French Ban on “Forever Chemicals” in Cosmetics, Clothes Enters into Force

A French ban on the production and sale of cosmetics and most clothing containing polluting and health-threatening “forever chemicals” has entered into force, France 24 reported.

The French law, approved by lawmakers in February, bans from January 2026 the production, import, or sale of products for which alternatives to PFAS already exist. (Photo: Mrs accurate Wikimedia Commons) 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals used since the late 1940s to mass-produce non-stick, waterproof, and stain-resistant treatments that coat products ranging from frying pans to umbrellas, carpets, and dental floss.

Because PFAS take an extremely long time to break down — earning them their “forever” nickname — they have seeped into soil and groundwater and from there into the food chain and drinking water.

The chemicals have been detected almost everywhere on Earth, from the summit of Mount Everest to inside human blood and brains.

Chronic exposure to even low levels of PFAS has been linked to liver damage, high cholesterol, reduced immune responses, low birth weights, and several types of cancer.

The French law, approved by lawmakers in February, bans from January 2026 the production, import, or sale of products for which alternatives to PFAS already exist.

These include cosmetics, ski wax, and most clothing containing the chemicals, except certain “essential” industrial textiles. A proposed ban on non-stick cookware was removed from the draft law after intense lobbying from the owners of French manufacturer Tefal.