PFAS in cosmetics: New regulations and impact on the industry
As the environmental and health risks associated with Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) gain increasing attention, regulatory frameworks surrounding their use in cosmetics are evolving rapidly. These substances, valued for their durability and waterproofing properties, are commonly found in cosmetic formulations. However, rising concerns about their persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health have prompted stricter regulations in various countries/regions.
In France, the 2023-2027 PFAS Action Plan is now in effect, targeting the reduction of industrial emissions and limiting PFAS exposure, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. A key development occurred in February 2025, with the introduction of a new law that will ban the use of PFAS in cosmetics, clothing, and waxes by January 1, 2026. This law will affect the manufacture, import, and export of cosmetics containing these substances, with limited exemptions. Although the full legal framework is still under finalisation, this law reflects a decisive effort to minimise PFAS-related risks in consumer products.
On a broader European level, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is assessing a proposal to restrict PFAS use across the EU under the REACH regulation. This initiative, expected to be enforced post-2026, represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to regulate PFAS in Europe.
In the United States, the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulation Act (MoCRA) now mandates the evaluation of PFAS in cosmetic products. At the state level, California is set to lead with its AB 2771 law, which aims to ban PFAS in cosmetics from 2025 onwards.
For cosmetics manufacturers, staying ahead of these regulations is crucial to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance. Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care offers advanced analytical services, enabling brands to identify, quantify, and manage PFAS in their formulations and packaging. Our scientific expertise and cutting-edge testing methods provide brands with the data needed to meet regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and maintain product safety throughout development and market introduction, with a range of techniques developed to target multiple matrices and featuring very low limits of quantification (LOQs).