ELF Review, Is ELF Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 4 graded products, ELF averages Excellent (75/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 4 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from ELF Good or better, safest first
ELF
e.l.f O Face Satin Lipstick
Wax, oils, pigments in lipstick base
1,4-dioxane (synthetic dye contaminant)
1,4-dioxane is a manufacturing byproduct in some synthetic colorants and emulsifiers used…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some lipsticks use preservative systems that release trace formaldehyde to prevent…
Fragrance allergens (if scented variant)
If this product contains fragrance (common in ELF lipsticks marketed as flavored or…
Lower concern. Typical lipstick formulation with no known PFAS drivers.
⚠Risky category by default
ELF
e.l.f. Sheer Slick Lipstick
wax, oils, pigments, standard cosmetic base
Lead
Iron oxides and mica used in colored lipsticks can carry trace contamination from mining…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
e.l.f. does not disclose the preservative system for this product. If DMDM hydantoin…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed ingredients
e.l.f. Sheer Slick Lipstick contains fragrance as a labeled ingredient but does not…
Lipstick poses lower PFAS concern.
⚠Risky category by default
ELF
e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain
pigments, oils, waxes, film-formers in liquid/gel base
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
ELF lip stains list 'fragrance' or 'flavor' as an ingredient without specifying fragrance…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Lip stains require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; ELF does not publicly…
Lip stain with no known PFAS risks; silent on PFAS but typical cosmetic.
⚠Risky category by default
ELF
e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain Power Mauves
pigments, oils, waxes in liquid/gel lip stain base
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Liquid/gel formulas typically contain preservatives to prevent microbial growth…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Lip stains often include fragrance or flavoring agents listed as 'fragrance' or 'aroma'…
Allergic contact dermatitis from dyes or pigments
Synthetic dyes and pigments in lip stains can trigger contact sensitization, particularly…
Lower concern; typical lip stain with no known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →