Washington becomes first US state to ban formaldehyde in cosmetics

USA – Washington has become the first state in the United States to impose a comprehensive ban on formaldehyde and all formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in beauty products and cosmetics. 

This ban builds on the state’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA), adopted in 2023, which already prohibited formaldehyde in cosmetics as of January 2025. 

The recent adoption extends the ban to 25 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals found in various personal care products, including shampoos, nail polishes, eyelash glues, and hair treatments, effective as of January 1, 2027. 

Retailers in Washington have until the end of 2027 to sell through existing inventory.

Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen linked to cancers such as leukaemia and respiratory illnesses, has been used in cosmetics primarily to extend shelf life. 

Cheri Peele, director of government and market policy at Toxic-Free Future, stated, “Washington is leading the way by banning these cancer-causing chemicals in products like skin cream, hair styling gels, and eyelash glue. By taking this action, Washington state is putting people’s health first.”

The new regulation presumes that any detected formaldehyde in products was intentionally added, thereby ensuring more vigorous enforcement and accountability for manufacturers and distributors. 

This regulatory move is particularly significant for protecting communities heavily exposed to these hazardous chemicals, including professional salon workers and women of colour, who statistically face a higher risk.

The Washington Department of Ecology emphasized that safer alternatives are already available in the market, making the transition feasible and expected to drive nationwide reformulation of cosmetic products. 

The ban is praised by environmental and public health advocates as a victory for science, health equity, and ecological justice.

This move comes after U.S. lawmakers recently reintroduced the Safer Beauty Bill Package, a comprehensive set of four federal bills aimed at banning harmful chemicals in beauty and personal care products and protecting consumers—especially Black women and professional salon workers who face disproportionate exposure to toxic substances.

The Safer Beauty Bill Package bans two classes of chemicals, phthalates and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, along with 18 other highly hazardous substances, including mercury, lead, asbestos, and parabens, many of which are already banned in the European Union and some U.S. states. 

It also mandates full disclosure of potentially harmful ingredients, including undisclosed fragrances and flavours, enabling consumers to access safety information and allowing manufacturers to make safer products through increased supply chain transparency.

The bills build on gaps left by the 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulatory Act (MoCRA) and seek to make beauty products safer and more transparent for all consumers.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.