Relating to manufacturer disclosure of cosmetic ingredients; authorizing an administrative penalty.
By mandating ingredient disclosure, HB2746 is expected to improve consumer protection and safety in the cosmetics market. This legislation could empower consumers to make more informed decisions about the products they purchase, potentially leading to increased demand for safer cosmetics. The requirement for transparency could also drive manufacturers to reformulate their products to eliminate harmful substances. The bill is intended to align Texas laws with a broader movement towards improving public health standards and consumer rights regarding the products they use.
House Bill 2746 aims to enhance transparency in the cosmetics industry by requiring manufacturers to disclose the ingredients used in their cosmetic products. Under this bill, manufacturers selling cosmetics in Texas must provide a comprehensive list of each ingredient on their website, including any fragrances, flavors, and color additives. This list must be ordered by the predominance of the ingredients, although ingredients in concentrations of less than one percent may be listed in any order to protect trade secrets. Furthermore, manufacturers must include the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) numbers for each listed ingredient, facilitating better tracking and regulation of cosmetic components.
While the bill received support for its consumer protection goals, it did raise concerns among some stakeholders about the potential repercussions on businesses. Critics argue that the obligation to disclose detailed ingredient information could pose challenges for manufacturers, particularly smaller businesses, who may find it burdensome to comply with these regulations or risk competitive disadvantage if proprietary formulas are exposed. Additionally, the enforcement of administrative penalties against companies that fail to comply with ingredient disclosure could create a more stringent regulatory environment, which some worry may stifle innovation in the cosmetics industry.