Ingredient

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and fetal development.

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
Caution Advised
Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
Profiles flagged
6 of 6
Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
Irritancy
1 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyCAUTION

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane and pregnancy

Caution Advised

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane is a perfluorinated compound (PFAS) used to coat mineral particles in sunscreens and cosmetics, creating water-resistant properties. PFAS are known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down in the environment or human body. While specific data on this exact ingredient during pregnancy is limited, research on related C8 perfluorinated compounds (like PFOA and PFOS) has raised significant concerns. Studies have linked perfluorinated chemical exposure during pregnancy to reduced birth weight, developmental effects, and potential endocrine disruption. Although perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane is used as a surface treatment on particles rather than as a free ingredient, some dermal absorption is theoretically possible, and these compounds can bioaccumulate. According to emerging research, PFAS exposure during pregnancy may affect thyroid function and immune development in fetuses. ECHA and EU regulatory bodies are actively working to restrict PFAS compounds in cosmetics due to persistence and bioaccumulation concerns. While not yet explicitly prohibited for pregnancy, many toxicologists and environmental health experts recommend a precautionary approach and suggest avoiding PFAS-containing products when possible during pregnancy. Alternatives exist in the form of non-PFAS treated mineral sunscreens or non-mineral UV filters.

BreastfeedingCAUTION

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane and breastfeeding

Caution Advised

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane belongs to the PFAS family of perfluorinated compounds used in cosmetics to create water-repellent surfaces on pigments. These compounds are of increasing concern due to their persistence in the body and environment. Research on related perfluorinated compounds has demonstrated that PFAS can transfer into breast milk and accumulate in infant bodies. While the specific transfer rate of perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane from topical cosmetic use hasn't been extensively studied, PFAS compounds generally are lipophilic and bioaccumulative. Given the particular vulnerability of breastfed infants and the fact that these chemicals don't break down in the body, many environmental health experts and pediatricians recommend minimizing PFAS exposure during breastfeeding. The European Chemicals Agency and environmental health organizations have raised concerns about PFAS compounds in consumer products. While not explicitly prohibited for breastfeeding, the precautionary principle suggests choosing PFAS-free alternatives when available, particularly for products used extensively or left on skin for long periods.

PostpartumCAUTION

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane and postpartum

Caution Advised

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane is a PFAS compound with concerns related to bioaccumulation and endocrine disruption. While not breastfeeding eliminates direct infant exposure concerns, the compound's persistence in the body remains a consideration. Environmental health experts increasingly recommend minimizing PFAS exposure when possible due to their 'forever chemical' properties and potential long-term health effects. Women planning future pregnancies may want to reduce PFAS body burden during the postpartum period.

Trying to ConceiveCAUTION

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane and trying to conceive

Caution Advised

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane is a PFAS compound that bioaccumulates in the body. Research on related perfluorinated chemicals has identified concerns about reproductive health and fertility, though specific data on this ingredient is limited. Studies on PFAS exposure and fertility have shown associations with longer time to pregnancy and potential effects on reproductive hormones. While the evidence is not definitive for this specific compound, the precautionary principle suggests minimizing PFAS exposure when trying to conceive, as these compounds can persist in the body and potentially affect early pregnancy if conception occurs. Many fertility specialists recommend reducing exposure to known endocrine disruptors during the preconception period.

PCOSCAUTION

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane and PCOS

Caution Advised

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane is a perfluorinated compound (PFAS) used as a surface treatment in cosmetics. Emerging research on PFAS compounds has identified potential endocrine-disrupting properties. For women with PCOS, who already deal with hormonal imbalances, minimizing exposure to potential endocrine disruptors is particularly relevant. While specific studies on this ingredient and PCOS are lacking, research on related perfluorinated compounds has shown associations with thyroid dysfunction and metabolic disturbances. Some studies suggest PFAS exposure may be linked to reproductive hormone alterations. Given that PCOS involves hormonal dysregulation, and PFAS compounds have demonstrated endocrine-disrupting potential in research, a precautionary approach suggests choosing PFAS-free alternatives when possible. The concern is not acute toxicity but rather cumulative exposure to compounds that may interfere with hormonal balance.

General UseCAUTION

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane and general use

Caution Advised

Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane is a perfluorinated silane compound used to treat mineral UV filters and pigments in cosmetics, making them water-resistant. It belongs to the PFAS family, synthetic chemicals that are extremely persistent in the environment and human body. PFAS compounds, including perfluorinated silanes, are increasingly recognized as problematic due to their bioaccumulation, environmental persistence, and potential health effects. While acute toxicity from cosmetic use is unlikely, concerns center on long-term accumulation and potential endocrine-disrupting properties. Research on related C8 perfluorinated compounds has identified associations with thyroid dysfunction, immune effects, and developmental concerns, though data specific to this ingredient in cosmetics is limited. The EU is moving toward restricting PFAS in cosmetics through ECHA proposals, and many brands are voluntarily reformulating to eliminate these compounds. Environmental health organizations recommend minimizing PFAS exposure when alternatives exist. For those concerned about environmental impact and long-term health effects, choosing products with non-PFAS treated minerals or non-fluorinated surface treatments is advisable.

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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 .

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