On Oct. 8, 2023, a new bill was signed, banning a further 26 chemicals from personal care productswith an amendment to the 2020 Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA);increasing the total number of banned chemicals from 24 to 50. 

Set to take effect on January 1, 2027, the newly banned ingredientsare: lily aldehyde, acetaldehyde, cyclohexylamine, cyclotetrasiloxane, phytonadione, sodium perborate, styrene, trichloroacetic acid, tricresyl phosphate, vinyl acetate, 2-chloracetamide, allyl isothiocyanate, anthraquinone, malachite green, oil from the seeds of Laurus nobilis L., pyrogallol, C.I. disperse blue 1, trisodium nitrilotriacetate, numerous boron substances, C.I. disperse blue 3, basic green 1, basic blue 7, 3(or5)-((4-(benzylmethylamino)phenyl)azo)-1,2 -(or1,4)-dimethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazolium and its salts, basic violet 4, basic blue 3, and basic blue 9.

However, critics argue that many of these chemicals are either rarely used in cosmetics or are used at levels that are not proven to be harmful when applied topically. Cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski suggests that for the industry and consumers, the regulation may not be as impactful as intended, especially for products not currently utilizing these ingredients.

While this expansion of the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act reflects California's commitment to consumer safety, it sparks debate within the beauty industry regarding the necessity and practicality of such regulations. As consumers grow more ingredient-conscious, brands need to stay informed and adapt to evolving regulatory standards. This change underscores a global shift towards safer and more transparent beauty products, prioritizing consumer well-being.

Read more on the BILL NO. 496 here

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB496