California Suspends Proposed Bill Restricting Sale of Anti-Aging Skin Care Products to Minors

California Pauses Bill to Restrict Sale of Anti-Aging Skincare Products to Minors

En 15 de mayo de 2025, the California Legislature suspended Assembly Bill 728 (AB 728)—a proposed law that aimed to restrict the sale of certain over-the-counter anti-aging skincare products to individuals under the age of 18.

The bill was paused due to its significant fiscal impact, which exceeded the threshold requiring further budgetary review. This means AB 728 will undergo additional consideration before lawmakers decide whether to advance, amend, or abandon it.

What the Bill Proposed

AB 728 sought to limit access to skincare products containing vitamin A derivatives (e.g., retinoids) y alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)—ingredients commonly used in anti-aging and cosmetic treatments.

If enacted, the bill would have:

• Prohibited sales to minors under 18

• Required age verification at the point of sale

• Increased compliance obligations for retailers

Current Impact

For now:

• No new restrictions are in place

• Retailers may continue selling affected products to minors without age verification

• Manufacturers do not need to make immediate changes to labeling, marketing, or formulation

¿Que sigue?

While the bill is currently suspended, it could be reintroduced, revised, or replaced in future legislative sessions.

📌 What businesses should do:

• Retailers: Monitor developments and prepare for potential age-verification requirements

• Manufacturers: Evaluate how future regulations may impact product design, labeling, and marketing strategies, particularly those targeting younger demographics