Burt's Bees · Waterproof Mascara
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara, Black Brown
Lower concern; conventional non-waterproof formula with no identified PFAS drivers.
This 100% natural mascara uses wax and plant-based ingredients without claiming waterproof status. Burt's Bees doesn't disclose PFAS information or provide third-party testing.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Wax, pigments, natural oils (typical mascara base)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Burt's Bees 100% Natural Black Brown is made of, ingredients and materials
Burt's Bees mascara uses a wax base (typically beeswax or plant waxes) combined with natural oils and iron oxide pigments for color. Wax formulas are inherently lower-risk than synthetic polymer mascaras because they do not rely on plastic microparticles or volatile solvents to set. The stated use of natural oils reduces reliance on synthetic preservatives and phthalate-based plasticizers common in conventional mascaras. Iron oxide is a stable, non-toxic pigment widely approved for cosmetic use globally.
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 and undisclosed sensitizers
Burt's Bees products often contain essential oils and botanical extracts for scent and conditioning. These are well-tolerated by most users but can trigger contact dermatitis or eye sensitivity in individuals with fragrance allergies; full ingredient list should be reviewed if you have known sensitivities.
Bacterial growth and contamination in wax formula
Wax mascaras are more hygroscopic than synthetic polymer mascaras and can dry out or support bacterial growth if tube is opened frequently or left unsealed. Risk is low with proper storage and replacement every 3 months.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
Iron oxide is a regulated cosmetic colorant with strict impurity limits; no contamination incidents reported for Burt's Bees mascara. Natural iron oxide sources are generally well-controlled in certified formulas.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Wax-based mascaras do not require formaldehyde-releasing preservatives typical of water-heavy formulas. Burt's Bees natural ingredient stance and certification rules out these additives.
Source, ATSDR ↗Talc contamination
This mascara formula does not list talc as an ingredient, and wax mascaras typically use alternative thickeners. No talc-related concerns on record for this product.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees holds USDA organic certification for many product lines and maintains public commitment to natural ingredients and absence of synthetic chemicals. The brand does not disclose PFAS testing or stance explicitly, which is typical of natural cosmetics makers who avoid fluorinated compounds by design rather than testing. No recalls or safety complaints specific to this mascara formula are on public record. The brand's transparency on ingredient sourcing is above average for the mascara category, though not complete.
How it compares in its category
Wax-based mascaras occupy a smaller, lower-volume segment. Conventional waterproof mascaras often use film-forming polymers, silicones, and synthetic preservatives that introduce chemical hazard surface area; this product avoids most of those classes. The trade-off is that wax mascaras may flake or smudge more easily than polymer versions and require more frequent reapplication. Among natural brands, Burt's Bees pricing and formulation approach is middle-ground between ultra-minimal (e.g., charcoal only) and heavily conditioned mascaras.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to avoid buildup, which can accelerate flaking and eye irritation. Replace every 3 months (or sooner if the product dries out or changes smell), as wax formulas are more prone to bacterial growth if mascara tube is left open or contaminated. Do not use if eyes are irritated, and discontinue immediately if itching or redness develops. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain wax consistency.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- 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 a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More 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.