Department of Ecology
Committees, Boards, and Workgroups

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.

• Subscribe to the Toxic-Free Cosmetics email list.
• Contact us at ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov.

Summer 2024 webinars

July 23, 2024, 9–11 a.m. We presented a preliminary draft rule to restrict formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products. 

• Register in advance for the Zoom webinar.
• Review the slide deck for the July 23 webinar
• Review the preliminary draft rule language for the July 23 webinar.

June 11, 2024, 9 a.m. Attendees learned about the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, asked questions, provided feedback on the act and shared thoughts on potential draft rule requirements. 

• Review the slide deck for the June 11 webinar.
• Review the list of preliminary formaldehyde releasers.

Informal public comment period, May 22 - Aug. 13, 2024

Review and comment on our efforts to implement the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) and preliminary draft rule requirements for the cosmetics rulemaking.

We would like to hear from manufacturers, the public, cosmetologists, and cosmetic businesses, associations, and organizations. Your comments will help inform our implementation efforts and elements of the preliminary draft rule.

• Submit a comment.

Rulemaking announcement, May 22, 2024

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) started a rulemaking to develop a new chapter in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC): Chapter 173-339 WAC—Cosmetic Products Restrictions.

Under the authority of Chapter 70A.560 RCW (Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act), Ecology may adopt a rule that identifies chemicals used in cosmetic products that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde releasers) and adopt restrictions for the identified formaldehyde releasers. 

• Visit the rulemaking webpage for more information.
• Read our May 22, 2024 news release.

About the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act

In 2023, Washington Legislature passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) (Chapter 70A.560 RCW) to improve cosmetic and personal care product safety and protect Washington’s residents and environment from toxic chemicals.

TFCA restricts the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cosmetic products that contain certain toxic chemicals within Washington. It also directs Ecology to:

• Evaluate the hazards of chemicals with the same function as restricted chemicals that may be safer.
• Provide technical support to small businesses that make or use cosmetic products.
• Identify and then conduct a rulemaking to restrict chemicals that release formaldehyde.

Learn more on our website

• Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act
• Cosmetics replacement program for small businesses
• Cosmetics manufacturer support
• Safer product certification subsidy program
• Rulemaking: WAC 173-339 – Cosmetic Products Restrictions

Related information

• May 1, 2024 blog: Safer cosmetics are coming to a store near you. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters
• Report: Chemicals in Cosmetics Used by Washington Residents
• Report: Chemicals in Cosmetics Used by Washington Residents: Phase Two Results

TFCA updates

To receive updates by email, subscribe to the Toxic-Free Cosmetics email list.

• Register now: July 23 Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) webinar
• Toxic-Free Cosmetics: June 2024
• Cosmetics Rulemaking: Notice to Interested Parties
• Toxic-Free Cosmetics: April 2024

ADA Accessibility

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.