Luna aims to prohibit harmful chemicals in cosmetics associated with health issues like infertility

EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) is pushing for a federal ban on parabens, a synthetic chemical often used in cosmetics that has been linked to several health problems.

Her new bill, named the “No Chemicals in Cosmetics Act,” would ban the chemical from being used in cosmetic products, citing its link to health concerns such as breast cancer, hormone disruption, and infertility. The bill would increase Food and Drug Administration regulation of cosmetic products, which Luna said have often faced “zero regulatory hurdles before hitting the market.”

“Not only that, infertility rates have risen to previously unseen levels. Much of this arguably has to do with the artificial chemicals in our personal care products and cosmetics,” Luna said in a statement. “If we can spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars annually to research cures to these diseases, we can go to the source and start placing simple regulations that eliminate known contributors to disease.”

Parabens are synthetic chemicals that are added to some products to increase their shelf life. However, the chemical has raised concerns in recent years after studies revealed parabens can act as an endocrine disruptor and cause reproductive problems in men and women.

The bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), a licensed physician who cited other health problems parabens can cause, including skin cancer, hormonal disruption, and birth defects.

“The dire reality is that nearly every adult in the U.S. displays traces of paraben contamination,” Caraveo said. “This bill would help reverse that trend and help ensure that Americans can safely use makeup, sunscreen, and hair care products without having to worry about how it might impact their health.”

Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) has also signed on as a co-sponsor, arguing it’s crucial to protect women from chemicals used in their cosmetics.

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“It is extremely concerning our country has not taken action to protect consumers from harmful chemicals like parabens, which are found in cosmetic products,” Nehls said. “As a father of three daughters, I am proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, to ensure that women are protected from these dangerous chemicals.”

The bill will be introduced on Friday afternoon, although it’s not clear when the legislation may be considered by the full House. It’s likely the bill could garner widespread bipartisan support, increasing its chances of being passed through the Senate.