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California’s Ban on Toxins in Makeup and Personal Care Products

Boomtown Devs

What is the California Ban on Toxic Chemicals in Makeup and Why is it Important?

California has set a new standard for chemical use in makeup, hair, and beauty products with its introduction of the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act. According to a beauty and personal care study completed by AlixPartners, 72% of respondents, regardless of age, said it was important to purchase healthy or clean products. As the demand for “clean” and health-conscious products continues to grow, this ban will set in motion a shift in how companies approach their business and product innovation. While California may just be one state, its economic impact is far-reaching and will contribute to nationwide (potentially global) change in how companies approach makeup and personal care products. For health-minded consumers, these measures will lift some of the burden of lengthy product research.

How will the Ban be Enforced?

A ban of this caliber will force companies anywhere from niche direct to consumer beauty brands to behemoth organizations like P&G and Johnson & Johnson to rethink their supply chains, pricing strategies, and above all: products. It’s likely that in lieu of having multiple products, many companies will consider the composition of all their products for better long-term efficiencies.

Enforcement of this new law will make sure all parties involved across the supply chain of personal care products will be held to a higher standard. The law would “prohibit a person or entity from manufacturing, selling, delivering, holding, or offering for sale, in commerce any cosmetic product that contains any of several specified intentionally added ingredients, except under specified circumstances” (Health and Safety Code, relating to cosmetics). Since laws won’t start being enforced until January 1 2025, companies should have ample time to adjust.

How does the US Compare to other Countries in Makeup Toxins that are Banned?

Even with this new ban, the US still lags other developed nations in restricted chemical ingredients in makeup products. Today in the European Union, there are roughly 1600 chemicals prohibited in the manufacturing and sale of cosmetic products. This is a striking contrast to the mere 11 toxins the US has banned. The responsibility of safe and healthy products has largely fallen on the shoulders of consumers who are educated about the ingredients they expose their body to.

Is Makeup Toxic?

Products made with ingredients classified as toxic or including carcinogens, have the potential to harm users. However, toxic is a relative term without a consistent parameter so one’s definition of what’s toxic may vary from the next. But essentially in makeup, toxic ingredients are those that serve no purpose and are found to be carcinogenic.

Which Chemicals Are Harmful for the Skin?

California’s ban will remove the following chemical ingredients from personal care and beauty products:

  • Dibutyl phthalate
  • Diethylhexyl phthalate
  • Formaldehyde
  • Paraformaldehyde
  • Methylene glycol
  • Quaternium-15
  • Mercury
  • Isobutylparaben
  • Isopropylparaben
  • M-Phenylenediamine and its salts
  • O-Phenylenediamine and its salts
  • Several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their salts.

These ingredients are amongst the most well-known carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, and endocrine disruptors that were found to cause harm in beauty products. Chem Service offers a PDF listing of Phthalates. Phthalates are a group of compounds that are primarily used as vinyl softeners. They provide flexibility and durability to plastics that are used in many personal care items and are regulated in the US.

What are the Most Toxic Beauty Products?

Toxic beauty products range from conventional products used by the masses to specialty beauty products used daily by beauty professionals. Here are some of the most common toxic beauty products which contain 1 or more of the now-infamous “dirty 12” chemicals:

  • Hair Straighteners – contain formaldehyde, a chemical known to increase the of breast cancer.
  • Permanent Hair Dye – known to increase risk of breast cancer.
  • Nail Polish – known to contain traces of formaldehyde which can cause asthma and neurological damage and more.
  • Hair Spray – includes parabens and a variety of other toxins known to cause lung problems and even cancer.
  • Deodorant – often contains parabens which may be linked to increased rates of breast cancer and altered DNA.

How can Chem Service Help Regulating Bodies Enforce the Ban?

Chem Service is prepared to help California and potentially other states in eliminating the use of harmful chemicals in everyday beauty products. With experience providing certified analytical reference standards such as those used to detect formaldehyde for a variety of testing, we offer not only superior quality but excellent customer service to assist you in finding the right solutions to your needs.

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