The Quest to Purge Cosmetics of Cancer-Causing ‘Forever Chemicals’
The global market for cosmetics—makeup, skincare, perfumes, deodorants, hair products, shampoos, conditioners and more—continues to boom, growing 16.2 percent in 2022 from 2021, according to a report by Statista. But as we buy more of these products, we risk increasing our exposure to so-called “forever chemicals”—Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—that have been linked to a plethora of different diseases, including cancer, hormonal disruptions, weakened immune systems, and reproductive issues. A 2021 study led by researchers at Notre Dame ran tests on 231 cosmetic products, and found PFAS in nearly half of them.
The presence of dangerous chemicals in consumer products isn’t exactly news, but “forever chemicals” live up to their nickname. “PFAS are called ‘forever chemicals’ for a reason,” Brian Moore, a dermatologist based in Cleveland and an adviser for supplements company Illuminate Labs, told The Daily Beast. “They take extremely long to naturally degrade, and for that reason can damage natural ecosystems and can even affect non-consumers exposed through environmental contamination.”
Studies have shown that forever chemicals can linger in human blood for decades, and researchers at Stockholm University found that, in rainwater from around the globe, levels of one particular PFAS “greatly exceed” the advisory levels for drinking water in the U.S.. The implications of this finding are unsettling, suggesting that the water in our ecosystem is already contaminated with PFAS, in our soil, crops, livestock, wildlife and drinking water sources.