The time is now: reformulating hairspray for regulatory compliance

Ian Fishman, vice president, innovation and new business development, and Chi Le, R&D personal care innovation leader at PLZ, advise on how to prepare for changing regulations in California, US. Global brands face a variety of requirements and regulations for aerosol products based upon the market or region where they will be sold. For production/design managers, R&D personnel, product development experts and brand managers manufacturing hairspray products for sale in California, time is running short to meet an upcoming regulatory deadline that lowers the allowable limit of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their products. The impending deadline refers to an amendment to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Consumer Products Regulation, which was enacted to reduce VOC limits for hairspray products from 55% to 50%, effective 1 January 2023.1 VOCs, including chemicals such as ethanol (alcohol), propane and butane that are commonly used as propellants in hairsprays and other personal care products, will have to be reduced or replaced with...