Does Waterproof Mascara Cause Cancer -

As more companies come under fire for the ingredients in their products, cosmetic companies are still facing the backlash. Many waterproof mascara companies are under fire for the PFAS discovered in their products and for not listing them on the ingredient list. This leads most people to wonder if waterproof mascara causes cancer. We’ve got all the details you need to know.

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The Ingredient List

Not all waterproof mascara causes cancer. Some companies have come under fire for not listing PFAS on the ingredient list. PFAS are known as forever chemicals because of how long they stay in your body and how long they take to eliminate.

These chemicals do increase your risk of developing cancer. So, the waterproof mascara with high levels of PFAS can cause cancer. However, some products don’t cause cancer. When answering does waterproof mascara cause cancer, you can’t lump all waterproof mascara into one category.

The 2021 Revelation

This began in 2021 when a massive study revealed that most waterproof mascaras have high levels of PFAS. You can check out the study here. The study reviewed several makeup products, including mascara, foundation, and more.

The conclusion revealed that long-wear products typically contained higher levels of PFAS than other products, with the foundation having the highest levels of any product. However, plenty of fluorine, a chemical linked to PFAS, was also present in waterproof mascara.

Waterproof Mascara Lawsuits

The discovery of PFAS in mascara led to several lawsuits against companies for failing to clearly label mascara as containing PFAS. Summer Davenport filed the first lawsuit against L’Oreal Cosmetics in California. She claimed she would not have bought the mascara had she known about the PFAS, and the company made misleading statements about their products.

Testing performed by an independent laboratory discovered the presence of PFAS in various L’Oreal products, despite the company’s claims that they were safe. This led to most people wondering does waterproof mascara cause cancer, and investigations followed.

The BBC Investigation

After these initial lawsuits, more lawsuits and investigations began as people sought to find the answer to does waterproof mascara cause cancer. Makeup enthusiasts began destashing their makeup stashes to send makeup with PFAS to a local chemist instead of a landfill.

Investigations began uncovering brands everywhere using fluorinated ingredients that contain PFAS. One of the most notable investigations was the BBC investigation. Europe is known for offering cleaner products, but now, consumers and organizations call for a ban on PFAS.

Are PFAS Absorbed Through Skin?

While many cosmetics contain these cancer-causing chemicals, it is essential that they be absorbed into the body for this to be a concern. According to Harvard’s website, dermal exposure is not a concern. Then, we must consider other studies, which tell us that the epidermis absorbs 48% of PFAS. If PFAS can be absorbed through thick layers of skin, they can also make their way into your body via your eyelids and eyes.

The FDA Says It’s Fine

Despite research that indicates PFAS that cause cancer can make their way into your body via cosmetics, the FDA says that the low levels in specific products tested pose little risk to people. However, in that same article, the FDA states that more research is needed. Because of that, many people are still tossing their cosmetics to be on the safe side.

Lack Of Transparency On The Label

Cosmetic companies are notorious for omitting ingredients on the label or making them sound great. For example, you won’t find anything like “crushed beetles” on the label of lipstick. Instead, the ingredient list will say someing like “carmine” and the company will advertise “natural dyes” or “zero synthetic dyes used.” The goal is to encourage consumers to purchase the products, and no one wants to think about rubbing crushed beetles on their lips.

Companies can also get away with not listing ingredients they use for a scent. Instead, this will simply say “fragrance” on the label. Cosmetic brands don’t have to list what they use for their fragrance because it’s considered a trade secret.

The best way to avoid PFAs is to research companies and consider products that advertise they don’t have PFAs in them.

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