A coalition of business groups, retailers, cosmetic chemists and beauty industry organizations is urging New York lawmakers to reject the Beauty Justice Act, arguing the proposal could drive up costs, eliminate products from store shelves and threaten jobs across the state.
The push comes as the legislative session enters its final weeks and follows Senate approval of the measure in April. The Assembly version remains under consideration in the Ways and Means Committee.
Opponents say the legislation would impose new restrictions on trace substances found in cosmetics and personal care products, despite what they describe as existing scientific consensus that the substances do not pose a safety risk at current exposure levels. They also object to provisions that would grant the state Department of Environmental Conservation authority to establish limits on naturally occurring contaminants such as trace amounts of lead found in raw materials used to manufacture beauty and hygiene products.
The coalition claims the proposal could affect businesses representing more than 273,000 jobs and $23 billion in annual revenue statewide. Industry groups argue the measure would disproportionately impact small businesses, including minority-owned and women-owned companies, by increasing compliance costs and creating uncertainty around testing and product formulation requirements.
Several organizations have publicly opposed the legislation in recent days, including the Independent Beauty Association, the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists, the Personal Care Products Council and the Business Council of New York State. National and international beauty retailers have also reportedly sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders expressing concerns about the bill.
Critics contend the legislation could result in higher prices for consumers and reduced product availability if manufacturers choose not to reformulate products for the New York market. Some industry representatives also warned that stricter state-specific standards could encourage the sale of unregulated products through informal channels.
Supporters of the legislation argue the measure would strengthen oversight of chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products and better protect consumers from potentially harmful substances. The proposal was approved by the Senate on April 21 and remains under review in the Assembly as lawmakers approach the end of the 2026 legislative session.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.