California Proposes Adding 12 Acids and Bases to Candidate Chemicals List

On April 24, 2025, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) launched a 15-day public consultation on a proposal to add 12 acids and bases to the state’s Candidate Chemicals List under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) program.

Key chemicals proposed for listing include:

These chemicals are commonly used in personal care and cleaning products. According to DTSC, they pose potential health risks such as skin burns, eye damage, respiratory irritation, and in some cases, reproductive and developmental toxicity. Sensitive groups—such as children, salon workers, and cleaning staff—face higher exposure risks.

Importantly, being listed as a Candidate Chemical does not impose immediate regulatory restrictions. However, it enables DTSC to track these substances more closely and lays the groundwork for potential future action. 

A virtual public workshop will be held on May 15, 2025, offering stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about the proposal and provide input. 

Candidate Chemicals vs. Priority Products

Candidate Chemicals are chemicals with known hazard traits and/or environmental or toxicological endpoints. Priority Products are specific consumer products that contain one or more Candidate Chemicals. Once a Priority Product is formally listed through rulemaking, any associated Candidate Chemical becomes a Chemical of Concern, triggering specific regulatory obligations for manufacturers. This process involves in-depth research, stakeholder engagement, public comment, peer review, and rulemaking in accordance with California’s Administrative Procedure Act (APA).