Danish Study Finds High Concentrations of PFAS in Cosmetics

As part of a study, scientists of the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studied 17 cosmetics and found relatively high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in one of every three products.

The researchers found at least one of the substances in all of the products. In six of the products, the concentration of C9-C14 perfluoroalkyl acids or perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) was above the threshold set by REACH that goes into effect on July 4, 2020.

The analysts found highest concentration of a single substance in a foundation, the basis of every make-up, at 3,340 ng/g perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). The highest concentration of total PFASs measured was in a concealer, at 10,700 ng/g. The EPA has published a detailed description of the study and its results in a closing report. The agency also issued a press release.

PFAS work as surfactants and are used in moisturizers, eye shadows, and shaving creams. They help cremes penetrate the skin more easily.

An app produced by the German environmental ministry (PFC Planet App) explains the problems associated with per- and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).

Ensure the legal security of your products as soon as possible. Contact us at cosmetic@kft.de.

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