Posted on September 18, 2020

The Asbestos Awareness Disease Organization (ADAO) is thrilled that the California State Legislature  passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (Assembly Bill 2762) which was co authored by Assembly Members Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) and Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). As a proactive state, we expect Governor Newsom to quickly sign the bill into law.

When passed, this much-needed bill would finally ban the use of 12 toxic chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics in the state. This bill will make a large difference in California, but has huge implications for cosmetics safety around the country as well. 

According to the bill, commencing January 1, 2025, no person or entity shall manufacture, sell, deliver, hold, or offer for sale, in commerce any cosmetic product that contains any of the following intentionally added ingredients:

  1. Dibutyl phthalate (CAS no. 84-74-2)
  2. Diethylhexyl phthalate (CAS no. 117-81-7)
  3. Formaldehyde (CAS no. 50-00-0)
  4. Paraformaldehyde (CAS no. 30525-89-4)
  5. Methylene glycol (CAS no. 463-57-0)
  6. Quaternium-15 (CAS no. 51229-78-8)
  7. Mercury (CAS no. 7439-97-6)
  8. Isobutylparaben (CAS no. 4247-02-3)
  9. Isopropylparaben (CAS no. 4191-73-5)
  10. m-Phenylenediamine and its salts (CAS no. 108-45-2)
  11. o-Phenylenediamine and its salts (CAS no. 95-54-5)
  12. The following per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their salts

The Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act would also strengthen the state’s regulatory process by requiring the Department of Public Health, which investigates cosmetic products, to refer all violations to the Attorney General so legal action can be taken.

We’ve known for a long time that cosmetics can contain deadly toxins. Just last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered asbestos in several makeup products sold at the tween retailers Claire’s and Justice and issued a press release warning the public of the danger.

Not only is this dangerous for consumers, but many of these products were marketed towards children, putting the health and safety of our future generations at risk. Toxins have no place in our cosmetics or consumer products, and once passed, this bill will hopefully start a domino effect around the nation.

We look forward towards the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act bringing  us another step closer to an asbestos-free world. ADAO sends our congratulations to CalPIRG, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Black Women for Wellness, and Environmental Working Group.

Together we can make a difference. 

Linda Reinstein
Social Networks