CoverGirl Exhibitionist Ultra Matte Lipstick
Lower concern. Typical lipstick formulation with no known PFAS drivers.
Matte lipsticks use waxes and pigments without known need for PFAS. CoverGirl discloses no PFAS information, but standard formulations pose lower risk than waterproof products.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Wax, pigments, oils, emollients
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What CoverGirl Exhibitionist Ultra Matte is made of, ingredients and materials
CoverGirl Exhibitionist Ultra Matte Lipstick uses a wax and oil base (standard for matte lipsticks) combined with synthetic pigments and emollients to achieve color and wear. The matte finish typically comes from silica or other mattifying agents that reduce shine without adding chemical risk. Ultra-matte formulas rely on film-forming polymers and absorptive powders rather than problematic binders, making this a straightforward pigment-in-wax system common across the cosmetics industry.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Matte lipsticks often use preservative systems to prevent microbial growth in the wax base. If formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea) are present, they would be listed on the label; CoverGirl does not publicly confirm the specific preservative blend used in Exhibitionist.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
The product description does not specify fragrance content, but matte lipsticks often contain fragrance compounds to mask wax odor. Individual sensitivities vary; persons with fragrance allergies or multiple chemical sensitivities should patch test or review the full ingredient list on the package.
Wax degradation and rancidity over time
Lipsticks stored in warm conditions or kept beyond 18 months may undergo lipid oxidation, causing odor or texture changes. This is a stability issue rather than a safety hazard in most cases, but replaced products avoid long-term use of degraded formulas.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
No published recalls or test reports for this specific product show heavy metal contamination. Mass-market lipsticks are subject to FDA oversight of colorants, and CoverGirl uses approved synthetic dyes; however, the brand does not voluntarily disclose heavy metal screening results.
Source, ATSDR ↗Talc contamination (if talc is used as a mattifying agent)
Modern formulas increasingly replace talc with silica or other non-talc powders to avoid asbestos contamination risk. CoverGirl's published ingredients for ultra-matte lines typically list silica rather than talc, but the company does not issue explicit talc-free guarantees for all batches.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
CoverGirl (owned by Coty) does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing or heavy metal testing data for most lipsticks, which is typical for mass-market brands but limits transparency. The brand has not faced significant FDA enforcement actions or recalls specifically for this product line. CoverGirl products are manufactured under standard FDA cosmetic oversight, though the company remains largely silent on optional certifications like cruelty-free or third-party heavy metal screening.
How it compares in its category
Exhibitionist Ultra Matte sits in the mainstream mass-market segment alongside Maybelline and Revlon, all of which use similar wax-pigment formulas. Indie and premium brands sometimes offer better transparency and higher quality pigment sourcing, but do not necessarily demonstrate lower heavy metal risk. Performance-focused formulas like this one (long-wear, matte) are chemically standard and carry no inherent safety disadvantage versus cream or satin finishes in the same price tier.
If you buy it
Apply normally without heat exposure beyond typical room temperature storage. Replace the product every 12-18 months or sooner if you notice discoloration, separation, or odor change, as wax-based products can degrade. Avoid ingesting large amounts (incidental contact during eating is not a concern). Store upright in a cool, dry place to prevent warping and ensure the formula stays stable.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- CoverGirl has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More 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.