Washington state’s Department of Ecology has added several chemical-product combinations to its final priority product list, including cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes in cosmetics and BTEX substances in nail products, raising the stakes for manufacturers operating in the personal care sector.
“This action builds on the state’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act,” Cheri Peele, director of government and market policy at environmental health research and advocacy organization Toxic-Free Future, told CosmeticsDesign US.
“Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes and BTEX substances have been identified by the Washington Department of Ecology as high hazard chemicals,” she explained. “These chemicals should not be used in products applied to our bodies, and manufacturers should seek safer solutions.”
The move follows similar actions abroad. “The European Union has already banned cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes in cosmetics,” she noted. “Manufacturers can take advantage of work done to comply with the EU ban to inform any necessary reformulation.”
A broader industry signal
Peele said the Department’s continued action sends a clear message to the broader beauty and personal care industry, both in Washington and beyond.
“We want to see the cosmetics industry fully transition to the safest chemicals in the next decade,” she stated. “We know this can be done; progress is already being made.”
Washington is also proposing a ban on all formaldehyde releasers, further emphasizing its leadership in toxic chemical regulation. “Getting rid of hazardous chemicals in cosmetics is crucial,” Peele said. “Washington state is leading the way, especially now with its proposal to ban all formaldehyde releasers and by naming siloxanes in cosmetics as a priority chemical-product combination.”
Safer alternatives already in use
While reformulation may present technical challenges, safer options are available and increasingly scalable. “ChemFORWARD’s Metric Zero report showed that the majority of emollients, preservatives, and antioxidants used in the over 8,500 assessed products were already safer chemicals,” Peele said.
She pointed to examples such as LexFeel Natural, a silicone alternative. “Its primary ingredient, HEPTYL UNDECYLENATE, is designated ChemFORWARD Hazard Band C with a full chemical hazard assessment. ChemFORWARD Hazard Bands A - C are considered safer chemicals.”
Peele also highlighted tools for formulators: “Inolex offers helpful resources, including the LuxMate: Silicone Alternatives Finder, which allows users to search for ingredients with the ChemFORWARD SAFER designation.”
Aligning compliance with ESG goals
Peele emphasized that regulatory compliance can be effectively integrated with broader ESG and product transparency strategies.
“Manufacturers can reduce both regulatory and reputational risk by proactively understanding the chemicals in their products and switching to safer solutions,” she said. “Acting before restrictions are in place allows companies greater time to identify safer solutions, saving money and brand trust.”
Preparing for what’s next
To prepare for upcoming restrictions under Cycle 2 of the Safer Products for Washington program, which includes scrutiny of PVC packaging and PFAS, Peele recommended an immediate internal review.
“Companies should know the ingredients in all of their products and packaging, assess them for hazard, then use only safer ingredients,” she said. “For hazard assessment, they can work with ChemFORWARD to run a Chemical Ingredient Intelligence report, helping identify chemicals of high concern as well as chemicals in need of further hazard assessment.”
