A study conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that the number of beauty and skincare products contains Teflon, the brand name of a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE and/or other chemicals known as per - and polyfluorlkyl substances, known as PFAS chemicals.
What is the PFOA and PFOS Chemical?
PFOA and its close chemical cousin PFOS were phased out under pressure from the EPA after revelations that secret internal company studies showed they cause cancer and birth defects in lab animals, buildup in people's bodies, and did not break down in the environment.
PFAS is Persistent
PFAS chemicals pollute water, are persistent in the environment and remain in the body for years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluorinated chemicals contaminate the bodies of nearly all Americans.
Why is PFAS in our Beauty Products?
PFAS chemical is an ingredient that repels water. Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners, for example, are common makeup items that may use PFAS chemicals. These chemicals through skin are not expected to be a significant route of exposure but these chemicals shouldn't be in cosmetics.
- PFAS INGREDIENTS:
- PTFE (Teflon)
- Perfluorononyl Dimethicone
- Perfluorodecalin
- C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate
- Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate
- Perfluorohexane
- Pentafluoropropane
- Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy Difluoroethyl Peg Phosphate
- Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy Peg-2 Phosphate
- Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether
- Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone
- Perfluorodimethylcyclohexane
- Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene
Below we share examples of products that have the chemicals in the ingredients:

C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate
Clinique Makeup
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Perfluorononyl Dimethicone Brow Master Gel |
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Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether, Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether Beauty Pro Detoxifying bubbling cleansing mask |
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Perfluorodecalinbliss triple oxygen day cream |
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PFAS: Perfluorohexane, Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, Perfluorodecalin, Perfluorodimethylcyclohexane Ex-glow-sion moisture Cream |
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PFAS: Methyl perfluoroisobutyl ether, Methyl perfluorobutyl ether
Fabulips Foaming Lip Cleanser
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PTFE
e.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzing Powder
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PTFE
e.l.f. Cosmetics Finishing Powder
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PTFE
e.l.f. Cosmetics Contouring Clay Eyeshadow
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PTFE
Gillette Satin Care Ultra Sensitive women's Shave Gel
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Perfluorononyl Dimethicone
Healing Strength, Neem plant silk serum
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