January in review: PFAS and talc safety, CES beauty tech takeover, EU–India FTA

This month in industry news, the US FDA’s long-awaited report on PFAS in cosmetics concluded that there was insufficient data for it to assess safety. Also, in government safety assessments, the UK issued a lung-toxicity warning for talc but stopped short of labeling it a carcinogen, a stance at odds with that of EU scientific advisors. 

Cosmetic companies experienced financial ups and downs as Estée Lauder reportedly considered selling Smashbox, Too Faced, and Dr. Jart+, and Saks Global filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

Meanwhile, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, beauty tools had a big moment, becoming a main feature of the show. In another innovation, Osmo and the Institute for In Vitro Sciences introduced an AI model that eliminates the need for animal testing in skin irritation assessments.

Lastly, the historic “mother of all deals,” EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to reduce tariffs on cosmetics.

US FDA unable to determine PFAS safety in cosmetics due to lack of data

The US FDA determined that there is insufficient data to assess the safety of most PFAS chemicals used in cosmetics. The awaited congressionally mandated report, under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022, resulted in no federal measures to regulate PFAS in cosmetics. In contrast, states such as Maine and Washington moved ahead independently with their own bans on PFAS in cosmetics. Washington’s Department of Ecology told us it placed bans to protect consumer safety.

How Europe’s regulatory framework propels sustainable cosmetics

Europe has emerged as one of the most sustainable and strategically important regions for manufacturing cosmetics, underpinned by its stringent regulations and safety standards. We spoke with the founder and CEO of Nisha Manufacturing about how imposing strict rules fuels manufacturers’ commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction. She explained that the high amount of banned substances in the EU forces manufacturers to design products holistically, considering sourcing, toxicology, performance, and lifecycle at the formulation stage. 

Estée Lauder reportedly mulls sale of Smashbox, Too Faced and Dr. Jart+

Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) was reported to be considering selling Smashbox, Too Faced, and Dr. Jart+ as a package deal. The combined price was estimated in the low nine figures (US$100 million to US$199.99 million). The three brJessica Arnaly from Balchem shares the company’s latest clinical findings on methylsulfonylmethane for skin care applications. ands, acquired during ELC’s expansion in the 2010s, have faced underperforming sales. The potential move reflected broader struggles in ELC’s makeup and skin care segments. 

Beauty tech takeover at CES 2026: AI and smart skin care proliferate

At the CES 2026, cosmetics companies unveiled AI, connected devices, and skin diagnostics. The show is widely regarded as “the world’s biggest tech event.” This year, global cosmetics companies showed novel beauty technologies and consumer devices. The solutions were made in partnership with electronics and research leaders, underscoring the increasing importance of digital tools in beauty innovation. 

Drunk Elephant goes back to basics with latest campaign

Drunk Elephant shifted away from trend-driven marketing to reestablish its original skin-first positioning, centred on simplicity, biocompatibility, and scientific reliability. Over the last few years, a combination of the brand’s playful packaging and its TikTok trend status made it increasingly popular with younger consumer bases. But through its Please Enjoy Responsibly campaign, the brand promoted minimalist formulas to reconnect with its original consumer base. 

Why Africa-beauty’s global rise will not follow the K-beauty playbook

African beauty brands are gaining global attention, but industry voices say the rise of A-beauty will not follow the highly polished, trend-driven path of K-beauty. Instead, its global potential lies in formulas that prioritize performance and are rooted in heritage, climate realities, and regional diversity. Standard Beauty, Africana Skincare, and Natura Africa told us the continent’s rich biodiversity aligns with global clean and performance-led beauty trends, but structural, regulatory, and scaling challenges continue to slow international expansion.

Saks Global bankruptcy: Retailer owes millions to top beauty brands

Saks Global filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leaving several major beauty and luxury groups owed millions. Chanel, Kering, Estée Lauder Companies, Beiersdorf, Puig, LVMH, and Europerfumes were named in as companies due money. The filing underscored mounting pressure on traditional department stores as shifting consumer behavior accelerates luxury brands’ move toward direct-to-consumer models.

AI ends animal testing? Researchers create “most accurate” skin irritation prediction model

Osmo and the Institute for In Vitro Sciences introduced an AI model that removes the need for animal testing in skin irritation assessments. We spoke with the partners about how their research enhances the safety of cosmetic chemicals. Osmo called the new technology the “most accurate skin irritation prediction model to date.” The study used AI to evaluate the skin-irritation potential of over 3,000 chemicals, using validated non-animal testing methods. The results generated safety data that would have required up to 19,134 rabbits under traditional approaches.IFF and Chemist Confessions explore why osmolytes remain under the radar, despite their proven effectiveness. 

UK and EU split on cosmetic talc cancer risk as contamination clouds evidence

UK regulators issued a lung toxicity warning for talc but stopped short of labeling it a carcinogen, citing insufficient evidence. The decision contrasted with EU scientific advisors, who have recommended classifying talc as a Category 1B carcinogen based on links to ovarian cancer and animal tumor data. 

What does the historic EU–India trade agreement mean for cosmetics?

The EU–India FTA is set to reduce tariffs on cosmetics, stimulate trade between the regions, and help India develop as a key hub for the global beauty industry. With the FTA expected to double EU exports to India by 2032, the deal is poised to boost the sector, backed by strong support from the French personal care trade union FEBEA. The current 22% tariff on cosmetics will be mostly removed after five or seven years.