U.S. FDA Report Flags Uncertainty On “Forever Chemicals” In Makeup And Beauty Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Parents of teens and tweens who use makeup may see little immediate change on store shelves, but a new federal report is raising fresh questions about “forever chemicals” intentionally added to some cosmetics — and how much is known about their safety.

The Food and Drug Administration said in a report released Dec. 29 under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 that it could not reach definitive safety determinations for most PFAS used in cosmetics because key toxicology data are incomplete, unavailable, or not public. 

Using mandatory product listing data submitted to FDA, the agency reported 51 PFAS are intentionally added across 1,744 cosmetic formulations sold in the U.S. It focused its safety review on the 25 most frequently used PFAS, which make up about 96% of intentionally added PFAS use in cosmetics. FDA said five of those appeared to present low safety concerns under intended conditions of use, while one was identified as a potential safety concern with “significant remaining uncertainty.” 

The report says PFAS-containing products were most commonly found in eye shadows, face and neck leave-on products, eyeliners, face powders and foundations, together about 56% of PFAS-containing cosmetics in the FDA dataset. It also identified PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) as the most frequently used PFAS, appearing in 490 products. 

For families, experts often recommend practical steps: check ingredient lists for terms like “PTFE” or ingredients starting with “perfluoro-,” “polyfluoro-,” or “fluoro-,” consider limiting long-wear or water-resistant makeup if you’re concerned, and remind kids to remove makeup before bed to reduce prolonged skin contact.

FDA noted there is no federal rule that specifically bans PFAS intentionally added to cosmetics, but said it will monitor new science and take action if safety concerns emerge.  

This article was produced by an education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.