While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates cosmetics at the federal level, states have increasingly taken matters into their own hands when it comes to restricting certain ingredients in cosmetic products. Over the past several years, a growing number of state legislatures have enacted laws that either outright prohibit specific ingredients in cosmetics or cap the allowable concentrations of such ingredients.
This patchwork of state regulations creates a complex compliance landscape for cosmetic manufacturers and retailers. What’s permissible in one state may be banned in another, and the list of restricted ingredients varies considerably from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some states have focused on chemicals linked to endocrine disruption, while others have targeted heavy metals, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), or specific preservatives and colorants.
The charts below provide a comprehensive overview of current state laws restricting cosmetic ingredients, as well as illustrative examples of pending legislation from the most recent legislative session. As states continue to propose and enact new restrictions, cosmetic companies must stay vigilant to ensure compliance across all markets where their products are sold.