Toxic Forever Chemicals (PFAS) in Cosmetics

Published June 4, 2018 

Learn More on PFAS Chemicals Found in Cosmetics

A study by the Environmental Working Group found that several beauty and skincare products contain Teflon, the polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE brand name, or other chemicals known as per - and polyfluorlkyl substances, known as PFAS chemicals.

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What are the PFOA and PFOS Chemicals?

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PFOA and its close chemical cousin PFOS were phased out under pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after revelations that secret internal company studies showed they cause cancer and birth defects in lab animals, buildup in people's bodies, and did not break down in the environment.

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PFAS is Persistent 

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PFAS chemicals pollute water, are persistent in the environment, and remain in the body for years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluorinated chemicals contaminate the bodies of nearly all Americans. 

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Why is PFAS in our Beauty Products? 

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PFAS chemical is an ingredient that repels water. Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners, for example, are common makeup items that may use PFAS chemicals. These chemicals through the skin are not expected to be a significant route of exposure, but these chemicals shouldn't be in cosmetics.

• PFAS INGREDIENTS: 
• 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

The EWG searched a database that contained over 74,000 products and identified 13 different PFAS chemicals in almost 200 products, including makeup, shampoo, and sunscreen, from 28 brands. Of those nearly 200 products, 66 products from 15 brands contained Teflon.

Choose personal care products without "PTFE" or "FLUORO" ingredients. One simple way to identify these potentially harmful ingredients is to look at your product labels for the term “fluoro,” which may appear in a longer name, such as perfluoroalkyl dimethicone or perfluorodecalin.

Below we share examples of products that have chemicals in the 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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