Is PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) safe in cosmetics?
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: restricted.
MODERATE
Cosmetic Ingredient
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Also known as: Algloflon, Algoflon, Fluon, Teflon, Tetran), Alkathene rxdg33, Balfon 7000, Ftorlon F-4MB (+14 more)
INCI: PTFE
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) (CAS 9002-84-0) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Bulking Agent, Slip Modifier, Skin Conditioning, Binding Agent. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
Function
Bulking Agent, Slip Modifier, Skin Conditioning, Binding Agent
Editorial assessment
MODERATE
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
restricted
US Notes
CIR Panel concluded PTFE is safe in cosmetics in present practices of use and concentration ; FDA has not specifically restricted it
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene).
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
19, Sup 7
Evaluation Year
1987
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Anti-adhesive/cohesive
Corrosion inhibitor
Filler
Flame retardant
Hardener
Lubricating agent
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Surface modifier
Viscosity modifier
Waterproofing agent
Regulatory List Membership (1)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Known Synonyms
Algloflon
Algoflon, Fluon, Teflon, Tetran)
Alkathene rxdg33
Balfon 7000
Ftorlon F-4MB
Ftoroplast F-4
Ftoroplast F 4MB
Polifen
Polyflon D1
Polyflon M12
Polyflon M12A
Polyflon M21
Polytetrafluoroethylene resin
Tetrafluoroethylene polymers
Velflon
Zitex K 223-122
Politefo
Politefum
UNII-E1NC1JVS3O
Chemical Function
Filler
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Lubricating agent
Viscosity modifier
Regulatory Lists
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
consumer_product; Europe
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
Europe; Personal care - make-up and related
consumer_product; Europe
Europe; Personal care - make-up and related
Europe; Personal care - general moisturizing - hand/body lotion; Personal care - make-up and related; Personal care - shaving and hair removal - shaving cream; Personal care - sunscreen
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) allowed in the EU?
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) do in cosmetics?
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) functions as: Bulking Agent, Slip Modifier, Skin Conditioning, Binding Agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9002-84-0.
Compliance Tools
Check PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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