In a recent development, California has passed legislation that bans a number of potentially harmful chemicals from skincare products. On October 11th, 2023, CNN reported that Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that aims to outlaw these ingredients due to health concerns. This raises important questions: what are the details of this law, how will it affect you, and is government regulation genuinely effective in the skincare industry?
The law, which will ban 24 chemical ingredients starting January 1, 2025, and additional ingredients by January 1, 2027, impacts a wide range of skincare products. These ingredients serve various functions, from preservatives to emulsifiers and dyes, and many have been in use for decades. If they are indeed harmful, why the delay in banning them? The government has indicated that manufacturers need time to reformulate their products, suggesting that consumer safety can wait while companies adjust.
Among the banned chemicals is dibutyl phthalate, a known toxin linked to reproductive health issues. The Environmental Working Group lists thousands of publications indicating its potential dangers. Yet, it has been used in numerous skincare products for years. This raises concerns about why these ingredients have been permitted for so long, especially when the government finally recognizes their risks.
While the legislation could be a step in the right direction, it highlights the cumbersome nature of government regulation. The process is by default lagging after scientific evidence and lacking in immediate benefit for consumers. Many of these harmful ingredients will remain in circulation for years, putting users at risk.
Moreover, the criteria for selecting which ingredients to ban may lack transparency. There’s a risk that decisions are influenced by industry conversations rather than solely by consumer safety. As consumers, we need to be vigilant about what we apply to our skin.
Government oversight in this area is extremely limited, while enjoying a public perception of being thorough and up to date. Ultimately, it should be up to consumers and manufacturers to decide what is safe and effective. With that in mind, it is important to recognize that many skincare products on the market are unnecessary and potentially harmful, so it’s essential to be discerning about what you use.
If you want to stay informed, I recommend researching the ingredients in your skincare products and understanding their actual benefits. Check resources like the Environmental Working Group for insights.
If you found this helpful, subscribe to Dr. Bibi's Newsletter for cutting edge skincare and share this article. For further insights into skincare simplification, check out my book "Sick Skin - Skin Care Made Simple" on Amazon, now available in audio.
Thanks for reading and God bless.
Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist
Share and get 15% off!
Simply share this product on one of the following social networks and you will unlock 15% off!