Public hearing and webinar
Formaldehyde in Cosmetics Rulemaking
March 31, 2025, 10 a.m. PT, Online only
We invite you to attend the online public hearing for the Formaldehyde in Cosmetics Rulemaking and provide testimony.
Event information
We’re hosting public hearings to share information about the proposed rule and documents related to rulemaking to develop Cosmetic Product Restrictions (Chapter 173-339 WAC). We’ll answer questions and record testimony. The hearing will stay open until all attendees have the opportunity to provide testimony.
We’re also providing a public comment period from Feb. 6, 2025 at 12 a.m. PDT to April 11, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT
We invite you to comment on the following documents.
- Proposed rule. Draft restrictions on intentionally added formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
- Draft Implementation Plan. Describes rulemaking and other efforts to make cosmetic products safer and to protect Washington residents, particularly people with higher toxic exposures
- Preliminary Regulatory Analyses. Explains potential costs and benefits of the proposed rule
- Draft SEPA Determination of Non-Significance and Environmental Checklist. Describes potential environmental benefits of the proposed rule
How to join
This event will start at 10:00 a.m. on March 31, 2025 via Zoom and will stay open until all attendees have the opportunity to provide testimony.
- Dial-in information: 1-253-205-0468. Meeting ID: 894 1263 4113
How to submit comments
We’ll record verbal testimony at the hearing. You can also submit comments online. Written comments receive the same consideration as verbal testimony.
Information provided in a comment or attachment may be posted on the internet.
Next steps
After the comment period, we’ll use the comments to improve the proposed rule and rulemaking documents. We’ll also create a document called a Concise Explanatory Statement that includes all comments and our responses to comments. We expect to decide on rule adoption by Sept. 2025.
Background
In 2023, Washington Legislature passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (Chapter 70A.560 RCW) to improve cosmetic and personal care product safety and protect Washington’s residents and environment from toxic chemicals.
In May 2024, we announced a rulemaking to develop Cosmetic Product Restrictions (Chapter 173-339 WAC) to identify chemicals used in cosmetic products that release formaldehyde and adopt restrictions on those chemicals. Cosmetic products such as makeup, perfume, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, shaving cream, and toothpaste can contain chemicals that are toxic to people and the environment. Some chemicals used in cosmetic products release formaldehyde, which exposes people to the chemical when they use the product. Formaldehyde can cause cancer, harm brain function, increase the risk of asthma, and irritate eyes and skin.
Learn more:
Time
Join online
Join by phone:
1-253-205-0468 Meeting Access Code:
894 1263 4113
Questions
Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act Implementation Planner
shari.franjevic@ecy.wa.gov
360-338-2913
Related events
To request ADA accommodation, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831, 711 (relay service), or 877-833-6341 (TTY). More about our accessibility services.
Comment period
Formaldehyde in Cosmetics Rulemaking — Comment on the proposed rule and rulemaking documents
Closes: April 11, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
See details: