Home » PFAS in Cosmetics: US State Bans and Compliance Deadlines – 2026 Update

Blog 19 min read

PFAS in Cosmetics: US State Bans and Compliance Deadlines – 2026 Update

This blog was originally posted on 13th March, 2026. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.

AUTHORED BY FREIDA WÜSCHNER GUBBINS, SENIOR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST, COMPLIANCE & RISKS

Key Insight

Seven US states have already banned the intentional addition of PFAS to cosmetics, with seven more set to implement similar restrictions in the coming years. As two additional states begin proceedings to prohibit these ‘forever chemicals,’ a clear and accelerating trend in state-level environmental policy is emerging.

Want to find out more about global PFAS regulations? Check out our webinar-on-demand ‘PFAS Regulations: Are You Ready for What Comes Next?‘

Introduction

Driven by a combination of public health concerns, the environmental persistence of ‘forever chemicals,’ and a lack of comprehensive federal regulation, the U.S. has seen a surge in state-level PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) prohibitions for cosmetic products.

As of March 2026, fourteen states have enacted bans on intentionally added PFAS in cosmetic products, while others including New York and Massachusetts have recently introduced new legislative proposals.

This blog provides a comprehensive update on the shifting regulatory landscape for PFAS in the U.S. cosmetics industry, an invaluable resource for cosmetic manufacturers, importers, and retailers operating in the U.S. market.

The 2026 Enforcement Wave: States Where PFAS Bans Are Now Active

California

California (USA): Ban of PFAS in Cosmetics, Assembly Bill 2771 Enacted, 2022

Since January 1, 2025, the manufacture, sale, delivery, holding, or offering for sale of any cosmetic product containing intentionally added PFAS is prohibited. The legislative intent is to safeguard the health of Californians and protect the environment from the risks posed by PFAS in beauty and personal care products.

Colorado

Colorado (USA): Restrictions on Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) in Household Products, Food Packaging and Fuels, House Bill 22-1345 Enacted, 2022

As of January 1, 2025, the sale, offer or distribution of cosmetics containing intentionally added PFAS is prohibited.

Maryland

Maryland (USA): Cosmetic Products Ingredient Prohibition, House Bill 643, January 2021

From January 1, 2025, the Bill prohibits, except under certain circumstances, a person from knowingly manufacturing, selling, delivering, holding, or offering for sale in the State a ‘cosmetic product’ that contains certain intentionally added ingredients, such as ‘Per– and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their salts’.

Minnesota

Minnesota (USA): Restrictions on PFAS, Lead, and Cadmium in Products, and Food Package Labelling, House File 2310 Enacted, 2023

From January 1, 2025, the sale, offering for sale, or distribution for sale of cosmetic products containing intentionally added PFAS has been prohibited in the State of Minnesota.

The commissioner has the authority to add more product categories with intentionally added PFAS to this prohibition through rulemaking, with effective dates between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2032.

Washington

Washington (USA): Prohibition of Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetic Products, House Bill 1047 Enacted, 2023

From January 1, 2025, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are restricted from use in cosmetic products manufactured, distributed, or sold in or into Washington state.

Maine

Maine (USA): Prohibition of Products Containing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Substances, HP 1113, LD 1503 Enacted, 2021 -Amendment – (on Prevention of PFAS Pollution and to Provide Additional Funding) SP 610, Legislative Document 1537 Enacted, 2024

Since January 1, 2026, a person may not sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in Maine cosmetic products containing intentionally added PFAS.

Vermont

Vermont (USA): Regulating Consumer Products Containing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Other Chemicals, Senate Bill 25 Enacted, Act 131, 2024

From January 1, 2026, a manufacturer shall not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for use in this State any cosmetic where PFAS have been intentionally added in any amount.

A cosmetic or menstrual product made through manufacturing processes intended to comply with this subchapter and containing a technically unavoidable trace quantity of a chemical or chemical class listed in subsection (a) of this section shall not be in violation of this subchapter on account of the trace quantity where it is caused by impurities of (1) natural or synthetic ingredients; (2) the manufacturing process; (3) storage; or (4) migration from packaging.

Upcoming Compliance Deadlines: 2026–2032 Implementation Timelines

Connecticut

Connecticut (USA): Use of PFAS in Certain Products, Senate Bill 292 Enacted, 2024

On and after July 1, 2026, no person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any cosmetic product if such product contains intentionally added PFAS, unless the manufacturer of the product provides prior notification in writing to the department in accordance with the requirements of this subsection.

On and after July 1, 2026, no person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in Connecticut any cosmetic product containing intentionally added PFAS, unless such product is labelled in accordance with this Act.

On and after January 1, 2028, no person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any cosmetic product if the product contains intentionally added PFAS.

Illinois

Illinois (USA): Reduction of PFAS, Senate Bill 561 Enacted, 2021 – Amendment – (on prohibiting certain products containing intentionally added PFAS) House Bill 2516 Enacted, 2025

Beginning January 1, 2032, it is prohibited to sell, offer for sale, or distribute in Illinois any of the cosmetic products if they contain intentionally added PFAS.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire (USA): Prohibiting Certain Products with Intentionally Added PFAS, House Bill 1649 Enacted, 2024

From January 1, 2027, it will be illegal to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for promotional purposes various PFAS-added consumer products, including cosmetics.

New Jersey

New Jersey (USA): Protecting Against Forever Chemicals (PFAS), Senate Bill 1042 (3R) Enacted, 2026

On January 12, 2026, the New Jersey Governor enacted Senate Bill No. 1042, regarding the requirements, prohibitions, and programs for the regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

From January 12, 2028, no person shall sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in the State of New Jersey any cosmetic product that contains intentionally added PFAS.

Oregon

Oregon (USA): Chemicals Used in Cosmetic Products, Senate Bill 546 Enacted, 2023

From January 1, 2027 a manufacturer may not knowingly manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale or distribute for use in Oregon any cosmetic product that contains Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island (USA): Prohibiting Certain Products with Intentionally Added PFAS, Senate Bill 2152, House Bill 7356A Substitute Enacted, June 2024

On June 26, 2024, the Governor of Rhode Island signed companion House Bill 7356 and Senate Bill 2152 into Law.The statutes ban all uses of PFAS in covered products from January 1, 2029, unless the use of PFAS in the covered product is considered unavoidable.

New Mexico

New Mexico (USA): Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Substances Protection Act, House Bill 212, 2025 Enacted

On April 8, 2025, the Governor of New Mexico signed into law the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Protection Act to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products.

As of January 1, 2028, manufacturers are prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or distributing for sale in New Mexico (directly, indirectly or through any intermediaries) any cosmetics if they contain intentionally added PFAS.

Beginning January 1, 2032, a manufacturer is not permitted to sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in New Mexico (directly, indirectly or through intermediaries) a product that contains an intentionally added PFAS, unless the Environmental Improvement Board has adopted a rule providing that the use of the PFAS in that product is a currently unavoidable use.

Legislative Watchlist: Emerging PFAS Bans in NY, MA, and Beyond

Massachusetts

Massachusetts (USA) PFAS in Products, House Bill 4870, 2026
Massachusetts (USA) PFAS in Products, Senate Bill 1504, 2025

If approved from January 1, 2029, no manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer shall offer for sale, sell or distribute any children’s cosmetic product to which PFAS have been intentionally added.

New York

New York (USA): Phasing Out the Sale of Products Containing Intentionally-Added PFAS, Assembly Bill 8585, May 2025

If approved from January 1, 2029, there will be a prohibition on the distribution, sale or offer for sale in New York of any cosmetic product that contains intentionally-added PFAS, unless the Department has determined that the use of PFAS in such product is currently an unavoidable use.

Future-Proofing the Supply Chain: Preparing for a PFAS-Free Marketplace

The regulatory shift toward PFAS-free cosmetics in the United States is no longer a distant possibility, it’s a present reality. As of March 2026, the transition from voluntary industry “clean beauty” standards to mandatory state enforcement is in full swing. With fourteen states already enacting prohibitions and others, including New York and Massachusetts, moving toward similar bans, this “patchwork” of state laws has effectively created a new national baseline for the cosmetics industry.

For manufacturers and retailers, the message is clear, the window for reformulating products and auditing supply chains is closing. For businesses operating across multiple states, this growing patchwork of obligations underscores the importance of early engagement, accurate data collection, and proactive compliance planning.

Quick Reference: PFAS Prohibition Timelines by State (as of March 2026)

US State PFAS Compliance Deadlines 2025-2032 for Cosmetics

State	Effective Date	Restriction Scope	Key Legislation
California	Jan 1, 2025	Intentionally added PFAS	HB 1047
Colorado	Jan 1, 2025	Intentionally added PFAS	HB 22-1345
Maryland	Jan 1, 2025	Intentionally added PFAS	HB 643
Minnesota	Jan 1, 2025	Intentionally added PFAS	HF 2310
Washington	Jan 1, 2025	Intentionally added PFAS	HB 1047
Maine	Jan 1, 2026	Intentionally added PFAS	LD 1503 / LD 1537
Vermont	Jan 1, 2026	Intentionally added (trace exemptions)	Act 131 (SB 25)
Connecticut	July 1, 2026	Notification & Labeling Required	SB 292
New Hampshire	Jan 1, 2027	Intentionally added PFAS	HB 1649
Oregon	Jan 1, 2027	Knowingly manufactured/sold PFAS	SB 546
Connecticut	Jan 1, 2028	Full Prohibition	SB 292
New Jersey	Jan 1, 2028	Intentionally added PFAS	SB 1042
New Mexico	Jan 1, 2028	Intentionally added PFAS	HB 212
Rhode Island	Jan 1, 2029	All uses (unless unavoidable)	SB 2152 / HB 7356A
Illinois	Jan 1, 2032	Intentionally added PFAS	HB 2516

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states already have active bans on intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics?

As of early 2026, California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington, Maine, and Vermont have active prohibitions in place.

Are there any exceptions for trace amounts of PFAS in cosmetics?

Yes, in Vermont, technically unavoidable trace quantities are not considered violations if they are caused by impurities in ingredients, the manufacturing process, storage, or migration from packaging.

What are the specific requirements for Connecticut before its full ban in 2028?

Starting July 1, 2026, cosmetics containing intentionally added PFAS may only be sold if the manufacturer provides prior written notification to the department and the product is labeled in accordance with the Act.

What is the latest compliance deadline mentioned for a total ban?

Illinois and New Mexico both have implementation timelines extending to January 1, 2032, for certain prohibitions or restrictions.

Which states currently have pending legislation on their watchlist?

Massachusetts and New York have recently introduced legislative proposals with potential effective dates in 2029.

For further information on PFAS legislation in the United States, check out our guide ‘State-by-State Comparison: PFAS in Products Legislation Across the US‘.

Stay Ahead Of Regulatory Changes in PFAS

Want to stay ahead of regulatory developments in PFAS?

Accelerate your ability to achieve, maintain & expand market access for all products in global markets with C2P – your key to unlocking market access, trusted by more than 300 of the world’s leading brands.

C2P is an enterprise SaaS platform providing everything you need in one place to achieve your business objectives by proving compliance in over 195 countries.

C2P is purpose-built to be tailored to your specific needs with comprehensive capabilities that enable enterprise-wide management of regulations, standards, requirements and evidence.
Add-on packages help accelerate market access through use-case-specific solutions, global regulatory content, a global team of subject matter experts and professional services.

Accelerate time-to-market for products
Reduce non-compliance risks that impact your ability to meet business goals and cause reputational damage
Enable business continuity by digitizing your compliance process and building corporate memory
Improve efficiency and enable your team to focus on business critical initiatives rather than manual tasks
Save time with access to Compliance & Risks’ extensive Knowledge Partner network