Trade secret protections for fragrance ingredients in consumer products have been under pressure for years as consumers’ “right to know” has ascended over competitive business interests. California’s newly enacted SB 312 imposes substantial new ingredient-reporting duties on cosmetic product manufacturers, including disclosure of fragrance allergens restricted in Europe.

On 20 August, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amended version of the proposed Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, which passed the Assembly in June. Changes to the bill would alleviate burdens on California’s Department of Public Health and reduce penalties for violators.

The California Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials voted yes to proposed AB 495 at a 14 January hearing in Sacramento. As drafted, the bill continues to face industry opposition, but its author and cosponsors have committed to changes that would align the legislation more closely with EU regulations and potentially resolve industry’s biggest concerns.