Advertisements for makeup brands highlight an interesting feature of their products–of being “waterproof.” People may want waterproof makeup–either in humid climate or in cold and wet countries–so that they could have their makeup on all day. But what the cosmetic companies don’t tell you is that the “waterproof” makeup comes at a cost–your health and wellbeing.
Makeup products are known to contain Per Fluoro Alkyl and Poly Fluoro Alkyl Substances (PFAS), which are harmful for the environment and fatal for human beings. PFAS are man-made synthetic chemicals. Made of fluorine and carbon, they are extremely persistent and do not break down easily in the environment. Due to their persistent nature, they are referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS are heavily used in various industries–from food to makeup–mainly because of their ability to repel water and moisture.
PFAS in cosmetics pose a risk to human health through direct and indirect exposure. Moreover, they pose a risk to the health of the ecosystem throughout the lifecycle of these products. PFAS are used in cosmetics due to their properties–such as hydrophobicity and film-forming ability–which increase product wear, durability, and spreadability. Additional benefits include increased skin absorption of the product and improvements in the appearance or texture of the skin. Given their ability to enhance durability and water resistance of products, they are also used in making a wide range of things such as pizza boxes, non-stick cookware, paints, fire fighting foam and so on.
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