Mineral Makeup vs Waterproof Mascara (generic): which is safer?
bareMinerals Mineral Makeup is the clear pick. Waterproof Mascara (generic) carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Our pick
bareMinerals
Mineral Makeup
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleInhalation risk from powder format
PossibleMicrobial growth in powder due to low or absent preservatives
Generic
Waterproof Mascara (generic)
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleFormaldehyde releasers and preservatives
PossibleHeavy metals in pigments (lead, cadmium, chromium)
Possible1,4-dioxane contamination
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Inhalation risk from powder format and Microbial growth in powder due to low or absent preservatives on the bareMinerals and not on the Generic.
- We flag Formaldehyde releasers and preservatives, Heavy metals in pigments (lead, cadmium, chromium), 1,4-dioxane contamination and Fragrance allergens and sensitizers on the Generic and not on the bareMinerals.
- The gap is 70 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the bareMinerals is the one to buy.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More cosmetics: see the full ranking