Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA)

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:
- Online public hearing - March 31 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Register in advance.
- Online public hearing - April 1 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register in advance.

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:
- Compliance for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
- Compliance for cosmetologists and cosmetology businesses (such as hair and nail salons, barbers, spas, massage therapists, etc.).
Stay informed! Sign up for the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act email list.

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:
- 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 then conduct rulemaking to restrict formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.
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.
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:
- 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.
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:
- Cosmetologists can apply for the Safer Salons Partnership.
- Small manufacturers (employing 50 people or less) can apply for the Small Cosmetics Manufacturer Certification.
- Manufacturers of any size can apply for the Safer Products Certification Subsidy.
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.