California Assembly passes bill requiring diaper ingredient disclosure

The California Assembly has passed AB 1901, a bill that would require manufacturers of disposable diapers to disclose all intentionally added ingredients. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman, aims to eliminate the use of vague terms like ‘fragrance,’ which can mask hundreds of undisclosed compounds.

Supporters, including a coalition of 150 public health groups, actress Hilary Swank, and the Environmental Working Group, argue that the disclosure is necessary because infants' skin is thinner and more prone to absorbing substances like phthalates, PFAS, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals have been linked to endocrine disruption and other long-term health concerns.

If passed by the state Senate, the law would require companies to list all intentionally added ingredients and their specific functions on a publicly accessible webpage by 2028. By January 1, 2029, this information must also be included on product packaging. Currently, diapers are exempt from mandatory federal ingredient-labeling requirements.