POTENTIALLY TOXIC PFAS FOUND IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS SUCH AS MASCARA, LIQUID LIPSTICKS AND FOUNDATIONS |
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To assess this potential health and environmental risk, 231 cosmetic products purchased in the U.S. and Canada were screened for total fluorine using particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy. Of the 8 categories tested, foundations, mascaras, and lip products had the highest proportion of products with high total fluorine ≥0.384 μg F/cm2
3/4 of waterproof mascara samples contained high fluorine concentrations, as did ~2/3 of foundations and liquid lipsticks, and more than 1/2 of the eye and lip products tested. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a highly persistent and potentially toxic class of chemicals, are added to cosmetics to increase their durability and water resistance. High fluorine levels were found in products commonly advertised as 'wear-resistant' to water and oils or ‘long-lasting,’ including foundations, liquid lipsticks, and waterproof mascaras. The ingredient lists of most products tested did NOT disclose the presence of fluorinated compounds exposing a gap in U.S. and Canadian labeling laws. The manufacture, use, and disposal of cosmetics containing PFAS are all potential opportunities for health and ecosystem harm. |