Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid
Waterproof liquid liner; PFAS risk unconfirmed, ingredient disclosure limited.
Maybelline doesn't disclose PFAS status for this waterproof ink product. No public lab testing or certifications available confirm presence or absence.
The better-graded swap
MAC
M·A·C MAC Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick
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
liquid ink with waterproof/wear-resistant polymer coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid is made of, ingredients and materials
Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink is a liquid eyeliner formulated with a waterproof polymer film-forming system that creates a glossy, long-wear finish. The 'vinyl' coating likely refers to synthetic polymers (possibly acrylates or polyurethane-based) that adhere to skin and resist water. Exact resin composition is not disclosed on the label, which limits independent assessment of potential leachables or contaminants. Liquid eyeliners applied near the eye area pose particular concern because the eye region has high skin permeability and proximity to mucous membranes.
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.
Undisclosed polymer film-forming agents
The specific film-forming polymer(s) in this waterproof formula are proprietary and not listed on the label. Synthetic polymers can shed microparticles or leach monomers; without ingredient disclosure, assessment of skin irritation risk or systemic absorption is limited.
Fragrance allergens and sensitization
Maybelline Vinyl Ink likely contains fragrance compounds for scent masking of polymers and solvents. Fragrance is a known irritant for eye-area skin; allergic contact dermatitis is reported in liquid eyeliner users, particularly those with sensitive skin or existing dermatitis.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Waterproof liquid formulas typically require robust microbial preservatives. Common eyeliner preservatives include imidazolidinyl urea or dmdm hydantoin (formaldehyde releasers), which can cause contact sensitization on the thin, permeable eyelid skin.
Source, ATSDR ↗Polymer degradation and microparticle shedding
Waterproof eyeliner polymers can crack, flake, or shed particulates as the film ages or is exposed to rubbing, sweat, or removal trauma. These microparticles may accumulate on the eyelid or be inadvertently transferred to the eye, though clinical significance in cosmetic use is not well-studied.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or test results on record for lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Maybelline Vinyl Ink. However, black iron oxide and synthetic colorants in mass-market liquid liners are not routinely third-party tested for trace contaminants; risk remains unconfirmed.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal-owned) does not prominently disclose full ingredient breakdowns for proprietary film-forming polymers in their Vinyl Ink line, citing trade secrets. The brand has faced no major product recalls or safety violations specific to this line on record. Maybelline is not certified by third-party safety bodies (e.g., EWG, Leaping Bunny for safety chemistry) for ingredients, though the company does maintain general cosmetic compliance with FDA regulations. Lack of proactive disclosure about waterproofing agents or polymer sources reflects industry-standard opacity rather than a major red flag.
How it compares in its category
Liquid eyeliners with waterproof polymer coatings are common; Maybelline's Vinyl Ink sits in the mass-market mid-tier. Premium alternatives (e.g., Fenty Beauty) often provide more granular ingredient lists and third-party safety testing summaries. Budget liquid liners from drugstore brands show similar transparency gaps. Water-based liquid eyeliners (non-waterproof) typically use simpler binding agents (gums, lecithin) with lower chemical complexity, though they sacrifice longevity. The Vinyl Ink's durability advantage comes at the cost of polymer chemistry that remains largely opaque to consumers.
If you buy it
Apply only to the lash line and outer eye area; avoid direct contact with the inner eyelid or waterline to minimize absorption through delicate mucous tissue. Remove with makeup remover or oil-based cleanser within 12 hours to prevent polymer buildup and irritation. Replace the product every 3-6 months after opening, as waterproof formulas can accumulate bacteria and dried polymer fragments with age. If eye irritation, redness, or allergic reaction occurs, discontinue immediately and rinse thoroughly; seek dermatological advice if symptoms persist.
What we don’t know
- 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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More lipstick 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.