Lipsticks

We don't product lipsticks - yet !

But we hope to do so in the future. For now we wish to inform our readers and give everyone a leg up on how to spot PFAS and how to best mitigate them from your skin care routine. The truth is your lips are the thinnest skin on your body and the most absorbent and so finding products that are tested is really going to be the key going forward. 

Key Studies and Their Findings

  1. 2021 University of Notre Dame Study (Most Cited)
    • Finding: Researchers tested 231 commonly used cosmetic products in the US and Canada.
    • Lip Products: Specifically, they tested 43 lip products.
    • Result for Lip Products: 82% (over 8 out of 10) of the lip products tested contained indicators of PFAS.
    • This is the study that garnered major headlines and brought widespread attention to the issue.
  3. 2023 study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters
    • Finding: This study tested 38 lip products from the US and Canada marketed as "long-lasting," "wear-resistant," or "waterproof."
    • Result: 88% of the tested products contained PFAS.
    • This study focused on the products most likely to contain these chemicals because PFAS are used for their durability and water-resistance.

Why the Number is So High

PFAS are used in lipsticks for specific performance properties:

  • Long-lasting/Wear-resistant: They form a durable film that doesn't wipe off easily.
  • Waterproof: They repel water and oils (like skin oils or saliva).
  • Smooth Application & Texture: They can improve spreadability and feel.
  • Conditioning: Some PFAS are used as conditioning agents.

The Big Problem: "Forever Chemicals"

PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment. The primary health concerns aren't necessarily from absorbing them through the skin (though that is a potential route), but from ingestion.

  • You lick your lips and slowly ingest the product throughout the day.
  • This internal exposure is a concern as studies link certain PFAS to a higher risk of cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, and reduced immune response.

Important Caveats and What This Means For You

  • Not All PFAS are the Same: There are thousands of PFAS compounds. The studies detected their presence, but not all may be equally harmful.
  • Intentional vs. Contamination: Sometimes PFAS are intentionally added. Other times, they are contaminants from the manufacturing process of other ingredients or the packaging.
  • Lack of Labeling: In the US and many other countries, companies are not required to list PFAS on the ingredient label. They can be hidden under terms like "PTFE" (Teflon), "perfluor," "polyfluor," or even be part of a trade-secret "fragrance."
  • "Organic" or "Natural" Doesn't Guarantee Safety: The Notre Dame study found PFAS in products marketed as "waterproof," "long-lasting," "wear-resistant," and even some labeled as "natural" or "organic."

How to Avoid PFAS in Lipstick

Since you can't rely on the label, here’s what you can do:

  1. Avoid Performance Claims: Be wary of lipsticks heavily advertised as "long-wearing," "24-hour," "waterproof," or "transfer-proof." OR EO tested - this test does not include some powerful PFAS so is not considered a good indicator.
  2. Ask if they are testing their packaging - particularly if they are being sold in plastic tube.
  3. Look for PFAS-Free Brands: A growing number of brands are now explicitly marketing themselves as "PFAS-free." A quick web search for "PFAS-free lipstick" will yield many results. Ask them if they test for organic fluorine as well
  4. Check listings with mamavation.com for organic fluorine tested products.
  5. Support Regulatory Change: This is a systemic issue. Advocating for stronger regulations that require full ingredient disclosure and ban PFAS in Based on the most relevant scientific studies, it is estimated that over 80% of lip products, particularly those with long-wearing claims, contain detectable levels of PFAS. 

Because they are often unlabeled, the best way to avoid them is to be a cautious consumer and seek out brands committed to transparency and safety.