H.R. 4436: Cosmetic Safety for Communities of Color and Professional Salon Workers Act of 2025

The bill titled "Cosmetic Safety for Communities of Color and Professional Salon Workers Act of 2025" aims to enhance the safety of cosmetic products, particularly for communities of color and professional salon workers. It encompasses several key areas:

Research on Health Disparities

The bill mandates research on the health disparities affecting communities of color, particularly regarding chemicals found in cosmetics marketed to women and girls of color. This includes:

• Investigating the adverse health effects linked to chemicals frequently present in these products.
• Studying the use of these cosmetics throughout the lifespans of women and girls of color.
• Developing strategies to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Disseminating findings to help these communities recognize and address unsafe exposures.

Research on Salon Workers' Health Concerns

The bill also focuses on the health concerns of professional salon workers, requiring similar research on:

• The chemicals linked to adverse health effects in cosmetic products used in salons.
• Types of products and the availability of safer alternatives.
• Identifying adverse health effects experienced by salon workers due to chemical exposures.
• Community dissemination of findings to help workers reduce unsafe exposures.

Support for Safer Alternatives

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will provide grants to promote the development of safer cosmetic chemicals that are non-toxic. Priority will be given to proposals that focus on:

• Replacing harmful chemicals in salon products.
• Creating safer products for women and girls of color.
• Supporting minority-owned cosmetic companies in developing safe formulations.

National Resource Centers

The bill will establish two National Resource Centers:

• National Resource Center on Beauty Justice: This will address unsafe cosmetic exposures among underserved populations, including women and girls of color, immigrant communities, and the LGBTQIA community.
• National Resource Center on Salon Worker Health and Safety: This center will focus on the health and safety of salon workers, developing outreach and training resources tailored to their needs.

Translation and Access to Safety Data Sheets

The bill requires manufacturers of professional cosmetics to create safety data sheets for each product and make them available in multiple languages. It mandates establishments that use these products to have and provide access to these sheets for employees, including translations as needed.

FDA Regulation of Synthetic Braids

The definition of "cosmetics" within the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act will be amended to explicitly include synthetic braids. The FDA will establish safety standards for synthetic braids and require warning labels on those that do not meet safety criteria.

Funding Provisions

The bill authorizes the appropriation of funds for various implementations, including:

• $7,500,000 for research related to cosmetics used by women and girls of color and salon workers.
• $10,000,000 for safer alternatives in cosmetics.
• $2,000,000 annually over five years for resource centers addressing cosmetic safety issues.

Reports and Accountability

Regular reporting will be required from grant recipients to assess the impact and effectiveness of supported activities, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Relevant Companies

None found