PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in many consumer products – including cosmetics – for their water-, oil- and grease-resistant properties. They are often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and resistance to breakdown.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are under increasing regulatory and public scrutiny due to their potential health risks and environmental persistence. Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers, stabilizers and film-formers, PFAS may also appear unintentionally during manufacturing. With new global restrictions emerging, brands need clear insights into PFAS content across their product lines to protect both consumers and reputation.
We offer high-precision PFAS testing and screening services to help you identify, quantify and eliminate these substances from your cosmetic and personal care products. Our solutions support proactive compliance with tightening global regulations and help position your brand in line with clean beauty expectations.
Discover the benefits of our cosmetic PFAS testing
- Meet global regulatory requirementsWe help you detect and measure PFAS in line with evolving EU, US and international cosmetic safety frameworks.
- Support your clean beauty claimsDemonstrate PFAS-free formulations to consumers and retailers demanding safe, sustainable products.
- Tailor testing to your needsChoose from targeted testing or total fluorine screening depending on your product type and regulatory exposure.
- Enhance risk managementMinimize regulatory, reputational and supply chain risks by identifying PFAS at trace levels across raw materials and finished goods.
- Accelerate time to marketConfidently launch new or reformulated products with proven PFAS test data from a trusted global partner.
Global leaders in PFAS testing and regulatory insight
We are a global leader in PFAS analysis, with decades of experience supporting industries from environmental science to consumer goods. Our cosmetic-specific PFAS services combine regulatory insight with advanced laboratory capability – including LC-MS/MS and total fluorine testing via ion chromatography.
Operating globally, with dedicated experts across the US, EU, China and India, we offer scalable testing solutions for both localized compliance and international distribution. Our laboratories are equipped with high-resolution mass spectrometry and deliver accurate, reliable data tailored to your compliance and formulation needs.
FAQ
PFAS may be added intentionally to cosmetics such as foundation, mascara, lipstick and hair conditioners to improve texture, spreadability or wear. They can also appear unintentionally as impurities or byproducts from raw materials or manufacturing processes.
PFAS are persistent in the environment and can have adverse effects on human health. These include immune system suppression, hormonal disruption (e.g. thyroid and sex hormones), reduced fertility, developmental impacts, increased cancer risk and liver damage. Their widespread presence in consumer products, including cosmetics and personal care items, is driving growing regulatory and consumer scrutiny.
Yes – several countries and regions are introducing or tightening PFAS restrictions in cosmetics. For example:
- France is planning a ban on most PFAS in cosmetics from January 2026
- US states including California, Maryland, Colorado and Minnesota will ban cosmetics with intentionally added PFAS from 2025
- The EU is stepping up enforcement under REACH and POP regulations
We offer:
- Targeted PFAS testing using LC-MS/MS for individual regulated compounds
- Total fluorine screening using ion chromatography to detect all fluorinated content, including unknown PFAS
16th Floor, Block A, No.73 Fucheng Road, Century Yuhui Mansion,
Beijing, Haidian District,
China