Research Informs Washington State Ban on Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Cosmetics
In early September, Washington became the first state in the nation to adopt a comprehensive ban on all formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics. Following a statewide ban on formaldehyde in cosmetics and personal care products that went into effect earlier this year, the new rule bans 25 chemicals that release formaldehyde in cosmetics and personal care products and further restricts all intentionally added formaldehyde releasers.
The evidence-based policy draws on research documenting the numerous health risks of formaldehyde—a known carcinogen—and its disproportionate burden on women of color who use or work with beauty products. Among those whose evidence helped set the policy was Ami Zota, ScD, associate professor of environmental health sciences (EHS). A study by Zota and colleagues from the community-based Taking Stock Study published earlier this year found that more than half of a group of Black women and Latinas reported using personal care products that contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Lariah Edwards, PhD, associate research scientist in EHS, and Emily Weaver, MA, a staff research scientist in EHS, were co-authors.
“This ban is a victory for science, health, and justice,” says Zota. “Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers are well-documented hazards that no one should be exposed to in the products they use every day. This action especially matters for women of color and salon workers who face the highest exposures—and it should inspire policymakers across the country to take similar steps to protect their communities.”
In the lead-up to the passage of the 2023 Washington Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, the advocacy group Toxic-Free Futures cited a 2017 study by Zota, which found that people of color use more beauty products and are exposed to toxic chemicals at higher rates than white consumers. Zota herself testified before the Washington State Senate. She spoke about her research on beauty products and intimate care products, which uncovered high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the bodies of the women who use them—especially Black women and Latinas.
The Washington Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, which bans several ingredients from cosmetics, including formaldehyde and lead, follows a similar regulation passed by California in 2020. And just as she did in Washington, Zota testified to California lawmakers. New York attempted to pass similar legislation last year but was unsuccessful; the advocacy group WE ACT says that it will try again this year.
Additional information on the new ban can be found in a press release by Toxic Free Future.
