According to a new study published today in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, researchers found high fluorine levels—indicating the probable presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—in “most waterproof mascara, liquid lipsticks, and foundations tested.” 
 
Some of the products with the highest fluorine levels underwent further analysis and were all confirmed to contain at least four PFAS of concern. The majority of products with high fluorine, including those confirmed to have PFAS, had no PFAS listed on the label, according to the researchers.

Graham Peaslee, professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, is the senior author of the study. 

The research team screened 231 cosmetic products purchased in the US and Canada for fluorine. More than three-quarters of waterproof mascara, nearly two-thirds of foundations and liquid lipsticks, and more than half of eye and lip products had high fluorine concentrations, according to the study. 

All 29 products selected for targeted analysis contained detectable levels of at least four specific PFAS. This included PFAS that break down into other PFAS that are known to be highly toxic and environmentally harmful, said the researchers. Fluorotelomer methacrylates were also detected, indicating the breakdown of side-chain fluoropolymers.

Many of the products with PFAS were advertised as “wear-resistant” or “long-lasting.” Importantly, most PFAS were not disclosed on the ingredient labels, said the researchers. 
 
“PFAS are not necessary for makeup. Given their large potential for harm, I believe they should not be used in any personal care products,” said Arlene Blum, a co-author and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. “It’s past time to get the entire class of PFAS out of cosmetics and keep these harmful chemicals out of our bodies.”

Today, US Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Richard Blumenthal (CT) and others will be introducing the “No PFAS in Cosmetics Act.” Representative of Debbie Dingell (MI) plans to introduce the same bill in the House.  A press conference about the bill is scheduled later today. This story will be updated to provide coverage of the event.