Forever Chemicals: Michelle Hure, MD, Discusses Clinical Concerns About PFAS in Dermatology

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” may be flying under the radar for many patients, so it is dermatology clinicians' responsibility to educate them, according to dermatologist and dermatopathologist Michelle Hure, MD, MS, FCAP, FAAD. Hure spoke at DERM 2025 NP/PA CME Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada about the dangers associated with PFAS in cosmetics and skin care.

In an interview with Dermatology Times, Hure discussed the presentation and her passion to increase awareness of the potential risks associated with these agents, especially since it is a relatively new threat. “PFAS weren’t even on the radar” just a few years ago, she said, yet new evidence is bringing them into sharper clinical focus.

"Basically, we now know that it is actually a big deal. We've had a new study coming out just this last year that did show that there was quite a bit of dermal uptake that we didn't think was a thing in the past," Hure explained.

Hure noted that PFAS can be found in personal care products, especially waterproof or long-wear items because they improve cosmetic durability and feel. But that benefit may come with a cost. “It does have a wide range of issues that it can cause, everything from psoriasis, to maybe at least contribute to atopic dermatitis, and of course, skin cancer,” she said.

Although higher exposure risk is clear for certain professions, such as firefighters, everyday consumers may also be affected. “If they’re doing the waterproof and the smudge proof and all of these glass skin sort of things, more than likely you're going to have something like that in one of these ingredients in there. And it may not be listed," she added.

Because PFAS may not always be listed on product labels, Hure encouraged clinicians to help patients investigate possible irritants, especially since these agents can worsen current skin disorders.

Hure has reviewed cosmetics and skin care with patients, and helped to remove some items. "They've actually had a huge improvement," she said.

Her goal is not to encourage fear-mongering, but to help patients make more mindful choices.
"I'm not saying to like get rid of everything, right?" she said. "If you have the choice between the long wear foundation or the smudge proof lipstick, maybe it's worth it to just reapply."

Reference

1. Hure M. Surfing the Toxic Stew: Forever Chemicals and Microplastics in Dermatology. Presented at the DERM 2025 NP/PA CME Conference; July 23-26, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada.