FDA: Most PFAS in Cosmetics Lack Adequate Safety Data

Key Takeaways

• A new FDA report looked at 25 frequently used perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics but found insufficient toxicological data to assess most compounds.

• Five PFAS posed low safety concerns, one raised potential safety flags, and the rest remain under-defined.

• The agency emphasized ongoing surveillance and support for national efforts to reduce PFAS exposure in consumer products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has released its first congressionally mandated report under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), assessing the use and safety of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products. 

According to an agency news release, PFAS is commonly added to cosmetic products for water resistance and durability,. The substance currently exists in 1,744 cosmetic formulations, according to mandatory product listings submitted to the agency. The agency evaluated the 25 most frequently used PFAS (which represents 96% of intentional PFAS use in cosmetics). The report concluded that safety determinations could not be made for most compounds due to limited or unavailable toxicological data. Just five PFAS were reported as presenting low safety concerns under intended conditions of use; one was flagged for potential safety concern, though with gaps in data limiting conclusions. 

“This report focuses on PFAS intentionally added as ingredients rather than as contaminants,” the FDA stated in a news release, noting that incomplete public toxicology data impeded comprehensive evaluation. "There are currently no federal regulations that specifically prohibit PFAS intentionally added to cosmetic products. However, consistent with FDA enforcement policies, the agency will take appropriate action if safety concerns emerge related to such cosmetic products."

Source: FDA press release, December 29, 2025.