SUNJIN NEWSLETTER
Global Regulations on ‘Forever Chemicals’ PFAS in Cosmetics
By Shin, Hanbyul
Translated By Ko, Eunyoung
March 2025, NO.9
Hi, how are you?
In this issue, we will explore the global regulatory trends on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “Forever Chemicals”, which have been increasingly restricted worldwide in recent years.
PFAS are synthetic organofluorine compounds known for their strong resistance to water, oil, chemicals, and heat. Due to these properties, they are widely used in food packaging, coatings, detergents, and cosmetics. In particular, PFAS are found in cosmetic products that require high durability and wear resistance.
Because of their extremely stable chemical structure, PFAS do not break down easily in nature. As a result, they contribute to environmental pollution and bioaccumulation issues. Due to these concerns, there has been a surge in customer inquiries and requests for statements regarding PFAS worldwide.
On February 20th, the French National Assembly passed a bill banning the use of PFAS in cosmetics. Starting in 2026, the manufacture and sale of all cosmetics containing PFAS will be restricted in France. While some PFAS are already regulated as prohibited ingredients in cosmetics in countries such as Korea, the United States, and across Europe, both the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are conducting additional safety assessments. As a result, broader regulations on PFAS are expected to be introduced after 2026.
At Sunjin Beauty Science, we are strengthening our monitoring of products with a high likelihood of PFAS contamination. Additionally, we issue PFAS-Free statements upon customer request. We are committed to thorough management, from raw materials to manufacturing and packaging processes, to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the supply of PFAS-free products.
If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
Areum Jeong / Regional Sales Manager
E-mail : sales1@sunjinbs.com
