OLYMPIA, Wash. – Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals will no longer be allowed in cosmetic products manufactured or sold in Washington, starting January 1, 2027.

The restrictions on formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetic products is a part of the Formaldehyde in Cosmetics rule, which was adopted on August 28, 2025.

The rule includes businesses that function in-person or online to manufacture, distribute, sell or use cosmetic products.

Washington state is the first state in the nation to adopt this sort of restriction on formaldehyde-causing chemicals in cosmetic products.

“There are cosmetics products on the market that do the same job without releasing these cancer-causing chemicals,” said Shari Franjevic, who leads Ecology’s work to implement Washington’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act.

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