Is There PFAS in Your Makeup? What the FDA’s 2026 Cosmetics Report Means for You

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released a report examining per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products, according to a summary from law firm ArentFox Schiff published January 30, 2026. The report confirms what many consumer advocates have long suspected, some cosmetics contain PFAS as intentionally added ingredients, not just as accidental contamination.

If you've ever wondered whether your foundation, lip balm, or waterproof mascara contains "forever chemicals," this report is a good moment to get informed. Here's what the FDA found, why it matters, and what you can actually do about it.

What Did the FDA's Report Actually Say?

According to the FDA, PFAS are used in certain cosmetic formulations primarily because of their ability to create smooth textures, resist water, and provide long-lasting wear, properties prized in products like foundation, waterproof mascara, and lip products. The agency's report catalogs which types of PFAS have been identified in cosmetic ingredient lists and outlines the regulatory landscape the agency is navigating as it considers next steps, per ArentFox Schiff's summary of the findings.

Importantly, the report frames PFAS presence in cosmetics as an intentional formulation choice by some manufacturers, rather than purely an environmental contamination issue. That distinction matters for regulation, because intentionally added ingredients are generally easier for agencies to target through labeling or restriction than contaminants that arrive unintentionally through packaging or manufacturing processes.

Who Is Affected by This Finding?

Anyone who uses cosmetics regularly, which is to say, most American adults, is a potential consumer of PFAS-containing products, based on the categories the FDA identified. Certain product types are more likely candidates than others, including long-wear foundations, waterproof eye makeup, and some lip products, where PFAS can be used to enhance durability or water resistance.

It's worth noting that cosmetics are just one corner of a much larger PFAS landscape. PFAS Authority's own scoring of 11,218 products across many consumer categories found that 41% fail its PFAS and toxin screen, a reminder that these chemicals show up far beyond the makeup aisle. Some categories fare dramatically worse than cosmetics likely do, PFAS Authority's scoring found 100% of camping tents and tarps, rain jackets, cycling rain jackets, sleeping bags, and softshell jackets scored so far failed the screen, reflecting the outdoor industry's historical reliance on PFAS-based water repellents. It's important to understand that these scores are generated from publicly available ingredient lists, material disclosures, and certifications, not laboratory testing of the products themselves, so they reflect what brands disclose (or fail to disclose) rather than confirmed chemical measurements.

Why Does This Matter for Your Health?

PFAS have been associated in scientific studies with a range of health concerns, including effects on the immune system, cholesterol levels, and certain hormone functions, according to federal health agencies including the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. These are associations observed in population studies, not proof that any single product or exposure causes a specific health outcome. Cosmetics applied to skin, lips, or near the eyes represent a different exposure pathway than, say, PFAS in drinking water, and researchers are still working to understand how much absorption occurs through topical use.

Still, the FDA's willingness to formally document PFAS use in cosmetics signals growing regulatory attention. Several states, including California and Colorado, have already passed laws restricting intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics, and this federal report may add momentum to similar action at the national level.

What Should You Do Right Now?

You don't need to panic-toss your makeup bag, but a few practical steps can help you reduce unnecessary exposure.

• Check ingredient labels for PFAS indicators such as "fluoro," "perfluoro," or "PTFE" (polytetrafluoroethylene), which sometimes appear in long-wear or waterproof formulas.
• Look for brand transparency. Companies that publish PFAS-free claims or third-party certifications generally make it easier to verify what's in their products.
• Use a screening tool. You can search specific products using PFAS Authority's product finder to see how items score based on available disclosures.
• Understand how scoring works. Our methodology page explains exactly how we evaluate ingredients, materials, and certifications to generate a score, again, based on disclosed information rather than lab testing.

Beyond cosmetics, it's worth applying the same scrutiny to other product categories. Notably, several major brands, including Cuisinart, The North Face, MAC, Calphalon, T-fal, Nike, Columbia, and Adidas, currently disclose nothing about PFAS in their products, according to PFAS Authority's research, which makes it impossible for consumers to make an informed choice about those items either way.

Bottom Line

The FDA's report confirms that PFAS are intentionally used in some cosmetic products for performance reasons, and regulatory scrutiny is increasing. No cosmetic product can be flatly labeled "safe" or "unsafe" based on this report alone, but products with fuller ingredient transparency and third-party verification generally carry lower concern than those with vague or absent disclosures. As with much of the consumer goods market, informed label-reading and independent screening tools remain your best defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean all cosmetics contain PFAS?

No. The FDA's report identifies that some cosmetics, particularly certain long-wear, waterproof, or smoothing formulas, have used PFAS as intentional ingredients. It does not suggest that all cosmetic products contain these chemicals.

Can I tell if a product contains PFAS just by reading the label?

Sometimes. Ingredients containing "fluoro" or "PTFE" are indicators, but not all PFAS are obviously named, and disclosure requirements vary. Using a screening resource alongside label reading offers a more complete picture.

Is the FDA banning PFAS in cosmetics?

Not based on this report alone. The FDA's report documents findings and regulatory considerations; any formal restrictions would require further rulemaking, though several states have already enacted their own bans on intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics.