Bobbi Brown · Waterproof Mascara
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Longwear Volumizing Mascara Duo $82 Value
Waterproof mascara likely contains water-repellent coatings; Bobbi Brown silent on PFAS.
Waterproof mascaras typically use durable film-forming polymers to resist moisture. Bobbi Brown discloses no PFAS information for this product. Without third-party testing or brand commitment, exact composition remains unclear.
The better-graded swap
Burt's Bees
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara, Black Brown
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
pigments, waxes, film-forming polymers, waterproof treatment
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Duo $82 Value is made of, ingredients and materials
This mascara uses pigments (iron oxides, carbon black), film-forming polymers (typically acrylates or silicones), waxes, and waterproofing agents to create long-wear, volumizing color. Waterproof mascaras require water-repellent coatings that often rely on fluorinated compounds or silicone-based hydrophobes to resist moisture and smudging. The 'duo' format suggests two shades, each with independent pigment loads and potential contamination routes, particularly in the pigment supply chain where heavy metal content is rarely disclosed at retail.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
Lead
Iron oxide and carbon black pigments are associated with lower concern, but Bobbi Brown does not publish heavy metal testing data or supply-chain certifications, leaving contamination risk unquantified for this specific batch or product line.
Source, ATSDR ↗PFAS
Waterproof mascaras commonly use fluorinated polymers or PFAS-containing silicone hydrophobes to achieve water resistance; Bobbi Brown's silence on PFAS avoidance and the 'waterproof' claim make presence probable though unconfirmed.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
Mascaras often contain fragrance compounds listed as 'fragrance' or 'parfum' without itemization, potentially including sensitizers like limonene or eugenol; individual reactions vary widely and Bobbi Brown does not provide expanded fragrance breakdowns.
Bacterial and fungal contamination risk from water exposure
Waterproof mascaras are hydrophobic by design, which can trap moisture inside the tube if removed wet; warm bathroom storage and repeated air exposure increase risk of microorganism growth if not replaced on schedule.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Cosmetic mascaras may contain preservatives that release trace formaldehyde (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea); Bobbi Brown product labels reviewed do not detail preservative systems, so exposure is unconfirmed but plausible.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Bobbi Brown (owned by Estee Lauder Companies) does not publish ingredient certifications, heavy metal testing results, or PFAS avoidance statements on product pages or sustainability reports reviewed in public databases. The brand has not faced major recalls or formal safety violations for mascaras in recent years, but lacks proactive transparency on contaminant screening. No third-party certifications (e.g., Clean Beauty, EWG verification) are listed for this product, limiting independent verification of safety claims.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras across luxury and mass-market segments typically carry similar PFAS and heavy metal risks due to formulation demands; Bobbi Brown sits in the premium tier where transparency is often lower than in certified-clean or indie brands. Competitor brands like Clinique and MAC (also Estee Lauder-owned) share comparable disclosure gaps. Alternatives certified by Purity or Leaping Bunny with published heavy metal testing would offer more accountability, though at comparable or higher price points.
If you buy it
Apply only to lashes, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, and do not ingest. Remove with makeup remover or oil-based cleanser daily to prevent polymer and pigment buildup on lash follicles. Replace mascara every 3 months or if it dries out, as bacterial growth risk increases in waterproof formulas stored in warm or humid bathrooms. If irritation, redness, or allergic reaction occurs, discontinue and rinse thoroughly; seek dermatological advice if symptoms persist.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Bobbi Brown has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Longwear Volumizing Mascara Duo $82 Value?
- Wax, pigments, natural oils (typical mascara base)
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed sensitizers
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- pigments, waxes, polymers (unspecified)
- Lead
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- pigments, waxes, film-formers in liquid mascara
- Heavy metals
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore waterproof mascara 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.