Illinois Bans 24 ingredients in Cosmetics

Illinois has taken a historic step in beauty industry regulation by passing the Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act (House Bill 3409). With this move, the state officially bans the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cosmetic products containing 24 hazardous chemicals, aligning its standards with the strict regulations of the European Union.

• Which Ingredients Are Banned?

• Which Products Are Affected?

• The Big Picture for the Industry

The law will officially take effect on July 1, 2028, giving brands a transition window to reformulate their products..

Which Ingredients Are Banned?

The ban targets two major groups of high-risk substances:

• 11 Traditional Harmful Compounds:

  This includes formaldehyde (and its releasing agents), mercury, triclosan, lead (above 1 ppm), specific parabens (like isobutylparaben), and ortho-phthalates.

• 13 Specific PFAS Compounds:

  Commonly known as "forever chemicals," these perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are often used to make makeup waterproof, but they accumulate permanently in the human body and the environment.

Which Products Are Affected?

The legislation covers virtually every personal care item on the shelves. This includes makeup, hair dyes, nail polishes, soaps, body lotions, sunscreens, and perfumes.

There is a narrow trace exemption: brands will not face penalties if microscopic, unavoidable amounts are detected due to packaging migration or manufacturing processes, provided the company proves there was no intent to add the chemical.

The Big Picture for the Industry

Illinois joins pioneering states like California and New York in the fight for safer beauty. For brands, this shift means that "Clean Beauty" is no longer just a marketing trend—it is becoming a legal requirement if they want to sell products in key U.S. markets.