PFAS Testing for Cosmetic Products
PFAS testing determines the presence of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds; Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts sulfonyl fluoride (PFOS-F) and PFOS-related compounds; Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds in cosmetic formulation.
What are PFAS and why are they used?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals valued for their ability to repel oil and water. In cosmetics, they’re often found in foundations, mascaras, lipsticks, and skincare products. Their inclusion helps improve product performance, but at a cost: PFAS do not break down easily and can persist in the human body and environment for years.
Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including hormonal disruption, immune system suppression, liver damage and increased cancer risk. From a sustainability perspective, PFAS contribute to long-term environmental pollution, contaminating water sources and ecosystems.
To stay ahead, cosmetic brands need to proactively assess their product formulations and supply chains. SGS offers comprehensive cosmetic PFAS testing and screening services, helping companies identify and eliminate PFAS from their products. This aligns with growing consumer demand for clean, sustainable beauty.
More information on PFAS restrictions and related regulations:
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Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Instrument 2022 - Schedule 7 |
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Substance class |
Scope |
Requirement for presence as UTC* |
Effective date |
|
PFHxS and its salts |
Substances, mixtures and articles |
≤ 0.025 mg/kg |
July 1, 2025 |
|
PFHxS-related compounds |
≤ 1 mg/kg (individually and sum) |
July 1, 2025 |
|
|
PFOA and its salts |
Substances, mixtures and articles |
≤ 0.025 mg/kg |
July 1, 2025 |
|
PFOA-related compounds |
≤ 1 mg/kg (individually and sum) |
July 1, 2025 |
|
|
PFOS, its salts and PFOS-F |
Substances, mixtures and articles |
≤ 0.025 mg/kg |
July 1, 2025 |
|
PFOS-related compounds |
≤ 1 mg/kg (individually and sum) |
July 1, 2025 |
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*unintentional trace contamination
New Zealand
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Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020 HSR002552 (consolidated and effective 1 January 2026) |
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Table 2, Schedule 4: Additional components cosmetic products must not contain in New Zealand |
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Ref. No. |
Substance |
CAS No. |
|
2 |
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that meet the following definition: any substance that contains at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3-) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom (without any H/Cl/Br/I attached to it). A substance that only contains the following structural elements is excluded from the definition: CF3-X or X-CF2-X', where X = -OR or -NRR' and X' = methyl (-CH3), methylene (-CH2-), an aromatic group, a carbonyl group (-C(O)-), -OR'', -SR'' or -NR''R'''; and where R/R'/R''/R''' is a hydrogen (-H), methyl (-CH3), methylene (-CH2-), an aromatic group, or a carbonyl group (-C(O)-). |
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Sample Size:
10 Grams
Turnaround Time (Working Days):
7 Days (Regular Service)
