CoverGirl · Waterproof Mascara
Covergirl Professional 3-in-1 Waterproof Mascara
Skip until Covergirl discloses waterproofing chemistry or seeks third-party verification.
Covergirl does not publicly disclose PFAS status or waterproof coating chemistry for this mascara. Waterproof cosmetics often use fluorinated polymers, but no lab data or brand claim 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 and polymer film-forming ingredients, waterproof treatment unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Covergirl Professional 3-in-1 Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Covergirl Professional 3-in-1 Waterproof Mascara uses wax and polymer film-forming agents to create the waterproof barrier, but the specific waterproofing chemistry is not publicly disclosed. Waterproof mascaras typically require either fluorinated compounds (PFAS-based) or silicone-based polymers; without ingredient transparency, the waterproofing mechanism cannot be assessed. The wax base itself (typically carnauba or synthetic) is low concern, but the film-formers and any additives are the material risk point.
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.
Undisclosed waterproofing chemistry (fluorinated vs. silicone polymers)
Covergirl has not disclosed whether waterproofing is PFAS-based (fluorinated polymers) or silicone-based. Without ingredient transparency, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out, elevating concern in this product class.
Contact allergens and fragrance sensitivity
Waterproof mascaras often contain fragrance, polymer additives, or preservatives that can irritate or sensitize eyelids and mucous membranes. Covergirl's full formula transparency is limited; patch testing is advisable before regular use.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Waterproof liquid mascaras require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; some formulations use imidazolidinyl urea or other formaldehyde releasers. Covergirl's specific preservative system is not disclosed on packaging.
Source, ATSDR ↗Lash and lid irritation from film buildup and removal stress
Waterproof mascaras, including Covergirl's, are known to cause lash breakage and lid irritation if left on overnight or removed with harsh friction. Risk is behavioral and product-specific rather than inherent toxicity.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No specific recall or contamination on record for Covergirl mascaras. Synthetic iron oxide pigments and carbon black in mascaras are generally within cosmetic safety limits, but independent testing data for this product line is not publicly available.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Covergirl has not made public commitments to PFAS elimination or independent verification of waterproofing chemistries in mascara formulations. The brand does not list full waterproofing ingredient disclosures on packaging or readily accessible product pages. This silence on a known concern area in waterproof cosmetics represents a gap in consumer transparency rather than confirmation of PFAS use, but it prevents informed assessment.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras across the mass-market category typically avoid explicit PFAS claims but rarely disclose waterproofing agents. Covergirl's offering is standard in this regard, affordable, widely available, and similarly opaque on waterproofing chemistry. Premium or indie brands increasingly disclose silicone-based or wax-film waterproofing to distinguish themselves; Covergirl has not adopted this transparency advantage.
If you buy it
Patch test on inner forearm or lid margin before full application to rule out polymer or additive sensitivity. Remove with oil-based or biphasic makeup remover rather than water alone to avoid product buildup or lash stress. Replace mascara every 3 months, or sooner if application clumps, dries out, or changes texture. Keep the wand and tube clean; waterproof formulas are susceptible to microbial colonization if contaminated.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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 Professional 3-in-1 Waterproof Mascara?
- 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.