New York Assembly Bill A02054

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Report Pass: 3/11/25
• Refer: 3/11/25

Caption

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would amend the environmental conservation laws to set stringent standards for cosmetic safety. It mandates the Department of Environmental Conservation to identify and regulate the sale of products containing harmful substances, ultimately aiming to enhance public health and consumer safety. Notably, the bill places particular emphasis on chemicals identified as toxins and establishes a framework for their review, allowing the department to regularly update the list as more data becomes available about the health impacts of these substances.

Summary

A02054, also known as the 'Beauty Justice Act', introduces significant regulations concerning the ingredients used in personal care and cosmetic products in New York. The bill aims to prohibit the sale of personal care products that contain certain restricted substances, including lead, formaldehyde, and various hazardous chemicals known for causing health issues like asthma, infertility, and cancer. According to the findings, women's exposure to such chemicals starts in infancy and can increase their risk of serious health consequences over time. The bill responds to growing health concerns and the inadequacy of existing federal regulations.

Contention

Discussions surrounding A02054 have highlighted various points of contention, especially among stakeholders in the cosmetics industry. Proponents argue that these regulations are crucial for protecting the health of consumers, particularly vulnerable populations such as women and children exposed to harmful ingredients. Conversely, opponents, including some industry representatives, express concerns that the regulations may impose excessive burdens on businesses, limit product choices, and inadvertently drive higher prices for consumers. This bill exemplifies the ongoing debate between health advocacy and economic implications in legislating environmental health standards.