Why is Minnesota Banning PFAS?

Imagine knowing that the cosmetics you use daily not only enhance your beauty but also prioritize your health and well-being. This is the vision Minnesota is championing with its recent ban on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in cosmetics—a significant step towards safer, more responsible beauty products for consumers everywhere.

Why is Minnesota Banning PFAS?

First things first, let's talk about PFAS. These synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals," are commonly used in a variety of consumer products, including cosmetics, due to their water and grease-resistant properties. PFAS have been linked to a range of health concerns, including hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and even cancer. Environmentally, PFAS are a concern because they: do not break down in the environment, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources, build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife. Recognizing the potential risks, Minnesota is taking proactive measures to protect consumers from possible harm. Most of these regulations are part of Amara’s Law, which takes effect in stages between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2032, when sales of products containing intentionally added PFAS will be prohibited in Minnesota, except for those determined to involve currently unavoidable uses of PFAS.

The Impact of Minnesota's PFAS Ban on Cosmetics

So, how will Minnesota's ban on PFAS affect your favorite cosmetic products? Well, for starters, everything from your everyday skincare essentials to your makeup must comply with the new regulations. For responsible suppliers committed to consumer safety, Minnesota's ban on PFAS poses both challenges and opportunities. While ensuring compliance with the new regulations requires reformulating products and possibly altering packaging or pricing, it also presents a chance to innovate and prioritize the health of consumers. This could mean changes to product formulas, packaging, or even pricing as manufacturers work to find safer alternatives to replace PFAS. While these transitions may require some adjustments on the part of both consumers and businesses, the end result will be a safer, healthier beauty landscape for all.

From investing in research and development to sourcing sustainable ingredients, Avari Beauty is committed to delivering products that meet the highest standards of safety and quality. We have already began implementing this law in our own product lines and those we work with. We are happy to announce that only 3 products we have retailed contained PFAS and they are in the midst of being phased out. We are excited to announce an upcoming new product soon that will replace a need for many lash growth serums that contain PFAS.

How to know if products contain PFAS?

Embracing Safer and Sustainable Beauty Products

With the ban on PFAS in cosmetics, consumers can feel empowered to make more informed choices about the products they use on their skin. From opting for clean, eco-friendly brands to scrutinizing ingredient labels more closely, there are plenty of ways to prioritize your health and well-being without sacrificing your beauty routine. 

As consumers, we have the power to demand safer, healthier beauty products and drive positive change within the industry. At Avari Beauty, we have long championed and aligned with sustainable and natural beauty brands. We believe in the importance of transparency, integrity, and ethical practices in the beauty industry. That's why we're committed to partnering with responsible suppliers who share our values and prioritize the health and well-being of people and Mother Earth. Together, we can create a more sustainable and ethical beauty landscape that benefits us all. Join us in our mission to demand safer, healthier beauty products and pave the way for a brighter, more responsible future in beauty.

To learn more about Minnesota's PFAS ban, please visit Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.