Author: Lesley Tehe
Published: 25th April 2025
Contact: L.tehe-2022@hull.ac.uk
We all love wearing makeup, whether we’re male or female. It makes us look stunning, super-star-like, and attractive. But are we really understanding what goes on our faces? Why do our faces break out after a magnificent full beat?
I know…it’s frustrating having to pull out skincare and accumulate a special formula to get rid of those invading pimples. In this blog, I will be providing tips and advice on safe makeup brands and PFAS apps that won’t have you looking like one of the “ugly stepsisters” after 24 hours. Stay tuned! You have probably read the title and thought, “What are forever chemicals, and how are they forever harmful?”. Well, I have just the answer.
The synthetic compounds polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exist in waterproof clothes and nonstick cookware, among other products. The chemical compounds show persistence in nature as well as human bodies, which earns them the name “forever chemicals.” Research proves that PFAS exposures create potential harm to the immune system as well as disturb hormone levels and promote cancer development. A study done by Dr Oddný Ragnarsdóttir from the University of Birmingham showed “Of the 17 PFAS tested, the team found 15 substances showed substantial dermal absorption – at least 5% of the exposure dose. At the exposure doses examined, absorption into the bloodstream of the most regulated PFAS (perfluoro octanoic acid (PFOA)) was 13.5% with a further 38% of the applied dose retained within the skin for potential longer-term uptake into the circulation.”(University of Birmingham,2024.) From this, it can be concluded how toxic and dangerous PFAS can be to human skin.
Now you’re all caught up, time to discuss brands you should be aware of and brands you should consider. Got to help my friends!
Urban Decay- L’Oréal
We all know L’Oréal…you know, the brand that we see whilst waiting for our favourite TV show to start. But interrupted by a pretty lady on the screen promoting their brand? Yh them. Well, Urban Decay is a L’Oréal brand which contains the cunning everlasting chemicals known as PFAS, according to studies. The attractive advertisement might show flawless skin, but it doesn’t indicate any potential health risks that could exist. You deserve to be protected against the sacrifice of beauty!. However, it seems L’Oréal is aiming to change its products by making them PFAS free, as the owner of the brand informed the BBC, “ they were phasing out the chemicals”.
MAC Studio
MAC, famously used amongst makeup enthusiasts, has made it to the list of brands to avoid. Yes…I know, we love them and the full coverage foundations and concealers, but I shall not digress from my topic. But here’s the catch- a study was conducted on one of their products, ‘MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara in black’, by Marketplace. Another test found their ‘MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NC5, which had the same outcome. The company had told Marketplace, “They don’t intentionally add PFAS as an ingredient to any of their makeup.”
There are a variety of brands that use forever chemicals, which you, as a consumer, may not be aware of, and it could be your favourite brand that’s comfortably waiting to be used. Luckily, there are apps available, such as Clearya and Shop Dirty, that allow consumers such as yourself to identify products that use PFAS. These apps utilise AI-powered consumer tools to identify ingredients such as perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane and perfluorononyl dimethicone, which are commonly used in makeup products.
Tracking back to Clearya and how it can benefit you when shopping, the app “checks if the listed ingredients may be identified as toxicants under different names. In addition to flagging products based on their ingredient lists”. Clearya also comes as a browsing extension, which can be linked to websites such as Sephora, Amazon, etc. How easy is that? An app that saves your skin.
Wait… yes. There is a way to identify PFAS without technology. Here are 3 simple steps to follow:
- I know it’s boring to do so, but read the ingredients list and try to locate Teflon, Polyfluoroalkyl, Perfluoroalkyl, etc.
- Avoid products that claim to be waterproof. Now that’s a red flag!
- Research. Most companies provide information on their website.
Enough about the negatives. Let’s move on to products that are PFAS-free and pretty affordable. The products listed below are inclusive for all skin types and colours, whilst promoting sustainability and being animal cruelty-free. Oh! And they are also full coverage, so no need to stress about having a patchy base.
Pretty Without The Poison: 4 Cosmetic Brands That Are PFAS Free
You are all probably thinking, “Thank God the boring part is over”. Well, I’m hoping a little thing or two was learnt, if so, here is what you were all anticipating.
E.L.F Cosmetics: (Not the movie, the brand)
E.l.f. Cosmetics is an American owned brand, acknowledged for its affordability and commitment to producing sustainable and safe products. They avoid harmful chemicals and are against animal cruelty.
Halo Glow Liquid
- Product: 15 shades
- Price Range: £15/ €17.60/$19.91
- Locations: Superdrug, Sephora, Boots
Kosas Cosmetics
Kosas, an American cosmetics brand with similar aspirations to e.l.f. , was founded in 2015 by Sheena Yaitanes. The purpose of the products is to promote clean makeup and ensure it is comfortable to wear, emulating the ‘soft, skin care’ feeling.
Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
- Product: 36 shades
- Price Range: £40/ €46.94/$53.09
- Locations: Kosas website, Sephora, Cult Beauty
Rare Beauty Cosmetics
Owned by the famous singer and actress Selena Gomez, the brand came to light in 2020.
Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
- Product: 48 shades
- Price Range: £22.60/ €26.54/$30
- Locations: Rare Beauty website, Sephora
Merit Beauty
Founded in 2019, Merit Beauty has been recognised for its ‘clean makeup’ and sustainability.
The Minimalist
- Product: 48 shades
- Price Range: £34/ €39.90/$45.13
- Locations: Merit Beauty website, Sephora
From this blog, I hope we all learnt something. There are always alternatives to your favourite brands which can be affordable or a bit out of your price range, but it’s better to purchase a product which won’t affect your health in the long run, right?.
Remember, you can always be pretty without the poison.
Oh yes…how can I forget, here’s a quick 3-minute video you can watch. If you have the time, of course. I advise you to make time!
For more information on PFAS, visit:
https://britishbeautycouncil.com/pfas-in-make-up-what-are-they/