January 19, 2026

PFAS in cosmetics: the ban in France and what changes in Europe

[INDICE:h2]

PFAS – acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a large family of synthetic chemical compounds characterized by extremely stable carbon-fluorine bonds. This stability provides technical properties useful in many industrial sectors but is also the basis of their persistence in the environment, which is why they are often called “forever chemicals”.

From January 1, 2026, France has introduced a ban on the intentional use of PFAS in cosmetics, opening a new phase for the sector in Europe. Meanwhile, at the EU level, group restriction proposals are under evaluation that could affect a large number of PFAS substances. This article aims to neutrally inform about what PFAS are, why they may be present in cosmetics, what the main environmental and health evidence available is, and how the international regulatory framework is evolving.

PFAS: what they are

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) include thousands of different chemical substances. The common characteristic is the presence of partially or fully fluorinated alkyl chains and carbon-fluorine bonds among the strongest in organic chemistry. This makes many PFAS substances resistant to chemical and biological degradation.

Within the PFAS class, there are molecules with different behaviors: some are more water-soluble, others tend to be more persistent or remain longer in the body. This variability is one of the reasons why the topic is addressed from a “family” perspective and not only through the evaluation of individual substances.

PFAS in cosmetics: why they are used

In cosmetics, some PFAS substances may have been used for technical functions that enhance product performance and sensory qualities. In particular, some PFAS can contribute to:

improve smoothness and silky sensation;
promote the formation of thin and uniform films;
increase resistance to water, sebum, and humidity;
support long wear in long-lasting and waterproof products.

According to available data and analyses published by regulatory authorities, the presence of PFAS has been found mainly in categories such as long-wear foundations, eyeliners, waterproof mascaras, eyeshadows, lipsticks, compact powders, and some hair products.

Intentional use and unintentional presence

It is useful to distinguish between:

intentional use: when a PFAS substance is deliberately added to achieve a formulation function;
unintentional presence: when PFAS may appear as impurities or contaminants derived from raw materials or production processes.

In some cases, identification can be complex, especially when the presence is not due to an ingredient declared as such.

Ingredients that may appear in the INCI

Some examples of ingredients belonging to the PFAS class that may appear in an INCI list include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and some fluorinated silicones. Reading the INCI allows verification of declared ingredients, while any unintentional contamination may require specific analyses or supply chain information.

PFAS and the environment: why they are considered persistent

One of the main reasons for concern about PFAS relates to their environmental persistence. Many PFAS can remain for a long time in soil and water and can be transported over long distances. Environmental studies have highlighted the presence of PFAS in drinking water, sediments, and food chains in various geographical contexts.

Policies to reduce emissions and the use of PFAS have been strengthened in various countries with the aim of limiting environmental accumulation and contamination of water resources.

Possible effects on human health

Scientific evidence on the effects of PFAS on human health is evolving. According to various health and environmental authorities, exposure to certain PFAS has been associated, in some studies, with possible effects on:

immune system;
fetal and infant development;
lipid metabolism (for example cholesterol levels);
endocrine system;
associations with specific diseases in contexts of prolonged exposure.

Effects may vary depending on the specific substance, dose, duration, and route of exposure. For many PFAS substances, the available toxicological data are still limited.

FDA report on PFAS in cosmetics

In the US context, the PFAS issue in cosmetics was analyzed within the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a report at the end of 2025 dedicated to the presence of PFAS in registered cosmetic formulations.

According to the report, 51 PFAS substances were identified in about 1,744 products, corresponding to about 0.41% of the formulations analyzed. The most represented categories included eyeshadows, face and neck products, eyeliners, powders, and foundations. PTFE was among the most frequently reported substances.

For a significant portion of the identified substances, available toxicological data were insufficient for a complete risk assessment, highlighting the need for further studies.

Regulations: what is changing

France: ban from January 1, 2026

France has introduced a ban on the intentional use of PFAS in cosmetics effective January 1, 2026. A transition period until December 31, 2026 is planned for products manufactured before that date. The ban covers production, import, export, and placing on the market.

European Union: group restriction proposal

At the EU level, a group restriction proposal has been submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which considers PFAS as a class. Options include general bans, temporary exemptions for certain sectors, and use conditions with emission reduction measures. The timing will depend on the European legislative process.

Other Countries

New Zealand has announced a ban on PFAS in cosmetics starting in 2026. In the United States, although there is no single federal ban, several States have adopted restrictive regulations. In the United Kingdom, the issue is currently under regulatory review.

Implications for companies and operators in the cosmetic sector

Regulatory evolution may involve activities for the cosmetic sector such as:

mapping of formulations and ingredients;
evaluation of technical alternatives;
updating technical and supply chain documentation;
compliance with the requirements of foreign markets.

What consumers can do

From the consumer's point of view, some practices can help guide more informed choices:

read the list of ingredients (INCI);
inform yourself about standards and environmental declarations;
limit the use of waterproof products when not necessary.

Conclusions

PFAS represent a class of substances with historical technical applications but with characteristics of high environmental persistence. The ban introduced in France from January 1, 2026 and the restriction proposals at the European level indicate a significant change for the cosmetics sector.

In this context, updates on scientific and institutional sources remain essential to correctly interpret regulatory developments and operational implications.

Frequently asked questions about PFAS in cosmetics

Are PFAS in cosmetics banned in Europe?
Currently, there is no generalized ban at the European level. However, a group restriction proposal is underway that could lead to broader limitations in the coming years.

Since when are PFAS banned in cosmetics in France?
The French ban on the intentional use of PFAS in cosmetics came into effect on January 1, 2026, with a transitional period until December 31, 2026.

How to recognize PFAS in the INCI?
Reading the INCI allows identification of ingredients declared as PTFE or substances with the prefix “perfluoro”. Unintentional contaminations are not always detectable from the label.

Are PFAS in cosmetics dangerous to health?
The risk profile varies depending on the substance and exposure. For many PFAS substances, available data are still incomplete and research is ongoing.

In which products have they been most frequently found?
Mainly in long-lasting or water-resistant make-up products such as foundation, eyeliner, waterproof mascara, and eyeshadows.