Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Washable mascara often uses water-repellent coatings; PFAS status unclear.
Maybelline does not disclose PFAS content or composition details. Washable mascaras typically employ water-resistant polymers whose chemistry remains proprietary and unverified for PFAS presence.
The better-graded swap
Bare Minerals
bareMinerals Mineral Makeup
100/100 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 film-forming polymers with waterproof coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline Lash Washable Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Lash Sensational Sky High is a wax and film-forming polymer formula with a waterproof/water-resistant coating. The coating technology (likely silicone or synthetic polymer-based) allows the product to resist moisture and sweat. Wax bases are standard in mascara and pose low hazard; the concern centers on what polymer or resin system creates the water repellence, since some water-resistant cosmetics have historically used PFAS compounds to achieve durability, though Maybelline has not disclosed the specific chemistry here.
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
Standard mascara preservatives occasionally include formaldehyde-releasing resins to prevent microbial growth. Maybelline does not disclose the specific preservative system for this product, so presence cannot be confirmed; if present, direct eye exposure carries documented irritation risk for sensitive individuals.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
The product may contain fragrance (not consistently listed in all regional formulations or may be proprietary blend). Fragrance compounds can trigger contact dermatitis or eye irritation in sensitized individuals, particularly when applied near the ocular area; specific allergens are not disclosed.
Microbial contamination risk post-opening
Mascara wands and tubes create warm, moist environments conducive to bacterial and fungal growth once opened. Expired or improperly stored mascara can harbor pathogens that cause eye infections or conjunctivitis; 3-month replacement is standard industry guidance.
Polymer coating degradation and migration
Film-forming polymers in the waterproof coating may degrade over time (heat, light, or age), potentially releasing particles or oligomers into the formula or onto the eye; long-term safety of migrant polymer fragments has not been publicly tested for this product.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or testing reports document heavy metal contamination (lead, arsenic, cadmium) in this specific product. Cosmetic-grade pigments in the US are regulated for purity, but only periodic third-party testing would confirm compliance; Maybelline has not published such data for this line.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal group) does not publicly disclose ingredient-level transparency for PFAS or provide third-party certifications (e.g., EWG verification, Clean Beauty standards). The brand has not published a PFAS policy or commitment to phase out fluorinated compounds in mascara or other color cosmetics. No established safety recalls or regulatory findings specific to this product line are on record; however, the absence of disclosure does not confirm absence of fluorinated coatings.
How it compares in its category
Washable mascaras occupy a middle ground, they use water-resistant technology without claiming 24-hour wear like waterproof formulas, which typically rely on heavier solvent systems or stronger binding polymers. Competitors range from conventional wax-based mascaras (lower coating complexity) to explicitly waterproof brands (higher PFAS risk based on available research). Maybelline's 'washable' claim suggests a less aggressive water-repellent system than full waterproof, but the actual technology remains proprietary and undisclosed.
If you buy it
Remove with warm water and gentle facial cleanser or makeup remover as directed; do not use excessive rubbing on the lash line to avoid irritation or lash breakage. Replace every 3 months after opening to prevent bacterial growth and degradation of the formula. If any eye irritation, redness, or swelling occurs, discontinue use. Store upright with cap closed tightly in a cool, dry place to maintain formula integrity.
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
- Maybelline has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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