Requires certain anti-aging skin care products to contain a warning label

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Ramos

New NY bill would require anti-aging skin care products containing specific ingredients to display a clear warning about irritation and sun sensitivity, with penalties for violatio

ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.1383

Summary of Bill S.8598-A (2025-2026) – New York

Main purpose

Requires certain anti-aging skin care products to carry a warning label. The bill defines which products are covered, establishes labeling requirements, and sets civil penalties for violations.

What the bill would do

Add a new section to the General Business Law (Section 391-y) governing the sale of anti-aging skin care products.

Define “anti-aging skin care product” to include over-the-counter cosmetics or skin care products containing any of the following active or intentionally added ingredients:

Vitamin A or derivatives (e.g., retinoids, retinol, retinyl esters)
Alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid) used for exfoliation or anti-aging
Salicylic acid
DMDM hydantoin
Quaternium-15
Oxybenzone
Octinoxate
Talc

Define “retailer” as any person or entity that sells, produces, prepares, formulates, or brands such products.

Require a clear and conspicuous warning label on product packaging and on the online product display page before purchase.

Specify the exact warning language:

“WARNING: This product contains ingredients that may cause skin irritation, increased sun sensitivity, or other adverse reactions, particularly in individuals under 18 years of age. Consult a healthcare professional before use.”

Require the warning label to be:

Printed in a font size/style that is clearly legible
Placed in a location reasonably calculated to be seen and understood by consumers during purchase and use

Impose penalties for violations:

First violation: up to $250 civil penalty
Each subsequent violation: up to $500 civil penalty

Who is affected

Retailers selling anti-aging skin care products in New York (including online retailers that display product pages in New York or ship to New York residents).

Consumers who purchase these products will be given a standardized warning about potential irritation, sun sensitivity, and adverse reactions, especially for minors.

Key provisions and details

Effective date: The act takes effect 180 days after becoming law.

Immediate rulemaking: The act authorizes necessary rule or regulation changes to implement the provisions, and such changes can occur before the act’s effective date.

Scope of products: Applies to over-the-counter products with specified ingredients (listed above). Passive inclusion of talc suggests broader safety labeling considerations.

Procedural/timeline notes

Introduced in the Senate by Sen. Ramos (with co-sponsor Jessica Ramos).

History indicates movement through committees with references to Consumer Protection and Rules, including discharge to Rules and a third reading calendar in 2026.

As of the latest actions, the bill has progressed through committee and floor procedures but has not yet enacted into law.

Practical impact and considerations

Retailers would need to update packaging and product pages to display the warning clearly.

Label wording is standardized, reducing ambiguity about safety notices.

Potentially increases awareness among consumers, especially guardians and minors, about potential risks.

Financial impact on retailers would depend on the frequency of violations and enforcement intensity.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to similar labeling requirements in other states or outline a checklist for retailers to comply with the proposed labeling standards.