Over 1,700 Cosmetics Contain ‘Forever Chemicals’, FDA Report Reveals
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has disclosed a report, as required by law, revealing the presence of 51 types of PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals”—in 1,744 cosmetic formulations across the United States. The report, released on December 29, 2025, confirms the widespread use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in various makeup and skincare products.
These synthetic chemicals, which do not break down naturally and tend to accumulate in the human body and the environment, are preferred by manufacturers for their ability to make products waterproof, increase durability, and improve texture. However, the FDA has confessed that it lacks adequate scientific evidence to determine the safety of these chemicals for consumers.
“While the findings confirm that PFAS are widely used in the beauty industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration admitted it lacks enough scientific evidence to determine if they are truly safe for consumers,” the report states. It further explains that these chemicals are sometimes intentionally added to beauty products, while in other instances, they appear as contaminants.
Source: U.S. News