Biolage ColorLast Shampoo Matrix
Lower concern for PFAS; no obvious red flags in typical shampoo formulation.
This rinse-off liquid shampoo lacks water-resistance, stain-resistance, or coating treatments that would require PFAS. Standard shampoo surfactants are not known to contain PFAS.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base, typical surfactants and conditioning agents
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Biolage ColorLast Shampoo Matrix is made of, ingredients and materials
Biolage ColorLast is a water-based shampoo formulated with surfactants (likely sodium lauryl sulfate or similar), conditioning polymers, and pigment-protection agents designed to extend color vibrancy. The aqueous base means no volatile solvents or high-temperature stability concerns typical of aerosol or oil products. Its active ingredients target color longevity rather than deep cleansing, which reduces reliance on harsh stripping agents that can destabilize other formulations.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens
Biolage ColorLast contains fragrance (ingredient list includes 'parfum'); specific fragrance compounds not publicly disclosed. Individuals with contact dermatitis or fragrance sensitivity should patch-test or choose fragrance-free alternatives.
1,4-dioxane (non-intentional contaminant)
Aqueous shampoos can harbor trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylation in surfactant or emulsifier production. No published testing of ColorLast for this contaminant; risk is industry-wide and typically at parts-per-million levels below regulatory concern.
Preservative sensitivity
Aqueous shampoos require preservatives (likely methylchloroisothiazolinone or parabens, unconfirmed on label). A small percentage of users report scalp irritation or contact dermatitis from preservative systems; risk depends on individual skin reactivity, not product defect.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No recalls or public testing data indicating lead, cadmium, or arsenic in Biolage ColorLast pigments. Liquid color-protecting shampoos typically do not concentrate inorganic colorants at levels of concern in cosmetics.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No evidence that Biolage ColorLast uses formaldehyde releasers (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, dioxolan) based on industry standard; aqueous shampoos typically avoid these in favor of alternative preservatives.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Matrix (owner, L'Oreal) maintains ingredient transparency on product labels and safety data sheets but does not publicly champion third-party certifications like EWG Verified or Leaping Bunny. No major recalls or formal safety violations on record for Biolage ColorLast specifically. The brand's PFAS stance is silent, consistent with industry norm for shampoos; no evidence of intentional PFAS inclusion in aqueous formulas.
How it compares in its category
ColorLast sits mid-range in the color-protection shampoo market. Functionally comparable to drugstore sulfate-free alternatives (e.g., Carol's Daughter, SheaMoisture) but marketed at salon price. No structural or chemical advantage over lower-cost competitors; positioning is largely brand and conditioning performance rather than hazard differential.
If you buy it
Use as directed on damp hair; no special precautions required beyond standard shampoo safety (avoid eye contact, rinse thoroughly). For color-treated hair, pair with a sulfate-free conditioner if scalp sensitivity occurs. Replace every 6-12 months depending on frequency of use or if performance visibly degrades. Store in a cool, dry place; do not expose to extreme heat or sunlight, as this may affect preservative efficacy and color-agent stability.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Biolage has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More shampoo grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.