Is it safe to use cosmetics sold through international online marketplaces?
Not reliably. International cosmetics often contain PFAS not allowed in US products.
What's actually in it
Foundations, eyeliners, lipsticks, and mascaras sold on international marketplaces (Wish, AliExpress, DHgate) often skip the ingredient regulations that apply to US retail. Products commonly contain PFAS (used for water-resistance and spreadability), heavy metals from pigments, and banned preservatives. There's no way to tell by looking, and packaging sometimes copies legitimate brand names.
Makeup sits on the face, in the eye area, and on the lips, which are absorption-friendly tissues.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Environ Pollut ran target and nontarget analysis combined with machine learning to screen PFAS in Chinese cosmetics sold domestically and internationally. A high percentage of products contained PFAS, including several compounds banned in the EU and US. The health risks were flagged for regular users, especially with waterproof and long-wear products.
Buy cosmetics from regulated retail (Sephora, Ulta, drugstores, direct-from-brand websites). Look for "PFAS-free" on the label, verified through third-party certifications like Credo Beauty's Clean Standard. Avoid any product promising "lasts all day" or "waterproof" unless the brand specifies the technology used. For lipstick especially, ingredients touch the mouth and get swallowed over time: choose brands with clean ingredient reporting.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Integrating target, nontarget analysis with machine learning to illuminate PFAS characteristics and health risks in Chinese cosmetics. | Environ Pollut | 2026 |
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