Recently, the California State Assembly approved Assembly Bill 60 (AB 60), a groundbreaking piece of legislation authored by Assemblymember Diane Papan aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Known as the MUSK Act, the bill will significantly restrict the use of synthetic nitro musk chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products sold in California by 2027.
Nitro musks, commonly found in products such as perfumes, shampoos, soaps, and deodorants, have been linked to serious health concerns, especially for women and young girls. Scientific studies associate these chemicals with endocrine disruption, early puberty, infertility, and increased risks of breast cancer. Despite these well-documented dangers—and the fact that the European Union banned nitro musks decades ago—they remain unregulated in the United States.
“Women should not have to worry that their daily hygiene routine is exposing them to harmful chemicals that could disrupt their health,” said Assemblymember Papan. “California has a responsibility to take action where federal regulations fall short. AB 60 will limit these toxic substances and protect women, young girls, and our environment from long-term harm.”
Exposure to nitro musks disproportionately impacts communities of color and lower-income populations, where access to safer alternatives is often limited. Research has shown that frequent exposure to these chemicals contributes to early puberty in girls, which is linked to a higher risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and reproductive disorders later in life.
“Girls today are experiencing puberty earlier than ever before, and chemical exposure plays a significant role,” Papan added. “If we want to protect future generations from preventable health crises, we must act now to drastically reduce exposure to these dangerous toxins in everyday products.”
Beyond their health risks, nitro musks are persistent environmental pollutants, accumulating in water systems, soil, and even the air. They have been detected in marine life and agricultural water supplies, contributing to long-term ecological harm.
With the Assembly’s approval of AB 60, California is once again leading the charge on chemical safety and environmental health. The bill now moves to the State Senate for further consideration.
