Major Consumer Products Shift Away From ‘Forever Chemicals’

France is phasing out the use of harmful “forever chemicals” in cosmetics and most clothing, cutting off a major source of long-lasting pollution and exposure starting January 2026.

“This law marks a decisive step to protect public health and the environment from substances that persist for decades,” said Agnès Pannier-Runacher, France’s Minister for Ecological Transition.

The new rules ban the production, import and sale of products containing PFAS where safer alternatives already exist, including cosmetics, ski wax and many textiles, while requiring regular nationwide testing of drinking water. PFAS, used since the mid-twentieth century for non-stick and waterproof properties, are known to accumulate in soil, water and the human body. France now joins a growing group of countries tightening controls on these chemicals, helping accelerate innovation in safer materials and setting a stronger benchmark for consumer protection.