Benchmarking the EU: Illinois Passes Legislation Banning 12 Categories of Cosmetic Ingredients
On July 10, 2026, the State of Illinois officially enacted the Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act. The legislation aims to align state standards with prohibitions established under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and its subsequent amendments regarding intentionally added chemical ingredients in cosmetics, signaling a growing trend toward global convergence in cosmetic safety regulation. Core Provisions of the Act Beginning July 1, 2028, except under specified circumstances, no entity or individual may manufacture, transport, store, or sell cosmetic products within the State of Illinois containing any of the following intentionally added ingredients: Exemption Criteria The act establishes a specific trace impurity exemption: if a cosmetic product is manufactured using processes designed to comply with the legislation, the presence of technically unavoidable trace amounts resulting from impurities in natural or synthetic ingredients, manufacturing processes, storage, or primary packaging shall not constitute a violation. Industry Impact and Outlook The passage of the



