When you think “first” and “Washington,” your mind probably jumps to Geroge Washington, America’s first president. But here’s another historic Washington first:
In a groundbreaking move, Washington has become the first state to ban formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in beauty and personal care products. The new ban puts pressure on manufacturers to re-think their product formulas, and there’s no time to waste.
Fortunately, Pure Haven has been ahead of the curve from day one. Our products have always been free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, offering consumers across the country safe, effective alternatives to toxic products — no need to wait for new laws to take effect.
A Killer Preservative: The Dangers Associated with Formaldehyde
Classified as a known human carcinogen for more than a decade and a probable human carcinogen for nearly 40 years, formaldehyde is still detected in many everyday consumer products.
Repeated use of formaldehyde-contaminated products, including some shampoos and hair treatments, can expose people to these cancer-causing chemicals. This is especially concerning for women and salon workers. In addition to cancer, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers have been linked with immune dysfunction, menstrual disorders, skin irritation, allergic reactions, joint pain, and headaches.
Washington’s Rule
Washington’s new rule bans all intentionally added formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in beauty and personal care products. It specifically restricts a list of 25 chemicals that release formaldehyde over time. This puts pressure on beauty brands to eliminate not just formaldehyde, but ALL traces of formaldehyde from their products, building on the eight other toxins explicitly listed in the state’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act of 2023. The original list includes formaldehyde, methylene glycol, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among others.
The rule goes into effect January 1, 2027, but allows cosmetics manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and cosmetology businesses to sell through their existing inventory by December 31, 2027.
Buyer Beware
While most manufacturers aren’t carelessly dumping formaldehyde into their formulas, some continue to use formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in their products due to this class of chemicals being effective broad-spectrum preservatives in small amounts, fairly inexpensive, and easy to formulate with. Some examples of formaldehyde releasers include DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and quaternium 15 — ingredients to watch for and avoid.
Even companies that have already moved away from incorporating formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers in their formulas could be using other harmful chemicals such as ethylhexylglycerin (an allergen that’s linked with formaldehyde contamination) and phenoxyethanol (a chemical associated with organ toxicity and skin/eye/and lung irritation) in place of formaldehyde.
The good news? There are beauty and personal care products available that do their job without the use of toxic preservatives or harmful ingredients.
Pure Haven’s PureProtect Leads the Way
PureProtect, Pure Haven’s cutting-edge broad-spectrum preservation system, is the world’s first completely non-toxic preservation system. In developing this system, Pure Haven proved that combining multiple safe ingredients is just as effective as the toxic chemicals that are used to preserve products on the market today but pose significant health risks.
Shop our full line of safe, effective, non-toxic beauty, personal care, and household cleaning products worry free today.
Sources:
(6 Aug 2023). Washington’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act: A Step Towards Safer Beauty Products. Better Goods.
(28 Aug 2025). Washington moves to restrict cancer-causing chemicals in cosmetics. Washington State Department of Ecology.
Montemayor, C. (14 Sept 2025). Washington Becomes First State to Ban Formaldehyde-Releasing Chemicals in Cosmetics. BeautyMatter.