​Washington State Finalizes Rule to Ban Formaldehyde Releasers in Cosmetics

On August 28, 2025, Washington State's Department of Ecology (DOE) adopted Chapter 173-339 WAC: Cosmetic Products Restrictions, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution in Washington of cosmetic products that contain intentionally added formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers. The rule, which implements the state's Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, aims to reduce consumer exposure to formaldehyde, a chemical linked to cancer, asthma, and skin and eye irritation. The rule will take effect on September 28, 2025, marking the first of its kind in the United States.