In recent years, the European Union is considering a proposal to ban per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals.

PFAS are a class of chemical compounds that are used to make products resist water, stains and heat. It is very common to see PFAS in lots of places, from clothes, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, nonstick cooking surfaces, to the insulation of electrical wire. In beauty industry, some PFAS also be used to impart water resistance and to increase the durability of cosmetic products.

We, Corum Inc., as a cosmetic ingredient maker, herewith confirm that all of our products are free of PFAS, since they are not part of the manufacturing process nor are intentionally added. Moreover, we are looking forward to seeing the restriction of PFAS can soon be adopted in order to make the world operating in a more sustainable way.

PFAS are not naturally exist, which leads to most serious problem that they cannot be degraded. This means they would end up into underground causing environment contamination for decades. Furthermore, studies have shown certain PFAS lead to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, hypertension, thyroid disease, low birth weight, and immunotoxicity in children.

(PFAS and cancer, a scoping review of the epidemiologic evidence. PMID: 33385391.)

Awareness about PFAS contamination has also grown in the U.S.. The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) stipulated that PFAS shall not be detected in packaging materials. Several states, including California and New York, have banned the use of PFAS in cosmetics, textiles, and food packaging. Maine in the United States has also made a legislative resolution to phase out PFAS from 2023, and it is expected to completely ban products containing PFAS in 2030.

Although setting up a robust restriction may take some time, some countries have taken the lead to advocate the process. Starting from January 2023, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden submitted a proposal to the ECHA to restrict PFAS. The next step is a review by ECHA’s scientific committees, i.e.: the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) whether the proposed restrictions will meet the legal requirements of REACH, in meetings in a six-month evaluation starting on March 22. Once the opinions are adopted, the decision is expected to enter into force in 2025, with the restriction becoming effective in 2026 or 2027.

To sum up, it’s time for all countries to think about it holistically and set a global standard for the use of PFAS.