FOREVER CHEMICALS
Striving for a PFAS-Free Future
Not to get all scientific on y’all, but PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water and grease-resistant properties, which are actually pretty alarming as they are known for their persistent ability to remain in nature — and the body — for years, decades, potentially forever. Across the country, states are banning chemicals from consumer products, and some companies are promising to phase out the use of the compounds as certain PFAS have been associated with serious health effects, including infertility, high blood pressure, and some cancers. Ahead we look at where else they show up and the steps being taken to minimize our exposure.
DICKS SPORTING GOODS
Last month, Dick’s Sporting Goods announced that it had added PFAS to its restricted substance list, banning them from the production of its own brand textile products as In the apparel and footwear supply chain. This action was part of a major update to its Restricted Substance List (RSL) created in March.
LIQUID DEATH
In a large-scale analysis of PFAS, researchers found that approximately 45% of the nation's drinking water may be contaminated with PFAS. Liquid Death, launched in 2019 and instantly became a Cassandra favorite, with its edgy party aesthetic with an eco-conscious "death to plastic" motto. With its unique tall boy beer can design and skull branding that holds Austrian spring water, Liquid Death continues to deliver a masters class on how to use humor and absurdity to enter a flooded market and truly stand out.
AXIOLOGY BEAUTY
Amid familiar beauty ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol, concerns have arisen about "forever chemicals" in cosmetics. Axiology Beauty responds to Gen Zs preference for transparency and clean elements, emphasizing PFAS-free makeup. Founder Ericka Rodriguez started the brand from her kitchen, crafting a clean, vegan, cruelty-free lipstick with only ten ingredients. Transparency is central to the brand, with hyperlinked ingredient descriptions, derivation details, and reasons for their use provided for customers.