Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA)
In 2023, Washington passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) (Chapter 70A.560 RCW). This law applies to cosmetic products manufactured, distributed, sold, or offered for sale within or into Washington that contain restricted chemicals. This includes products sold online or at brick-and-mortar stores. Businesses that manufacture, distribute, sell, or use cosmetic products to provide a service (e.g., in a hair salon) in Washington must comply with this law.
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What is TFCA?
This law restricts nine toxic chemicals and chemical classes from use in cosmetic products manufactured, distributed, or sold in or into Washington state. This law also directs us to:
- Evaluate hazards of chemicals with the same function as restricted chemicals that may be safer.
- Provide additional support for small businesses and cosmetic manufacturers.
- Identify and conduct rulemaking to restrict formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.
Many chemicals used in cosmetic products cause widespread impacts to the environment and public health. They are often discarded by being washed down the drain, or thrown in the trash, and they end up in the water, soil, and air. They are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive and developmental toxicity, to name a few. The highest exposure occurs when someone uses a product that contains toxic chemicals. Black women and professional salon workers experience some of the highest rates of exposure.
Learn more in our report, Chemicals in Cosmetics Used by Washington Residents.
Restricted chemicals under TFCA
The following chemicals and chemical classes are restricted under TFCA. Retailers in Washington can sell noncompliant products until Dec. 31, 2025, only if they were already in your possession before Jan. 1, 2025.
Chemical or chemical class |
Restriction level |
---|---|
Intentionally added |
|
Intentionally added or at one part per million (ppm) or above** |
|
Mercury and mercury compounds |
Intentionally added |
Methylene glycol | Intentionally added |
Ortho-phthalates |
Intentionally added |
Intentionally added |
|
m-Phenylenediamine and its salts |
Intentionally added |
o-Phenylenediamine and its salts |
Intentionally added |
Triclosan |
Intentionally added |
*Chemicals we determine release formaldehyde will be decided through rulemaking.
**Learn more about the interim policy on lead for manufacturers.
How can businesses get help?
Any business that manufactures, distributes, sells, or uses cosmetic products in Washington must comply with TFCA. We encourage businesses that must comply with TFCA to review the following:
- TFCA Compliance webpage.
- TFCA Guide: Restrictions for Cosmetic Industry & Sellers.
- TFCA Compliance & Outreach: Questions and Answers.
Please contact us with questions or for technical assistance at ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov.
Funding for safer cosmetics
We offer the following to support cosmetologists and small businesses switch to safer products, and manufacturers with reformulation and product certification:
- Cosmetologists can apply for the Safer Salons Partnership.
- Small manufacturers (employing 50 people or less) can apply for the Small Cosmetics Manufacturer Certification Subsidy.
- Manufacturers of any size can apply for the Safer Products Certification Subsidy.
Rulemaking: Timeline of actions
- Feb. 2025: We proposed the Formaldehyde in Cosmetics rule and conducted a formal comment period from Feb. 6 – April 11, 2025.
- Dec. 2024: We announced the Lead in Cosmetics rule to identify a feasible approach to regulating lead in cosmetic products, including potentially adopting a different limit on lead impurities than the statutory limit of 1 part per million (ppm). We also issued an interim policy on lead in cosmetics for manufacturers unable to achieve current statutory lead concentrations.
- May 2024: We announced the Formaldehyde in Cosmetics rulemaking to identify and restrict chemicals that release formaldehyde.
Frequently asked questions
Related links
Contact information
Need help? Contact our Toxic-Free Cosmetics Team
ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov
Want to stay informed?
Sign up for the TFCA email list or visit the TFCA interested parties site.