Why don’t standard EPA/ASTM PFAS methods fit cosmetic products?

They were developed for environmental matrices such as drinking water or wastewater and are not validated for complex cosmetic formulations with pigments, waxes, silicones, and oils, which can impede extraction and detection.

Which PFAS classes commonly used in cosmetics are often missed?

PAPs, FTOHs, polymeric PFAS (e.g., PTFE), and fluorinated oils/ethers are typically outside standard method target lists.

What is the risk of relying on 'non-detect' results?

A 'non-detect' may reflect a narrow target list or poor recovery rather than true absence, creating brand, regulatory, and public health risks.

How does Total Fluorine (TF) screening help?

TF screening detects organofluorine broadly to flag potential PFAS presence; paired with cosmetics-relevant targeted methods, it provides a more defensible approach.

PFAS in Cosmetics: An Urgent Industry Alert

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An industry alert from ALS

The Hidden Threat: Why "PFAS-Free" cosmetics testing may be misleading

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