Learn more about the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), the first time a Federal cosmetic law was updated since 1938 (no, that’s not a typo). Below is a breakdown of the current regulation requirements of the new law and when they take effect.
Progress was made by this major legislative update, but there is much needed to better protect consumers. “There is still a long way to go for cosmetic safety regulation,” said Janet Nudelman, Senior Policy Manager of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners in her interview for Pretty Ugly. For more information on the pros and cons of the new law, and what it means for consumers, you can read the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners’ robust evaluation report of MoCRA.
Proposed Federal Regulation
Further efforts are underway to increase cosmetic safety on the national level. The current, key bills are entitled the “Safer Beauty Bill Package“:
- H.R. 4433 – Toxic-Free Beauty Act (bans 18 of the most toxic chemicals)
- H.R. 4436 – Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color & Salon Workers
- H.R. 4435 – Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act
- H.R. 4434 – Cosmetic Supply Chain Transparency Act
Additionally, H.R. 1657 – Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025 was introduced in early 2025, to prevent animal testing.
State Regulation
States also regulate cosmetics, and many have stepped in to fill the safety gaps left at the Federal level. To see what laws currently exist in your state, as well as proposed regulation, visit the Safer States bill tracker. There, you can select your state and “Personal Care Products” under the filter options to see both introduced and adopted legislation.
And for individual action steps you can take to help limit your exposure to toxins in personal products and cosmetics, check out our Take Action page.
Implementing MoCRA Benchmarks
Standards Created by the New Law and Currently In Effect:
- Specific labeling required to guarantee professionals and consumers alike have the necessary product information at all times.
- Listing each marketed cosmetic product to the FDA, including product ingredients, and providing any updates annually to the FDA.
- The requirement of adding a visible allergen warning when adding fragrances to ensure consumers have the proper information.
- Cosmetic manufacturing or processing facilities must renew/update, as appropriate, their registration every two years. The FDA reviews their registration and can suspend it, and the company’s ability to produce and sell products from the facility, if serious adverse health conditions are found within the processing or manufacturing of cosmetics.
- Companies and manufacturers are required to ensure the safety of their products by ensuring and maintaining records.
- The requirement of reporting serious events associated with the use of cosmetic products to the FDA within 15 business days of the incident.
- The requirement to provide contact information of the manufacturer or responsible persons on cosmetic product labels.
Standards Created by the New Law, Not Yet Implemented:
- Required Good Manufacturing Practices so that products are manufactured and produced in a way that ensures the best quality as required by their intended use. – Deadline: 12/29/25
- Following the Interagency Working Group on Asbestos in Consumer Products’ White Paper recommendations for testing the presence or absence of talc. – Deadline: Unknown
- The FDA must assess “PFAS in cosmetic products and the scientific evidence regarding the safety of their use… including any risks associated with their use.” They must then publish a summary report of that safety assessment on their website. – Deadline: December 29, 2025.
Sources:
FDA – Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022
FDA – Updated Instructions for Serious Event Reporting
World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices
JD Supra – MoCRA Event in Review
Freyr Solutions – MoCRA Labeling Requirements Overview