Is There Teflon in Your Cosmetics? Unpacking PFAS in Beauty Products

Explore how PFAS, including Teflon, end up in personal care products, their risks, and ways to choose safer cosmetics.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 27, 2025

Explore how PFAS, including Teflon, end up in personal care products, their risks, and ways to choose safer cosmetics.

When you think of Teflon, you might picture nonstick cookware or stain-resistant fabrics. Surprisingly, the same class of chemicals—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS—are also found in a wide array of everyday cosmetics. These man-made chemicals have been under growing scrutiny because of their persistence in the environment and potential health consequences.

Understanding PFAS: What Are They?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a family of over 9,000 chemicals notable for their water- and oil-repellent properties. Teflon, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is one of the most well-known PFAS. Their unique chemical structure—multiple fluorine atoms bound to carbon chains—makes them durable and highly resistant to heat, stains, and degradation.

Teflon (PTFE) is commonly used as a nonstick coating in cookware.
PFAS are used in an expanding range of consumer products: stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, carpets, dental floss, and personal care items.
The same qualities making PFAS useful—durability and resistance—also underlie their problematic nickname: “forever chemicals”. They do not break down easily in nature or in the body.

How PFAS End Up in Your Makeup Bag

Cosmetics and personal care products are now recognized as a significant source of PFAS in consumer life. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found PTFE (Teflon) and other PFAS in dozens of widely available personal care items, including:

Foundation and facial powders
Moisturizers and anti-aging creams
Eyeshadow and eyeliners
Bronzers, highlighters, blush, and brow liners
Sunscreens
Mascaras and other eye makeup
Men’s shaving cream
Lipsticks and lip gloss

A single analysis found 13 different PFAS across nearly 200 cosmetic products, drawn from 28 different brands. Teflon was detected in at least 66 products from 15 popular brands, many of which are marketed as high-quality or “natural.”

Why Are Companies Adding PFAS to Cosmetics?

PFAS are intentionally included in cosmetics for several reasons:

Waterproofing: PFAS give products long-lasting wear, resisting smudges from sweat, rain, or tears—especially in products like mascara and eyeliner.
Improved Spreadability: Their lubricating properties create “silky” or smooth applications, giving makeup a soft, blended finish.
Stabilization: PFAS act as emulsifiers and stabilizers, helping keep ingredients from separating and extending product shelf life.
Conditioning: Some PFAS function as skin and hair conditioning agents, contributing to the desired texture or gloss in lipsticks and creams.
Bulking Agents: They can add fullness and improve the feel of both powders and creams.

Health Concerns: What Are the Risks Associated With PFAS in Cosmetics?

Research into the health impacts of PFAS exposure is ongoing and increasingly urgent. Key concerns revolve around bioaccumulation (the tendency for PFAS to build up in human tissue over time) and their broad environmental persistence.

Absorption Rates: PFAS can be absorbed through the skin—especially when products are applied to thin, delicate areas like eyelids or lips.
Ingestion Risk: Lipsticks and lip glosses present a higher risk of ingestion, leading to increased internal exposure. Studies indicate that products applied close to the eyes result in higher absorption, due to the thinner skin in these regions.
Bioaccumulation: PFAS do not naturally degrade, meaning repeated exposure—via daily makeup routines—can contribute to a lifelong build-up of these chemicals in the body and environment.
Potential Health Impacts: Certain types of PFAS have been associated in studies with hormonal disruption, increased risk of cancer, immune system suppression, developmental issues, and lowered fertility. Some are believed to interfere with thyroid and liver function; others may elevate cholesterol or lead to adverse reproductive effects.

While direct causation is still being investigated, a growing body of work suggests minimizing cumulative exposure is a prudent strategy for consumers—especially given the “forever” nature of these chemicals.

Transparency Issues: Are Brands Disclosing PFAS?

Labeling practices in the cosmetics industry remain inconsistent. Advocacy organizations have uncovered that some brands do not fully disclose PFAS presence, whether due to lack of legal obligation or inadequate oversight. It is not uncommon for PFAS to be listed under technical or generic ingredient names, such as:

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl ether
Perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane
Perfluorononyl dimethicone
Perfluorodecalin

In other cases, PFAS may be impurities or byproducts not listed at all. This lack of full transparency complicates consumer efforts to avoid these substances.

Where in Your Routine Could You Be Exposed?

The repeated, direct application of PFAS-containing products to skin, lips, or eyelashes is a central driver of concern. According to a review commissioned by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), intentionally added PFAS have been found in:

Eye products (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow)
Lip products (lipstick, gloss, balm)
Foundation and powder
Face and body lotions
Brow gels and pencils
Hair care items
Nail polish
Sunscreens and “BB” or “CC” creams

Invisible exposure can also come from regular contact with residues left on bedding, towels, or the hands after touching treated skin.

Global Perspectives: Regulatory and Environmental Response

Global health and environmental agencies are increasingly warning about PFAS use:

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and several governments are considering wide-ranging bans or phase-outs of PFAS in consumer products, including cosmetics.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not regulated PFAS as a class in personal care products, but ongoing research and advocacy may lead to tighter controls.
Alternatives to PFAS in cosmetics—such as waxes, clays, natural oils, and silicones—are currently available and gaining popularity in cleaner beauty brands, though “PFAS-free” is not yet standard across the industry.

Table: Examples of PFAS Found in Cosmetics and Their Functions

PFAS Name	Common Product Types	Main Function in Cosmetics
PTFE (Teflon)	Mascara, Foundation, Powder, Eyeliner	Creates smooth application, waterproofing
Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane	Moisturizer, Foundation	Water and oil repellency, skin conditioning
Perfluorononyl Dimethicone	Lipstick, Creams, Lotions	Improves spreadability, gloss
Perfluorodecalin	Sunscreen, Anti-aging Cream	Increases absorption, enhances feel

Hidden Exposure: Unintentional PFAS in Makeup

PFAS enter cosmetics not only as deliberate ingredients but also as impurities—byproducts introduced during the production, transport, or storage of raw materials. Even in PFAS-free labeled skincare, trace contamination from packaging or equipment can occur, further complicating consumer avoidance.

Safer Choices: How to Minimize Exposure

Consumers and advocates are driving demand for PFAS-free beauty products, but it is still not always easy to avoid exposure. These steps can help:

Read Labels Carefully: Look for and avoid ingredients with “fluoro,” “perfluoro,” or “polyfluoro” in the name.
Use Product Databases: Resources such as EWG’s Skin Deep or CosmEthics can provide ingredient breakdowns and health risk ratings for thousands of products.
Seek Certifications: Third-party certifications for “clean” beauty or restricted substances can offer some assurance (though not all guarantee PFAS-free status).
Support Regulation: Advocating for stronger cosmetic ingredient transparency and PFAS bans supports system-wide change.
Contact Brands Directly: Ask manufacturers about PFAS content and their commitments to safe, sustainable ingredient sourcing.

What to Look For on Labels

PTFE
Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl ether
Perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane
Perfluorononyl dimethicone
Perfluorodecalin

These indicate likely presence of PFAS or Teflon derivatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are PFAS in cosmetics banned by law?

A: Most regions, including the US, do not currently ban PFAS as a class in cosmetics. The EU is advancing restrictions on PFAS in consumer goods, but many products remain on the market pending regulatory change.

Q: Does “waterproof” always mean a product contains PFAS?

A: Not always, but waterproof and long-wear claims are often achieved using PFAS chemicals—especially in mascara, foundation, and eyeliner. Check ingredient lists for “fluoro” or “perfluoro” compounds.

Q: Can PFAS in makeup be absorbed into the bloodstream?

A: Yes. Studies suggest higher absorption through thin skin (such as eyelids and lips) or accidental ingestion (as in lipsticks), leading to measurable internal exposure.

Q: How can I be sure my cosmetics are PFAS-free?

A: Look for brands that explicitly certify their products as PFAS-free and check third-party product databases. Labels alone may not always provide complete protection due to possible contamination or incomplete disclosure.

Q: What are good alternatives to PFAS in cosmetics?

A: Waxes, natural oils, mineral powders, and plant-based emulsifiers offer comparable performance for many product categories and are generally considered safer for both people and the environment.

Conclusion: Toward Cleaner, Safer Beauty

PFAS, including familiar names like Teflon, are common but often hidden additives in popular makeup and skincare. They perform useful functions—smoothing, waterproofing, conditioning—but come with significant and long-lasting health and ecological risks. As awareness grows, many cosmetic and personal care brands are beginning to phase out PFAS and develop safer alternatives. Reading labels, supporting regulatory reform, and seeking out PFAS-free products are the best ways consumers can reduce their risk and promote a more sustainable beauty industry.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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