AreEU-widePFASrestrictionslooming?

Jun 28, 2026 - Cosmetics

AreEU-widePFASrestrictionslooming?

PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are a large group of chemical compounds found in many everyday products such as paper, cardboard, textiles, and also in cosmetics. They are highly resistant to heat and exhibit high stability, as the fluorine-carbon bond is one of the strongest bonds in chemistry. However, this high resistance or persistence also poses a major problem for consumers and the environment. The so-called forever chemicals remain in the environment for a very long time and are also absorbed and accumulated by humans.

In March of this year, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), specifically the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), published an opinion on the proposed EU-wide restriction of PFAS. This opinion states that PFAS, due to their accumulation ability, present an increasing risk and regulatory measures are indispensable. Additionally, the RAC noted that some PFAS compounds present additional risk potential ((eco)toxicity, mobility, bioaccumulation, contribution to global warming).

PFAS should be considered as substances without a threshold concentration for risk assessment as they present risks regardless of concentration. The proposed limit concentration of 25 µg/kg for individual compounds is supported from a regulatory perspective.

The SEAC (Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis) is currently considering the balance between the benefits of PFAS reduction on health and the environment versus the costs to the industry and the search for alternatives. SEAC supports extensive PFAS restrictions, including exemptions for certain uses. However, according to SEAC, there will be no exemptions for cosmetic products.

The European Commission will next propose corresponding restrictions, which are based on the assessments of both the RAC and the SEAC .

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