California passes PFAS Cosmetics Law Jan 6

California’s New PFAS Cosmetics Law:  Why It’s  progress but maybe not the game changer everyone hoped for 

In the world of clean beauty, change is on the horizon. California, a state long at the forefront of environmental and consumer protection, has passed groundbreaking legislation targeting one of the most persistent and dangerous classes of chemicals in our personal care products: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. If you care about the integrity of the beauty products you use and the future of clean beauty, this new law is a big deal. Here’s why it matters.

What is PFAS and Why Should We Be Concerned?

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made substances used in a wide range of industries for their water- and oil-repellent properties. In cosmetics, PFAS are commonly found in products like foundations, mascara, waterproof eyeliners, and sunscreens. They help products stay on longer and resist smudging, but they come with a dark side.

PFAS are persistent in the environment and in the human body—they don’t break down naturally, which means they accumulate over time. Studies have linked these chemicals to a range of serious health problems, including cancer, liver damage, immune system disruption, and developmental issues in children. Given how close these chemicals are to our skin, it’s no surprise that consumers are increasingly concerned about their presence in personal care products.

The California PFAS Ban: What You Need to Know

In 2024, California passed SB 1237, a new law that will limit the presence of PFAS in cosmetics. Here are the most important points:

1. PFAS Ban in Cosmetics: Starting in 2025, manufacturers will be prohibited from using PFAS in cosmetic products sold in California. This includes any product that directly contacts the skin, such as foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, and skincare items.

2. Strict Testing and Reporting Requirements: Cosmetics companies will be required to test their products for PFAS and disclose the results to California’s Department of Public Health. If PFAS are found, the product cannot be sold in the state unless it is reformulated.

3. Safe Alternatives: The law encourages brands to find safe, non-toxic alternatives to achieve the same benefits (such as water- and smudge-resistant formulations) without compromising consumer health.

4. Clearer Labeling: The law also mandates that products must be more transparent about their ingredients. Consumers will be able to make more informed decisions about what they put on their skin.

Why This Law is a Win for Humans

1. Protecting Public Health

The primary goal of the new law is to safeguard consumer health. By removing PFAS from cosmetics, California is taking a major step in reducing people’s exposure to these toxic chemicals. Clean beauty advocates have long warned against the use of harmful substances like PFAS, and this law brings those concerns to the forefront of legislative action.

2. Setting a National Precedent

While this law is specific to California, its influence will likely extend beyond state lines. California is often a trendsetter when it comes to environmental regulations, and many brands voluntarily comply with California’s stricter standards even if they are not legally required to do so. As a result, this law could inspire similar action in other states, and even push the federal government to consider national regulations on PFAS in consumer products.

3. Promoting Innovation in Beauty

For the beauty industry, this law represents an opportunity to innovate and create products that are both effective and non-toxic. For years, some clean beauty brands have been working to replace harmful chemicals with safer alternatives. Now, with this legislation pushing mainstream beauty brands  will be forced to step up their game, the entire industry may be forced to rethink its approach to ingredients. This could mean more sustainable, skin-friendly formulations and fewer harmful chemicals in your favorite beauty products.

4. Empowering Consumers

This new law puts power back in the hands of consumers, giving them more transparency and access to information about the products they use. It will be easier than ever to make educated decisions about which products align with your values and health concerns. Clean beauty is about more than just “greenwashing” or trendy buzzwords—it’s about empowering people to choose products that are safe for both their bodies and the environment.

The Urgent Need for Change

The passage of SB 1237 comes at a critical time. The global beauty market is worth billions, and with that growth comes increased scrutiny over the safety of the products we use every day. In the U.S., where the cosmetics industry is largely self-regulated, consumers have often been left to fend for themselves when it comes to knowing what’s in their beauty products. Many mainstream brands still rely on potentially dangerous chemicals like PFAS, and without strong legislation, it’s easy for harmful ingredients to slip through the cracks.

What California’s new law highlights is the importance of regulation in ensuring that companies prioritize consumer safety over profit. It’s a call to action for the entire beauty industry to rethink its approach to product formulation and ingredient transparency.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for You?

As a consumer, this law gives you a small extra layer of protection.***** But it does not cover near what we need it to and we need to be a) aware that this is a small step and b) why we need to demand further testing . 

Please read our next blog to see why ! 

The more we demand safe, clean products, the faster we’ll see the industry evolve. The rise of clean beauty, which often prioritizes health and wellness over aesthetics and trends, shows that people are increasingly concerned about what goes into the products they use—and lawmakers are finally listening.