This legislation creates a list of prohibited substances in cosmetic products, and prevents the sale of any cosmetic product that contains these substances as an intentionally added ingredient after 2029.
Numerous research studies have found harmful chemicals within the ingredients of beauty products. With women using an average of 12, and men using an average of 6 personal care products every day, there is high reason for concern regarding what ingredients are used in our everyday beauty products. This legislation directs companies to remove known toxic chemicals from beauty products creating a safer and healthier environment for New Yorkers.
Labels and claims like “chemical-free,” “preservative-free,” and “toxin-free” are not regulated in the United States and are misleading, which means even when consumers want to purchase “safe” beauty products, they have no way of knowing whether or not the products’ ingredients are truly safe. Given the costs of buying safer products (both the time needed to decipher ingredient lists and financial costs), individuals from low income backgrounds are more likely to use products containing harmful chemicals. Furthermore, research has continuously shown that women of color are more likely to be exposed and impacted by beauty products’ harmful ingredients. Numerous studies show that US reproductive-aged women of color have higher levels of certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates and parabens, in their bodies compared with white women. These chemicals are key ingredients in many lower-cost beauty products.
This legislation takes significant steps in protecting consumers by banning chemicals that are known to be dangerous such as PFAS, asbestos, benzophenones, phenylenediamines, triclosan, nitrosamine and known carcinogens, such as ethylene oxide, toluene, naphthalene, and more. By enacting this legislation, New York State is placing itself among the leaders in this area with the European Union, and states such as Washington, Minnesota, Vermont, and Connecticut.
Environmental Advocates NY strongly urges the legislature to pass A.2054A /S.2057A given the critical health impacts caused by these toxic chemicals. This bill also supports additional efforts to remove PFAS and other toxic chemicals that can continue to impact New Yorkers downstream through our water and environment.
New Yorkers will have safer cosmetics and personal care products with less exposure to toxic chemicals linked to cancer and hormone disruption.
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