California Safe Cosmetics Program

The primary purpose of the California Safe Cosmetics Program is to collect information on hazardous and potentially hazardous ingredients in cosmetic products sold in California and to make it available to the public.

Background

Many different chemicals are used in making cosmetics.  Consumer and worker advocacy groups are concerned that some cosmetic products contain chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, or damage to the reproductive system. The risk that cosmetics may pose to users is generally unknown because of limited information on exposure or lack of studies on potential health effects. Barbers and hair stylists, nail salon workers, and others who work in cosmetics, skin and body care may be at increased risk for adverse health effects from using these products because they handle greater quantities of them, and with greater frequency. The California Safe Cosmetics Act (PDF) was signed into law in 2005.  For all cosmetic products sold in California, the Act requires the manufacturer, packer, and/or distributor named on the product label to provide to the California Safe Cosmetics Program in the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) a list of all cosmetic products that contain any ingredients known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Program Activities

• Maintain a list of chemical agents known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm;
• Develop a user-friendly reporting system;
• Create and maintain a database of product ingredient information submitted by companies;
• Create reports of the data that are submitted, including products and ingredients reported, and reformulated products;
• Convene meetings of health advocates, industry, regulators, and others to promote collaborative efforts to ensure product safety.