You might have seen some recent news about PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals,” in everyday products, from cooking pans and clothing to skin care, hair care and make-up. These substances are making headlines because people are worried about their potential effects on our health and the environment.
At Green People, we care deeply about the wellbeing of people and planet. This is why we are a certified organic brand, which means that our products are made without PFAS.
In this post, we’ll tell you more about what PFAS are, how to identify PFAS in your beauty products and introduce some of our certified organic skin care which may help to reduce your exposure to PFAS.
At a glance:
- PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are man-made ingredients used in some cosmetics to add smoothness, water resistance and long-lasting wear
- They don’t break down easily and can build up in the environment and our bodies, raising concerns about long-term health effects
- PFAS often appear on ingredient lists as PTFE or words starting with “perfluoro”
- Products most likely to contain PFAS include waterproof make-up, long-wear foundations and certain anti-ageing skin care
- To reduce exposure, choose PFAS-free or certified organic products
- Green People skin care is made without PFAS. We use natural and certified organic ingredients and have strict supplier standards.
What are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are synthetic chemicals used because they’re resistant to grease and water. They’re sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in our bodies, and can accumulate over time.
In beauty products, PFAS are often used to create smooth textures, make-up that lasts all day or lotions that feel smooth on the skin. You can find them in everything from moisturisers to waterproof mascara.
While these chemicals can make products look and feel nice, there’s growing evidence linking PFAS exposure to potential health issues. Understanding what they are and how to avoid them is the first step toward a cleaner beauty routine.
How to reduce your PFAS exposure in skin care
In this guide we are only going to look at cosmetics and skin care products, but it is important you also examine your exposure to PFAS through your lifestyle and diet more widely, as cosmetics are only a very small part of the picture.
There are practical ways to limit your exposure to PFAS in skin care. Start by checking ingredient labels: PFAS often appear under names ending in -fluoro, -perfluoro, or as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
Waterproof cosmetics, long-wear foundations and certain anti-ageing skin care products are more likely to contain PFAS, so check the label on yours. You can then look at swapping these for PFAS-free skin care and make-up when possible.
Another simple way to reduce exposure is to choose brands with strong natural and organic credentials. Certifications like COSMOS and Organic Food Federation prohibit PFAS, so products carrying these labels give you peace of mind.
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Even small changes, like switching to a PFAS-free mascara or lotion, add up over time and help you reduce your overall exposure to these chemicals.
Certain PFAS, such as PFOA, have already been banned in the EU and legislation may well soon go further. The European Commission is consulting on a ban on around 10,000 PFAS chemicals. The UK government says it is looking to ban or restrict some chemicals, but hasn’t confirmed which or committed to a ban.[1]
How to identify PFAS in your skin care
Because PFAS often appear under technical names, identifying them can feel confusing at first.
Here are some common ingredients that are either a type of PFAS or a related substance, which you may see on skin care, make-up or beauty products in the UK:
- polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
- perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane
- perfluorononyl dimethicone
- perfluorodecalin
- perfluorohexane
- anything else starting in perfluoro-
You might see them listed as ingredients that create long-lasting effects in make-up or skin care products, for example:
- Long-wear foundations
- Waterproof mascaras
- Liquid lipsticks
- Smoothing primers
- Some anti-ageing lotions and creams
By choosing skin care from brands that are transparent about their ingredients and carry reputable certifications, you can help to reduce your exposure to PFAS.
Green People: organic skin care, made without PFAS
At Green People, your health and the wellbeing of the planet guide everything we do. This includes our commitment to formulating products without PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’.
The good news is that Green People products are all made without PFAS, as well as many allergens and ingredients that are harsh on skin. We also use natural, sustainable packaging where possible.
Our formulas adhere to organic standards. We are certified by Soil Association COSMOS and Organic Food Federation, which both prohibit fluorinated chemicals associated with PFAS. These certifications support our mission to provide clean and transparent beauty.
We never add PFAS to our products. However, it’s important to understand PFAS can exist in the wider environment. To minimise this risk, we work only with trusted suppliers, use ethically sourced ingredients, avoid all fluorinated ingredients and choose certified organic materials whenever possible.
Feeling confident in what you put on your skin matters. With Green People, you can trust that your skin, hair and body care is made with safe, considered ingredients chosen to respect both your skin and the environment.
Shop skin care made without PFAS
Whilst all of our products are made without PFAS, for those who want the gentlest possible routine, we recommend our scent-free products.
This completely unscented range offers calm, uncomplicated care. Made without fragrance or PFAS, and a focus on soothing, organic plant actives, they’re designed to help sensitive skin feel at ease.
Browse all scent-free skin care.
Shop shampoo and conditioner made without PFAS
Our scent-free products extend beyond skin care into hair and body care to help you look after your whole self.
These ultra-gentle formulations leave your scalp balanced and your hair naturally healthy, without any harsh chemicals or PFAS. Our scent-free hair care and body care is perfect for sensitive skin and scalps.
If you enjoy the sensory and hair benefits of essential oils, we also offer the same gentle formulations but enriched with scent.
Nourish and strengthen your hair with hair care formulas enriched with plant proteins for added shine, softness and strength.
Shop make-up made without PFAS
Looking for PFAS-free make-up? Enjoy a natural make-up routine that delivers the performance you need, without harsh or unwanted ingredients.
Shop sunscreen made without PFAS
We are famous for our skin-friendly sunscreens. Natural and organic, with safe, non-toxic UV filters and PFAS-free fornulations, Green People sun creams are the gentle choice for your skin.
Our bestseller, Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30, is particularly loved by those with sensitive skin or who may be prone to prickly heat (heat rash).
Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 200ml
Protect sensitive skin naturally with our best-selling SPF30 sun cream€41,95
Browse all organic sunscreens.
Do you have questions about PFAS-free skin care, or our organic certifications? Our friendly UK customer care team is happy to help with any questions about ingredients and can be contacted on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
REVIEWED BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to 'PFAS in Beauty.' Please do not use an affiliate link.
