Many everyday products carry a Proposition 65 warning label because they contain one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. If you’re unsure which products may include this label, here’s a helpful list organized by industry.

What Is Prop 65?

California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to notify consumers about significant exposures to certain chemicals. It doesn’t mean a product is unsafe—but if it contains even trace levels of listed substances, the warning label is mandatory. With over 900 chemicals on the Prop 65 list, it applies across a wide range of products.

Products and Industries That Often Require a Prop 65 Warning

1. Food and Beverages

• Coffee and baked goods – may contain acrylamide, formed during high-heat processing
• Canned foods and drinks – potential BPA from can linings
• Certain fish and shellfish – mercury exposure
• Alcoholic beverages – ethanol, especially when consumed in large amounts

2. Household and Cleaning Products

• All-purpose cleaners, degreasers, and stain removers – may contain formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane
• Furniture – foam or fabrics may contain flame retardants
• Glassware and ceramics – glazes may contain lead or cadmium
• Air fresheners and aerosol products – solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

3. Personal Care and Beauty Products

• Shampoos and conditioners – some contain cocamide DEA
• Nail polishes and hair dyes – formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
• Lipsticks and powders – titanium dioxide in inhalable forms
• Toothpastes and mouthwashes – some contain DEA or other listed ingredients

4. Electronics and Tools

• Cords, chargers, extension cables – may contain phthalates or lead in insulation
• Power tools – potential exposure to silica dust or wood dust during use
• Batteries – lead, cadmium, and nickel compounds
• Television and computer components

5. Apparel, Accessories, and Jewelry

• Vinyl handbags, belts, wallets – often contain phthalates
• Shoes and soles – adhesives or synthetic materials may trigger warnings
• Costume jewelry – lead or cadmium in metal plating or paint
• Screen-printed clothing – inks and plastisol prints may include listed substances

6. Automotive and Garage Products

• Motor oil, brake fluids, and fuel additives – often contain multiple listed chemicals
• Car interiors – plastics and adhesives can emit formaldehyde or benzene
• Tires and engine components – may contain styrene, benzene, or other listed chemicals

Why You See the Warning

Prop 65 doesn’t ban a product—it simply requires disclosure. The label is meant to help consumers make informed choices. Some companies label everything (even when exposure is low) just to avoid risk. If you sell in California, these regulations apply even for e-commerce orders.

Want to Label Your Products the Right Way?

If your product requires a Prop 65 warning—or if you’re not sure—we can help you build accurate, professional custom labels. Whether you’re in food, cosmetics, supplements, or consumer goods, our prop 65 labels can include warning language, compliant formatting, and material durability.