The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) missed its self-imposed deadline to propose a ban on formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair-straightening products. The deadline passed without action — meaning products known to release a carcinogenic gas when heated remain legally sold and used across the United States.

This is not a technical oversight. It is a regulatory failure with real consequences for public health.

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) is the first major update to U.S. beauty laws in more than 80 years. It’s progress — but toxic ingredients remain on shelves, and communities of color are still disproportionately at risk. At the Clean Beauty Coalition, we know the work isn’t done.