Maybelline · Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Skip until brand explains waterproof treatment chemistry.
Maybelline doesn't reveal the chemical identity of this product's water-resistant coating. Waterproof mascaras typically use durable polymer coatings historically based on fluorinated compounds.
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
water-resistant polymer film, pigments, waxes
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline Lash Sky High Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Lash Sensational Sky High is a polymer-film mascara using synthetic waxes and pigments to coat lashes with a water-resistant layer. The waterproof finish almost certainly relies on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) or silicone-based polymers to repel water, though Maybelline does not publish the specific chemistry. The pigments and waxes themselves are common cosmetic-grade materials, but the undisclosed treatment chemistry is the primary concern for this product type.
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Water-resistant mascaras almost universally contain PFAS or Teflon-family coating; Maybelline's refusal to disclose chemistry strongly suggests use. Manufacturer silence is itself a safety signal for precautionary avoidance.
Source, ATSDR ↗Polymer film flaking and microplastic ingestion
Polymer-film mascaras shed microscopic flakes during wear and removal; chronic daily use may result in ingestion of cosmetic plastic particles. No evidence of acute toxicity, but long-term accumulation risk is unquantified.
Allergic reaction to fragrance or wax
Maybelline mascaras contain fragrance and natural/synthetic waxes; individuals with sensitive eyes or fragrance sensitivity may experience irritation. Brand does not disclose fragrance components, limiting ability to identify triggering allergens.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or testing reports document lead, cadmium, or arsenic contamination in Maybelline mascaras. Cosmetic-grade iron oxides and synthetic organic pigments used in black formulas are regulated by FDA but not independently tested by brand.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Maybelline formulas are not known to contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives or documented 1,4-dioxane. Brand does not publish preservative system details, so residual contamination cannot be ruled out but has no public incident history.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal subsidiary) has not publicly disclosed PFAS use or phase-out timelines for waterproof formulas, despite growing industry scrutiny. The brand maintains general cosmetic safety compliance with FDA and EU regulations but does not publish ingredient transparency beyond regulatory minima or offer independent testing results for waterproof treatments. No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this specific product line, but silence on PFAS sourcing is a compliance gap relative to peer brands.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras inherently carry higher PFAS risk than standard formulas because water resistance requires either fluorinated polymers or encapsulation chemistry. Maybelline's lack of disclosure puts it below brands (e.g., Beautycounter, RMS Beauty) that explicitly avoid PFAS or use alternative water-resistance methods. Compared to budget alternatives like Wet n Wild, Maybelline's price point does not correlate with improved ingredient transparency or independent safety testing.
If you buy it
Use as directed and do not ingest or apply to broken skin. Remove daily with makeup remover or gentle cleanser, as polymer film can flake and accumulate on lashes if left overnight repeatedly. Replace every 3 months or sooner if the formula thickens, to avoid bacteria growth in the tube. Monitor for any eye irritation, which may indicate sensitivity to pigments or wax residue; discontinue and rinse with water if irritation occurs.
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
- Maybelline has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High 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.