France enacts “forever chemicals” ban to pave way for cleaner cosmetics

France’s ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics has come into effect. Starting January 1, 2026, the production, import, and sale of any product — including cosmetics — that does not have an alternative to PFAS is prohibited in the country. 

However, on 30 December 2025, France announced that PFAS-containing products manufactured before January 1 may continue to be placed on the market or exported for up to twelve months thereafter. 

The nation passed the ban in February 2025. It is the second European country, after Denmark, to adopt comprehensive national regulations restricting PFAS.

The European Union has expressed the possibility of banning the use of PFAS in consumer products, but has yet to present or implement a regulation.

Multiple European environmental and health organizations previously wrote a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging her to act against “the worst pollution crisis in human history.” 

“Given the weight of evidence against PFAS and the fact that alternatives exist, it’s imperative for top officials in Brussels and other countries to stop ‘kicking the can down the road.’ We need sweeping restrictions on PFAS for consumer and industrial uses now,” Hélène Duguy, a ClientEarth legal expert, previously told Personal Care Insights.

PFAS presence pushes policies

PFAS are used in cosmetics to smooth the skin and hair or influence product consistency and texture. However, consumers and regulators are demonstrating increasing concerns about the substance’s safety for people and the planet. 

PFAS have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” as they take a long time to break down in the environment. They have wound up in soil and groundwater, thereby polluting the food chain and drinking water systems. 

France has banned “forever chemicals” in cosmetics to protect environmental and human health. The chemicals have been found in people’s blood and brains. They have been linked to several health issues, including increased cholesterol, liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system suppression. Some studies suggest an association between PFAS and kidney and testicular cancers, as well as developmental and reproductive problems such as lower birth weight and pregnancy-induced hypertension. 

In response to the mounting data on PFAS’ persistence in the environment and adverse impacts on human health, regulators globally have taken action to protect consumers from the chemicals — such as bans in cosmetics. 

There are thousands of PFAS, with some banned since 2019 under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. However, China and the US are not among the over 150 signatories.

The US FDA recently released its congressionally mandated report, which did not reach a definitive safety determination for PFAS in cosmetic products. The government agency cited “significant uncertainty” due to data gaps.

However, in the absence of action at the federal level, states such as California, Washington, and Maine have enacted their own laws to ban PFAS in personal care products.