Date: Jun 19, 2025
Let’s talk about something that’s quietly made its way into almost every Aussie’s bloodstream: PFAS, or as they’re more ominously known, forever chemicals.
These human-made substances are prized for their resistance to water, oil, grease and stains, which is why they’ve been used in everything from non-stick pans and mascara to firefighting foam and stain-proof fabrics since the 1940s.
The problem? They’re incredibly stubborn. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them nearly impossible to break down, which means they accumulate in the environment (and in us).
In fact, new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show just how widespread this exposure is, with 98.6% of Australians testing positive for PFAS in their blood.
Those aren’t trace exposures in remote hotspots – they’re widespread, everyday chemical residues showing up in nearly everyone, from teenagers to retirees.
What the Survey Found
As part of the 2022–24 National Health Measures Survey, blood samples from almost 7,000 Australians aged 12 and up were analysed for 11 common PFAS compounds.
Here’s what stood out:
- PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) was found in 98.6% of samples
- This PFAS compound has long been linked to firefighter exposure and health concerns. It also tends to increase with age, likely due to its tendency to build up over time.
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) was present in 96.1% of samples
- Recently classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organisation.
- PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) showed up in 88.1% of samples
These three were by far the most prevalent, but all 11 PFAS compounds were detected in varying amounts across the population.
The survey also uncovered patterns in how PFAS accumulate:
- Older Australians had higher PFOS levels, reinforcing concerns about long-term exposure
- Men tended to have higher concentrations, possibly because women eliminate PFAS more readily through menstruation and breastfeeding
- There were links between high PFOS levels and markers of chronic disease, including cholesterol, diabetes, and reduced kidney function
While this doesn’t mean PFAS is directly causing illness in every case, it’s a clear signal that these chemicals deserve attention, especially in consumer products used daily and directly on the skin.
Why This Matters for the Personal Care Industry
When most people think about PFAS exposure, they picture contaminated water or industrial sites, not their morning skincare routine.
But the truth is, PFAS are hiding in a surprising number of personal care products, including moisturisers, sunscreens, foundations, mascaras, and even medicated ointments.
These chemicals are often added to improve texture, spreadability, and water resistance – all useful features when you’re marketing a product that claims to last all day or hold up against sweat.
But what’s good for product performance isn’t always good for people.
Because PFAS don’t break down easily, small amounts absorbed through the skin every day can build up in the body over time.
And with this recent PFAS testing showing a staggering 98% of Australians already containing the deadly chemicals in their blood, the role of consumer products in this growing exposure picture is impossible to ignore.
For brands in the personal care space, this means two things:
- Regulators are watching. The latest update to the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standards has already outlined a ban on the deadly PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS chemicals by mid-2025.
- Consumers are catching on. Shoppers are becoming savvier about what’s in their skincare, and many are now actively avoiding products with PFAS.
In short? If you’re formulating, manufacturing, or importing personal care products, it’s time to know exactly what’s in them.
How Leeder Analytical Helps
At Leeder Analytical, we help personal care brands move beyond surface-level ingredient checks to truly understand their product profile through comprehensive PFAS analysis – even in complex or multi-phase formulations.
Using our advanced Orbitrap LC-MS technology, we can:
- Detect known PFAS compounds at extremely low concentrations
- Identify unknown or emerging PFAS variants that standard tests often miss
- Provide full PFAS profiling, helping you assess safety, make reformulation decisions, or validate ingredient claims
- Support regulatory submissions and compliance, including with upcoming national restrictions
Don’t Wait for Regulation to Catch Up
Brands that get ahead of regulatory changes won’t just stay compliant, they’ll build lasting consumer trust in an increasingly safety-conscious market.
Whether you’re developing a new SPF range, auditing raw material suppliers, or just need peace of mind before going to market, Leeder Analytical is here to help you stay ahead of both the science and the regulations.
Our team specialises in PFAS detection across a wide range of complex sample types – including cosmetics, skincare, and biological materials.
Ready to make your products PFAS-safe?
Call us: +61 3 9481 4167
Email: enquiries@leeder-analytical.com
