CAL.Regulation
California restricts "reef safe" marketing claims on sunscreen products
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1744 (Chapter 272, Statutes of 2026) on September 18, 2026, adding Business and Professions Code section 17580.7. From January 1, 2027, no one may represent in advertising or on the label or container of a sunscreen product sold in California that it is “reef safe,” “reef friendly,” “ocean safe” or similar unless the product contains no chemical ultraviolet filters such as oxybenzone or octinoxate. Violations are misdemeanors; the rule covers FDA-regulated over-the-counter sunscreens.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- AB 1744 became Chapter 272, Statutes of 2026, approved September 18, 2026; a non-urgency statute effective January 1, 2027.California Legislative Information
- Prohibited claims include "reef safe," "reef friendly," "ocean safe," "marine safe," "ocean friendly," "marine conscious," and "reef conscious."California Legislative Information
- Barred chemical ultraviolet filters include avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.California Legislative Information
- "Sunscreen product" covers FDA-regulated over-the-counter drugs intended to protect users from ultraviolet radiation.California Legislative Information
- The misdemeanor penalty makes the act a state-mandated local program; no state reimbursement is required.California Legislative Information
Sources2 articles across 1 outlet
California Legislative Information
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RegulationCal.AB 1744 - Environmental advertising: sunscreen (2026)Consumer protectionRegulatoryFor governanceFor vendors