Hey there crunchy mamas! You might remember an episode I did in the fall about the safety of non-stick cookware and how they contain PFAS. Well, today I want to share with you another crucial place you might find PFAS- your makeup. 

New Study Reveals Some Scary Stuff About Makeup. What You Need to Know.

But First, what are PFAS?

PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are toxic forever chemicals and they are used in Teflon, food packaging, clothing, carpeting, water and stain resistant things- a host of products. The reason why they are called forever chemicals is because they don't naturally break down and they have been found to accumulate within humans and they're just not good. They have been linked with...

• Cancer

• Birth defects

• Liver disease

• Thyroid disease

• Decreased immunity

• Hormone disruption 

….and a range of other major problems for our health.

A recent study article published in Environmental Science and Technology found high levels of organic fluorine which is an indicator of PFAS in makeup.

They had 231 makeup and personal care samples that included lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, concealer, lip balm, blush, nail polish and others. And of those 231 makeup and personal care samples, they found that over half of them had high levels of organic fluorine. Of the brands tested...

• 82% of waterproof mascaras

• 63% of foundations

• 62% liquid lipsticks 

...had high levels of PFAS, that build up and stay in your body!

Why does makeup have to contain PFAS?

Well, it really doesn’t. PFAS can help make products more waterproof and more easily spreadable, but about half the products tested overall did not contain PFAS. These are brand name products that people have been happily using, so really, PFAS aren’t necessary to make great cosmetics.

It’s not just bad for us, it’s bad for Mother Earth

I’ll say it again, these are FOREVER chemicals! They don’t break down, but they do move. Often they are found in the groundwater because of the stuff that's in our garbage or our clothing materials, which eventually end up in landfills. So they're mobile. They're moving from the products and the landfills and into the water system and back to us in so many different ways. They are known to be absorbed through the skin, tear ducts and can be ingested. I mean, lipstick goes on your lips so you have to assume some of that is ingested.

How can you watch out for PFAS in your cosmetics?

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. PFAS are not regulated and usually don’t have to be listed on the ingredients of a product. That’s why it’s sooo important to look into the companies you’re buying from and buy from people and companies you trust.

It’s why I love being a Crunchi advocate. I know their products are completely safe; that they are not using PFAS. But I think my favorite thing about Crunchi as a company is that they are trying to make all products safer by working with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. They’re currently working on endorsing a bill which will restrict the use of PFAS in cosmetics. So not only are they creating awesome products that are safe, that don't use PFAS, they're also doing their part to push forward regulation that is going to change the marketplace for everybody. 

I love makeup. Have since I was a teen at the Clinique counter. I really love helping people find products that make them feel beautiful and confident in their looks, and also confident in their health.

You can shop Crunchi through my link at https://www.detox.design/cleanbeauty and you can also just email me at megan@detox.design if you want to chat about the perfect makeup routine for you or your skincare troubles and what you need to start using healthier and safer skincare products that are going to give you a beautiful natural healthy glow.

Don’t put yourself last!

You’ve detoxed your home environment for your family, don’t forget to detox what goes on your skin. Remember, on average we use over 20 products each day! And much of the chemicals in those products are absorbed through the skin. Make sure your products are the safest possible.