In recent years, the presence of synthetic chemicals in everyday products has raised significant concern among health experts and consumers alike. Among these chemicals are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” These substances are resistant to breaking down in the environment, earning their nickname. They are now being found in a wide array of cosmetic and skincare products, prompting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to release a new report highlighting their prevalence and the gaps in our understanding of their safety.
PFAS are synthetic compounds developed decades ago for industrial and consumer applications. They are prized for their water-resistant and grease-resistant properties, which is why they appear in products ranging from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing. In the beauty industry, PFAS serve multiple purposes. They make products long-lasting, improve texture, and help formulas resist smudging or fading. Some examples include waterproof mascara, long-wear foundations, and certain lipsticks.
The new FDA report shows that PFAS can be added intentionally or appear as unintentional contaminants during the manufacturing process. Researchers identified 51 PFAS chemicals used across 1,744 cosmetic products. This demonstrates that these substances are widespread and not limited to a small subset of niche beauty products.
FDA scientists concentrated on the 25 most commonly used PFAS in cosmetics, which represent roughly 96% of these chemicals in beauty products. The results of this review were mixed. Five chemicals were considered low risk, one raised potential safety concerns, and the safety of the remaining 19 could not be established due to insufficient data.
Dr. Marty Makary, the FDA Commissioner, emphasized the challenges in assessing PFAS safety. The agency noted that toxicological information for most PFAS is incomplete or unavailable. This creates uncertainty regarding the potential health effects on consumers who use these products daily. According to Dr. Makary, the lack of reliable research highlights the urgent need for further scientific investigation.
PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade naturally. Once they enter the environment, they accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms, including humans. Studies have linked certain PFAS to health problems, including hormonal disruptions, liver damage, immune system impairment, and an increased risk of certain cancers. However, the FDA acknowledges that the specific health risks from cosmetic-related exposure remain unclear.
Despite these concerns, there are no federal laws that specifically ban PFAS in cosmetics. This regulatory gap means that manufacturers can continue using these chemicals while research is ongoing. Consumers, therefore, may be exposed to PFAS without knowing it.
PFAS in cosmetics can enter the body through skin absorption, inhalation, or accidental ingestion. Lip products such as lipsticks and glosses are of particular concern because they may be ingested during daily use. Products applied near the eyes, such as mascara or eyeliner, can also introduce PFAS into the body through absorption into surrounding tissues.
Because PFAS do not break down, they can accumulate in human tissue over time. This cumulative effect raises questions about the long-term consequences of repeated exposure from everyday cosmetic use.
The beauty industry favors PFAS for several reasons. These chemicals create smooth textures, increase product durability, and enhance water resistance. For example, a mascara containing PFAS is less likely to smudge in humid conditions, and a long-wear foundation remains stable for hours. These benefits make PFAS appealing to manufacturers who market their products for performance and longevity.
At the same time, the widespread use of these chemicals means that consumers may be exposed unknowingly. Even products labeled as “natural” or “clean” may contain PFAS if manufacturers rely on complex chemical ingredients or source materials contaminated with these substances.
The FDA report emphasizes that current regulatory frameworks do not fully address PFAS in cosmetics. While the agency can take enforcement action against products proven to be unsafe, the lack of comprehensive safety data complicates these efforts.
To tackle this challenge, the FDA plans to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By sharing data and research findings, these agencies hope to provide updated guidance for both consumers and manufacturers. The ultimate goal is to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals across products, the retail supply chain, and even food packaging.
Until more is known about the long-term effects of PFAS, consumers can take steps to minimize exposure:
The FDA report is a reminder that scientific knowledge often lags behind product innovation. Although PFAS improve product performance, their potential risks cannot be ignored. Researchers are now tasked with filling the data gaps to determine safe levels of exposure and understand long-term health implications.
Future studies may focus on cumulative exposure from multiple products, interactions between different PFAS compounds, and how these chemicals behave in human tissues. Such research is essential for providing clear guidance to consumers and policymakers.
The presence of PFAS in cosmetics underscores a broader issue in consumer safety and chemical regulation. These “forever chemicals” offer tangible benefits to beauty products but carry uncertainties regarding their impact on health and the environment. While the FDA continues to investigate, consumers can make informed choices by understanding the risks and seeking PFAS-free alternatives.
Ongoing research, improved transparency from manufacturers, and collaboration among regulatory agencies will be critical in ensuring that cosmetics remain both effective and safe. Until then, awareness and careful product selection remain the best tools for minimizing exposure to PFAS in everyday life.
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual health concerns vary, and readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding cosmetic products or chemical exposure. The information presented reflects currently available research and FDA reports as of January 2026.
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