We already know that, in the world of cosmetics, there are both natural and synthetic ingredients. And while we are becoming more and more aware of the importance of giving priority to the ingredients that nature has to offer us (as they are much cleaner and healthier for the environment), we also know that a synthetic ingredient does not necessarily have to be a harmful ingredient… with some exceptions. In this article, we will take time to understand PFAs – how (and why) they are related to unfriendly side effects that harm not only our health, but also our planet.

What exactly are PFAS?

Per- & polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 5,000 human-made chemicals that are widely known for their unique properties, such as resistance to water, oil, and heat, which contribute to the long-lasting and smudge-resistant properties of certain cosmetic products, like waterproof mascaras, long-wear foundations and lipsticks, among others.

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? … Except for the nickname they’ve earned: forever chemicals.

You may have heard of them as a warning on your non-sticky cooking pots, textiles, even food and food packaging. And as if that wasn’t enough, these substances have managed to sneak into our beauty products, as well. Some of the most common PFAs in cosmetics can be:

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
• Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane
• Perfluorononyl Dimethicone,
• Perfluorodecalin
• Perfluorohexane

Unfortunately, these substances have been in the cosmetic industry for a long time, and after being subjected to numerous research and epidemiological studies, they have become less and less morally and legally accepted in our beauty products. So what does the research say?

Some PFA compounds have been associated with potential health risks, including links to adverse effects on the endocrine system, immune system and reproductive health.

Additionally, certain PFAs have been found to bioaccumulate in the body over time… That means that thanks to their ‘long-lasting’ properties, they are not only difficult for our planet to eliminate, but also for our system. So now I guess you can imagine where that not-so-friendly nickname comes from. 

Some of the main side effects of daily exposure to these compounds have been reported as the following:

• Endocrine disruption: Some PFA compounds have been found to interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production and function in the body. This disruption can lead to adverse effects on reproductive health, metabolism, growth and development.
• Effects on the immune system: Exposure to certain PFA compounds has been linked to possible effects on the immune system, such as reduced antibody response to vaccines and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Cancer risks: Some studies have suggested a possible association between exposure to PFAs and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer.
• Developmental effects: Prenatal exposure to PFAs has been associated with possible developmental consequences in infants and children, including lower birth weight, developmental delay, and effects on the liver and immune system.
• Hepatic and renal effects: Certain PFA compounds have been associated with adverse effects on the liver and kidneys, including changes in liver enzymes and kidney function.
• Environmental impact: PFAs persist in the environment and have been detected in water sources and wildlife over time. Their long-term presence in the environment raises concerns about the negative potential of their ecological impact.

Kind of sounds like something that won’t let you sleep at night, doesn’t it? But how do entities deal with this matter? Well…

In the European Union, the use of PFAs in cosmetics is regulated under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009). The regulation sets strict requirements for the safety and composition of cosmetic products placed on the EU market, including restrictions on PFAs, that are deemed to pose potential risks to human health and the environment.

As a result, cosmetics manufacturers are increasingly taking steps to address the presence of these substances in their products through some key procedures:

1. Ingredient screening and reformulation to identify and eliminate PFA compounds. This may involve reformulating products to replace PFAs or ingredients that contain them with safer alternatives that provide similar performance benefits.
2. Improving transparency within their supply chains to ensure that raw materials and ingredients used in cosmetics are free from PFA contamination. This may involve working closely with suppliers to establish strict quality control measures and testing protocols.
3. Complying with regulatory restrictions on PFAs by ensuring that their products meet the specified limits or are free from any PFA compounds that are subject to restrictions.
4. And let’s not forget about one of the foundations of clean beauty: consumer education and communication! Some cosmetics manufacturers are actively engaging in consumer transparent communication to raise awareness about PFAs and provide information about the measures they are taking to address them in their products.

So, I hope that now after reading this article you can relax a bit more about this topic and rely on your trusted beauty supplier (Amazingy, of course ?). As it stands, we can see that the cosmetics industry is undergoing a shift towards reducing or eliminating PFAs from formulations, driven by regulatory pressures, consumer preferences for safer products, and a growing understanding of the potential health and environmental impacts of PFAs across the board. And remember: if you have any questions, doubts or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you ♡ Stay Amazingy!

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