PFAS in Beauty Products: Understanding the Risks and Building Solutions

In recent years, the conversation around PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—the so-called "forever chemicals"—has grown louder, and for good reason. Known for their durability and resistance to heat, oil, and water, PFAS are present in countless products, including cosmetics and personal care items. These substances not only serve functional purposes, like creating emulsions or providing oil-resistant properties, but they also appear unintentionally as contaminants or impurities in pigments, methicone, acrylates, and more.

PFAS can infiltrate the cosmetics and personal care items supply chain at multiple points, from ingredient sourcing and mixing to packaging and final product dispersion. As these chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms, their potential health risks cannot be ignored.

Much of the public attention surrounding PFAS focuses on their contamination of drinking water, a critical issue that dominates headlines and social media. However, PFAS in cosmetics and personal care products deserves equal attention, especially as global regulations evolve to address these "forever chemicals." The products we apply to our skin, hair, and faces every day may be introducing harmful substances into our bodies, often without our knowledge.

Why Are PFAS Used in Beauty Products? 

PFAS are intentionally added to cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products because of their unique properties. These chemicals enhance product performance in several ways:

• Waterproofing and Long-Lasting Wear: PFAS make cosmetics like mascara, eyeliner, and foundation resistant to water and sweat, ensuring long-lasting results.
• Smooth Application: PFAS act as emulsifying agents, helping to blend oil- and water-based ingredients for a silky, smooth texture.
• Improved Spreadability: In skincare products, PFAS can create a lightweight, uniform application that feels luxurious when applying on the skin.
• Shine and Gloss: In haircare products, PFAS can add shine and make hair appear smooth and polished.

PFAS have been found in a wide range of beauty and self-care products, including:

• Cosmetics: Foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, lipstick, and mascara
• Skincare: Sunscreen, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, and makeup primers
• Haircare: Hair serums, leave-in conditioners, and styling sprays
• Nail Products: Nail polishes and topcoats for their durability and smooth finish
• Personal Care Items: Shaving creams, deodorants, and lotions

While these products deliver the performance consumers desire, they also pose potential risks, making it crucial for brands and consumers alike to understand the implications.

How PFAS Can Affect Consumers 

Recent studies, such as one conducted by Abraham & Monein (2022), have highlighted the risks of dermal exposure to PFAS. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the bloodstream over time. In this specific study, a volunteer who applied sunscreen containing a labeled PFAS compound (C13-labeled perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which is a legacy PFAS) saw detectable levels of PFOA in their blood plasma within 22 days.

This dermal absorption is particularly concerning given how cosmetics and personal care products are used:

• Daily Exposure: Products like foundation, moisturizer, and sunscreen are applied to the skin every day, increasing the potential for cumulative exposure.
• Prolonged Contact: Many cosmetics and skincare products are designed to stay on the skin for hours, giving PFAS ample time to penetrate.
• Use on Sensitive Areas: Products like lipsticks and mascaras are applied near mucous membranes, potentially accelerating absorption into the body.

For consumers, this means that products intended to enhance beauty and self-care could unintentionally expose them to harmful chemicals, contributing to long-term health risks.

The Industry’s Responsibility

Brands in the beauty and personal care sector face growing pressure to address PFAS-related concerns. Beyond the health and environmental implications, the presence of PFAS in products can damage consumer trust and brand reputation. Regulatory scrutiny is also intensifying worldwide, with governments introducing stricter guidelines to monitor and limit PFAS usage.

To navigate this evolving landscape, companies need tools and expertise to detect and mitigate PFAS risks effectively.

AI-Powered Screening for PFAS

Enter Antea Group’s PFAS Screening Tool—a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) based solution designed to empower businesses in the fight against "forever chemicals." By leveraging this tool you can:

• Identify PFAS not only as active ingredients but also impurities, or contaminants in supply chain chemicals.
• Analyze complex datasets to provide rapid and precise results.
• Offer actionable insights to support regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.

Why Act Now? 

Proactively addressing PFAS risks offers significant benefits:

• Consumer Trust: Show your commitment to safety and sustainability.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead of tightening global regulations.
• Risk Mitigation: Protect your brand from liability and negative associations.

A Call to Action 

At Antea Group, we partner with organizations to tackle these business challenges head-on, providing the tools and expertise needed to minimize PFAS risks and safeguard health and the environment. In addition to our PFAS Screening Tool, our Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard can help you stay up to date on the ever-changing regulatory landscape. This comprehensive, data-driven tool provides real-time insights into evolving regulations, helping businesses mitigate risks, manage legal liabilities, and stay ahead in sustainability practices—all while reducing the costs associated with non-compliance.

Together, we can reduce the prevalence of "forever chemicals" in our products and build a healthier future.

Ready to take action? You can check out our PFAS Screening Tool here, or learn more about our PFAS Regulatory Dashboard here.

Visit our website to learn more about our PFAS solutions and how they can benefit your business.

About Antea Group USA

Antea®Group USA is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking and multidisciplinary perspectives with technical expertise and pragmatic action, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through our work with multinational clients, our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.