France Bans PFAS in Cosmetics and Consumer Textiles

French lawmakers are poised to pass legislation that would ban the production and sale of products containing perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), including cosmetics. If approved, the law would take effect on January 1, 2026, putting France at the vanguard of PFAS restrictions in the European Union.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” encompass more than 10,000 different chemicals, many of which are highly toxic and can accumulate and persist for a long time. The substances are suspected of causing liver damage as well as kidney and testicular cancer.

The new law bans the production, import, export and sale of cosmetics, clothing and shoes, but does not include protective clothing and shoes worn by security guards and firefighters, or non-stick pans and other cooking utensils. SAFE supports a full EU ban on the substances.

Another measure would tax manufacturers responsible for PFAS emissions, adhering to the “polluter pays” principle.

In May, the French Senate refined the bill, which is expected to pass with minor changes.

PFAS-based ingredients are widely used in personal care, textiles and other consumer products for their water-repellent and non-stick properties. Growing evidence and concerns about their potential health and environmental impacts have prompted French authorities to take proactive steps that could foreshadow stricter regulation across the European Union.