The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found insufficient data to be able to determine the safety of ‘forever chemicals’ in cosmetic products.
In a new report, the regulator evaluated the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products.
These man-made substances are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ as they do not break down and persist in the environment, accumulating over time.
There are around 12,000 known PFAS used across consumer and industrial products, from cookware and carpets to packaging and waterproof cosmetics.
Studies suggest a link between certain PFAS substances and kidney cancer, testicular cancer, hypertension, thyroid disease, low birth weight and immunotoxicity in children.
The FDA found in its report that 51 PFAS are used in 1,744 cosmetic formulations, based on mandatory cosmetic product listing data submitted to the regulator.
After evaluating the 25 most frequently used PFAs – representing around 96% of PFAs intentionally added to cosmetic products – the FDA found that toxicological data for the majority of these PFAS were incomplete or unavailable, limiting its ability to fully assess risk.
“In accordance with our congressional mandate, the FDA today released its assessment of PFAS in cosmetic products,” said Marty Makary, FDA Commissioner.
“Our scientists found that toxicological data for most PFAS are incomplete or unavailable, leaving significant uncertainty about consumer safety.”
Five PFAS appeared to present low safety concerns under their intended conditions of use.
However, the safety of the majority of PFAS could not be established due to a lack of publicly available toxicology data.
One PFAS was identified as having a potential safety concern with significant remaining uncertainty, the FDA said.
“This lack of reliable data demands further research,” said Makary.
“Consistent with the MAHA [Make America Healthy Again] Strategy Report, the FDA will continue working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update and strengthen recommendations on PFAS across the retail and food supply chain.”
Concerns over the impact of forever chemicals on the environment and health have grown in recent years across the globe.
In the US, state-level restrictions of PFAS have been implemented in California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington, and more locations are expected to bring in rules this year.
New Zealand was among the first countries to announce a ban on the use of PFAS in cosmetic products.
Announced in January 2024, the rules come into effect from 31 December 2026.
France has banned the production, import and sale of any product where there is an alternative to PFAs, including cosmetics, from today (1 January 2026).
The EU is expected to issue new proposals for restrictions on PFAS this year.