MOCRA: A New Era in Beauty Regulation
For the first time in more than 80 years, the U.S. has passed a major update to cosmetics law. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new authority to oversee cosmetics and personal care products — a long overdue step toward accountability in an industry that has gone unchecked for decades.
Why MoCRA Matters
Until now, the FDA had no power to recall dangerous cosmetics, and brands weren’t required to register products, report ingredients, or prove safety before putting items on the shelves.
This lack of oversight has left millions of people — especially Black women and children, who are disproportionately targeted with toxic products — exposed to chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, infertility, and other serious health conditions.
With MoCRA, the FDA now has:
Recall authority for unsafe products
Mandatory facility registration and product listing
Stronger record-keeping and reporting requirements
Clearer oversight of adverse events reported by consumers
This is progress. It means more accountability, more transparency, and, most importantly, safer standards for families across the country.
But MoCRA Isn’t Enough MoCRA is a step forward — but it doesn’t ban the toxic chemicals still found in everyday beauty products. Formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, PFAS, and other hazardous ingredients remain on store shelves, disproportionately harming communities of color.
Raw ingredient manufacturers can still go to market without pre-clearance. And the burden of proof for safety still rests with under-resourced consumers.
There’s Still More to Be Done
While MoCRA is progress, raw ingredient manufacturers can still introduce chemicals without proven safety clearance. That means many hazardous ingredients — including those linked to cancer, infertility, and hormone disruption — remain legal today.
At the Clean Beauty Coalition, we know that true transparency requires more than partial reform. That’s why we’re working alongside scientists, toxicologists, and community organizations to:
Fill the gaps in ingredient safety data
Push for bans on the most harmful chemicals
Partner with lawmakers to strengthen regulations at both the state and federal levels
Hold brands and retailers accountable to higher safety standards
MoCRA is proof that advocacy works — but until every product is proven safe, our fight continues.
Join the Movement
Together, we can build a future where beauty is safe, sustainable, and just — for all communities.
Take the Clean Beauty Pledge at CleanBeautyCoalition.org and help us push the industry toward real transformation.
References:
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA).
U.S. Congress. H.R.2617 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (MoCRA provisions).
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2617
National Law Review. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022: What Companies Need to Know.
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/modernization-cosmetics-regulation-act-2022
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional legal or medical advice.
