What’s in Your Lipstick? Study Finds ‘Forever Chemicals’ Common in Cosmetics

• A new study found that almost half of the cosmetic products tested in contain potentially harmful chemicals.
• These chemicals, called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked in early research to cancer, reproductive harm, and damage to the immune system.
• PFAS are often used to increase a product’s durability, spreadability, and wear.

New research conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that nearly half of cosmetic products tested in a study contain potentially harmful chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The study, published Tuesday by the American Chemical Society, looked at more than 200 products in the United States and Canada and found the highest levels of these chemicals in everyday personal care products, including lipstick, mascara, and foundation.

Approximately 88 percent of products tested lacked information about these ingredients on their product labels.

Products from the United States were taken from common cosmetic outlets like Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond from 2016 to 2020.

PFAS are often used to increase a product’s durability, spreadability, and wear.

Scientists are still learning about the impact PFAS exposure may have on human health, but preliminary evidence has linked PFAS exposure to cancer, reproductive harm, and damage to the immune system.

Legislation introduced by Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine aims to ban the use of this type of toxic, fluorinated chemicals in cosmetics. If passed, the bill would ban the use of PFAS in cosmetic products.