OLYMPIA, Wash. – Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals will no longer be allowed in cosmetic products manufactured or sold in Washington, starting January 1, 2027.
The restrictions on formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetic products is a part of the Formaldehyde in Cosmetics rule, which was adopted on August 28, 2025.
The rule includes businesses that function in-person or online to manufacture, distribute, sell or use cosmetic products.
Washington state is the first state in the nation to adopt this sort of restriction on formaldehyde-causing chemicals in cosmetic products.
“There are cosmetics products on the market that do the same job without releasing these cancer-causing chemicals,” said Shari Franjevic, who leads Ecology’s work to implement Washington’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act. “Switching to safer chemicals will help to protect all Washington residents—particularly cosmetologists, stylists, and people who work with these products every day.”
The law identifies 25 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals and allows the Department of Ecology to identify others.
The Department of Ecology will have a compliance webinar for retailers and distributors at 9 a.m. on October 1, 2025 to help answer questions and offer support.
“We’re committed to supporting a smooth transition for all members of the cosmetics supply chain,” Franjevic said, “We’ll be working with distributors and retailers, as well as cosmetics professionals and manufacturers, to help them understand the law and rule and meet the new requirements.”
The Formaldehyde in Cosmetics rule was added as a part of Washington’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, which was passed in 2023.
To read more about the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act and see the list of restricted chemicals, check out the Washington Department of Ecology’s website on the topic HERE.
