For years, we've talked about forever chemicals at Oil Divine. Not because it's trendy. Not because fear sells.

But because we believe that every person deserves to know what they're putting on—and in—their body.

This month, the conversation became even more important after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved additional PFAS-based pesticides, bringing the total number of these so-called "forever chemical" pesticides approved in recent years to five. The decision has raised concerns among environmental and public health organizations about long-term contamination of food, soil, and water.

So what exactly are forever chemicals, why are experts worried, and most importantly—what can you actually do about them? Let's break it down.

What Are Forever Chemicals?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades because they're incredibly resistant to heat, oil, grease, and water.

That same durability is exactly why they're known as "forever chemicals." Unlike many substances that naturally break down over time, PFAS can remain in the environment for years—or even decades.

They've been detected in: drinking water, soil, food packaging, non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, cosmetics, household products, agricultural pesticides.

Over time, these chemicals can accumulate in ecosystems and in living organisms, including humans.

Why Are People Concerned?

Research into PFAS is still evolving, but scientists have linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds with a variety of health concerns.

Depending on the specific chemical and level of exposure, studies have suggested possible associations with:

-Hormonal disruption
-Immune system effects
-Elevated cholesterol
-Liver changes
-Reduced vaccine response
-Developmental concerns
-Increased risk of certain cancers for some PFAS compounds

Not every PFAS has been studied equally, and not every exposure carries the same level of risk. But one thing scientists broadly agree on is that these chemicals persist in the environment and can accumulate over time.

The Recent EPA Decision

In July 2026, the EPA approved another PFAS-containing pesticide for use on crops including wheat, oats, oranges, grapes, almonds, and canola, among others.

Environmental organizations argue that this approval increases the number of PFAS pesticides entering American agriculture and could contribute to additional environmental contamination. The EPA, meanwhile, maintains that registered pesticides undergo safety evaluations under federal law.

Regardless of where people stand on the policy debate, one thing is clear:

Consumers are finally asking more questions than ever about what ends up in their food, skincare, and everyday products. And we think that's a good thing.

Why This Matters to Us at Oil Divine

At Oil Divine, we've never believed wellness starts with a miracle product. It starts with awareness.

That's why, from the beginning, we've committed to creating products without many ingredients that customers increasingly want to avoid—including unnecessary synthetic additives and controversial chemicals. All the products in our store are carefully selected and formulated Free from many commonly questioned cosmetic ingredients through our 16-Free Standard.

The Truth Is: We Can't Eliminate Every Exposure

Here's something we always want to be honest about. You cannot completely eliminate exposure to environmental chemicals. They're in our air. Our water. Our food supply.

Trying to avoid every single source would be impossible. Instead of chasing perfection, we encourage something far more realistic: Reduce your overall toxic load wherever you can. Small daily decisions really do add up.

1. Always read labels. Choose brands that openly disclose ingredients and explain why they're used.
2.Buy organic, whenever possible. 
3. Wash fruits and veggies thoroughly with baking soda. Washing won't remove every pesticide, but it can reduce residues from the surface of produce.
4. Filter your drinking water. 
5. Choose cookware carefully. Opt for alternatives such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated options.
6. Simplify your skincare and wellness routine. Your skin is exposed to products every single day. Choosing thoughtfully non-toxic formulated skincare with transparent ingredient lists can help reduce unnecessary chemical exposure.
7. Support brands and companies who invest in holistic approach, clean & safer formulations, responsible sourcing, and ingredient transparency—not just marketing buzzwords.

Wellness begins with awareness. And awareness is always worth sharing.