PFAS

PFAS is a term describing a very large group of chemicals containing a carbon and fluorine atom linked together.  There are over 4500 PFAS chemicals and they have very diverse applications from advanced technological uses in renewable energy to consumer products such as textiles, carpet, leather and paper and in industrial products such as paint and fire-fighting foam. These substances do not easily degrade in nature.  As there are so many chemicals within the group, they all have very different environmental properties.  High concentrations of some PFAS chemicals in our environment can have an adverse effect on the environment and our health. That is why the use of PFAS is strictly limited at UK and European level.  

The cosmetics industry cares deeply about the safety of our consumers and the environment.  Suppliers and manufacturers of cosmetic ingredients and products carefuly consider the ingredients used in cosmetic products from both a human safety and environmental safety perspective.  PFAS chemicals are rarely found in cosmetic products but in limited cases they may be used to make cosmetics easier to apply or more water resistant, for example. However, the concentrations of PFAS that can be found in cosmetics are extremely low and must be safe.

CTPA is aware of the environmental concerns associated with PFAS. As a responsible industry, we welcome work currently underway at European level to restrict a number of PFAS substances to trace levels where these have been found to pose a risk of harm.

The UK cosmetics industry has been working with the UK Environment Agency for several years to help the Agency better understand sources and pathways of PFAS chemicals to the environment.  The cosmetics industry welcomes scientific investigations into PFAS chemicals because it is important that any new laws are based on the latest science and are proportionate - managing unacceptable risks, if these are found, whilst ensuring that the societal benefits of chemicals within this broad group are taken into account.