PFAS Ingredients to avoid in your cosmetics
If you’re interested in reducing your toxic exposures, you’ve probably heard of PFAS, or toxic forever chemicals. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals have gained widespread attention due to their potential risks to human health and the environment. These synthetic compounds are commonly found in a variety of consumer products, including cosmetics. While PFAS chemicals offer unique properties such as water and oil repellency, their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicological effects have raised some serious concerns.
In cosmetics, PFAS chemicals can be present under a variety of ingredient names, so it is important to be aware as you shop.
Here are the main ingredients to watch for when shopping.
1. Perfluorononyl Dimethicone
Why:
Perfluorononyl Dimethicone is a silicone-based compound commonly used in cosmetics, but its potential drawbacks make it advisable to avoid. Firstly, it is a non-biodegradable substance that can persist in the environment, contributing to long-term pollution. Secondly, although limited research is available, there are concerns about its bioaccumulation in humans, indicating the importance of avoiding this ingredient.
Types of products: Eyeliner, Lip Liner, Eyeshadows, Lipsticks.
2. PTFE (Teflon)
Why:
Avoiding PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) in cosmetics is crucial due to several reasons. Firstly, PTFE is a non-biodegradable compound that can persist in the environment and our bodies. Because PTFE is commonly used for its non-stick properties, especially on non-stick cookware, it is not something we want to be applying to our face every day.
Types of products: Eyeshadow, Bronzers, Powders, Blushes, Highlighters.
3. Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether
Why:
Firstly, PFPIE is known for its persistence and potential harm to human health and the environment. Secondly, limited research is available on PFPIE's specific toxicity, making it difficult to assess its safety in cosmetic applications. PFAS have been shown to be harmful even at extremely low levels, meaning all PFAS ingredients should be avoided.
Types of products: Moisturizers, Serums, Lip Liners.
4. Perfluorodecalin
Why:
Perfluorodecalin is a commonly used skin conditioning agent and its long-term safety and potential bioaccumulation in the human body have sounded serious alarm bells. This ingredient is extremely common in “medical grade” skincare and other luxury skincare products.
Types of products: Moisturizers, Serums, Anti-Aging, Masks, and other skincare products.
5. Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether
Why:
Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether is a PFAS ingredient used in cosmetics to thin formulas and can be found in a variety of product ranges. There are no safe levels of PFAS exposure, so it is recommended to avoid this ingredient in products, especially those you use every day.
Types of products: Masks, Cleansers, Lip Liners.
6. Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide 2
Why:
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide 2 is a synthetic peptide commonly used in cosmetics for its claimed anti-aging and skin-firming properties. While effective, there is extremely limited research proving the safety of this PFAS ingredient.
Types of products: Medical Grade Skincare, Moisturizers, Treatments, Anti-Aging Products.
Summing Up:
I know this can seem overwhelming but I would pay particular attention to these ingredients when shopping for skincare. Of all the ingredients to avoid, I am most concerned about PFAS ingredients and would recommend avoid in the products you use daily.
For more ingredients to watch for check out my Clean Beauty Encyclopedia.