PFAS in Cosmetics

In this post, I’m going to talk about the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in cosmetics, their potential health and environmental risks, and why their continued use in beauty products is raising concerns. PFAS are a group of highly persistent chemicals that have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormonal disruption, and immune system effects. While these chemicals are commonly associated with non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing, a recent research article highlights that cosmetic products also contain PFAS, leading to significant emissions into wastewater and solid waste.

In case you missed my introductory blog post, you can read it here, where I explain what I’m pursuing in this blog. Today’s discussion is based on a new study examining PFAS in cosmetics and their potential contribution to environmental contamination. You can access the full article here.

PFAS in Cosmetics: What the Research Found

This study analyzed European cosmetic products and found that over 170 different PFAS compounds were listed as ingredients in various beauty products. These included foundations, mascaras, lipsticks, skin creams, and hair care products. Among them, the most frequently found PFAS ingredients were polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and C9–15 fluoroalcohol phosphate, which are commonly used for their smoothing and water-resistant properties.

The study also measured the amount of fluorine-based chemicals in different cosmetic products, confirming that many contained high levels of PFAS, even in products that did not explicitly list them as ingredients. This suggests that PFAS can be present as contaminants or breakdown products, making it difficult for consumers to identify and avoid them.

Why Are PFAS Used in Cosmetics?

PFAS are included in beauty products for various functional purposes, such as:

✔ Waterproofing — Used in mascaras, foundations, and lipsticks to make them long-lasting and water-resistant.

✔ Smoothing effect — Helps products glide onto the skin more easily, improving texture.

✔ Film-forming properties — Creates a protective barrier on the skin or hair, often found in anti-aging creams.

However, these chemical benefits come at a cost, as PFAS do not break down easily and can accumulate in the body and environment over time.

Health & Environmental Concerns

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and human body for long periods. Research has linked them to:

• Hormonal disruptions and reproductive issues

• Weakened immune function

• Increased risk of cancer

• Developmental and neurobehavioral effects in children

Beyond personal health risks, the study also estimated annual PFAS emissions from cosmetics in the European Economic Area (EEA), showing that:

• 17–38,000 kg of PFAS are released annually into wastewater and solid waste.

• Cosmetic use contributes significantly to PFAS pollution, though emissions from other industries (like textiles) are still higher.

• Wastewater treatment does not effectively remove PFAS, meaning these chemicals eventually enter rivers, oceans, and drinking water supplies.

Regulatory Gaps

While some PFAS chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS, have been banned in the EU, many other PFAS compounds remain unregulated in cosmetics. The European Union’s REACH regulation places some restrictions on PFAS, but cosmetic manufacturers are not required to fully assess their environmental impact.

Unlike in North America, where PFAS use in cosmetics is often not listed on ingredient labels, European brands are required to disclose these chemicals. However, the study found PFAS in products that did not list them, suggesting contamination or incomplete labeling.

The Push for PFAS-Free Beauty

As awareness of PFAS pollution and health risks grows, consumers and advocacy groups are calling for safer alternatives in beauty products. Some clean beauty brands have already committed to PFAS-free formulations, and there is increasing demand for:

• Better ingredient transparency from cosmetic companies.

• Stronger regulations banning all forms of PFAS in personal care products.

• Sustainable alternatives that do not compromise product performance.

Conclusion: Beauty Without Toxic Chemicals?

PFAS in cosmetics pose an overlooked but serious issue for both human health and the environment. While the study shows that cosmetics are not the largest source of PFAS pollution, they still contribute to contamination of water supplies and ecosystems. The findings emphasize the need for more research, stricter regulations, and PFAS-free alternatives in the beauty industry.

If you’re concerned about avoiding PFAS in cosmetics, look for brands that commit to clean, transparent ingredient lists and advocate for stronger regulations.