In September 2025, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office announced that Sephora USA agreed to pay $775,000 to settle allegations of improper hazardous waste management.
The case was filed in Sacramento County Superior Court (Case No. 25CV020603) with the support of 23 other California prosecutors.
Prosecutors argued that damaged, expired, and returned beauty products were not being disposed of properly, despite their classification under California law as hazardous or medical waste.
Where the Money Goes
- $550,000: civil penalties
- $200,000: cost recovery for investigative agencies
- $25,000: California Environmental Enforcement and Training Account
Sacramento County will also receive just under $78,000 as part of the settlement. Importantly, Sephora did not admit liability.
Why Waste Management Matters in Beauty
Cosmetic products may look harmless on the shelf, but many contain ingredients that can cause environmental harm when they enter landfills or water systems.
- Preservatives (e.g. formaldehyde releasers, parabens) can persist in the environment.
- Solvents, aerosols, and nail polish are often considered hazardous waste.
- Fragrances and dyes may be toxic to aquatic life.
When brands fail to handle end-of-life disposal, they risk regulatory fines, reputation damage, and undermining their sustainability claims.
Sustainability Beyond Formulation
This case serves as a reminder that sustainability in cosmetics is not just about:
- Using natural or biodegradable ingredients
- Designing recyclable packaging
- Reducing carbon footprint in production
It must also include responsible waste management systems — from store returns to unsold stock and damaged items.
Retailers and brands alike need strong partnerships with certified waste contractors and transparent compliance frameworks.
What Beauty Brands Can Learn
- Audit your waste streams — understand what counts as hazardous waste in your jurisdiction.
- Train staff on how to handle expired or returned products.
- Work with certified disposal partners to ensure compliance.
- Communicate clearly with customers about product take-back or recycling programs.
- Integrate waste management into ESG strategies — not just formulation or packaging.
Final Thoughts
The Sephora case is a warning that regulators are paying close attention to how beauty products are managed at the end of their life cycle. For an industry built on appearance, it is time to look deeper into what happens behind the counter and after the sale.
At GreenChemFinder, we believe green chemistry and circular design must extend beyond the lab into every part of the value chain.