The EU restriction on PFHxA in cosmetics applied from Oct. 10, 2026. Cosmetics may no longer be placed on the market or used in the EU if they contain 25 ppb or more of PFHxA and its salts combined, or 1,000 ppb or more of PFHxA-related substances combined.
PFHxA is not intentionally added as a primary cosmetic ingredient but appears as an impurity or breakdown product of other intentionally added PFAS. PFHxA-related substances often carry "perfluorohexyl" in the ingredient name.
The limits stem from Regulation (EU) 2024/2462, adopted in September 2024, which added a REACH Annex XVII entry. Cosmetics companies were given a two-year transition period to reformulate.
The concentration limits apply to the formula itself, not the total product with packaging. The restriction does not apply to products placed on the EU market before Oct. 10, 2026.
The EC said alternatives to PFHxA are available and that socio-economic costs would be limited relative to health and environmental benefits. ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee previously concluded PFHxA is likely dermally absorbed.
