SACRAMENTO – More than 170 personal care products occupy store shelves in California, even though they contain toxic chemicals banned under state law.
That’s the result of a review by the state’s Department of Public Health as part of the California Safe Cosmetics Program.
Chemicals found in the products include hazardous substances such as formaldehyde and mercury, certain phthalates, and the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. They are linked to serious health problems like cancer, hormone disruption and harm to the nervous system.
California enacted the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act in 2020, which banned the sale and manufacture of cosmetics containing certain harmful ingredients. The ban took effect January 1, 2025.
In 2022, the state enacted the PFAS-Free Cosmetics Act, which banned all intentionally added PFAS from personal care products.
The Environmental Working Group cosponsored both bills.
These laws are intended to keep harmful substances out of the products consumers use on their skin, hair and nails every day.
Despite the bans, these illegal ingredients can still be found in products sold in 12 counties throughout the state, including cosmetics like lash glue, hair straighteners and nail polishes.
The state’s attorney general, county district attorneys and local city attorneys can enforce these laws, and local environmental health departments can help guide salons and retailers to safely dispose of banned products. EWG urges swift enforcement and increased oversight to ensure California’s landmark cosmetic safety laws are upheld.
EWG strongly encourages consumers to check labels and avoid any product containing these hazardous chemicals. Here is the full list of the products using banned chemicals.
The following is a statement from Susan Little, EWG’s senior advocate for California Government Affairs:
State laws work. California’s strong safety standards have pushed many companies to reformulate their products – not just for Californians, but for consumers across the country.
That’s a big win for public health.
But some products with toxic, banned ingredients still slip through the cracks.
EWG fought hard to get these chemicals out of personal care products, because no one should have to worry about harmful ingredients in the items they use every day. It’s deeply concerning to find these illegal products still on store shelves.
Families deserve better.
We’re sharing this list so people can protect themselves – but it shouldn’t be up to consumers alone. Californians should be able to trust that what they buy is both safe and legal.
It’s time for stronger enforcement to hold companies accountable and ensure our communities are protected.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
