Is Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) safe in cosmetics?
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) has a safety rating of "POOR" in our database. EU status: prohibited. US status: restricted.
Poor
Cosmetic Ingredient
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE)
Also known as: Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-, homopolymer, Ethylene, chlorotrifluoro-, polymers, 3.1 Oil, Aclar 33, Aclar 33C (+15 more)
INCI: POLYCHLOROTRIFLUOROETHYLENE
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) (CAS 9002-83-9) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Film former. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: prohibited. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 9002-83-9 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Film former
Safety Rating
POOR
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
prohibited
US US Status
restricted
US Notes
CIR Expert Panel deleted PCTFE from their polyfluorinated polymer review because its properties were very different from the group — effectively leaving it with no CIR safety conclusion. FDA flagged significant data gaps for PFAS in cosmetics (MoCRA Section 3506 report, Dec 2025). Banned in California under AB 2771.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE).
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Film former
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory List Membership (1)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE).
Known Synonyms
Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-, homopolymer
Ethylene, chlorotrifluoro-, polymers
3.1 Oil
Aclar 33
Aclar 33C
Aclar CTFE
Aclar HP
Aclar NT
Aclar RX 160
Aclon 1090
Aclon 1180
Aclon 3000
Aclon HP 128
Aclon HP 1120
CTFE oil 27
CTFE oil 56
Chlorotrifluoroethene homopolymer
Chlorotrifluoroethylene homopolymer
Chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer
Clarus P 4000TR
Chemical Function
Film former
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory Lists
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) allowed in the EU?
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) do in cosmetics?
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) functions as: Film former. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9002-83-9.
Compliance Tools
Check Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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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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