Laura Mercier · Waterproof Mascara
Laura Mercier Caviar Extravagant Mascara Trio
Waterproof mascara may contain PFAS. No public disclosure by brand.
Waterproof mascaras often use fluorinated polymers to resist moisture. Laura Mercier has not disclosed PFAS status; no third-party testing found.
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
pigments, oils, waxes, waterproof film-forming agents
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara Trio is made of, ingredients and materials
This mascara trio uses pigments, oils, waxes, and waterproof film-forming agents to create long-wear color and water resistance. The 'waterproof' claim typically requires synthetic polymers or silicone-based binders that may contain PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") to repel water. Laura Mercier does not publicly disclose the specific film-forming agents or their PFAS content, leaving the exact formulation opaque to consumers.
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.
PFAS
Waterproof mascaras commonly use fluorinated polymers or silicone-PFAS hybrids to achieve water resistance. Laura Mercier does not disclose whether this product contains PFAS; the risk is elevated for any waterproof mascara without explicit PFAS-free certification.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
If this mascara contains fragrance (common in premium formulas for sensory appeal), specific allergens are not listed on packaging. Fragrance can trigger contact dermatitis or irritation in sensitive eyes; the 'fragrance' ingredient hides dozens of potential sensitizers.
Bacterial or fungal growth from improper storage or expired product
Mascaras are water-based or oil-rich formulations exposed to eye bacteria during application; if not replaced within three months or stored in warm/humid conditions, microbial colonization becomes probable and poses eye infection risk.
Contact dermatitis from film-forming polymers or emollients
Synthetic polymers, silicones, and certain oils in waterproof mascaras can provoke localized allergic reactions or irritation, especially in users with sensitive eye skin or latex/polymer sensitivities. Laura Mercier does not disclose specific polymer types.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Iron oxides and synthetic colorants in mascara are regulated under cosmetics safety rules; no specific recalls or contamination incidents for Laura Mercier mascaras are on record. Standard cosmetics testing by FDA does not typically reveal heavy metal content unless a safety issue emerges.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Laura Mercier (owned by Estee Lauder Companies) has not made public commitments to PFAS elimination or transparent ingredient disclosure beyond standard ingredient lists. The brand maintains a silent stance on PFAS in waterproof products, which is typical of mainstream cosmetics but does not provide assurance. No major safety recalls or regulatory actions specific to this mascara line are on record, though the parent company has faced scrutiny on broader chemical safety and sustainability practices.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras across the market segment carry similar PFAS exposure risk; Laura Mercier is neither ahead nor behind in transparency. Non-waterproof alternatives and mascaras with plant-based film formers (available from brands like RMS Beauty or Ilia) reduce PFAS likelihood, though they sacrifice longevity. Laura Mercier's premium positioning does not correlate with disclosed chemical safety or PFAS avoidance; price reflects brand prestige, not reduced hazard.
If you buy it
Remove mascara daily with gentle oil-based cleanser to avoid eye irritation and lash damage, which can increase sensitivity to residual chemicals. Waterproof mascaras require more thorough removal; incomplete cleansing may leave film-forming agents on the lash line. Replace every three months to avoid bacterial buildup and oxidized formulation. If you experience eye irritation, redness, or contact dermatitis, discontinue and consider switching to a non-waterproof or PFAS-transparent alternative.
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
- Laura Mercier has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Laura Mercier Caviar Extravagant Mascara Trio?
- 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.