Cosmetics certification subsidy program is sponsored by Washington State Department of Ecology. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Cosmetics certification subsidy program - Washington State Department of Ecology > Guidance & technical assistance > Safer chemicals for manufacturers > Cosmetics certification subsidy program Small cosmetics manufacturer certification subsidy program Want to participate or learn more?

Contact us if you are a small cosmetics manufacturer (50 employees or less) and are interested in getting your products certified as safer, or you would like help understanding the upcoming restrictions or how to formulate your products using safer alternatives.

Small cosmetics manufacturers ( those that employ 50 people or less ) that want help to reformulate or obtain voluntary third-party environmental health certifications for their cosmetics products can apply to receive technical and financial support. Qualifying manufacturers seeking product certification can receive reimbursement up to: 75% of the cost for the first $10,000 spent. 50% of the cost for $10,000 to $50,000 spent.

Reformulation costs up to $2,500. As of Jan. 1, 2025, the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) restricts the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cosmetic products that contain certain chemicals and chemical classes within Washington.

The maximum reimbursement towards product certification is $30,000. See the current list of restricted chemicals under TFCA Learn how to formulate products with safer chemicals Learn about the Safer Salons Partnership Who is eligible to apply? To qualify for the program, a small cosmetics manufacturer must meet the following criteria: Employ 50 people or less.

Sell, manufacture, or distribute within Washington cosmetics products that meet the restrictions of TFCA. Have pre-screened their product using safety data sheets (SDS) . Small businesses in the following categories will be prioritized: Women- and minority-owned small cosmetics manufacturing companies.

Washington-based companies. For manufacturing companies that may not qualify, we encourage you to apply for the Safer Products Certification Subsidy program . What is the purpose of the program?

This program provides technical support to manufacturers that wish to formulate with safer ingredients and financial support to manufacturers that wish to have their products reviewed by a third party for certification through an approved material health certification. The certification process often includes: Working with your suppliers to identify all the chemicals in your product.

Screening all the chemicals in your product for known hazards and for chemicals that will be restricted under the new law. Reformulating your product using safer ingredients , if necessary. This process can be expensive and require technical expertise that your small businesses may not have.

This program can help remove those barriers. Why certify your products? Manufacturers have the potential to stand out and benefit from certifying their products through: Potential revenue boosts : Consumers and businesses seek products that have been verified by a trusted third party to contain safer chemicals.

Retailers recognize and promote certified products (e.g., Amazon’s Climate Friendly Pledge). Small cosmetology businesses in Washington may also apply for the Safer Salons Partnership to receive financial reimbursement for replacing existing products with certified safer products. These factors could increase the demand for certified products such as yours, resulting in higher sales.

Brand recognition : Certification promotes your company as one that is invested in protecting the health of its workers, consumers, and environment. Future-proofing products : Certification reduces the likelihood that you will need to reformulate again to meet the next regulation. Frequently asked questions How do you pre-screen your product using safety data sheets (SDS)?

If your product has a safety data sheet (SDS) or material safety data sheet (MSDS), look at sections 2 and 3. You can also review these sections in safety data sheets of ingredients and partial formulations.

If any ingredients or partial formulations in your product have any of the following carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive hazard warning statements, then your product IS NOT eligible for the safer cosmetics certification subsidy: Hazard statements - H340 May cause genetic defects. Hazard statements - H350 May cause cancer. Hazard statements - H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child.

Contact us if you need help determining if your product meets TFCA restrictions or how to reformulate using safer alternatives. What’s considered a cosmetic product under TFCA? The law defines a cosmetic the same way as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does, which is anything intended to be used on the human body (rubbed, poured, sprinkled, sprayed, etc.) for the purpose of any of the following: Promoting attractiveness.

The following products are not considered cosmetics , and therefore are not regulated under TFCA: Over-the-counter medications, such as vitamins and mineral tablets. For cosmetic products (such as sunscreens) that include an active ingredient not regulated under TFCA (e.g., an FDA-regulated drug ingredient), the other ingredients must still meet all the requirements under TFCA. How can manufacturers future-proof their products?

Because TFCA already requires product evaluation to determine if products meet the restrictions, we recommend that manufacturing companies take the opportunity to reformulate with safer alternatives .

By moving toward not just unregulated chemicals but chemicals that are inherently safer for human health and the environment, manufacturers can reap similar rewards: Reduce cost by reducing the likelihood you will need to reformulate again to meet the next regulation. Show that your company is invested in human health and the environment. Can any manufacturer get technical assistance?

While the certification program prioritizes smaller, women- and minority-owned businesses, our strategic goal is to help any company interested in switching to safer alternatives and learning how to be compliant with TFCA regulations. Contact us to learn how we may help.

For those that do not qualify for this program, manufacturing companies may apply for our Safer Products Certification Subsidy Program to potentially receive reimbursement for certification. Companies may qualify for one program only. What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?

Expenses that are eligible for reimbursement are: Work conducted by the assessor, including: Gathering information on formulation. Chemical hazard assessments. Formulator subscriptions to CleanGredients .

Product performance testing required to meet certification criteria. Payments to the certifying body. Analytical testing for lead contamination levels in the product.

Reformulation (if needed) up to $2,500, which could include: Labor for research and development of reformulation. Materials for performance testing. Safer products for businesses Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) Safer chemicals for manufacturers Toxic-Free Cosmetics Team ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.

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