Virginia Bill Aims to Ban Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics

Proposed legislation would prohibit use of formaldehyde, methylene glycol and other harmful ingredients.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Virginia lawmakers have introduced a bill called the Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act that would update the state's Consumer Protection Act to ban the use of certain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and methylene glycol in cosmetic products. The bill's sponsor, Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra, says these chemicals can cause health issues like cancer and irritation, particularly for women of color. A local salon owner, Autumn Carter, supports the legislation and has already opted not to use any products containing formaldehyde in her environmentally-conscious salon.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation is part of a broader push to increase regulation and oversight of the cosmetics industry in the U.S., which currently has less stringent requirements compared to Europe. Advocates argue that removing harmful chemicals from cosmetics is important for public health, especially for vulnerable populations, and can also have environmental benefits.

The details

The Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act would ban the use of chemicals like formaldehyde and methylene glycol in cosmetic products sold in Virginia. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can also cause contact dermatitis, while methylene glycol releases formaldehyde when heated and can irritate the eyes, nose and lungs. The bill was inspired by a National Conference of State Legislatures training and is similar to legislation introduced in other states targeting toxic cosmetics ingredients.

  • The Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act, or House Bill 122, was introduced by Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra in the 2026 Virginia legislative session.
  • Del. Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, also introduced a similar piece of legislation, House Bill 864, in the 2026 session.

The players

Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra

A Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates who introduced the Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act.

Autumn Carter

The owner of Red Salon Organics in Richmond, Virginia, who has opted not to use any products containing formaldehyde in her environmentally-conscious salon.

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What they’re saying

“I am aware, for example, with chemicals used for Black women and other women, there are chemicals in there that can cause cancer, that can cause other health problems and it's treated as though it's a cost of business.”

— Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra (kenbridgevictoriadispatch.com)

“There's no real regulation, or people kind of overseeing, to make sure that these things are safe for us to be inhaling and for us to have absorbed into our skin and our bloodstream.”

— Autumn Carter, Salon Owner (kenbridgevictoriadispatch.com)

What’s next

The Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act has been assigned to the House Housing/Consumer Protection subcommittee, but has not yet been heard. A similar bill, House Bill 864, introduced by Del. Rae Cousins, is also currently in the subcommittee.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Virginia is part of a growing movement to increase regulation and oversight of the cosmetics industry in the United States, which currently has less stringent requirements compared to Europe. Advocates argue that removing harmful chemicals from cosmetics is crucial for protecting public health, especially for vulnerable populations, and can also have environmental benefits.