Currently, representations on product labels dictate the levels of VOC content they are permitted to contain under the California Air Resources Board’s consumer products regulations. In its drive to tighten VOC limits, the agency is considering a change that would make online statements additional controlling factors for VOC categorization, one of several moves the personal-care industry aims to discourage.

Personal Care Products Council exec Tom Myers says it’s crucial that industry be involved now, ahead of proposed rulemaking expected from California’s “clean air agency” in 2020, to inform the Air Resources Board about reformulation challenges and opportunities to reduce levels of volatile organic compounds in line with state goals.

What exactly is “clean beauty”? At Target and Sephora, it means phasing out many traditional preservatives, among other commonly used but “unwanted” ingredients, and getting prominent placement and the retailers’ “Clean” stamps of approval in return.

Potentially present at trace levels in personal-care products manufactured with ethoxylated materials, 1,4-dioxane is getting regulatory looks from multiple angles at the US state and federal levels. Chemicals law expert Lynn Bergeson of Bergeson & Campbell discusses potential implications for cosmetics industry players.

Cosmetic cleansing products containing 1,4-dioxane at levels above 1 part per million would be unlawfully marketed in New York beginning in 2023 under legislation passed by the state’s legislature in June. Governor Andrew Cuomo reportedly is reviewing the bill.

The Department of Toxic Substances Control released a work plan in May related to 1,4-dioxane in cosmetics and household cleaners, signaling a potential Priority Product listing on the horizon under California’s Safer Consumer Products regulation. The DTSC will host a second public workshop on the topic 21 Aug. and is accepting comments through 30 Aug.