The American Sustainable Business Council Endorses Safe Cosmetics Legislation Introduced in Congress

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), representing the public policy interests of more than 250,000 responsible businesses, today endorsed the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2019, which was introduced by Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill. The bill addresses the serious problem of toxic chemicals in products linked to cancer and other illnesses. Responsible businesses are proving that products can be made with safer ingredients but they need this policy because of the lack of transparency and standards within the industry.

“This bill is a great example of updated regulations needed by industry. Many personal care product companies want to provide safer products but are hampered by ineffective regulations,” said Jeffrey Hollender, CEO of ASBC and founder of Seventh Generation. “This bill clarifying rules for known toxic chemicals will push bad actors to up their game and help responsible companies invest more in the safe alternatives that consumers are demanding.”

Passage of the Safe Cosmetics Act will help reduce costs for businesses from reformulations, repackaging, repair to damaged reputations, and consumer liability lawsuits, all of which can arise use of toxic ingredients in their formulations — whether intentional or inadvertent. When all cosmetics manufacturers are encouraged to use safer chemicals in their manufacturing, it spurs innovation and lowers costs for non-toxic ingredients, which in turn delivers more opportunities for business and job growth.