France bans PFAS in cosmetic products
Ingredients: PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

Date of publication: 27 february 2025

France approved groundbreaking legislation banning PFAS in cosmetics from January 2026, setting a precedent that could influence EU-wide regulation.

What’s new?

On 20 February 2025, the French National Assembly approved Law No. 2025-188, promulgated on 27 February, banning the production, import, and sale of consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS. The legislation, proposed by the Greens and supported by over 140,000 French citizens, represents the strictest PFAS action in EU territory.

PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are persistent synthetic substances used in cosmetics for their water-repelling properties and durability. France becomes the second EU country, after Denmark, to implement national bans ahead of EU-wide regulation expected by 2030.

PFAS will be banned in cosmetic products marketed in France from 1 January 2026.

What now?

Most impacted cosmetics include waterproof mascaras and eyeliners; long-lasting foundations and concealers; lipsticks and lip glosses; powders and primers.

Decrees are awaited to define the threshold of traces of PFAS allowed in finished products as well as to clarify whether a sell trough period will be granted or not for products placed on the market before Jan 1st 2026.

References

Legifrance, LOI n° 2025-188 du 27 février 2025 visant à protéger la population des risques liés aux substances perfluoroalkylées et polyfluoroalkylées

other REGULATORY UPDATES

French Anti-Waste Law – Impact in Cosmetics Packaging and Labelling

PACKAGING WASTE MANAGEMENT

Date of application: 01/01/2023, with a transition period until 09/03/2023 for packaging produced or imported before 09/09/2022.

The Loi relative à la lute contre le gaspillage et a l’économie circulaire (Anti-Waste for a circular economy) has come officially into force in France in 2020. From January 2023 the requirements of the law became mandatory, including specific symbols on the packaging or labelling of cosmetic products.

Read More »
Any REGULATORY QUESTION?

French Anti-Waste Law – Impact in Cosmetics Packaging and Labelling

PACKAGING WASTE MANAGEMENT

Date of application: 01/01/2023, with a transition period until 09/03/2023 for packaging produced or imported before 09/09/2022.

The Loi relative à la lute contre le gaspillage et a l’économie circulaire (Anti-Waste for a circular economy) has come officially into force in France in 2020. From January 2023 the requirements of the law became mandatory, including specific symbols on the packaging or labelling of cosmetic products.

Read More »

SCCS Final Opinion on the Safety of Triclocarban and Triclosan

Ingredients: TRICLOCARBAN and TRICLOSAN

Date of publication: 25/10/2022

During the plenary meeting on 24-25 October 2022, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) presented its final opinion on the safety of Triclocarban and Triclosan as substances with potential endocrine disrupting properties in cosmetic products.

Read More »

Italy and France – Environmental Labelling of Cosmetic Products

PACKAGING WASTE MANAGEMENT

Date of application:01/01/2023

Although the European Cosmetics Regulation is applicable to every cosmetic product made available in the European Union market, some national legislations may also apply. Environmental regulations in Italy and France specify mandatory labelling requirements applicable to packaged products marketed in these countries.

Read More »