Statement: New laws protecting Californians from toxic chemicals go into effect

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Three laws critical to protecting Californians from toxic chemicals will go into effect on Wednesday, January 1, making beauty, personal care products and clothing safer for all Californians in 2025 and beyond.

These laws include the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act of 2020, which bans 24 of the planet’s most toxic ingredients found in cosmetic and personal care products, including mercury and formaldehyde. The PFAS-Free Beauty Act of 2022 prohibits companies from adding per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) to cosmetics and personal care products. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because of how long it takes for them to decompose.  Studies have linked PFAS to many health risks including reproductive and developmental problems, immune system suppression, and breast cancer. The California Safer Clothes and Textiles Act of 2022 bans the sale of clothes, outdoor gear and other textiles containing PFAS. Because those chemicals don’t break down easily, when we wash our clothes, they can get into our environment and waterways. 

As the 5th largest economy in the world, these laws won’t just protect Californians from toxic chemicals in their everyday products, they will serve as de facto ‘laws of the land’ and protect consumers everywhere. Comparable federal laws do not exist, leaving millions of toxic products on store shelves across the country where companies haven’t reformulated. All 3 laws will take effect as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) repeatedly drags its feet, missing its own deadline for getting formaldehyde out of hair products three times.

In response to these laws going into effect, CALPIRG Legislative Advocate Fiona Hines issued the following statement:

“Makeup, lotion, clothing and other products we use on our bodies every day shouldn’t put our health at risk. Thanks to our state leaders, California consumers will finally be protected from some of the most toxic ingredients found in modern personal care products.”

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners Senior Director of Program & Policy Janet Nudelman issued the following statement:

“When the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act became law in 2020, California more than doubled the number of chemicals banned by the FDA from beauty and personal care products during its over 80-year history of regulating cosmetic safety.  Six states, including California with the passage of the PFAS-Free Beauty Act of 2022, have banned the entire class of more than 10,000 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals from cosmetics, yet the FDA continues to “study” the problem. With the FDA asleep at the wheel when it comes to cosmetic ingredient safety, we are truly fortunate to have California continuing to lead the way!” 

Black Women for Wellness Project Manager Arnedra Jordan issued the following statement:

“Black women have been exposed to toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates in beauty products that promise to straighten, smooth, and enhance our natural beauty. These ingredients are linked to serious health concerns, including hormone disruption, reproductive harm, and even cancer. The Toxic-Free Cosmetic Act is a victory for health justice, but it is only the beginning. Black Women for Wellness’ work stands at the intersection of beauty and justice, advocating for policies that center the needs of Black women and our communities. With the passage of the Toxic-Free Cosmetic Act, California sets a powerful example for the rest of the country to prioritize public health over profit.”

Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook issued the following statement:

“California’s leadership with the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act set a new standard for the entire nation. By taking bold action to ban 24 toxic ingredients from personal care products, California showed what real progress looks like in protecting public health. California’s pioneering efforts highlight the powerful example the state set for the rest of the country to follow.”

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