California Governor Vetoes Bill to Ban Plastic Glitter (AB 823)

by | Oct 28, 2025 | California Cosmetic Regulations, Cosmetics, FDA, Our View, U.S. Regulatory, U.S. State Updates

In another significant move to regulate cosmetic ingredients, the California Legislature had passed Assembly Bill (AB) 823. The bill was ready for Governor’s signature, but there has been a major reversal in the status of California’s Assembly Bill (AB) 823. Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed the bill!

As a reminder, AB 823 had successfully passed the state legislature and aimed to:
-Ban platic microbeads in non-rinse off personal care products by 2029.

-Ban the sale of plastic glitter in personal care products by January 1, 2030.

In his veto message, Governor Newsom explained that while he supports the goal of protecting California’s waterways from microplastics, he was not supportive of the approach this bill takes. He expressed concerns that the bill’s ban on specific ingredients, such as glitter, may incidentally result in a prohibition on biodegradable or natural alternatives.

What this means for the Industry?
This veto means the specific bans and compliance deadlines outlined in AB 823 will not become law at this time. The immediate pressure to reformulate away from plastic glitter based on this bill has been lifted. However, this topic remains a high priority issue for legislators and consumers. Our team will continue to monitor any furfure legislative efforts to regulate microplastics in cosmetics.