PFAS Chemicals Found in Cosmetics: What You Need to Know

Learn More About PFAS Chemicals Found in Cosmetics

A recent investigation by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that several common beauty and skincare products contain Teflon (also known as PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene) and other toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

What Are PFOA and PFOS?

PFOA and PFOS are two of the most well-known PFAS chemicals. Both were phased out under pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after internal company studies, once kept secret, revealed serious health risks. These studies linked PFOA and PFOS to cancer, birth defects, immune system damage, and bioaccumulation in human bodies. Notably, these chemicals are also resistant to breaking down in the environment.

PFAS: Persistent, Pervasive, and Polluting

PFAS chemicals are persistent organic pollutants that contaminate drinking water, resist degradation in nature, and remain in the human body for years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly all Americans have measurable levels of PFAS in their blood.

Why Are PFAS in Beauty Products?

PFAS chemicals are added to cosmetics to repel water and improve durability, making them common in waterproof mascaras, eyeliners, and long-wear foundations. While skin absorption may not be the primary exposure route, these toxic chemicals have no place in personal care products, especially given the potential for cumulative exposure.

Examples of PFAS Ingredients to Avoid

Look for these common PFAS-based ingredients on product labels:

• PTFE (Teflon)
• Perfluorononyl Dimethicone
• Perfluorodecalin
• C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate
• Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate
• Perfluorohexane
• Pentafluoropropane
• Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy Difluoroethyl PEG Phosphate
• Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy PEG-2 Phosphate
• Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether
• Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl PEG-10 Dimethicone
• Perfluorodimethylcyclohexane
• Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene

What Did the EWG Find?

The EWG reviewed a database of over 74,000 personal care products and identified 13 different PFAS compounds in nearly 200 products across 28 major brands. Alarmingly, 66 of those products contained Teflon, raising serious concerns about daily exposure through routine use.

How to Shop Safer

When choosing cosmetics and personal care items, avoid ingredients that contain “PTFE” or anything with “fluoro” in the name, such as:

• Perfluorodecalin
• Perfluoroalkyl Dimethicone

Check labels carefully and consider using clean beauty databases like EWG’s Skin Deep to verify product safety.

Below, we share examples of products that have chemicals in their ingredients:

C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate

Clinique Makeup

Perfluorononyl Dimethicone
Brow Master Gel

Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether, Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether
Beauty Pro Detoxifying bubbling cleansing mask

Perfluorodecalinbliss triple oxygen day cream

PFAS: Perfluorohexane, Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, Perfluorodecalin, Perfluorodimethylcyclohexane
Ex-glow-sion Moisture Cream

PFAS: Methyl perfluoroisobutyl ether, Methyl perfluorobutyl ether

Fabulips Foaming Lip Cleanser

PTFE

e.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzing Powder

PTFE

e.l.f. Cosmetics Finishing Powder

PTFE

e.l.f. Cosmetics Contouring Clay Eyeshadow

PTFE

Gillette Satin Care Ultra Sensitive women's Shave Gel

Perfluorononyl Dimethicone

Healing Strength, Neem plant silk serum

PFAS: Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy Difluoroethyl Peg Phosphate

Smooth Finish Foundation Powder 

PFAS: C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate
Tightline Cake Eye Liner

PTFE
Extended play gigablack lash mascara

PTFE

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