Maryland consumer protection bill becomes law

The Environmental Working Group and the Personal Care Products Council Collaborate to Protect Public Health

Washington, D.C. – The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) applaud enactment of Maryland House Bill 643 (HB 643), which prohibits the sale and manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products with certain ingredients in Maryland. This bill moves the industry another step closer to global regulatory alignment.

“Maryland residents now have greater assurance of the safety of the consumer products they use every day, like lotion and body wash, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and makeup,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “This marks a momentous milestone in the history of cosmetics and personal care products regulation. Once again, groups like EWG, along with a diverse group of stakeholders and the industry’s trade association, the Personal Care Products Council, support legislation to modernize the rules governing these products.”

Maryland is the second state – similar legislation was enacted in California last year – to limit the use of these ingredients from all cosmetics and personal care products such as moisturizers, hand sanitizers, body washes and other cosmetic products. The 24 ingredients are prohibited from use in cosmetic products sold in the European Union and other countries.

“We are pleased to have joined efforts with EWG and many other organizations on this important piece of legislation,” said PCPC President & CEO Lezlee Westine. “Maryland consumers deserve a law that provides consumers with continued confidence in the products they use and trust every day. We all agree that this bill helps protect public health in Maryland while safeguarding the more than 70,000 personal care and beauty related jobs in Maryland and the more than $4.5 billion contributed to the state’s gross domestic product.”

The law was sponsored by House of Delegates Member Julie Palakovich Carr (D-17/Rockville and Gaithersburg). We express special thanks for her leadership, along with Members of the Maryland General Assembly, and dedicated staff that worked together to bring this legislation to fruition.

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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. 

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetics and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, PCPC represents 600 member companies who manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day, from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance, personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation. For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org

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