Estée Lauder fined $550,000 after 'forever chemicals' found in eyeliner

By Binh Minh February 4, 2026 | 03:13 pm PT

A woman uses an eyeliner. Illustration photo by Unsplash

Canada has fined Estée Lauder Cosmetics after inspectors found that some of its eyeliner products listed a so-called “forever chemical” as an ingredient, renewing scrutiny of long-lasting substances used in everyday makeup.

The company was ordered by the Ontario Court of Justice to pay CA$750,000 (US$550,000) after pleading guilty to two violations of Canada’s Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The sentencing took place on Jan. 13, with authorities publicly announcing the case on Feb. 2, according to Government of Canada.

In addition to the fine, the court required the company to notify its shareholders of the conviction. The penalty will be paid into the federal government’s Environmental Damages Fund.

Canada's Environment and Climate Change Canada said the company will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry, a public database of businesses convicted under federal environmental laws, as part of efforts to strengthen enforcement and protect public safety.

The violations were uncovered during an inspection in May 2023, when enforcement officers found that several eyeliner products listed perfluorononyl dimethicone as an ingredient. The compound belongs to the group known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals" because of their persistence and resistance to breakdown in the environment and the human body.

In cosmetics, such substances are commonly used to improve adhesion and long-lasting wear.

Under Canadian rules, importing or selling products containing perfluorononyl dimethicone is classified as a "significant new activity," requiring companies to notify the government in advance so potential risks can be assessed.

Authorities said Estée Lauder Cosmetics Ltd. failed to do so. The company was later issued a compliance order in June 2023 but did not fully meet the required corrective steps.

PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their water-repellent, heat-resistant and oil-resistant properties.

Scientists warn that some PFAS can accumulate over time in soil, water, wildlife and human blood.

Research has linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds to health risks including liver effects, immune system impacts, hormonal disruption and some cancers, prompting many countries to tighten regulations or move to phase them out of consumer products.