Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA)

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Formaldehyde in cosmetics rulemaking and public comment

Public comment is open from Feb. 6, 2025 at 12 a.m. until April 11, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. to submit comments for the formaldehyde in cosmetics rulemaking (Chapter 173-339 WAC). Learn more about the formal draft rule and other rulemaking documents available for review and comment.

We are also hosting public hearings:

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Lead in cosmetics policy and rulemaking

We issued an interim policy on lead in cosmetics, effective Jan 1, 2025, for manufacturers unable to achieve lead concentrations below 1 part per million (ppm). Manufacturers must fill out our online form to notify us they plan to use the policy while continuing to work toward the lowest lead levels possible.

Read questions about the interim policy or go to the lead-in-cosmetics rulemaking webpage.

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 producst sold online or at brick-and-mortar stores.

Businesses that manufacture, distribute, sell, or use cosmetic products to provide a service in Washington must comply with this law. Learn more about:

Stay informed! Sign up for the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act email list.

Two illustrated scenes of brown-skinned women using cosmetics products.

What is TFCA?

Many chemicals used in cosmetic products cause widespread impacts to the environment and public health. 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.

Even after use, these chemicals continue to impact human health, wildlife, and the environment when they are washed down the drain or thrown in the trash and end up in the water, soil, and air.

This law directs us to:

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

Formaldehyde*

Intentionally added

Lead and lead compounds

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

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

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.


Who must comply with TFCA?

Any business that manufactures, distributes, sells, or uses cosmetic products in Washington must comply with TFCA.

How can businesses get help?

We encourage businesses that must comply with TFCA to review the following:

Please contact us with questions or for technical assistance at ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov.

Is there 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:

Frequently asked questions