France has passed a law banning the use of ‘forever chemicals in cosmetics and clothing.

Forever chemicals, or perflu-oro-alkyl and poly-fluoro-alkyl substances (PFAS), are chemicals that do not break down in the natural environment and are suspected of causing liver damage as well as kidney and testicular cancer.

The law, which is to take effect at the beginning of 2026, bans the manufacture, import, export, and sale of cosmetic products, clothing and shoes containing PFAS.

The ban extends to wax products that contain Forever chemicals, but do not cover protective clothing and footwear such as that worn by security guards and firefighters.

The government plans to propose updated health standards regarding forever chemicals in drinking water within the next year.