H.R. 4435: Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act of 2025

The bill titled the Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act of 2025 proposes amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act aimed at enhancing transparency regarding cosmetic ingredients, especially concerning those that could be hazardous. Below is a summary of its key features:

Definition of Cosmetics

The bill clarifies that the term "cosmetic" includes products intended for sale to consumers or for professional use, ensuring a wider scope of regulations applicable to various types of cosmetics.

Regulations on Cosmetic Ingredients

The legislation introduces new provisions that require cosmetic brands to provide detailed information about their products:

• Ingredient Disclosure: Brand owners will need to list all ingredients present in their cosmetics, including fragrance and flavor compounds, in descending order of predominance.
• Website Requirements: Cosmetical manufacturers must disclose this ingredient information in an easily readable electronic format on their websites, along with links to further details about each ingredient.
• Labeling on Packaging: Starting two years after the bill's enactment, cosmetic packaging must include a comprehensive ingredient list and a statement directing consumers to a website for health impact information regarding specific ingredients.

Specific Hazardous Ingredients

The bill will require disclosure of specific chemicals determined to have health risks, including:

• Chemicals deemed neurotoxic.
• Cancer-causing substances categorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Other specifically identified toxic and hazardous chemicals from various authoritative sources.

State Regulations

The bill explicitly permits states to impose stricter regulations on cosmetics than those set by this legislation. States can prohibit certain ingredients or require additional disclosures as long as these regulations are in effect at the time of the new law's enactment.

Master List of Hazardous Chemicals

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with establishing and maintaining a master list of hazardous chemical ingredients approved by relevant organizations. This list will be publicly accessible and updated regularly, keeping both consumers and manufacturers informed of any changes.

Implementation Timeline

• Many of the new requirements, particularly for website disclosures, will go into effect one year after the bill’s enactment.
• Labeling requirements will apply two years after the enactment.

Definitions and Clarifications

The bill defines key terms relevant to its implementation, such as:

• Brand Owner: The entity responsible for bringing a cosmetic to market.
• Fragrance and Flavor Ingredients: Defined as any intentionally added substance that imparts flavor or fragrance to the product.

Compliance and Enforcement

The bill outlines potential compliance measures and the responsibilities of the brand owners to ensure that ingredient disclosures are accurate and up to date, particularly following any updates to the lists of hazardous chemicals.

Relevant Companies

• PG (Procter & Gamble) - A leading manufacturer of consumer goods, including cosmetics, that will need to adjust ingredient disclosure processes to comply with new requirements.
• CLX (The Clorox Company) - As a producer of personal care and cleaning products, Clorox would be affected by the stricter ingredient labeling regulations.
• LVNTA (Revlon, Inc.) - A major player in the cosmetic industry that would be required to disclose more comprehensive ingredient information on packaging and websites.
• EL (Estée Lauder Companies Inc.) - An international cosmetics company that would need to enhance its ingredient transparency practices as mandated by the bill.