PFAS, also known as the “forever chemicals”, are a group of man-made compounds whose potential presence in cosmetics and other personal care products have drawn the scrutiny of academic institutions, legislators, and consumers alike. The heightened attention over their use in a variety of consumer products, including cosmetics for texture and consistency, and for effects on skin, such as smoothing or conditioning, have led to state laws banning the sale of such products containing PFAS and class action lawsuits over their marketing claims.

PFAS content in cosmetics has ...

Three northeastern states are among those that have recently taken legislative action to address PFAS in consumer products and the environment. Maryland recently banned 13 different PFAS and their salts from being sold in cosmetic products within the state. Vermont recently passed an even stricter law prohibiting the sale of several categories of commercial products containing PFAS. Finally, Maine has established a limit of 20 parts per trillion for six types of PFAS found in drinking water, well below EPA’s 70 parts per trillion advisory level for PFOS and PFOA, while also ...

For the first time ever, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted information about PFAS being present in personal care products such as lotions, nail polish, shaving cream, foundation and mascara. There is even some concern about PFAS contained in dental floss. While this is really not a new phenomenon – as a 2018 study conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that a number of beauty and skin care products contain Teflon – what is new is that the FDA is now taking steps to address it. Click here to read our recent client alert that discusses the research and ...