As concerns over cosmetic ingredient safety continue to grow, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are drawing increasing attention from regulators, brands, and consumers worldwide. Known for their water-resistant and long-lasting properties, PFAS are commonly used in beauty and personal care products to improve performance. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health implications have made them a significant focus in the evolving regulatory landscape.
Key Indicators of PFAS in Cosmetic Products
Ingredient Names Containing “Perfluoro” or “Polyfluoro”
One of the most recognizable signs of PFAS in cosmetics is the ingredient list itself. Ingredients that include prefixes such as “perfluoro” or “polyfluoro” may indicate the presence of PFAS compounds. These substances are often added to formulations to improve texture, spreadability, smooth application, and extended wear.
In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors PFAS usage in cosmetics and shares related findings, although it does not currently require consumers to follow a standardized ingredient-screening process. Taiwan has also introduced restrictions, prohibiting 13 PFAS ingredients in cosmetics, including PFOS and its salts, APFO, PFOA, PFDA and its salts, and PFNA and its salts.
Waterproof and Long-Lasting Product Claims
Performance claims such as “waterproof,” “transfer-proof,” and “long-wear” can also serve as indicators that warrant a closer look at the formulation. While these claims do not necessarily confirm the presence of PFAS, such chemicals are frequently used to improve adhesion, durability, and resistance in products like mascaras, foundations, eyeliners, and lipsticks.
One PFAS-related ingredient, Perfluorohexylethyl Triethoxysilane, has already been identified by the FDA as a potential safety concern when used at maximum levels in body lotions.
PFAS Usage in the Cosmetic Industry
FDA data shows that polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is currently the most commonly used PFAS ingredient in cosmetic products in the United States. PTFE appears in approximately 490 cosmetic products, accounting for 28.1% of all PFAS-containing cosmetic formulations. Several other PFAS compounds are also repeatedly found across multiple product categories.
Why PFAS Awareness Matters
For cosmetic brands, understanding these indicators is essential for strengthening formulation reviews, supplier verification processes, and regulatory compliance strategies. As PFAS regulations continue to evolve globally, proactively identifying potential PFAS-related risks can help brands minimize compliance challenges, improve transparency, and reinforce consumer trust.
For consumers, awareness plays an equally important role. Carefully reviewing ingredient labels and supporting brands that prioritize transparency and safety can help individuals make more informed purchasing decisions.
Stay ahead of evolving PFAS regulations with expert support from Freyr. With the right regulatory strategy, brands can identify hidden risks early, maintain compliance, and develop safer, future-ready cosmetic portfolios.
