France to Ban ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Cosmetics Under New Environmental Bill

THE WHAT? French lawmakers are poised to pass legislation prohibiting the manufacture and sale of products containing perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), including cosmetics. If approved, the law would come into force on January 1, 2026, placing France at the forefront of PFAS restrictions in the European Union.

THE DETAILS

• PFAS, often called ‘forever chemicals,’ are notorious for their persistence in water, soil, and the human body.
• The bill specifies a ban on cosmetics, ski waxes, and various textiles with PFAS content, while allowing certain industrial uses deemed essential.
• Kitchen utensils, initially included in the proposal, were excluded in the revised version.
• A separate measure introduces a tax on manufacturers responsible for PFAS emissions, adhering to the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
• The legislation was refined by France’s Senate in May and is expected to pass with minimal changes.

THE WHY? PFAS-based ingredients are widely used for their water-resistant and non-stick properties in personal care, textiles, and other consumer goods. Mounting evidence and concerns over their potential health and environmental impacts have prompted French authorities to take proactive steps, possibly signaling tighter EU-wide regulations to come.

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