CoverGirl · Waterproof Mascara
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara Very Black
Skip due to waterproofing mystery; no PFAS disclosure from brand.
CoverGirl does not disclose PFAS use or testing for this waterproof mascara. Waterproof cosmetics often contain fluorinated compounds; lack of transparency raises concern.
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
Proprietary waterproof mascara formulation with undisclosed coating or treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Very Black is made of, ingredients and materials
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara uses a proprietary waterproof formulation whose exact composition is not publicly disclosed. Waterproof mascaras typically require synthetic polymers, waxes, and film-forming agents to resist moisture; the waterproofing mechanism here is not specified on the label or CoverGirl's public documentation. Without ingredient transparency, the presence of PFAS-based water repellents or other synthetic compounds cannot be ruled out, which is the core concern flagged in your PFAS assessment.
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.
1,4-dioxane (cosmetic impurity)
Waterproof mascara formulations that use ethoxylated emulsifiers or polyethylene glycol-based preservatives may generate trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct. CoverGirl does not publish analytical data excluding this impurity. Regulatory limits allow trace amounts in finished products.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Budget waterproof mascaras sometimes use older preservative systems like imidazolidinyl urea or dmdm hydantoin, both formaldehyde releasers. CoverGirl's ingredient label does not specify preservative type, so presence cannot be confirmed without lab analysis.
Source, ATSDR ↗Eye irritation or allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance or preservatives
Mascara applied directly to sensitive eye tissues; waterproof mascaras require aggressive emulsifiers and solvents that increase irritation risk. No brand-specific recall for this product exists, but waterproof mascara irritation complaints are routine in cosmetic adverse event databases.
Bacterial or fungal growth in product tube over time
Waterproof mascara tubes contain residual moisture that can harbor microbial growth, especially if application wand is reused without sanitizing or cap is left loose. This is a usage and storage hazard, not a formulation defect specific to CoverGirl.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Black pigments in mascara (iron oxides and carbon black) are regulated cosmetic colorants with established safety limits. No contamination recall or warning is on record for this product or CoverGirl's mascara line.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
CoverGirl has not published a formal PFAS disclosure policy or ingredient transparency statement for this product line. The brand does not voluntarily list fragrance components, preservatives, or waterproofing agents in marketing materials. CoverGirl is owned by Coty Inc., which has faced criticism for limited cosmetic safety disclosure compared to premium competitors, though no specific recalls of this mascara for chemical hazards have been recorded. The lack of proactive communication about waterproofing chemistry is consistent with industry-wide opacity on PFAS use in long-wear cosmetics.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascara inherently carries higher concern for synthetic coating compounds than standard formulas. Budget-tier waterproof mascaras (this product's market segment) typically use older waterproofing technologies that may rely on PFAS or PFAS alternatives; premium brands have begun disclosing alternatives like silicone-based or wax-based systems. CoverGirl's silence on mechanism places this product in a lower transparency tier than brands publishing full ingredient lists or third-party verified PFAS-free claims. Standard removable mascaras have no PFAS waterproofing concern, making them a lower-hazard baseline for comparison.
If you buy it
Remove thoroughly with dedicated makeup remover or oil-based cleanser to avoid eye irritation and lash brittleness from residual waterproofing agents. Replace every 3 months to limit bacterial colonization in the wet tube environment, a common hygiene concern in cream mascaras. Avoid application if eye area is inflamed or you have a history of contact dermatitis; discontinue if redness, itching, or stinging develops. Store cap tightly sealed in a cool, dry place; do not expose to heat, which can alter polymer stability in waterproof formulations.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 32% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara Very Black?
- 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.