PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene or commonly known as Teflon , is a high-performance fluoropolymer known for its exceptional chemical resistance, non-stick properties, and low friction. Often referred to by its brand name, Teflon, PTFE is widely used in various industrial and cosmetic applications. In cosmetic formulations, PTFE serves as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer, providing a smooth, silky feel while enhancing product stability and wearability. Its unique properties make it ideal for use in products such as foundations, primers, and other formulations requiring long-lasting effects.

Chemical Composition and Structure

PTFE consists of:

• Tetrafluoroethylene Monomers: The polymer is formed by the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), which consists of carbon and fluorine atoms.
• Linear Structure: The PTFE chain consists of carbon atoms surrounded by fluorine atoms, creating a highly stable and inert structure.

This chemical composition contributes to PTFE's resistance to heat, chemicals, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for a variety of applications.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Typically a white, waxy solid or powder.

• Solubility: Insoluble in water and most organic solvents; exhibits exceptional chemical inertness.

• pH: Generally neutral, ensuring compatibility with various cosmetic formulations.

• Odor: Odorless.

• Stability: Highly stable under normal storage conditions; resistant to heat and chemical degradation.

Production Process

1. Polymerization: PTFE is produced through the free radical polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene gas, often in a high-pressure environment.

2. Purification: The resulting polymer is purified to remove any unreacted monomers and additives, ensuring a high-quality product.

3. Formulation: Purified PTFE can be processed into various forms, such as powders, emulsions, or films, and incorporated into cosmetic formulations to enhance texture and stability.

Applications

• Medical: Occasionally used in medical devices and implants due to its biocompatibility and resistance to chemical degradation.

• Cosmetics: Commonly found in foundations, primers, and skin care products for its film-forming properties and ability to provide a smooth finish. It enhances the longevity and performance of cosmetic applications.

• Industrial Uses: Widely employed in coatings, sealants, and gaskets due to its chemical resistance and low friction properties.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

PTFE is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics when applied according to recommended guidelines.

 It is inert and does not react with skin or cosmetic ingredients. However, the manufacturing process can produce harmful by-products, so responsible sourcing and formulation practices are essential to ensure that the ingredient is produced sustainably and free from harmful contaminants.

In particular, PTFE is used in non-stick coatings of cookware where it is advertised as "PFOA-free". This study does however clarify some aspects of its toxicity (1).

Molecular Formula  C₂F₄

Molecular Weight  100.01 g/mol

CAS     9002-84-0    116-14-3

UNII    OMW63Z518S

EC Number  204-126-9

Synonyms:

Perfluoroethene

Tetrafluoroethene

Perfluoroethylene

Teflon

PTFE 

References__________________________________________________________________________

(1) Sajid M, Ilyas M. PTFE-coated non-stick cookware and toxicity concerns: a perspective. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2017 Oct;24(30):23436-23440. doi: 10.1007/s11356-017-0095-y. Epub 2017 Sep 14. PMID: 28913736.

Abstract. PTFE is used as an inner coating material in non-stick cookware. This unique polymer coating prevents food from sticking in the pans during the cooking process. Such cookware is also easy to wash. At normal cooking temperatures, PTFE-coated cookware releases various gases and chemicals that present mild to severe toxicity. Only few studies describe the toxicity of PTFE but without solid conclusions. The toxicity and fate of ingested PTFE coatings are also not understood. Moreover, the emerging, persistent, and well-known toxic environmental pollutant PFOA is also used in the synthesis of PTFA. There are some reports where PFOA was detected in the gas phase released from the cooking utensils under normal cooking temperatures. Due to toxicity concerns, PFOA has been replaced with other chemicals such as GenX, but these new alternatives are also suspected to have similar toxicity. Therefore, more extensive and systematic research efforts are required to respond the prevailing dogma about human exposure and toxic effects to PTFE, PFOA, and GenX and other alternatives.

Ham J, Miller PJ. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implants in rhinoplasty: literature review, operative techniques, and outcome. Facial Plast Surg. 2003 Nov;19(4):331-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-815653.

Abstract. Gore-Tex, a form of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), over the past 30 years has attracted much attention as an alloplast for use in rhinoplasty, both from advocates and opponents of its use. It has many desirable traits as an alloplast implant, but many surgeons harbor hesitation and reluctance for alloplast use in rhinoplasty based on historical data of previous nasal implants. Only when objective data from large series of patients with long-term follow-up become available will such skepticism be resolved. Large series of patients with Gore-Tex implant placement during rhinoplasty are beginning to emerge in the literature. The purpose of this article is twofold. The first is to provide the reader with an up-to-date review of the literature on the host response to polymer implants and, second, of the current indications and operative techniques for use and outcomes of Gore-Tex implants in rhinoplasty.

Polykandriotis E, Besrour F, Arkudas A, Ruppe F, Zetzmann K, Braeuer L, Horch RE. Flexor tendon repair with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) suture material. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2019 Mar;139(3):429-434. doi: 10.1007/s00402-018-03105-3. 

Abstract. Background: There is a consensus that after a flexor tendon repair an aggressive rehabilitation protocol with early active motion can improve functional outcome, provided that the combination of material and suturing technique can meet the higher biomechanic demands. Bearing this in mind we evaluated a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) suture (SERAMON®, Serag-Wiessner) as a possible material for flexor tendon repair....Conclusion: PTFE demonstrates superior strength properties in comparison to PPL for flexor tendon repairs. However, standard 2 strand techniques have proved inadequate to bear the higher biomechanic demands.

Mathew A, Lee S, Ha W, Nagendrababu V, Rossi-Fedele G. Microbial Contamination Comparison Between Cotton Pellet and Polytetrafluoroethylene Tape Endodontic Spacers: A Systematic Review. Eur Endod J. 2021 Aug;6(2):143-150. doi: 10.14744/eej.2021.52244.

Abstract. This systematic review compares polytetrafluoroethylene tape and cotton pellet when used as endodontic spacers underneath provisional restorations. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020176555). Studies that compared the microbial contamination between polytetrafluoroethylene tape and cotton pellet, when used as spacers, were included. Literature searches of Pubmed, Embase, EBSCOHost Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, Scopus, and Open Grey databases were conducted from their inception until May 2020 for studies in English or other Latin script languages. Hand searching of reference lists was performed. Three laboratory and three clinical studies were included. The risk of bias of the component studies varied widely. Results from the laboratory studies showed higher bacterial counts for cotton pellets. Results from the clinical studies showed that polytetrafluoroethylene tape was associated with a significantly lower incidence of microbial contamination. Findings were consistent throughout the studies, though the evidence available is scarce and heterogeneous. Polytetrafluoroethylene tape was associated with less microbial contamination when compared with cotton pellets as endodontic spacers and therefore appears to be a more suitable material for the purpose.

Shafik A. Polytetrafluoroethylene injection for the treatment of partial fecal incontinence. Int Surg. 1993 Apr-Jun;78(2):159-61. PMID: 8354617.

Abstract. Perianal injection of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon or Polytef) paste was used in the treatment of 11 patients with partial fecal incontinence which followed internal sphincterotomy in 7 patients and was idiopathic in 4. All patients had been incontinent for more than 4 years, and had failed to respond to conservative measures. 5 ml of Polytef paste were injected, without anesthesia, in the rectal neck submucosa, above the pectinate line at each of the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Patients were followed for 18 to 24 months. They were categorized into 3 scores: 1, cured; 2, improved, and 3, no change. Long-term cure (score 1) occurred in 45.4% after the 1st injection and in 63.6% after the 2nd injection. 36.4% showed partial improvement (score 2). No failures occurred. Improvement is believed to be due to the increase in rectal neck pressure produced by the cushion-effect of the polytef submucosal injection. The technique is simple, easy and without complications. It is performed on an outpatient basis.

Robertson KM, Dyer WK 2nd. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) augmentation of deep nasolabial creases. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999 Apr;125(4):456-61. doi: 10.1001/archotol.125.4.456. PMID: 10208685.

Abstract. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (Gore-Tex; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) for augmentation of deep nasolabial creases....Conclusions: Expanded PTFE augmentation presents a safe, effective method for softening deep nasolabial creases. Patients with more severe creases are likely to show more improvement with each augmentation, but are also more likely to require multiple procedures to achieve the desired aesthetic result.

Carbonell JM, Martín IS, Santos A, Pujol A, Sanz-Moliner JD, Nart J. High-density polytetrafluoroethylene membranes in guided bone and tissue regeneration procedures: a literature review. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2014 Jan;43(1):75-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2013.05.017. 

Naftalovich R, Naftalovich D, Greenway FL. Polytetrafluoroethylene Ingestion as a Way to Increase Food Volume and Hence Satiety Without Increasing Calorie Content. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2016 Jun 28;10(4):971-6. doi: 10.1177/1932296815626726.