Characteristic and health risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from cosmetics via dermal exposure

In this work, 45 cosmetic samples were collected from China, and 27 target per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. PFAS were found in all samples, including the products marketed for pregnant women, and the total concen-trations of PFAS measured in each sample were in the range of 4.05 - 94.9 ng/g. Short-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids were the dominant compounds contributing to over 60% of the total content. Perfluorobutanoic acid, with high placental transfer efficiency, was the major PFAS in cosmetics for pregnant women. Three emerging PFAS, 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid, 3-perfluoropentyl propanoic acid (5:3) and perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic acid, were also identified in the cosmetic samples at quantifiable levels. Significantly, posi-tive correlations between individual PFAS were observed, indicating that there may be a common source for PFAS in these samples. Statistical analyses suggested that using plastic containers and precursor substances may be potential sources of PFAS in terminal products, and product aging may increase PFAS levels. From the PFAS analysis of the cosmetics, the margin of safety (MoS) and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated to assess human health risks through dermal exposure by using these products. Although the MoS and HQ values obtained were deemed acceptable, the cumulative effect caused by composite and long-term exposure to these contaminants needs to be given greater attention by health authorities.

Automated summary

In this study, cosmetic samples from China were analyzed for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS were found in all samples, including cosmetics marketed for pregnant women. Short-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids were the dominant compounds, and perfluorobutanoic acid was the major PFAS in cosmetics for pregnant women. Three emerging PFAS were also identified in quantifiable levels. The study suggested that plastic containers and precursor substances may be sources of PFAS in cosmetics, and aging of products may increase PFAS levels. Although the health risks from dermal exposure were deemed acceptable, the cumulative effect of long-term exposure needs greater attention.