Uncovered: The dangers of long-wear makeup products

Posted by Joy Kakabeeke on

When you think of makeup, you likely envision beauty, confidence, and self-expression—not toxic chemicals that linger in your body and the environment for decades. But unfortunately, many traditional makeup brands use harmful substances known as "forever chemicals" that can quietly compromise your health over time.

At Clean Beauty by Joy, we believe beauty should never come at the cost of your well-being. Let’s dive into what these chemicals are, why they’re dangerous, and how our products offer a clean, conscious alternative.


💀 What Are Forever Chemicals?

“Forever chemicals” is a nickname for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—a class of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the body or the environment. They are water- and oil-resistant, which is why they’re often used in:

  • Waterproof mascara

  • Long-wear foundations

  • Liquid lipsticks

  • Traditional primers and setting sprays

These ingredients help makeup stay put longer—but at a cost.


🧪 Common Forever Chemicals in Traditional Makeup

PFAS go by many names on ingredient labels, making them hard to spot. Here are a few red flags:

  • PTFE (Teflon)

  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

  • Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)

  • Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)

  • Fluoropolymers or any ingredient containing "fluoro" or "perfluoro"

A recent study by the Environmental Working Group found that more than half of tested makeup products contained PFAS—even those not listed on the label.


🧬 Health Risks: What the Research Shows

Short-Term Effects

Even small, frequent exposure to forever chemicals can cause:

  • Skin irritation and allergic reactions

  • Hormonal disruption (yes—these chemicals can mimic or block estrogen!)

  • Eye redness and sensitivity

Long-Term Effects

The real danger lies in chronic, low-level exposure, which has been linked to:

  • Hormone imbalance and thyroid dysfunction

  • Increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers

  • Infertility and pregnancy complications

  • Immune system suppression

  • Elevated cholesterol and liver toxicity

The worst part? These chemicals can accumulate in your body for years, and their damage is often done silently.


🌱 Clean Beauty by Joy: Safe, Effective, and Toxin-Free

We created Clean Beauty by Joy for women who want high-performance makeup without compromising their health or values. Our products are:

100% free from PFAS and other forever chemicals
Vegan, cruelty-free, and organically formulated
Safe for sensitive skin and hormone-conscious women
Faithfully aligned with clean living and holistic wellness

We meticulously source every ingredient, so you never have to second-guess what you're putting on your skin. Whether it’s our Flawless Finish Liquid Foundation, Ultra Lush Lashes Mascara, or The One Organic Lipstick, you can trust that our formulas are pure, powerful, and safe.


🙌 Make the Clean Switch

Forever chemicals may be invisible, but their impact is very real. Choosing nontoxic beauty is not just a trend—it’s a necessary shift for your health, your hormones, and the planet.

✨ With Clean Beauty by Joy, you’re not just wearing makeup—you’re honoring your body.


Ready to ditch the toxins and glow naturally?
Browse our PFAS-free collection here and experience the joy of clean beauty.

 

Resources

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2021/06/study-toxic-forever-chemicals-widespread-across-many-cosmetics

https://www.ewg.org/areas-focus/toxic-chemicals/pfas-chemicals

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-cosmetics

https://www.alexanderchemical.com/blog/2024/08/12/pfas-102-pfas-health-risks-impacts-and-safety-measures/

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