PFAS in Hair Products: Understanding PFAS Contamination

Have you experienced thyroid issues, reduced immune function, or cancer — without knowing what caused it? It could be your hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner, or hairspray. ⁽¹⁾

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals, sometimes called “forever chemicals.” They have been widely used in consumer products since the 1940s. ⁽²⁾ Science has shown that common everyday products containing forever chemicals — like PFAS in hair products — can cause hair loss, rashes, and even more serious harmful effects. ⁽³⁾

Most People Were Exposed to PFAS

PFAS break down slowly over time. With repeated exposure, PFAS build up in the bodies of people and animals, as well as in the environment. Scientific evidence now links repeated exposure to PFAS with significant adverse health effects. ⁽⁴⁾

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes, “most people in the United States have been exposed to some PFAS. Most known exposures are relatively low, but some can be high, particularly when people are exposed to a concentrated source over long periods of time.” ⁽⁵⁾

Unfortunately, PFAS have been found in all kinds of personal products — even cosmetics and hair care products. Every time you shower or bathe, the soaps and shampoos you use could be repeatedly exposing you to PFAS, increasing your risks of suffering health issues. ⁽⁶⁾

This blog highlights the dangers of PFAS in hair products and what legal recourse victims may have.

PFAS Contamination in Haircare Products

PFAS are often used in haircare products because they: ⁽⁷⁾

• Make the products long-lasting because they are resistant to water and sweat.
• Act as emulsifying agents helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients — giving them a smooth, silky texture.
• Improve spreadability — allowing for uniform, lightweight application to the skin.
• Add shine and gloss.

Hair care products most likely to contain PFAS include hair serums, leave-in conditioners, and styling sprays. ⁽⁸⁾

The same qualities that make PFAS useful in hair care products also makes them useful for cosmetics. Cosmetics such as foundations, concealers, blushes, highlighters, lipsticks, and mascaras can contain PFAS.

Concentration levels of PFAS ingredients found in cosmetics, hair care products, and personal items are of concern because of dermal absorption. These PFAS chemicals are soaked up through your skin and build up in your body over years. Many of these products are used on a daily basis, so you have repeated exposure over long periods of time. ⁽⁹⁾

Health Risks of PFAS in Hair Products

While scientists have tested many products for high PFAS levels, not all products or all the different kinds of PFAS have been tested. Specific PFAS health risks may also vary. Of the PFAS tested, these are some of the notable negative health effects: ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Increased risk of some cancers.
• Increased risk of thyroid disease.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Lowered response to vaccines.

Pregnant women and their unborn babies are especially vulnerable to PFAS exposure. Some of the risks for pregnancy and babies include: ⁽¹¹⁾

• Greater risk of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
• Low birth weights in infants.

It is not just PFAS in your hair care products that can make you seriously ill. Chemicals in hair relaxers can cause cancer. Also, talcum powder containing asbestos can cause cancer.

How to Protect Yourself from PFAS Contamination

One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from PFAS contamination is to read labels. Here are some of the important things to look for on labels: ⁽¹²⁾

• Choose products without PFAS ingredients — choose items that are labeled “PFAS-free.”
• Some of the ingredients to especially avoid are polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
• Avoid products with any ingredients with “fluoro” in the name. These ingredients contain some type of PFAS.
• Do not use products labeled “waterproof” or “water resistant” since PFAS levels in these products could be high.

Researchers Discover Lots of PFAS in Products

To illustrate just how crucial it is to read all of the labels on products and packaging, consider the results of a research study published by the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS notes numerous cosmetics available in the U.S. and Canada have been tested and found to have organofluorine compounds. ⁽¹³⁾

According to the research, fluorocarbons are PFAS and “Perfluorocarbons are organofluorine compounds.” ⁽¹⁴⁾

The ACS researchers also examined beauty products and “analyzed them for older types of PFAS.” The team found measurable levels of PFAS in all the samples tested, “but some of the detected compounds weren’t listed as ingredients in the products.” In fact, “the team identified that two foundations, labeled with terms similar to ‘water-proof,’ had high levels of total PFAS, one of which had thousands of parts per million (ppm).” ⁽¹⁵⁾

The research also brought to light emerging classes of PFAS in a subset of products being tested. For example, results showed that one “was found in 30% of the subset” of products. ⁽¹⁶⁾

Even more alarming, “During this analysis, they also found a variety of structurally diverse PFAS that didn’t appear to be related to the PFAS originally added to the products, which the researchers suggest could be the result of product ageing.” ⁽¹⁷⁾

Steps to Take if You Suspect PFAS Exposure from Hair Products

Here are some steps to take if you suspect you were exposed to PFAS in hair care products:

• Reread the product labels. Look up the ingredients, especially ones with “perfluoro,” “fluoro,” or “PTFE” in their names.
• Check to see if the product claims say “long-lasting” or “waterproof.”
• Discontinue use of these products.
• Choose products labeled “PFAS-free” as alternatives.
• Reduce overall PFAS exposure. Minimize your exposure — no matter the source.
• Contact a personal injury attorney to evaluate your legal options if your health was affected.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Supports Victims of PFAS Contamination

Scientific studies established that PFAS are in many hair care products. Over time, repeated exposure means PFAS can be absorbed through your skin, build up in your body, and make you sick.

Victims of PFAS contamination should seek legal advice to consider all of your options. Your attorney should be compassionate and have a history of success in PFAS litigations.

Weitz & Luxenberg has an entire team of empathetic and experienced PFAS litigators — and we have been representing clients for almost 40 years. Even better, we regularly win for them. For example, we won $54 million in a Michigan PFAS lawsuit against 3M and Wolverine.

If you suspect you have been exposed to PFAS through your hair care products, don’t wait. Contact W&L for a free consultation.

Call us at (917) LAWYERS or fill out the form on this page. One of our attorneys can respond quickly.