Washington state has established some of the most rigorous consumer product toxicity laws in the United States. The primary goal of the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act is to protect both people and the environment from harmful chemicals commonly found in everyday beauty and personal care products.
Upcoming Formaldehyde Releaser Restrictions:
On August 28, 2025, Washington became the first state to enact a comprehensive ban on formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics. These new restrictions specifically target 25 intentionally added formaldehyde releasers, as well as their CAS RN aliases.
By defining an “intentionally added” chemical as one that serves a specific intended function within a product or ingredient, the state restricts any chemical that releases formaldehyde when the formaldehyde itself serves a functional purpose.
This mandate impacts cosmetics manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and cosmetology businesses operating within Washington state. The rules apply universally to all cosmetic products, whether they are used in professional services, sold online, or purchased in physical retail stores.
Important Upcoming Deadlines:
- January 1, 2027: The restrictions on formaldehyde releasers will officially go into effect.
- December 31, 2027: In-state retailers are required to completely sell through their existing stock by this final date.
A Reminder on Formaldehyde and Methylene Glycol:
As a quick reminder, restrictions targeting formaldehyde and methylene glycol have already been in effect since January 1, 2025. The allowed sell-through period for these specific chemicals concluded on December 31, 2025.
As a result, products containing formaldehyde or methylene glycol, which are frequently found in hair straightening solutions like keratin treatments, can no longer legally be kept on store shelves or used in salons across Washington. If your business manufactures, distributes, or sells cosmetics containing these ingredients, you must halt operations involving those items immediately and review state compliance guidance.
How to Prepare for the 2027 Restrictions:
To ensure readiness for the upcoming changes, businesses should take the following proactive steps:
- Carefully review all product labels and verify ingredients against the state’s restricted chemicals list.
- Conduct thorough research into product ingredients, as formaldehyde releasers used as preservatives may not always be explicitly listed on product packaging.
- Consult the updated TFCA Guide for strategies to determine if your products contain hidden formaldehyde releasers.
Updated TFCA Guide Now Available:
Because any business manufacturing, distributing, selling, or using cosmetics in Washington must comply with the TFCA, the state has recently updated its official guide for industry and sellers.
The revised guide now fully incorporates the new formaldehyde releaser restrictions. It is a critical resource that explains exactly which chemicals are restricted and when the deadlines hit. The guide is designed specifically to help you evaluate your supply chain, identify restricted chemicals in your inventory, and understand the necessary next steps to achieve full compliance. If you need help understanding these new requirements, contact us today.
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