Maybelline · Lip Balm & Long-Wear Lipstick
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Waterproof cosmetic with no PFAS disclosure; limited public data.
SuperStay Matte Ink contains waterproof film-forming polymers typical of long-wear liquid lipsticks, which may use PFAS in formulations. Maybelline provides no public PFAS statement. No independent lab testing found.
The better-graded swap
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating 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 film-forming polymers, waterproof binders
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline SuperStay Matte Liquid Lipstick is made of, ingredients and materials
SuperStay Matte Ink is a film-forming liquid lipstick built on acrylate-based polymers and volatile solvents that dry to a waterproof film on lips. The waterproofing mechanism likely relies on synthetic binders that may contain PFAS or PFAS-like compounds to achieve water and oil resistance; Maybelline does not disclose the specific polymer chemistry. The matte finish typically comes from silicas and iron oxides rather than talc, which reduces some contamination risk, but the solvent system (often including dimethicone or cyclomethicone) can carry trace contaminants during manufacturing.
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.
1,4-dioxane (trace solvent contaminant)
Liquid cosmetics using ethoxylated surfactants or PEG-based solvents may contain residual 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct. Maybelline does not disclose solvent purity; typical industry testing suggests trace levels (under 100 ppm) in waterproof lipsticks, but no third-party data available for this specific SKU.
Fragrance allergens (unlisted components)
SuperStay formulations include fragrance listed as a single ingredient without component breakdown. Common allergens in lipstick fragrances (limonene, linalool, citral) are not itemized. Consumers with sensitive lips or fragrance sensitivity may experience irritation; fragrance is a known irritant in leave-on lip products.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some acrylate-based waterproof coatings use cross-linking agents that may release trace formaldehyde under heat or over shelf life. No specific data exists for SuperStay, but this is a known mechanism in waterproof cosmetic films; levels are typically below regulatory thresholds.
Source, ATSDR ↗Volatile solvent inhalation risk
The liquid application releases volatile organic compounds (likely diethylene glycol dimethyl ether or similar ethers) during application and drying. Exposure is brief and localized to lips, but users applying in confined spaces or with repeated daily use may accumulate minor inhalant exposure; no specific study data for this product exists.
What’s reassuring
Synthetic iron oxides and mica (pigment purity)
Maybelline uses certified FD&C colorants and synthetic iron oxides in this product; no recalls or contamination reports exist for heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in SuperStay matte inks. Mica is used but not specified as synthetic or natural; both have lower concern at typical cosmetic levels.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal-owned) has no public commitment to PFAS-free cosmetics and does not disclose film-forming polymer composition on labels or safety data sheets readily available to consumers. The brand has not faced major product recalls for heavy metals or microbial contamination in recent years. However, Maybelline has faced historical scrutiny over fragrance transparency and does not publish third-party safety testing for individual SKUs.
How it compares in its category
Liquid matte lipsticks in this price tier (budget to mid-range) typically use similar acrylate binder systems; SuperStay is not an outlier in formulation approach. Brands like Nyx, Wet n Wild, and MAC use comparable chemistries. Higher-end or clean-label alternatives (Ilia, Glossier) may offer more transparency on PFAS avoidance, though at higher cost. The waterproof claim places this product in a category where PFAS risk is industry-wide, not brand-specific.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to avoid ingestion of solvents; the product is designed for lip application only. Remove with dedicated makeup remover or oil-based cleanser; soap and water alone may not fully dissolve the waterproof film. Do not use if you have known sensitivity to acrylates or fragrance; patch test on inner lip first. Replace if product dries out, separates, or develops odor, as solvents can degrade over time and increase irritant potential.
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 Matte Ink Liquid 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.