Clinique Lash Power Mascara
Waterproof mascara likely contains PFAS-adjacent coatings; insufficient disclosure.
Clinique does not disclose PFAS status for this waterproof mascara. Waterproof cosmetics often use fluorinated polymers or undisclosed water-resistant treatments. No third-party verification available.
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
wax, film-forming resins, pigments, waterproof polymer blend
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Clinique Lash Power Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Clinique Lash Power Mascara uses wax bases (likely carnauba or synthetic), film-forming resins (acrylates or similar polymers), and waterproof polymer blends to create durability and water resistance. Waterproof mascaras typically require fluorinated or silicone-based coatings to repel water, which is where PFAS-adjacent chemistry enters. The pigments (likely iron oxides and/or synthetic colorants) are standard in mascara but require verification of heavy-metal purity, particularly in black shades.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Waterproof mascaras often contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) to prevent microbial growth in the aqueous phase. Clinique does not publicly disclose preservative chemistry for this product; standard mascaras of this type have a moderate likelihood of including these compounds.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Black and dark-colored mascaras rely on iron oxides and synthetic organic pigments, which may contain trace heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium) if source materials are not controlled. Clinique, as a major brand, likely maintains supplier standards, but specific pigment testing data is not publicly available for this product.
Source, FDA ↗Fragrance allergens (if scented)
Lash Power Mascara formulations may include fragrance compounds to mask resin or preservative odor. Fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool, geraniol) can trigger contact dermatitis on the sensitive eye area, though the concentration is typically low and not listed separately on the label.
Eye irritation from resin film or pigment leaching
Waterproof polymer blends and pigments can migrate into the tear film or mucous membranes if left on the eye too long or if the product is expired. User reports of redness and minor irritation exist for waterproof mascaras in this category; individual sensitivity varies widely.
Buildup and ocular irritation from daily accumulation
Waterproof mascaras are designed to resist removal, which means incomplete nightly cleansing can lead to pigment and resin residue on the lashes and eyelid margins. This accumulation over weeks increases risk of folliculitis, contact dermatitis, or bacterial eye infections if hygiene is compromised.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique (Estee Lauder Corp) does not publicly disclose PFAS content or commit to PFAS-free formulations in their mascara line. The brand meets FDA cosmetic compliance and does not list major safety controversies on this specific product. However, absence of PFAS disclosure is typical across prestige mascara makers and does not indicate testing or absence of the compounds. Estee Lauder has not signed the AFIRM or similar pledges for PFAS transparency in personal care.
How it compares in its category
Lash Power Mascara sits in the mainstream prestige-cosmetics segment where waterproof formulas are nearly universal and PFAS-adjacent chemistry is the industry norm. Waterproof mascaras from comparable brands (MAC, Bobbi Brown, Maybelline) have identical disclosure gaps. PFAS-free or plant-based alternatives exist (e.g., RMS Beauty, Ilia) but are less common in waterproof variants. This product's positioning does not suggest higher or lower chemical risk than competitor waterproof mascaras.
If you buy it
Remove mascara nightly with dedicated makeup remover or oil cleanser to minimize eye-area exposure duration and avoid pigment accumulation. Do not heat or apply near flame due to resin flammability. Replace every 3 months to prevent bacterial colonization inside the tube (cosmetic shelf-life standard). If eye irritation, redness, or swelling occurs, discontinue and patch-test the remover separately to isolate the culprit.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Clinique 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 Clinique Lash Power Mascara?
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- 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.