On May 15, 2025, the California Legislature paused Assembly Bill 728 (AB 728), a proposed law that would restrict the sale of certain over-the-counter anti-aging skincare products to anyone under 18.
Lawmakers suspended the bill due to its high fiscal impact, which exceeded the threshold for automatic budgetary review. AB 728 will now undergo further consideration before legislators decide whether to advance, revise, or drop it.
What the Bill Proposed
AB 728 aimed to limit access to skincare products containing vitamin A derivatives (such as retinoids) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), ingredients commonly found in anti-aging treatments.
If passed, it would have:
- Prohibited sales to individuals under 18
- Required age verification at the point of sale
- Increased compliance obligations for retailers
Current Impact
At this time:
- No new restrictions are in place
- Retailers can continue selling these products to minors without age checks
- Manufacturers do not need to make changes to product labeling, marketing, or formulation
What’s Next?
Though currently paused, the bill could be revised, reintroduced, or replaced in a future session.
📌 What Businesses Should Do
Retailers: Stay informed on legislative updates and be prepared for potential age-verification rules.
Manufacturers: Consider how future regulations could affect product design, labeling, and marketing, especially for products aimed at younger consumers.
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