Ingredient

Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate

Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is fetal development and hormone disruptor.

By Team TruvaLast checked

Verdict by profile

Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.

Strongest verdict
Not Recommended
Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
Profiles flagged
6 of 6
Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
Irritancy
2 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyAVOID

Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate and pregnancy

Not Recommended

This ingredient is a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance), a type of 'forever chemical' used as an emulsifier in cosmetics. PFAS compounds are highly persistent in the environment and human body, with long half-lives in blood serum. Research published by the NIH and CDC shows that PFAS compounds can cross the placenta and have been detected in umbilical cord blood. Studies link prenatal PFAS exposure to reduced birth weight, developmental delays, and immune system effects in children. While this specific PFAS variant lacks extensive study, the European Environment Agency notes that PFAS compounds share similar mechanisms of toxicity, including potential thyroid disruption and effects on fetal growth. ACOG recommends minimizing exposure to persistent organic pollutants during pregnancy. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed restricting PFAS in consumer products, and several countries including Denmark have banned PFAS in cosmetics. Most dermatologists and environmental health experts recommend pregnant women avoid PFAS-containing products when possible due to bioaccumulation concerns and emerging evidence of developmental effects.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

This PFAS compound is a persistent chemical that bioaccumulates in human tissue over time. When absorbed through skin or other routes, PFAS compounds can remain in the body for years. Research shows that PFAS compounds transfer into breast milk and can expose breastfed infants. A CDC study found measurable PFAS levels in breast milk samples, and infant exposure is a concern because babies have developing immune and endocrine systems more vulnerable to chemical disruption. While absorption from cosmetics is likely lower than from drinking water or food, the persistent nature of PFAS means even small exposures accumulate over time. Environmental health organizations and lactation consultants increasingly recommend avoiding PFAS-containing products during breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that reducing maternal PFAS exposure can help minimize infant exposure through breast milk.

PostpartumAVOID

Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate and postpartum

Not Recommended

This PFAS ingredient is a persistent bioaccumulative chemical that can interfere with normal hormonal function. Postpartum women experience significant hormonal shifts, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during this period is not recommended. Studies link PFAS exposure to thyroid dysfunction, which is particularly concerning postpartum as many women are at risk for postpartum thyroiditis. The Environmental Working Group recommends avoiding PFAS chemicals when possible due to their persistence and potential health effects.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

This PFAS ingredient is a persistent bioaccumulative chemical that has been linked to reproductive health concerns. Women trying to conceive should minimize exposure to chemicals that may affect fertility or accumulate before pregnancy. Studies have found associations between PFAS exposure and reduced fertility, longer time to pregnancy, and effects on ovarian function. Research in Environmental Health Perspectives reports that PFAS compounds may interfere with reproductive hormones. Because PFAS persist in the body for years with long half-lives, exposure before conception means the chemicals will still be present during early pregnancy when fetal development begins. Reproductive endocrinologists often recommend reducing PFAS exposure when planning pregnancy.

PCOSAVOID

Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate and PCOS

Not Recommended

This PFAS compound belongs to a class of persistent chemicals with documented endocrine-disrupting properties. Women with PCOS already experience hormonal imbalances affecting androgens, insulin, and metabolic function. Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives shows associations between PFAS exposure and metabolic disruption, including effects on insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. PFAS compounds may interfere with sex hormone pathways, potentially exacerbating hormonal imbalances in PCOS. The Endocrine Society identifies PFAS as chemicals of concern for endocrine disruption. Women with PCOS should consider avoiding PFAS-containing cosmetics as part of an overall strategy to minimize exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals. Many endocrinologists recommend reducing PFAS exposure for patients with hormonal disorders.

General UseCAUTION

Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate and general use

Caution Advised

This ingredient is a PFAS compound used for its emulsifying properties. PFAS are synthetic chemicals known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down in the environment or human body. The CDC and EPA have documented health concerns with PFAS exposure, including potential effects on immune function, cholesterol levels, and thyroid hormones. While dermal absorption from cosmetics is lower than from drinking water, the persistent and bioaccumulative nature of PFAS means even small exposures add to total body burden. ECHA has proposed restrictions on PFAS in consumer products due to environmental and health concerns. Many consumers and environmental health advocates are choosing to avoid PFAS-containing products. Several countries and US states have moved to restrict PFAS in cosmetics, reflecting growing concern about these persistent chemicals.

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Provenance

Where this came from

Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.

Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .

One ingredient is the easy case.

A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.

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