No way! But you could be doing it every day without realising. New research from the Environmental Working Group has found Teflon and other similar chemicals in nearly 200 personal care products, ranging from shampoo to shaving cream to sunscreen. These chemicals have been linked to serious health risks, but cosmetics companies are still putting them in the cosmetics we put on our skin every day. Europe has banned or restricted more than 1,000. We have to stay safe from Teflon and other harmful chemicals in our personal care products.
Teflon, or PTFE, is part of a questionable family of chemicals called PFASs that includes PFOA. PFAS chemicals are virtually indestructible and can cause serious health harms like cancer and birth defects. While PFOA has been phased out since these serious health risks were revealed, Teflon and other similar chemicals are still widely used – and new research is revealing that PFOA replacement chemicals may not be any safer. Out of the 200 products containing PFAS chemicals, 61 contain Teflon, including cosmetics like foundation, mascara, and even sunscreen. In cosmetics, Teflon may be contaminated with more dangerous PFAS chemicals that have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and infertility. Risky chemicals like these have no place in our personal care products!