The Department of Ecology will use this site to share information and draft documents with interested parties as we implement Chapter 70A.560 Revised Code of Washington (RCW), the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act.
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) started a rulemaking under the authority of Chapter 70A.560 RCW: Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, to identify a feasible approach to regulating lead in cosmetic products, including potentially adopting a different limit on lead impurities than the statutory limit of 1 part per million (ppm).
Our agency has committed to take interim policy action by January 1, 2025, to give manufacturers more time to comply with the lead restriction and to give us more time to collect information.
While the Interim Policy on Lead-in-Cosmetics remains in effect, we will use enforcement discretion and will not enforce against cosmetic products exceeding the 1 part per million (ppm) lead restriction for companies who comply with the interim policy.
Manufacturers choosing to use the interim policy must notify Ecology using the "notification form" in the list below. Companies who have notified Ecology that they are using the interim policy are documented in the "interim policy form responses" below. Distributors, retailers, and cosmetologists may use the "interim policy form response" document to verify which manufacturers choose to use the interim policy. See our November 2024 bulletin for additional information.
We're proposing restrictions to make cosmetic products safer. Our proposed rule restricts formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers intentionally used in cosmetic products. We defined "intentionally added" to clarify restrictions on the toxic chemicals in the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (RCW 70A.560.020). If adopted, the restrictions would take effect on January 1, 2027. Visit the rulemaking webpage for additional details.
Current step
The formal public comment period for the proposed rule is now closed. We are reviewing comments, revising the proposed rule as needed, and responding to comments. We expect to decide on rule adoption by Sept. 2025.
If you produce, manufacture, import, distribute, or sell cosmetic products (including through e-commerce), the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act Guide: Restrictions for Cosmetics Industry & Sellers is for you. It explains which chemicals are restricted and when restrictions begin. It'll help you assess your supply chain and determine if these chemicals are in your products.
The Department of Ecology is committed to providing people with disabilities access to information and services by meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Washington State Policy #188. To request an ADA accommodation, contact Ecology by phone at 360-407-6700 or email at hwtrpubs@ecy.wa.gov. For Washington Relay Service or TTY call 711 or 877-833-6341. Visit Ecology’s website for more information.