Regulations > Safety | Cosmetics & Toiletries

The legislation follows recent negative reports about materials such as PFAS and formaldehyde, including a 2022 NIH study that noted, 'Women who used chemical hair straightening products were at higher risk for uterine cancer compared to women who did not report using these products.' These concerns have most often impacted Black women in particular, but could conceivably also impact any person with textured hair.

Washington State Law Addresses Cosmetic Chemicals Targeting 'Vulnerable' Populations

As of January 1, 2025, the law prevents the manufacture, sale and distribution of products containing the targeted materials.

In short, AB 2771 is a complete ban up and down the supply chain on the intentional inclusion of PFAS chemicals in cosmetic products, and companies have a little under two years to prepare for and comply with the ban. Here's how.

What California’s PFAS Law Could Mean for the Cosmetics Industry Nationwide

On May 8, 2023, a federal judge ordered J&J and the attorneys representing the plaintiffs to begin settlement negotiations while the second bankruptcy filing is reviewed.

J&J's $8.9 B Talc Offer Rejected, Mediations Ordered, Bankruptcy Revisited

Proposals for the restriction of PFAS will be accepted by the ECHA through Sept. 25, 2023.

ECHA Updates: 8 Chemicals for REACH Authorization and Call for PFAS Proposals

The ECHA proposed adding eight chemicals to the REACH Authorization list, including some cosmetic ingredients. The agency also is calling for PFAS proposals, and it shared consultations on conforming restriction proposals and SEAC draft opinions.

PrimalHyal™ Hydra[+], the novel cationic HA

PrimalHyal™ Hydra[+], the novel cationic HA

Givaudan Active Beauty expands the boundaries of skin hydration with the launch of PrimalHyal™ Hydra[+], a new cationic HA crafted by white biotech. This unique cosmetic active outperforms standard HA hydration benefits by at least a factor of 2.

'This new Brazilian norm is a welcome next step in the right direction ... However, a domestic testing ban on its own will not prevent the import and sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics from other countries.'

Brazil Prohibits Animal Testing for Cosmetics, Mandates Alternatives

The use of vertebrate animals, except human beings, in the R&D and quality control of personal hygiene products, cosmetics and perfumes that use ingredients or compounds with safety and efficacy already scientifically proven is prohibited.

While some (if not many) of these allegations may be unfounded or misguided, it underscores the critical role of safety and toxicity testing even under non-typical product use conditions.

Unilever, J&J, Olaplex and L'Oreal Still Treading Legal Waters Over Lilial, Benzene

Olaplex, Redken, OGX, Dove, Nexxus, Suave, Tigi and Tresemmé brands are still making headlines as they tread legal waters over alleged Lilial and benzene content. Following are recent updates.

The chemicals include some borate compounds, lily aldehyde, cyclotetrasiloxane, trichloroacetic acid, styrene and certain colors (see full list below).

[update] 26 More Chemicals That Could Get Your Products Banned in California

Assembly Bill 496, introduced on Feb. 7, 2023, proposes the addition of 26 chemicals to the state of California's existing Toxic-free Cosmetics Act. If passed, the bill would ban cosmetics containing them from being sold in the state.

These examples clearly call into question what it means to consumers when they see the 'reef friendly' claim on a label.

'Reef Friendly' Claims Put Hain Celestial, Hawaiian Tropic in the Hot Seat

While Edgewell's Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen was dismissed from the alleged deceptive claim of "reef friendly," Hain Celestial's Alba Botanica is still in the hot seat. How are reef safe claims being interpreted?

PFAS are used in cosmetic products to condition and smooth the skin, or to adjust product consistency and texture. They may also be unintentionally added and present as impurities.

Five European Nations, ECHA Propose PFAS Bans/Restrictions

Five European nations submitted a proposal in January to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to restrict and/or ban PFAS. The agency released details of the proposal on Feb. 7, 2023, and announced next steps.

A letter from the FDA to Valisure, dated Dec. 5, 2022, highlighted 'methodological deficiencies' and 'analytic descrepancies' in the company's testing.

FDA, Unilever and GSK Challenge Valisure's Benzene Findings, Test Methods

The FDA recently raised concerns over the test methods of Valisure, the Connecticut-based lab whose reports over benzene in sunscreen and dry shampoo products from Unilever, GSK and others have prompted recalls and class action suits.

A 2019 petition to the House of Commons stated, 'We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons ... [that] animal testing is unnecessary to prove the safety of cosmetic products.'

After 8+ Years, is Canada Ready to Ban Animal Testing for Cosmetics?

Health Canada confirmed plans are in the works to implement an animal testing ban for cosmetics, according to The Globe and Mail.

'We have not found adequate evidence to determine how much CBD can be consumed, and for how long, before causing harm.'

U.S. FDA, Congress to Write CBD its Own Rules for Food, Supplements

After careful review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that a regulatory pathway specific to CBD, rather than CBD foods and supplements, is needed to balance CBD product demand with the potential risks.

Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have submitted a proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under REACH. The ECHA will publish the detailed proposal, reportedly one of the broadest in the EU’s history, on Feb. 7, 2023.

ECHA Adds to Hazardous Chemicals List, Reviews PFAS and Classification Proposals

The ECHA has added one cosmetic-related ingredient to the "hazardous" list, and received a five-nation proposal to restrict PFAS and three intentions/proposals to harmonize classification of cosmetic-related substances. See which ones are named.