Maybelline SuperStay 24 2-Step
Waterproof cosmetics may contain PFAS; Maybelline discloses nothing.
Maybelline's waterproof liquid lipstick is designed to resist moisture and smudging. The brand doesn't disclose PFAS content or waterproofing agent details.
The better-graded swap
MAC
MAC Sleek Satin Lip Set
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 lipstick with waterproof polymer coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline SuperStay 24 2-Step is made of, ingredients and materials
Maybelline SuperStay 24 is a two-step liquid lipstick system combining a pigmented liquid base with a waterproof polymer topcoat. The waterproof claim typically relies on synthetic polymers and silicones that form an occlusive film on lips. Waterproof cosmetic formulations often use fluorinated compounds (PFAS family) to achieve water and oil repellency, though Maybelline has not disclosed specific ingredients or PFAS presence in this product. The extended wear formula also contains fragrance components and colorants that carry inherent sensitization risk.
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.
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
Maybelline lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without specifying constituents; long-wear lip products commonly trigger contact dermatitis from fragrance mixtures. Individual sensitization risk is high for sensitive skin types.
Synthetic colorants and pigment contamination
Liquid lipsticks use iron oxides, mica, and certified colorants (FD&C Red No. 33, etc.) to achieve opacity and shade. While FDA-approved colorants meet purity standards, trace heavy metal contamination (lead, cadmium) in pigment supplies is rare but documented in cosmetics manufacturing. No specific testing of SuperStay 24 colorants is publicly available.
Polymer film occlusion and maceration
The waterproof polymer topcoat forms an occlusive barrier that traps moisture and bacteria on the lip surface if not completely removed daily. Extended wear (12-24 hours) increases risk of lip maceration, secondary bacterial growth, and contact sensitization, especially in users with compromised lip barrier function.
1,4-dioxane (trace contaminant in surfactants and emulsifiers)
Waterproof cosmetics often contain ethoxylated ingredients (polysorbates, ceteth compounds) that may carry trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct. Maybelline does not publish residual solvent testing data; the presence and level in SuperStay 24 are not publicly disclosed.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Two-step liquid products require dual preservative systems to prevent microbial growth in each phase. Some formulations use formaldehyde-releasers (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) to extend shelf life; Maybelline does not publish preservative ingredients, so the specific system used in SuperStay 24 is not verifiable from public sources.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal-owned) is not recognized for transparency on PFAS use or restriction in cosmetics. The brand does not list PFAS-free claims or third-party certifications (Clean Beauty, EWG Verified) on this product. Maybelline complies with FDA and EU cosmetics regulations for listed colorants and fragrance allergens, but does not voluntarily exceed these minimums. No significant recalls or safety actions specific to SuperStay 24 are on record, though fragrance-related contact sensitization complaints are typical for long-wear lip products across the market.
How it compares in its category
SuperStay 24 is a mainstream mass-market product positioned at mid-price; comparable products (e.g., Revlon ColorStay, NYX Pro Stay Matte) have similar waterproof polymer and PFAS disclosure gaps. Premium brands (MAC, Tom Ford) and indie clean brands (Ilia, Jones Road) increasingly market PFAS-avoidant or PFAS-disclosed alternatives, though verification is limited across the category. Most liquid lipsticks, waterproof or not, carry fragrance and dye allergen risk; SuperStay's two-step format adds potential for uneven coating and polymer buildup if not removed thoroughly. Budget and clinical alternatives (unscented matte liquids from dermatology lines) exist but are rarer at this price point.
If you buy it
Patch test the product on inner lip or behind ear first if you have a history of fragrance or dye sensitivity. Remove nightly with an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover to prevent polymer and colorant buildup, which can lead to irritation and lip dryness over time. Replace the product every 12 months; liquid cosmetics exposed to air can develop bacterial growth and ingredient degradation. Avoid prolonged contact with lips if any irritation, swelling, or rash develops; discontinue immediately and rinse thoroughly.
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.