The industry has been working its way on drifting away from the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic product formulations. Cosmetics and personal care products companies are driving innovation to produce formulations aimed towards delivering high-performance and high-quality products keeping in mind the diverse consumer base for these products.

A 2021 study revealed that the detected fluorine levels in cosmetics could be a case of trace amounts derived from materials naturally occurring in the environment or resulting from the manufacturing process. This naturally occurring or unintentional presence of trace materials is recognized by the FDA and they offer guidance on the allowable levels. FDA plans to review such compounds and assures to publish a complete report on PFAs in cosmetics by Dec 29, 2025 as required under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA).