In a new PFAS research study, scientists at the University of Notre Dame have detected PFAS in many of the most commonly used cosmetics, including the highest levels in mascara, lipstick, and foundation. The study, Flourinated Compounds in North American Cosmetics, published by the American Chemical Study in June, found that more than half (52%) of all cosmetics tested contained had high fluorine concentrations.

Fluorine screening was performed by particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy to determine which samples would receive targeted analysis for PFAS compounds. Following fluorine screening, a total of 29 cosmetic products were selected for targeted PFAS analysis. All 29 of the cosmetic products that received targeted analysis contained PFAS at detectable levels, with each product containing at least four PFAS compounds. A total of 60 PFAS compounds were analyzed by LC-MS-MS and 15 by GC-MS.

The goal of the study was to determine the occurrence of PFAS in cosmetics in the United States and Canada. A total of 231 cosmetics were evaluated as part of the study, which we’re purchased from cosmetics retailers in Michigan, Indiana, and Ontario. Cosmetics included lip products, eye products, foundations, concealers, face products, eyebrow products, and other miscellaneous cosmetics.

Merit Laboratories is a leading national PFAS environmental laboratory, analyzing drinking water, soil, wastewater, groundwater, and other sample matrices, including biosolids and sludge. Analytical methods performed by Merit for PFAS include drinking water by EPA 533, EPA 537.1, and EPA 537 rev. 1.1, biosolids by ASTM D7968-17 with Isotopic Dilution, and soil, wastewater, groundwater, and surface water by ASTM D7979-19 with Isotopic Dilution and ASTM D7968-17.