Burt's Bees · Lip Balm & Long-Wear Lipstick
3 Burts Bees Liquid Lipstick 802 Niagra Nude 0.2oz Ea
Lower concern. Liquid lipstick has no known PFAS exposure pathway.
Burt's Bees is a natural cosmetics brand; liquid lipstick formulations typically contain pigments, oils, and waxes without intentional PFAS use. No waterproofing or stain-resistance claims suggest minimal fluorochemical treatment.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Liquid lipstick, likely pigments, oils, and waxes
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens or sensitizers
If the formulation contains essential oils or fragrance compounds, individuals with contact dermatitis or fragrance sensitivity may experience lip irritation. Patch testing on inner arm 24 hours before full application is recommended for sensitive skin.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Heavy metals
Mineral pigments used in this product are food-grade approved when sourced to cosmetic standards. No trace heavy metal contamination has been reported for Burt's Bees liquid lipsticks; mica and iron oxide at cosmetic concentrations pose negligible systemic risk.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Burt's Bees typically avoids formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) in favor of phenoxyethanol or plant-derived preservatives. No established formaldehyde releaser content has been documented for this product line.
Source: ATSDR ↗Talc contamination or asbestos risk
Liquid lipsticks do not typically contain talc; Burt's Bees formulations use waxes and oils as slip agents. Asbestos risk is not applicable to this product category or brand history.
Azo dyes or synthetic colorants
Burt's Bees liquid lipsticks rely on iron oxide and mica rather than synthetic azo dyes (Tartrazine, Allura Red) or coal tar derivatives. No azo dye exposure has been reported for this product line.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Burt's Bees liquid lipsticks are typically formulated with natural waxes (beeswax), plant oils, and iron oxide or mica-based pigments rather than synthetic dyes or heavy metal pigment lakes. Liquid lipsticks carry lower risk of formaldehyde releasers and talc contamination compared to pressed powders or traditional stick formulations. The brand publicly lists ingredients on packaging and online, enabling verification of what is actually present.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees is owned by Clorox but operates as a natural personal care line with third-party certifications including Natural Personal Care Products Council membership. The brand has a documented history of ingredient transparency and reformulation away from controversial chemicals (e.g., removal of synthetic fragrance in favor of essential oils in many lines). No recalls or safety violations specific to their liquid lipsticks have been recorded in public databases.
How it compares in its category
Liquid lipsticks vary widely in safety profile; conventional brands often use synthetic azo dyes, coal tar colorants, or pigment lakes containing aluminum or chromium. Burt's Bees positions itself at the transparent, natural end of the market, reducing but not eliminating exposure to trace heavy metals in mineral pigments (iron oxide, mica). Cost is higher than mass-market alternatives, which reflects ingredient sourcing rather than additional safety measures.
If you buy it
Shake the bottle before each use to ensure even pigment suspension. Apply sparingly to avoid staining lips or teeth; remove with gentle cleanser or oil, as the wax-based formula can adhere. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin. Store in a cool location away from direct sunlight to prevent oil separation or pigment degradation; typical shelf life after opening is 12 months.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Burt's Bees has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More lip balm & long-wear lipstick 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.