A consciously magical guide to a safer Halloween

With autumn in the air, Halloween celebrations stir up cozy vibes in every corner of the home.

This year, the magic spreads even further: Washington laws on toxic chemicals are quietly working behind the scenes to make sure the products families use are safer than ever.

We're sharing the season's whimsical mood with practical guidance for costumes, makeup, and jewelry that aligns with Safer Products for Washington, the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, and the Children's Safe Products Act.

Costumes without creepy chemicals

Costumes that limit exposure to toxic chemicals are especially important for kids because they absorb chemicals more easily than adults. If you don't want these chemicals in your costume, there are safer options for little ghosts and goblins.

Justin Rewerts, PhD, is a chemist with Ecology's toxics reduction program, with a focus on safer clothing and apparel.

"Natural fiber costumes can live nine lives-just like your cat," Rewerts said. "They can also be repaired, reused or repurposed."

Tricks to avoid

• PVC and vinyl: Common in shiny capes and masks, these plastics often use additives and may contain heavy metals or phthalates.
• Flame-resistant costume materials: If a costume explicitly claims to be "flame-resistant," it's more likely to have hazardous chemical flame retardants.
• PFAS: If you see "stain-resistant," "spill proof," or "water repellent" on the label, the material may contain PFAS, or "forever chemicals," which can stay in the environment for a long time.

Treats to enjoy

• Washington purchases: If you're planning to buy new costumes for kids, consider shopping in Washington. State law limits the amount of flame retardants, lead, cadmium, and phthalates allowed in children's products.
• Natural fabrics: Cotton, linen, wool, hemp, or denim are less likely to have PVC or vinyl.
• 2027: State regulations will restrict PFAS in apparel and accessories, reducing a significant source of human exposures and environmental pollution from PFAS.

Magical makeup without mystery mishaps

Makeup can be a fun and creative way to polish off a Halloween look. Making your own cosmetics lets kids enjoy adding to their costume while avoiding potential toxics in products.

"Costume" or "theater" makeup and face paints can contain unwelcome ingredients, including more toxic heavy metals than everyday makeup.

Elinor Fanning, PhD, is a toxicologist at Washington's Department of Health. Her work focuses on reducing toxic chemicals in consumer products.

"You can outsmart monsters that may be hiding in Halloween costume makeup by making your own colorful paints from foods instead," Fanning said. "Keep commercial Halloween makeup away from kids' mouths, and wash thoroughly before bed."

Tricks to avoid

• Phthalate phantoms: Sometimes used in nail polish, hair spray, aftershave lotions, cleansers or shampoos for a variety of functions, including fragrance. These chemicals can disrupt hormones, harm reproduction, and be toxic to aquatic life.
• Formaldehyde foes: Sometimes used in hair products or eyelash glue. Chemicals that release formaldehyde can cause allergic skin responses, asthma, lung damage, and cancer.

Treats to enjoy

• Shop locally. State laws ban many toxic chemicals - including phthalates and PFAS -- from cosmetics in Washington. Chemicals that release formaldehyde are restricted starting in 2027.
• Do-it-yourself. Consider this recipe for safer eyeliner, or makeup and face paint recipes using fruit or vegetable colors. Don't keep DIY products for reuse (they don't have preservatives).
• Practice good hygiene. Patch test new products on a small area of skin to avoid sensitivity reactions. Never share applicators.

Trick-free trinkets

Jewelry should not only add glimmer and shine -- it should also be kid-friendly. Some jewelry can contain toxic metals, like lead or cadmium. Children can be especially vulnerable when exposed to these toxics because they're still developing.

Tricks to avoid

• Plating or alloys that can contain a mix of metals, cover up toxics, or avoid describing what's in the jewelry.
• Inexpensive costume jewelry is more likely to use cheaper (but toxic) metals to provide weight or shine.

Treats to enjoy

• Brands or manufacturers that confirm their products don't have toxic metals.
• Stamps or certifications that indicate the specific material the jewelry is made of.
• Jewelry made or sold in Washington, where state law limits toxics in jewelry made for or marketed to children under 12.

Why this magic matters on Halloween and beyond

The following Washington laws work together to reduce toxic chemicals in products we use every day:

• The Safer Products for Washington program works to reduce and remove harmful chemicals from everyday items, helping protect people, the environment, and wildlife by preventing pollution at the source. Watch this short video to find out how we reduce harmful chemicals.
• The Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act works to reduce exposures to toxic chemicals in cosmetic products. For more information, read Take the detective work out of choosing safer cosmetics.
• The Children's Safe Products Act limits the presence of lead, cadmium, phthalates and flame retardants in children's products.

When you choose a safer costume, use safer makeup, or skip jewelry with toxics, you help protect yourself, the ones you love, and Washington's environment. This kind of magic lasts long after Halloween's candlelight fades.