In January 2026, the FDA published a report that got less attention than it deserved.
The agency analyzed over 430,000 product submissions to its Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program and found that 51 PFAS compounds — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called "forever chemicals" — are intentionally used as ingredients in 1,744 cosmetic products. Not accidental contamination. Intentionally added.
The FDA's own conclusion: it doesn't have enough toxicological data to determine whether most of these PFAS compounds are safe for daily cosmetic use.
What PFAS are and why they're in makeup
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals characterized by extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds. That bond makes them highly resistant to heat, water, oil, and degradation — which is useful in industrial applications, but it also means they persist in the environment and in the body for years.
In cosmetics, PFAS are added intentionally for:
- Waterproofing: mascara, eyeliner, and foundation that stays on through sweat and rain
- Texture and spreadability: smooth, silky application in foundations and primers
- Longevity: increasing how long a product stays on without reapplication
- Water resistance in sunscreen: keeping UV filters active during physical activity
What the FDA found
51 distinct PFAS are intentionally used as cosmetic ingredients across 1,744 products. These are not trace contaminants — they're declared ingredients with functional roles.
The five highest-concentration product categories by PFAS prevalence:
- Eye shadow
- Face and neck skincare (foundation, primer, serum)
- Eyeliner
- Face powder
- Mascara
The FDA's safety assessment conclusion: the agency has insufficient toxicological data to determine the safety of most PFAS in cosmetic applications. Standard cosmetic safety tests were not designed to evaluate the accumulation potential of PFAS over time.
Regulatory status: No federal law currently prohibits intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics in the US. Vermont's ban took effect January 1, 2026. Eight other states have passed or scheduled similar bans with phase-in dates through 2032.
Why daily application matters
Cosmetic exposure is different from environmental exposure in an important way: it's daily, skin-applied, and often involves multiple products simultaneously. Research on skin absorption of specific PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS has linked exposure to changes in thyroid function, immune response, and lipid metabolism.4
[Inference: Whether daily cosmetic exposure to the 51 PFAS identified in the FDA report reaches biologically significant levels is not yet established — the FDA specifically noted this gap. The precautionary approach is to reduce unnecessary PFAS exposure where equivalent alternatives exist.]
The 5 categories to swap first
1. Foundation and face serum
Foundation is applied to the largest skin surface area, often in multiple layers, multiple times per week. Look for EWG Verified or PFAS-free labeled options.
Recommended: ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation, RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up, W3LL PEOPLE Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer
2. Mascara
Eye-area products carry particular concern because the skin around the eye is thinner and more permeable. Waterproof formulas are the primary PFAS use case.
Recommended: Kosas The Big Clean Mascara (EWG Verified), Saie Mascara 101
3. Eyeliner
Third-highest PFAS category. "Waterproof" formulas are the risk zone — many natural waxes provide water resistance without fluorinated compounds.
Recommended: Ere Perez Natural Almond Eye Definer, Ilia Clean Line Gel Liner
4. Eye shadow
Highest PFAS concentration category by prevalence. Pressed powder shadows with natural binders are often PFAS-free by default.
Recommended: Kosas 10-Second Eye Shadow, Ilia Liquid Powder Eye Tint
5. Face powder and pressed foundation
Mica-based powders with simple mineral formulas are generally PFAS-free. Avoid "oil-control" powders with waterproofing claims unless PFAS-free is confirmed.
Recommended: Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation, RMS Beauty "Un" Powder
How to check any product
EWG Skin Deep (ewg.org/skindeep) — searchable database of 87,000+ products. PFAS ingredients score 8–10 and are flagged.
Think Dirty App — scan barcodes in-store.
EWG Verified — fastest shortcut for verified PFAS-free purchases.
You don't need to replace everything at once
A practical approach: run your current foundation and mascara through EWG Skin Deep this week. If they score above 4, add them to your "replace next" list. Swap when products run out — don't throw away full products. Work through the list over 2–3 months.