Last Updated on December 1, 2022 by Ithos Global Regulatory Team
Starting January 1, 2023, several of California’s new emissions standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) go into effect. We wanted to remind you about the updates to personal fragrance and hair products. While the new VOC levels do not apply to existing products, they must be followed for any new manufacturing.
Many brands are using the Ithos Information Network to adapt to California’s new VOC standards, including finding alternative ingredients, archiving and creating new formulations and providing any necessary compliance documentation. If you need help reformulating to meet California’s January deadline for new VOC limits, contact Ithos today.
Several of California’s new emissions standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in personal fragrance and hair products go into effect on January 1, 2023. Published via public meeting by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in March, 2021, the new VOC emission levels are the most stringent in the U.S. and seek to further reduce smog in the state. Additional reductions go into effect in 2029 and 2033, with more states and countries expected to follow California in further reducing VOC levels.
Learn about California’s Toxic Free Chemicals Act
Ithos is working with many brands to create new product formulations to comply with California’s new standards. Below is some important information to clarify how the new VOC levels apply to existing and new products:
For Non-aerosol personal fragrance products containing less than 7% fragrance:
New products: The permissible VOC percentage drops from 75% to 70%. As of 1/1/23, all new products must be manufactured to meet the 70% threshold.
Existing products: If a personal fragrance product is manufactured before 1/1/23 and still contains 75% VOC, it can be sold until 1/1/2026 or a three year sell through period.
The VOC percentages and deadlines are based on the percentage of fragrance in the product as well as the product type (aerosol or non-aerosol). In hair care, VOC percentages for dry shampoo and hair finishing spray are also set to change in January. With less than six months until new standards go into effect, it is important to get started reformulating products to avoid fines in 2023 and beyond. Work with your R&D department or your manufacturer to determine your current VOC levels. This can be done through either a product test or calculation.
Once you have the information, the Ithos Information Network can help streamline the reformulating process, including:
- Suggesting alternative ingredients to meet new standards
- Archiving existing and creating new formulations
- Provide necessary documentation for compliance
Contact us for help with reformulation.
Below is a guide to California’s new and existing standards, including a full list of affected products, with the new VOC percentage requirement and date the change goes into effect.
New and Existing California VOC Standards
Personal Fragrance Products: Manufactured between 1/1/23 and 12/31/30
| Product Category | Effective Date | New VOC Standard |
| Aerosol | 1/1/23 | 70% |
| Non Aerosol | ||
| Products with 7% or less fragrance | 1/1/23 | 70% |
| Products with more than 7% fragrance | 1/1/23 | 75% |
Personal Fragrance Products: Manufactured as of 1/1/31
| Product Category | Effective Date | New VOC Standard |
| Aerosol | 1/1/31 | 50% |
| Non Aerosol | ||
| Products with less than 10% fragrance | 1/1/31 | 50% |
| Products with more than 10% fragrance | 1/1/31 | 75% |
Hair Products
| Product Category | Effective Date | New VOC Standard |
| Dry Shampoo | 1/1/23 1/1/29 | 55% 50% |
| Hair Shine | 1/1/05 1/1/29 | 55% 50% |
| Hair Finishing Spray | 1/1/93 6/1/99 1/1/23 | 80% 55% 50% |
| Temporary Aerosol Hair Color | 12/31/10 1/1/29 | 55% 50% |
| Hair Mousse | 1/1/94 12/31/02 | 16% 6% |
| Hair Styling Product: Aerosol & Pump Spray | 12/31/06 | 6% |
| Hair Styling Product: All Other Forms | 12/31/06 | 2% |
Are you up to date on all the changes to California compliance laws?
