PFAS, often called &quot;forever chemicals,&quot; are changing the cosmetics industry. With new regulations already in effect in France and broader European restrictions on the horizon, brands need to prepare. In this episode, we&#x27;ll explore what these changes mean for cosmetic formulations, testing, and regulatory compliance. Don&#x27;t miss this timely discussion on one of the beauty industry&#x27;s biggest challenges. Speakers: Franny Montador, Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Fragrance, Intertek Assuris Valentine Chauchat, Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Fragrance, Intertek Assuris Follow us on- Intertek&#x27;s Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

PFAS: The Great Zero-Fluorine Challenge in the Cosmetics Sector

Intertek's Assurance in Action Podcast Network

Hello everyone and welcome to this new episode of Assurance in Action. Today we are opening a technical and regulatory investigation topic that is shaking the global beauty industry in this year, 2026. We are going to talk about PFAS, those chemical compounds that the media often refer to as forever chemicals.

While PFAS impacts many sectors such as textiles, food packaging and even the medical field, our focus here is on cosmetics. They are used in cosmetics for skincare texture or long-wear makeup and these extremely resistant compounds accumulate in the environment and living organisms without ever degrading.

The regulatory response has been immediate. Regulation has been effective in France since January 1st, 2026 and PFAS are about to be banned by the European REACH regulation by the end of the year.

So how can this colossal challenge be addressed in terms of formulation, quality control and compliance? How are laboratories adapting to guarantee products that are both high performing and completely safe? Today we are joined by Franny, Regulatory Affairs Manager. Hello Franny.

Hi, Valentin, and hi to all our listeners. It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to shed some scientific light on these highly complex subjects, where chemical rigour must be combined with industrial agility.

Franny, let's start by laying down the scientific basics. Behind the acronym PFAS, we are talking about a huge family of compounds. What are they, chemically speaking, and why do we call them forever chemicals?

The term PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They belong to a vast family of synthetic chemical compounds comprising between 4,000 and 15,000 substances, characterized by an indestructible carbon-fluorane bond.

PFAS: The Great Zero-Fluorine Challenge in the Cosmetics Sector

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.

PFAS: The Great Zero-Fluorine Challenge in the Cosmetics Sector

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast, not the earnings call.

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.