Today, Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Annie Kuster (D-NH), reintroduced the bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act, which would ban the use of harmful forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics. The legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of PFAS in cosmetic products within 270 days of the bill’s enactment.
“PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day, including cosmetics and personal care products. What’s worse is PFAS often aren’t disclosed on packaging and labels, meaning most Americans don’t even know they’re using them, or the dangers they pose,” Dingell said. “Studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a variety of health hazards, and we need a strong, bipartisan effort to address this crisis. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act takes important steps to protect consumers and prevent the continued proliferation of forever chemicals.”
"It is crucial that we ensure that toxic PFAS chemicals are not present in personal care products that are utilized by Americans daily," said Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional PFAS Task Force. "Our bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act will protect consumers from these harmful toxins that are proven to lead to dire health problems."
“American families deserve transparency and safeguards around the ingredients used in the cosmetic products they reach for every day – that includes dangerous chemicals like PFAS,” said Kuster. “From shampoo to makeup, consumers should know that the products they use are safe for them, their families, and our environment. I’m proud to support the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act to ensure Americans can trust that the cosmetic products they are using are safe and free of toxic PFAS chemicals.”
The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act is endorsed by more than 100 NGOs and businesses.
“Kudos to Reps. Dingell (D-MI), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Kuster (D-NH), for introducing the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act of 2023. This legislation is urgently needed to stop the sale of beauty and personal care products with PFAS chemicals, which are threatening the health and contaminating the drinking water of hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Janet Nudelman, Sr. Director of Program and Policy at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “Although five states have already enacted legislation to ban intentionally added PFAS from cosmetic products, federal legislation is needed to protect everyone regardless of where they live, shop, or work.”
A recent study from the Green Science Policy Institute found traces of PFAS in 56% of the 231 cosmetic products they tested. PFAS chemicals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic—and can be found in some level in nearly everyone’s bodies today. These chemicals have been linked to harmful human health effects, increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreases in infant birth weights, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Dingell has been a strong leader in the fight against PFAS and has championed policies to get PFAS out of drinking water and the environment and ban forever chemicals in products from food packaging to firefighter gear.
