Maybelline · Lip Balm & Long-Wear Lipstick
Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon Lipstick
Long-wear waterproof cosmetics may contain PFAS; no disclosure available.
Superstay Ink Crayon is marketed as waterproof long-wear. Maybelline provides no PFAS transparency; waterproofing in cosmetics sometimes involves fluorochemicals, but data on this specific product is unavailable.
The better-graded swap
MAC
MAC Lipglass Air Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
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
wax, pigments, silicones; waterproof long-wear coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon Lipstick is made of, ingredients and materials
Superstay Ink Crayon uses a wax and silicone base with synthetic pigments and a waterproof polymer coating to achieve long-wear, non-transfer performance. The waterproof mechanism typically involves film-forming resins that may include PFAS-based water-repellent compounds, though Maybelline does not disclose ingredient-level formulation. Silicones are not a material linked to PFAS in cosmetics but provide occlusive properties that increase skin contact time with other components. Pigment selection and purity determine exposure to heavy metal contaminants.
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.
Lead
Maybelline does not publish heavy metal testing reports for Superstay Ink. Synthetic color additives (including FD&C and CI pigments) can carry trace contaminants; risk is low in regulated US/EU markets but monitoring is brand-dependent, not product-tested.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed sensitizers in fragrance complex
Superstay Ink lists fragrance as an ingredient but does not break down component allergens (e.g., limonene, linalool, eugenol). Waterproof formulas often include fragrance masking for waxy odor; individuals with fragrance sensitivity should request full ingredient specification from Maybelline or choose unscented alternatives.
Microplastics
Shimmer or glitter variants of Superstay Ink may contain microplastic particles; the waterproof coating itself is a synthetic polymer but not classified as microplastic in end use. Removal via cleansing limits environmental release, but L'Oreal has not voluntarily eliminated microplastics from color cosmetics.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No established data indicates formaldehyde use in Superstay Ink formulas. Modern Maybelline cosmetics typically use preservative systems with lower concern profiles, but ingredient disclosure is limited to label listing, which does not capture all release mechanisms.
Source, ATSDR ↗Talc or talc-like mineral contamination
Superstay Ink is not a powder product and does not use talc as a primary ingredient based on available formulation data. Silica-based mattifiers may be present but are not asbestos-contaminated in FDA-compliant US formulas.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal subsidiary) does not publicly disclose PFAS presence or absence in long-wear formulas and has not published ingredient transparency reports specific to this product line. The brand complies with FDA and EU regulations for cosmetic safety but does not voluntarily certify PFAS-free status. No major recalls or established heavy metal contamination have been documented for this product. Parent company L'Oreal has faced scrutiny over microplastics and PFAS in rinse-off products but has not issued category-specific commitments for color cosmetics.
How it compares in its category
Long-wear liquid lipsticks and crayon formulas as a category carry higher PFAS probability than traditional bullet lipsticks because waterproof and transfer-resistant performance often relies on fluorinated compounds. Maybelline's Superstay line is mainstream-market priced and formulated for durability rather than clean-beauty certification, placing it in the mid-risk tier for undisclosed PFAS. Alternatives with explicit PFAS-free or clean-beauty certifications (e.g., Honest Beauty, Kosas) exist but at premium pricing. Budget and prestige brands in this formula class show similar disclosure gaps.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to avoid prolonged contact with lips and skin; the waterproof polymer coating means residue can persist and requires oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm to fully remove. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent wax degradation and pigment separation. Replace every 2-3 years or if you notice color shifting, grittiness, or odor change, which may indicate component breakdown. If you have sensitive lips or a history of contact dermatitis, patch-test on inner arm first; waterproof formulas can trap moisture and irritants.
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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon Lipstick?
- Glycerin, silicones, pigments, film-formers (typical liquid cosmetic gloss)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
- Liquid lipstick, likely pigments, oils, and waxes
- Fragrance allergens or sensitizers
- Natural waxes and oils (beeswax, plant oils, pigments)
- Lead
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More lip balm & long-wear 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.