FDA Confirms Widespread PFAS in Cosmetics, Admits Safety Unknown for Most
More than 1,700 cosmetic products contain 'forever chemicals,' yet federal regulators admit they lack the data to assess their safety.
A review of 1,744 cosmetic formulations identified 51 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in total, with 25 of these chemicals accounting for approximately 96% of all PFAS present.
Of these, five PFAS were classified as having low safety concerns, one was flagged for potential risks, and the safety profiles of 19 remain unknown. The study does not provide clinical guidance.
Dr. Marty Makary said:
"Our scientists found that toxicological data for most PFAS are incomplete or unavailable... this lack of reliable data demands further research."
Despite the widespread presence of these persistent chemicals in cosmetics, no federal laws currently ban PFAS in personal care products.
The FDA has announced plans to collaborate with the CDC and EPA to strengthen oversight of PFAS in cosmetics, focusing specifically on intentionally added substances rather than contaminants.
The agency acknowledges the environmental persistence of PFAS but has not yet implemented regulatory actions to address the issue.
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