Hidden Hazards: PFAS in Everyday Makeup Products

‘Forever Chemicals’ Also Found in Diapers and Baby Care Products

A recent report by French newspaper Vert found more than a hundred items sold online contain at least one per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in eye shadows, mascara, lipstick, anti-aging creams, and even purifying masks from brands like L’Oreal, Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, and Kiko. PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including several types of cancer, reproductive hormone disruption, and chronic illnesses such as ulcerative colitis, pre-eclampsia, and thyroid hormone disturbances.

Furthermore, exposure to PFAS in young children has been linked to reduced vaccine efficacy, early menstruation, and male reproductive hormone disruption. This is especially concerning given that, as I previously reported, aggressive social media marketing has led to children using cosmetics at younger ages than ever before. Additionally, I recently highlighted that PFAS and other harmful chemicals have also been found in baby wipes, diapers, and other products that are in direct contact with babies and newborns (see below).

Based on concerns regarding the presence of PFAS in various cosmetics brands, including waterproof mascara, we called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2023 to address PFAS regulation in cosmetic products. Below is an excerpt from our letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf:

“We are writing to express our deep concerns regarding the widespread presence of per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” which have been identified in cosmetic products. We appreciate the steps taken by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 when it posted information about PFAS in cosmetic products on the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program website and encouraged manufacturers to voluntarily report PFAS-containing products. However, we are troubled by the lapse in reporting, as the program ceased accepting registrations due to the necessary upgrades outlined in the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). Furthermore, we are disheartened to learn of the recent announcement made by the FDA on November 8, 2023, which indicates a further delay in the reimplementation of the program until July 2024.”

Unfortunately, as of October 2024, the FDA has yet to reimplement even the voluntary reporting function for cosmetic products, which would include items like baby wipes and sunscreens and numerous other everyday products.

It’s estimated that 99% of all babies born today have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Without mandatory PFAS testing for products before widespread marketing or a reporting program, consumers remain unaware of the ingredients in everyday products that could be impacting their health and the health of their families.

We deserve better oversight of our health and the tools and ability to make informed choices about how we spend our dollars.

If you agree, please join us in urging the FDA to take action by signing this petition. Invite some friends to sign on as well! ;-)

Mindi Messmer, MS, PG, CG is an environmental and public health scientist and author of Female Disruptors: Stories of Mighty Female Scientists. The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and through your local bookstore.

Notes:

Link to December 2023 letter to Rob Califf: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24401641-califf-cosmetics-pfas-final

Link to prior Substack on PFAS in cosmetics: https://mindimessmer.substack.com/p/unveiling-hidden-risks-safeguarding?r=1tj4pw

Link to Consumer Reports story on PFAS and other chemicals in baby wipes and diapers: https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-wipes/how-to-choose-baby-wipes-without-harmful-chemicals-a1051850790/

Link to EWG story on PFAS in baby products: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/11/new-baby-textile-product-tests-show-concerning-levels-toxic-forever

Link to Mamavation testing of PFAS in diapers: https://www.mamavation.com/motherhood/diapers-pfas-forever-chemicals.html

Link to Vert story: https://ilsalvagente.it/2024/10/20/cosmetici-pieni-di-pfas-in-testa-creme-loreal-rossetti-lancome-ombretti-kiko/