Federal and CA Safe Cosmetics Legislations

Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s (D-IL) Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2019 (H.R. 4296) would remedy the serious lack of transparency and standards regarding toxic chemicals in cosmetic and personal care products

The expansive and profitable cosmetic products industry in the United States often uses toxic chemicals in the development of its products. These dangerous ingredients have been linked to cancer, infertility, poor infant health, learning disabilities, obesity, and asthma – among other serious health concerns.

Many responsible cosmetics business owners are proving that it is possible to create transparency and safety in their use of chemical ingredients and that is good for business. Unfortunately, outdated regulations and bad-faith market competition have created confusion in the marketplace.

The Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2019 takes several measures to increase safety and transparency, as well as assist small business in the cosmetics and personal care industry. By pushing bad actors to increase their safety standards and providing assistance to responsible small businesses, the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products act will increase consumer confidence in the safety and reliability of the cosmetics businesses. Additionally, barring the use of unsafe chemicals will spur innovation in the use of safer alternatives and lower production costs across the entire industry.

We support strengthening the Pallone-Shimkus cosmetic safety discussion draft.

We have proposed several important improvements to strengthen the cosmetic safety discussion draft bill as proposed by Congressman Frank Pallone and Congressman John Shimkus. Rep. Pallone is the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee where the cosmetic safety conversation is taking place. That means he has the power – and responsibility – to introduce a strong, health-protective, consumer and employee-facing bill that will benefit responsible businesses and their employees, customers and other stakeholders.

Read more in the public letter containing our proposed improvements for safer cosmetics.