Safer Consumer Central
Every day we are surrounded by dozens of products, from personal care and cleaning products to furniture, electronics, and many more. We bring them into our homes and encounter them in public spaces. But some of these products may contain hazardous chemicals.
The California Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program envisions a future where products are safer for us and our planet. To reach this future, we:
- Research which products contain chemicals that could be unsafe.
- Look at how these products are used in our homes, schools, and workplaces.
- Require companies to look for safer ways to make these products – so they still work but are safer.
Our goal is to move the market toward truly “safer consumer products.” It’s a simple concept and a complex challenge. Learn more about SCP by watching this 1-minute video.
Helpful SCP Resources
Factsheets
Factsheet
Approximately 4-minute read
Five Things You Should Know about PFASs (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Factsheet
Approximately 4-minute read
Five Things You Should Know About 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone
Factsheet
Approximately 3-minute read
Four Things You Should Know About Chemicals in Nail Products
Factsheet
Approximately 3-minute read
Four Ways You Can Reduce Your Exposure to PFASs
Factsheet
Approximately 3-minute read
Four Ways to Help Protect Our Aquatic Ecosystems from 6PPD-Quinone and Other Toxic Chemicals
Factsheet
Approximately 3-minute read
6 Ways to Reduce Exposure to Harmful Chemicals in Nail Products
Media
Safer Consumer Products Library
Visit our Safer Consumer Products Library Page, your one-stop shop for all resources created by or submitted to us. Use the table to search for resources for a specific chemical or product.
SCP’s Environmental Justice Initiative
SCP is committed to fostering environmental justice through our work. Learn more about our environmental justice initiative.
Outside Resources
Below are some online resources that may help you find safer products and learn more about chemicals. We are not affiliated with these resources, nor do we endorse any of them, but you may find them helpful.
Tips and Guidance to Reduce Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
- Washington’s Healthy Home Guide helps you do two important things. You can find safer products and learn how to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals. Information is available in up to 12 languages.
- Toxic Matters has tips to prevent exposures to toxic chemicals at home, in your community, and at work.
- San Francisco Environment offers tips to keep your home healthy.
Find Out What’s in Your Products
These websites and apps help you learn if there are harmful chemicals in your products and find better options. One of these resources has a paid option, the rest are free to use.
Children's Products
- Clearya
- Shows products with ingredients that have safety concerns. Clearya is available as an app or browser extension. You can search for baby care, cleaning, personal care, cosmetics, and home products. You can use it for shopping at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Sephora, and iHerb. Clearya also recommends similar items at the same store with fewer chemicals that have safety concerns.
- Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep® database
- Shows ingredient information and gives products a score based on how safe their ingredients are.
- EWG Healthy Living App
- A mobile app that lets you scan products to see their EWG scores. It has cosmetics and personal care, sunscreen, and household cleaners. EWG scores products based on two things. The first part of the score consists of how hazardous an ingredient is. The second part has to do with how much information EWG has overall about the product.
- IC2 High Priority Chemicals Data System (HPCDS)
- A website that tracks chemicals of concern in children’s products. They focus on products sold in Oregon and Washington, since those state laws require them to. Some of the products might also be sold in California.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Mercury
- CDPH has been testing products used for skin lightening to check if they have mercury. Mercury is banned in cosmetics due to its harmful effects. CDPH maintains a list of skin creams that contain mercury. They are listed in alphabetical order by product name. The list includes other helpful notes such as where the products were made, where they were purchased, and when they were tested.
- California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP)
- A place where you can search for personal care products and find their ingredients. It shows ingredients that may cause cancer, birth defects, and other harms to humans.
- Clearya
- Shows products with ingredients that have safety concerns. Clearya is available as an app or browser extension. You can search for baby care, cleaning, personal care, cosmetics, and home products. You can use it for shopping at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Sephora, and iHerb. Clearya also recommends similar items at the same store with fewer chemicals that have safety concerns.
- Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep® database
- Shows ingredient information and gives products a score based on how safe their ingredients are.
- EWG Healthy Living App
- A mobile app that lets you scan products to see their EWG scores. It has cosmetics and personal care, sunscreen, and household cleaners. EWG scores products based on two things. The first part of the score consists of how hazardous an ingredient is. The second part has to do with how much information EWG has overall about the product.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Test Results for Heavy Metals in Cosmetics Links:
- FDA has been testing cosmetic products for heavy metals. These include lead, mercury, and arsenic. For each product tested, you can see the brand, product line, and amount of heavy metals found. Scroll to the bottom of the page in their Tables of Survey Results.
- FDA also has a page for skin products with mercury and/or hydroquinone. You can see product names, where they were made, and when they were tested.
- Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Non-Toxic Black Beauty Product Database
- A list of safer beauty products made by Black-owned companies.
Home Products and Building Materials
- Consumer Product Information Database (CPID)
- Learn about products used in homes and businesses, their ingredients and their health effects. Includes products for home offices, home maintenance, landscaping and yard, hobby/craft, pet care, and auto products.
- Clearya
- Shows products with ingredients that have safety concerns. Clearya is available as an app or browser extension. You can search for baby care, cleaning, personal care, cosmetics, and home products. You can use it for shopping at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Sephora, and iHerb. Clearya also recommends similar items at the same store with less chemicals with safety concerns.
- Declare
- Shows you ingredient labels for building products. The information is given by companies that make the products. Certain chemicals are also flagged by colors.
- EWG Healthy Living App
- A mobile app that lets you scan products to see their EWG scores. It has cosmetics and personal care, sunscreen, and household cleaners. EWG scores products based on two things. The first part of the score consists of how hazardous an ingredient is. The second part has to do with how much information EWG has overall about the product.
- Health Product Declaration (HPD) Public Repository
- Shows ingredients for some building products and furniture. These lists are provided by companies.
- Informed
- Ranks building materials such as flooring, paint, and countertops from best to worst. It helps you choose among different types of safer products to reduce hazards.
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice
- Helps you find products with ingredients that are safer for the environment and your health. Look for the Safer Choice Label on products when you’re shopping.
Auto and Pet Care Products
- Consumer Product Information Database (CPID)
- Learn about products used in homes and businesses, their ingredients and their health effects. Includes products for home offices, home maintenance, landscaping and yard, hobby/craft, pet care, and auto products.
Disinfectants
- Design for the Environment
- A list of disinfectants that U.S. EPA has deemed to be safe for humans and the environment.
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice
- Helps you find products with ingredients that are safer for the environment and your health. Look for the Safer Choice Label on products when you’re shopping.
Electronics
- EPEAT
- Find electronics that meet these sustainability standards. Standards are for the product itself and for its supply chain.
- TCO Certified
- Helps you choose electronics made with safer chemicals.
All Product Types
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – Recalls
- Learn about products that have been removed from market and products that are unsafe. You can also learn more about product safety.
- Cradle to Cradle Products Institute
- Products that are recognized as healthy and responsibly made around the world.
- Yuka
- This app has a few free features. You can scan products in stores to see if there are any harmful chemicals. This app also suggests options that are safer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does SCP decide what products to research and regulate?
- We look for products that contain one or more Candidate Chemicals that can harm people or the planet. The Priority Product Work Plan is our roadmap. It helps us narrow our focus on which products we research for three years. It also sets specific priorities. When you comment on the Priority Product Work Plan, it helps us decide on our focus. Learn more about how this works on our Priority Products webpage.
Is this product safe to use?
- We are only able to comment on products and chemicals that we have done research on. Learn more about products we have regulated.
- If you are concerned about a chemical in a product, you can search for it in CalSAFER. You can also reach out to us by email.
- You can search for product recalls or unsafe products on the CPSC Website.
Can SCP test my products?
- SCP does not test products for the public. You can ask your local health department if they have a program for product testing. Some health departments do product testing for things like mold or certain chemicals such as lead.
How can I file a complaint about product safety or a health reaction to a product?
Why is there a Prop 65 warning on a product?
- Prop 65 warnings are used for products with chemicals that can cause cancer or reproductive issues. The warnings depend on the type of product and exposure potential. It is currently not required for businesses to tell why the product has a warning. These warnings don’t have to include what the potential hazards of the chemicals are or ways to lessen those harms. You will need to contact the business or the Prop 65 program to learn more about the warning. SCP is not in charge of the Prop 65 program. For more information, visit: CA Prop 65 Contact Page.
Stay Updated
- Sign up for SCP’s Quarterly Newsletter to get news from us every three months.
- Sign up to stay in the know about all things SCP (more frequent updates than the newsletter).
- Get email updates about the Candidate Chemical List.
- Sign up to get notified about current SCP job openings.
Contact Us
If you still have questions or have any feedback, send us an email at SaferConsumerProducts@dtsc.ca.gov or fill out the form below.
SCP Key Info
- About Safer Consumer Products
- Program Overview
- Candidate Chemicals
- Priority Product Work Plan
- Priority Products
- Alternatives Analysis
- Regulatory Response
- Compliance & Enforcement
- Research Studies
- Early-stage SCP Projects
- Information Call-in
- Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program
- Limiting Copper in Brake Pads
Engage and Learn More
- Frequently Asked Questions
- CalSAFER
- SCP Regulations
- Training Materials
- Safer Consumer Products Library
- Safer Consumer Central
- SCP’s Environmental Justice Initiative
- Workshops & Events
- Green Ribbon Science Panel
- PEARL
- Failure to Comply List
- Publications & Media
- Petitions
- About Us
- Career Opportunities
Safer Consumer Central
Every day we are surrounded by dozens of products, from personal care and cleaning products to furniture, electronics, and many more. We bring them into our homes and encounter them in public spaces. But some of these products may contain hazardous chemicals.
The California Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program envisions a future where products are safer for us and our planet. To reach this future, we:
- Research which products contain chemicals that could be unsafe.
- Look at how these products are used in our homes, schools, and workplaces.
- Require companies to look for safer ways to make these products – so they still work but are safer.
Our goal is to move the market toward truly “safer consumer products.” It’s a simple concept and a complex challenge. Learn more about SCP by watching this 1-minute video.
Helpful SCP Resources
Factsheets
Approximately 4-minute read
Five Things You Should Know about PFASs (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Approximately 3-minute read
Four Ways You Can Reduce Your Exposure to PFASs
Approximately 4-minute read
Five Things You Should Know About 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone
Approximately 3-minute read
Four Ways to Help Protect Our Aquatic Ecosystems from 6PPD-Quinone and Other Toxic Chemicals
Approximately 3-minute Read
Four Things You Should Know About Chemicals in Nail Products
Approximately 2-minute read
6 Ways to Reduce Exposure to Harmful Chemicals in Nail Products
Media
Safer Consumer Products Library
Visit our Safer Consumer Products Library Page, your one-stop shop for all resources created by or submitted to us. Use the table to search for resources for a specific chemical or product.
SCP’s Environmental Justice Initiative
SCP is committed to fostering environmental justice through our work. Learn more about our environmental justice initiative.
Outside Resources
Below are some online resources that may help you find safer products and learn more about chemicals. We are not affiliated with these resources, nor do we endorse any of them, but you may find them helpful.
Tips and Guidance to Reduce Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
- Washington’s Healthy Home Guide helps you do two important things. You can find safer products and learn how to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals. Information is available in up to 12 languages.
- Toxic Matters has tips to prevent exposures to toxic chemicals at home, in your community, and at work.
- San Francisco Environment offers tips to keep your home healthy.
Find Out What’s in Your Products
These websites and apps help you learn if there are harmful chemicals in your products and find better options. One of these resources has a paid option, the rest are free to use.
Children's Products
- Clearya
- Shows products with ingredients that have safety concerns. Clearya is available as an app or browser extension. You can search for baby care, cleaning, personal care, cosmetics, and home products. You can use it for shopping at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Sephora, and iHerb. Clearya also recommends similar items at the same store with fewer chemicals that have safety concerns.
- Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep® database
- Shows ingredient information and gives products a score based on how safe their ingredients are.
- EWG Healthy Living App
- A mobile app that lets you scan products to see their EWG scores. It has cosmetics and personal care, sunscreen, and household cleaners. EWG scores products based on two things. The first part of the score consists of how hazardous an ingredient is. The second part has to do with how much information EWG has overall about the product.
- IC2 High Priority Chemicals Data System (HPCDS)
- A website that tracks chemicals of concern in children’s products. They focus on products sold in Oregon and Washington, since those state laws require them to. Some of the products might also be sold in California.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Mercury
- CDPH has been testing products used for skin lightening to check if they have mercury. Mercury is banned in cosmetics due to its harmful effects. CDPH maintains a list of skin creams that contain mercury. They are listed in alphabetical order by product name. The list includes other helpful notes such as where the products were made, where they were purchased, and when they were tested.
- California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP)
- A place where you can search for personal care products and find their ingredients. It shows ingredients that may cause cancer, birth defects, and other harms to humans.
- Clearya
- Shows products with ingredients that have safety concerns. Clearya is available as an app or browser extension. You can search for baby care, cleaning, personal care, cosmetics, and home products. You can use it for shopping at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Sephora, and iHerb. Clearya also recommends similar items at the same store with fewer chemicals that have safety concerns.
- Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep® database
- Shows ingredient information and gives products a score based on how safe their ingredients are.
- EWG Healthy Living App
- A mobile app that lets you scan products to see their EWG scores. It has cosmetics and personal care, sunscreen, and household cleaners. EWG scores products based on two things. The first part of the score consists of how hazardous an ingredient is. The second part has to do with how much information EWG has overall about the product.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Test Results for Heavy Metals in Cosmetics Links:
- FDA has been testing cosmetic products for heavy metals. These include lead, mercury, and arsenic. For each product tested, you can see the brand, product line, and amount of heavy metals found. Scroll to the bottom of the page in their Tables of Survey Results.
- FDA also has a page for skin products with mercury and/or hydroquinone. You can see product names, where they were made, and when they were tested.
- Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Non-Toxic Black Beauty Product Database
- A list of safer beauty products made by Black-owned companies.
Home Products and Building Materials
- Consumer Product Information Database (CPID)
- Learn about products used in homes and businesses, their ingredients and their health effects. Includes products for home offices, home maintenance, landscaping and yard, hobby/craft, pet care, and auto products.
- Clearya
- Shows products with ingredients that have safety concerns. Clearya is available as an app or browser extension. You can search for baby care, cleaning, personal care, cosmetics, and home products. You can use it for shopping at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Sephora, and iHerb. Clearya also recommends similar items at the same store with less chemicals with safety concerns.
- Declare
- Shows you ingredient labels for building products. The information is given by companies that make the products. Certain chemicals are also flagged by colors.
- EWG Healthy Living App
- A mobile app that lets you scan products to see their EWG scores. It has cosmetics and personal care, sunscreen, and household cleaners. EWG scores products based on two things. The first part of the score consists of how hazardous an ingredient is. The second part has to do with how much information EWG has overall about the product.
- Health Product Declaration (HPD) Public Repository
- Shows ingredients for some building products and furniture. These lists are provided by companies.
- Informed
- Ranks building materials such as flooring, paint, and countertops from best to worst. It helps you choose among different types of safer products to reduce hazards.
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice
- Helps you find products with ingredients that are safer for the environment and your health. Look for the Safer Choice Label on products when you’re shopping.
Auto and Pet Care Products
- Consumer Product Information Database (CPID)
- Learn about products used in homes and businesses, their ingredients and their health effects. Includes products for home offices, home maintenance, landscaping and yard, hobby/craft, pet care, and auto products.
Disinfectants
- Design for the Environment
- A list of disinfectants that U.S. EPA has deemed to be safe for humans and the environment.
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice
- Helps you find products with ingredients that are safer for the environment and your health. Look for the Safer Choice Label on products when you’re shopping.
Electronics
- EPEAT
- Find electronics that meet these sustainability standards. Standards are for the product itself and for its supply chain.
- TCO Certified
- Helps you choose electronics made with safer chemicals.
All Product Types
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – Recalls
- Learn about products that have been removed from market and products that are unsafe. You can also learn more about product safety.
- Cradle to Cradle Products Institute
- Products that are recognized as healthy and responsibly made around the world.
- IC2 High Priority Chemicals Data System (HPCDS)
- A website that tracks chemicals of concern in children’s products. They focus on products sold in Oregon and Washington, since those state laws require them to. Some of the products might also be sold in California.
- Yuka
- This app has a few free features. You can scan products in stores to see if there are any harmful chemicals. This app also suggests options that are safer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does SCP decide what products to research and regulate?
- We look for products that contain one or more Candidate Chemicals that can harm people or the planet. The Priority Product Work Plan is our roadmap. It helps us narrow our focus on which products we research for three years. It also sets specific priorities. When you comment on the Priority Product Work Plan, it helps us decide on our focus. Learn more about how this works on our Priority Products webpage.
Is this product safe to use?
- We are only able to comment on products and chemicals that we have done research on. Learn more about products we have regulated.
- If you are concerned about a chemical in a product, you can search for it in CalSAFER. You can also reach out to us by email.
- You can search for product recalls or unsafe products on the CPSC Website.
Can SCP test my products?
- SCP does not test products for the public. You can ask your local health department if they have a program for product testing. Some health departments do product testing for things like mold or certain chemicals such as lead.
How can I file a complaint about product safety or a health reaction to a product?
Why is there a Prop 65 warning on a product?
- Prop 65 warnings are used for products with chemicals that can cause cancer or reproductive issues. The warnings depend on the type of product and exposure potential. It is currently not required for businesses to tell why the product has a warning. These warnings don’t have to include what the potential hazards of the chemicals are or ways to lessen those harms. You will need to contact the business or the Prop 65 program to learn more about the warning. SCP is not in charge of the Prop 65 program. For more information, visit: CA Prop 65 Contact Page.
Stay Updated
- Sign up for SCP’s Quarterly Newsletter to get news from us every three months.
- Sign up to stay in the know about all things SCP (more frequent updates than the newsletter).
- Get email updates about the Candidate Chemical List.
- Sign up to get notified about current SCP job openings.
Contact Us
If you still have questions or have any feedback, send us an email at SaferConsumerProducts@dtsc.ca.gov or fill out the form below.
SCP Key Info
- About Safer Consumer Products
- Program Overview
- Candidate Chemicals
- Priority Product Work Plan
- Priority Products
- Alternatives Analysis
- Regulatory Response
- Compliance & Enforcement
- Research Studies
- Early-stage SCP Projects
- Information Call-in
- Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program
- Limiting Copper in Brake Pads
Engage and Learn More
- Frequently Asked Questions
- CalSAFER
- SCP Regulations
- Training Materials
- Safer Consumer Products Library
- Safer Consumer Central
- SCP’s Environmental Justice Initiative
- Workshops & Events
- Green Ribbon Science Panel
- PEARL
- Failure to Comply List
- Publications & Media
- Petitions
- About Us
- Career Opportunities
Katherine M. Butler, MPHConnect / Contact Us
Office Locations / Map
Sign up for an E-List
Regulatory Assistance Officers
Statewide Campaigns/Alerts
Report an Environmental Concern
Amber Alert
California Grants Portal
Register to Vote
Save Our Water.com