EPA Lets Fancy Hairsprays Break Pollution Rules
Published Date: 5/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA has decided on two special requests from Henkel and PLZ to let their hairsprays have more VOCs than usually allowed, because their products still keep pollution low. This means these companies can sell their innovative hairsprays without breaking the rules starting May 27, 2026. If you make or sell similar products, keep an eye on these changes—they could affect your business and the environment!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Hairspray VOC Exemptions Denied
If you make, import, or sell hairspray, the EPA denied Henkel's April 4, 2025 and PLZ's April 22, 2025 requests to exceed the 80 percent VOC (weight‑percent) content limit. The EPA concluded the companies did not meet the Consumer Products Rule criteria and denied both requests on May 22, 2026, so those products may not exceed the 80% VOC limit.
Deadline to Seek Judicial Review
If you are challenging the EPA's denials, these final agency actions can only be reviewed by petitioning the U.S. Court of Appeals by July 27, 2026. The decisions are final actions under Clean Air Act section 307(b)(1).
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