PFAS meaning
Many people are looking for care products that promise hydration, protection and a youthful glow. However, it is crucial to know which harmful substances sneak into our routine unnoticed. One of these substances of concern is PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “perpetual chemicals.”
What is PFAS and what is it in?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in various household products because of their water, grease and dirt-repellent properties. You will find them in food packaging, non-stick cookware, cleaning products and therefore also in some cosmetics. Although their usefulness in everyday products is undeniable, these chemicals have a major disadvantage: they are toxic and remain in the environment and in our bodies for a very long time.
PFAS in body
It is disturbing but true: PFAS can enter our body through multiple routes ( source ). We absorb them through food and water, breathe them in through the air, and as new research shows, these chemicals can also penetrate our skin. Recent studies have confirmed that PFAS can penetrate our skin barrier and enter the bloodstream. This discovery is concerning because it reveals an additional route of exposure that was previously underestimated.
What does PFAS do to your body ?
Once in the body, PFAS can cause numerous health problems. Even at low levels, they are associated with suppression of the immune system, reduced effectiveness of vaccines and an increased risk of certain cancers. Other health problems include elevated cholesterol levels, reproductive and developmental problems, liver damage and lower birth weight.
Environmental impact PFAS
The presence of PFAS is not just a personal health problem; it is a global environmental problem. These chemicals do not break down naturally, earning them the nickname "eternal chemicals." They accumulate in the environment, especially in water sources, from industrial discharges and the disposal of PFAS-containing products. This widespread contamination means that they end up back into our bodies through the food chain.
PFAS research and skin absorption
In a major study, researchers tested 17 commonly used PFAS on 3D models of human skin. These models accurately mimic human skin, allowing scientists to observe absorption rates without using animal testing. They found that 15 of the 17 PFAS could be absorbed through the skin. One of the most regulated PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), was 13.5% absorbed into the bloodstream, with another 38% remaining in the skin, which can lead to long-term exposure.
The research showed that the absorption rate of PFAS varies with the length of their carbon chains. Shorter chains, which are often used as a replacement for longer ones such as PFOA, are more easily absorbed. For example, perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) was absorbed four times better than PFOA. This finding is crucial as the industry shifts to shorter-chain PFAS, assuming they are safer, when in fact they may have higher absorption rates.
What does this mean for us? These findings highlight the importance of understanding and limiting our exposure to PFAS, especially through our skin. Although some PFAS have been banned, many are still used and their full impact on health remains under investigation.
PFAS free cosmetics
As consumers, we can take steps to protect ourselves. Choose personal care products that are PFAS-free, stay informed about the ingredients in your skin care and cosmetics, and support regulations aimed at reducing the use of these harmful chemicals.
Conclusion PFAS in cosmetics
Our skin is our body's largest organ and a crucial barrier against environmental toxins. The revelation that PFAS can break this barrier highlights the need for greater awareness and proactive measures to limit exposure. By staying informed and making conscious choices, we can better protect our skin and overall health from the hidden dangers of these "forever chemicals."
Stay safe, stay informed, and take care of your skin—it's your body's first line of defense. How can you check whether there are PFAS in your products? Scan the ingredients list with a photo via the Think Dirty app .
