Proposed Ban on Formaldehyde in Cosmetics in Washington State, USA
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / April 01, 2025 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 041.25 on a proposed ban for intentionally added formaldehyde releasers in cosmetics and products classified as both drugs and cosmetics in Washington State, USA.
Formaldehyde is found in building materials, household products and cosmetics and poses health risks such as respiratory issues, skin irritation and cancer.
The proposed ruling, published on February 6, 2025, identifies 28 formaldehyde-releasing ingredients and includes the provision of a one-year grace period from the proposed effective date of January 1, 2027, for manufacturers to sell all existing stock.
Feedback will be gathered on the proposed ban through two public hearings scheduled for March 31 and April 1, 2025.
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 041.25 includes a helpful list of the 28 ingredients identified as formaldehyde releasers and a summary of timelines for the Act.
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 041.25 for more details.
SGS cosmetics and hygiene product services
Through a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, SGS offers comprehensive testing and certification solutions for cosmetics, household care, absorbent hygiene and disinfectant products. Their experts verify safety and efficacy, simplifying market access while ensuring regulatory compliance. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s cosmetic and hygiene product services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Washington State Issues Proposed Rule Banning Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers in Cosmetics SafeGuardS.
Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Aliyah Bobb
Regulatory Affairs Associate
Website: www.sgs.com/cosmetics
About Us
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
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