RISKY MAKE-UP?

The safety assessment required for cosmetic products ensures that these substances are not expected to lead to any negative health effects. PFAS do not break down in the environment, which is why certain PFAS which are harmful to health, as well as their precursors, are banned in the EU. A study conducted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHAshort forEuropean Chemicals Agency) found no banned PFAS on the ingredient lists of 96 % of the assessed cosmetic products. Almost all non-compliant products contained perfluorononyl dimethicone, a polymer which is unlikely to be absorbed through the skin due to the large size of its molecules. However, it can release PFAS into the environment which may be harmful to human health.