bareMinerals 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
Bare Minerals
bareMinerals Mineral Makeup
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleHeavy metals in mineral pigments (lead, cadmium, chromium)
PossibleFragrance allergens and skin irritation
PossibleBismuth oxychloride sensitivity
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 Heavy metals in mineral pigments (lead, cadmium, chromium), Fragrance allergens and skin irritation and Bismuth oxychloride sensitivity on the Bare Minerals 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 Bare Minerals.
- The gap is 70 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Bare Minerals is the one to buy.
Both products run through the same public rubric, which covers 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