Use of toxic PFAS chemicals in cosmetics is ‘widespread’: study

Attempts to achieve surface-level beauty could produce ramifications that are far more than skin deep, experts warn.

More than half of the popular cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada likely contain high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a potentially toxic class of chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health conditions, according to an alarming new study released Tuesday by the University of Notre Dame. Scientists tested 200-plus beauty products — including foundations, concealers, eye shadows and eyebrow products as well as various lip products. Researchers found that 56% of foundations and eye products, 48% of lip products and 47% of mascaras tested were found to contain high levels of fluorine, which is an indicator of PFAS use in the product, according to the study published Tuesday in the journal of Environmental Science and Technology Letters.