Lawsuit Investigation: Does Physicians Formula Contain Toxic PFAS?
Last Updated on January 24, 2023
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates and take a look at our open investigations here. The information on this page is for reference only.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Consumers who purchased certain Physicians Formula makeup products.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have reason to suspect some of the brand’s mascara, bronzer, contour and brow gel products may contain toxic “forever” chemicals known as PFAS despite their “clean” and “natural” marketing. It’s being investigated whether a class action lawsuit could be filed for possible false and misleading advertising.
- What Are PFAS?
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been linked to various environmental and health concerns, including reproductive problems and cancer.
- How Could a Class Action Help?
- A class action lawsuit could help people get back some of the money they spent on the products and possibly force the manufacturer to change how the makeup is made or advertised.
Attorneys are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed against the maker of Physicians Formula over possible false advertising.
They have reason to suspect that some of the products sold under the brand – which are advertised as “natural” and “clean” — may contain PFAS, a group of manufactured chemicals that have been linked to various health and environmental problems.
Attorneys believe that a brand that claims to “embrace the ‘good’ by using safe ingredients” and “expel the ‘bad’” by leaving out “harmful and questionable” ones should not be including toxic PFAS in its makeup – and has possibly misled buyers about how safe its products really are.
Which Physicians Formula Products Are Under Investigation?
The attorneys have reason to suspect that the following Physicians Formula products may contain toxic PFAS chemicals:
- Bronze Booster Highlight & Contour Palette
- Killer Curves Mascara
- Eye Booster Lash Contortionist Mascara
- Killer Curves Voluptuous Curling Mascara
- Brow Last Longwearing Brow Gel
- Sexy Booster Cat Eye Collection Mascara
- Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Airbrushing Bronzing Veil Deluxe Edition
What Are PFAS and Why Would They Be in My Makeup?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are known to resist breaking down in the environment and can build up over time in soil, water, fish, wildlife and even people.
Because of their ability to resist water, oil and stains, PFAS have been used to make everything from car seats and clothing to fast-food packaging. They’ve also been widely used in cosmetics – including lotions, foundation, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara – to make the wearer’s skin appear smoother and shiny or improve the product’s consistency and texture.
Concerns have been raised about the presence of PFAS in certain cosmetic products that are applied near a person’s eyes or mouth because there’s a greater risk that the chemicals will be absorbed or ingested – and potentially cause health problems.
Health Effects of PFAS
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can lead to the following health concerns:
- Reproductive problems, such as decreased fertility or increased blood pressure in pregnant women
- Developmental effects in children
- Increased risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancer
- Reduced ability to fight infection and reduced vaccine response
- Hormone interference
- Increased cholesterol or risk of obesity
The EPA has also warned that pregnant or breastfeeding mothers who are exposed to PFAS can pass on the toxic substances to their children.
In light of these concerns, attorneys believe that consumers may have been misled by Physicians Formula’s emphasis on its use of non-toxic, organic and safe ingredients when some of its products potentially contain PFAS.
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