On 20 February 2025, the French National Assembly definitively adopted the law aimed at reducing the use of PFASs because of their persistence in the environment. From 1 January 2026, the manufacture, import, export and marketing of certain products containing PFASs will be prohibited.

PFAS – Quesako ?

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as eternal pollutants because of their persistence in the environment..

PFAS: France bans their use in cosmetics from 2026

This ban will apply from a threshold, to be defined by an implementing decree.

Cosmetics are among the products targeted, even though the sector is one of the lowest users of PFAS, according to the ECHA report of March 2023. An OECD study from 2024 indicates that only 1.1% to 1.4% of cosmetic products still contain PFAS ingredients. These substances are intentionally introduced mainly in make-up (mascara, nail varnish, foundation, etc.). However, their unintentional presence in trace amounts can be identified as a result of packaging, certain manufacturing processes or water.

This law also provides for the introduction of a charge on discharges of PFAS into water, obliging manufacturers responsible for pollution to make a financial contribution of €100/100g to clean-up efforts. In addition, increased health checks will be carried out to detect the presence of PFAS in water.

This bill must be notified to the European Commission before publication, which should take place, in the absence of a veto, within 2 months of notification.

Conclusion

PFAS are eternal pollutants.

These chemical substances, omnipresent in our daily lives and virtually indestructible, have been singled out for their harmful effects on human beings. The European Union is launching initiatives to better regulate or even ban them. Little by little, governments are adopting this approach, with France having already defined its stages.

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