFCA. The assessment reports are available on the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse Chemical Hazard Assessment Database. Additional chemicals and functions will be assessed as funding allows.
These preservatives are used in hair care products. Some hair care products, such as leave-in conditioners, hair smoothing treatments, hair styling gels, and hair sprays are used more frequently by people of color. Read our Chemicals in Cosmetics Used by Washington Residents report for more information.
Businesses can use this information to support the formulation of safer products. Cosmetologists can use this information to advocate for and purchase safer cosmetics products.
Need help? Have questions? Contact us at ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov.
Safer cosmetics certification subsidy program
We launched a certification subsidy program to help small cosmetics manufacturers obtain voluntary environmental health certifications for their cosmetics products. Qualifying manufacturers seeking product certification can receive reimbursement up to:
- 75% of the cost for the first $10,000 spent.
- 50% of the cost for $10,000 to $50,000 spent.
- Reformulation costs up to $2,500.
The maximum reimbursement towards product certification is $30,000.
To learn about eligibility or how to apply, visit our subsidy webpage or contact us at ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov.
Rulemaking on formaldehyde-releasing chemicals
Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals can be used as preservatives in cosmetic products like shampoos, lotions, makeup and hair smoothing treatments. Ecology’s new rulemaking will establish which of these chemicals will be restricted and by when. Restrictions on up to 10 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals may take effect as early as Jan. 1, 2026, with the rest taking effect as early as 2027. These restrictions would apply to cosmetics made, sold or distributed in Washington.
For more information:
Send us feedback during May 22 – August 13, 2024
We invite you to review and comment on our efforts to implement the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) and preliminary draft rule requirements for the cosmetics rulemaking. We would like to hear from manufacturers, the public, cosmetologists, and cosmetic businesses, associations, and organizations. Your comments will help inform our implementation efforts and elements of the preliminary draft rule. Visit our TFCA informal comment period webpage to learn how to submit a comment.
Upcoming webinars
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June 11, 2024, 9 a.m. Learn about the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, ask questions, provide feedback on the act and share thoughts on potential draft rule requirements. Register now.
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July 23, 2024, 9 a.m. “Save the date” for this webinar where we’ll present a preliminary draft rule to restrict formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products.
Washington’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act reduces human and environmental exposure to toxic chemicals by restricting certain chemicals and supporting businesses in reformulating and certifying products and switching to safer alternatives. For more information and to subscribe to email updates, visit ecology.wa.gov/TFCA.
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Shari Franjevic
TFCA Implementation Lead
Rebecca Bohannan
Cosmetics Product Replacement Program Lead
For help in multiple languages:
Comuníquese con nosotros a ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov o al 360-338-2913 si usted necesita ayuda con servicios de interpretación o materiales traducidos a otro idioma.
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