Maybelline SuperStay · Lipstick
Maybelline (2 pack) SuperStay 24 2-Step Liquid Lipstick Long-Lasting Lip Color, Continuous Coral
Moderate concern due to waterproofing claims and lack of PFAS disclosure; safer alternatives exist.
SuperStay's 24-hour waterproof formula likely uses synthetic water-resistant coatings common in long-wear cosmetics, which frequently contain fluorinated compounds. Maybelline provides no public PFAS disclosure or testing, leaving a need for precautionary alternatives.
The safe swap
MAC Fix+
MAC Frost 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 lipstick with synthetic polymers and waterproofing agents
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
SuperStay's 24-hour water-resistance claim strongly suggests reliance on fluorinated compounds for durability. Maybelline's silence on PFAS content is consistent with industry non-disclosure; cosmetic-grade PFAS is not banned in most jurisdictions, and migration to lips is possible with prolonged wear.
Source: ATSDR ↗Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in solvent base
Liquid lipsticks require organic solvents (typically isododecane, dimethicone) as carriers. Inhalation during application is minimal but chronic use in poorly ventilated spaces may accumulate exposure; no product-specific VOC testing is publicly available.
Heavy metals
FDA-approved synthetic dyes in cosmetics (e.g., D&C Red No. 7, Iron Oxides) are allowed with trace heavy metal contaminants up to permitted limits. Maybelline does not publish heavy metal test results for SuperStay; risk is consistent with industry baseline, not elevated.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Liquid lipsticks require antimicrobial preservation; DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea (both formaldehyde-releasing) are permitted in cosmetics but not disclosed in Maybelline's ingredient listings. Risk depends on actual formulation opaqueness.
Source: ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergen sensitization with repeated lip contact
SuperStay formulas typically contain fragrance compounds; lips have thinner barrier than face skin, increasing sensitization risk with daily 12-24 hour wear. No allergen disclosure is mandated for cosmetic fragrance blends.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Maybelline SuperStay is a synthetic polymer-based liquid lipstick formulated for 24-hour wear and water resistance. The waterproofing claims typically rely on film-forming polymers and silicones, which may incorporate PFAS compounds to enhance durability and water repellency. Liquid lipsticks require volatile organic solvents (VOCs) and plasticizers to achieve the liquid-to-film transition on lips; exact formulations are proprietary, limiting transparency on specific chemical identity.
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal subsidiary) does not publish detailed PFAS disclosure or commit to PFAS phase-out for color cosmetics. The brand has not issued recalls specific to heavy metals or hazardous contaminants in SuperStay lipsticks in recent public records. Maybelline meets FDA color additive compliance for lip products but does not exceed baseline regulatory safety in ingredient transparency or third-party testing claims.
How it compares in its category
Long-wear liquid lipsticks inherently carry higher PFAS risk than traditional bullet lipsticks due to waterproofing demands. SuperStay occupies the mass-market tier; indie and clean-beauty brands (e.g., Ilia, RMS Beauty) often disclose PFAS-free formulations explicitly. Waterproof formulations universally require synthetic adhesion aids; the category standard for transparency is poor across major brands.
If you buy it
Apply only to lips and avoid prolonged skin contact during application. Wear time extends to 12-16 hours realistically; remove with dedicated makeup remover rather than water alone to prevent product buildup and irritation. Replace every 12-18 months or if formula thickens, as VOC evaporation concentrates remaining chemicals. Do not use near eyes or on children; discontinue if lip irritation or allergic reaction occurs.
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 SuperStay has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Lipstick
MAC Fix+
MAC Frost Lipstick
wax, oils, pigments, emollients (typical lipstick base)
Lead
Limited concern
Azo dyes and synthetic colorants (allergic sensitization)
Limited concern
Fragrance and flavor oils (allergen, aspiration risk)
Limited concern
Lower risk from standard lipstick formula, though MAC makes no PFAS statement.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC Fix+
MAC Sleek Satin Lip Set
liquid/cream lipstick with standard pigments and emollients
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Limited concern
Coating or formula instability causing separation or contamination
Limited concern
Lower risk for typical cosmetic formula without known PFAS drivers, though brand remains silent on PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
NARS
Powermatte Lipstick
Pigments, waxes, oils in standard lipstick base
Talc contamination (asbestos trace)
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens and sensitivizers
Limited concern
Lower risk for standard cosmetic without PFAS triggers, though brand makes no transparency claims.
⚠Risky category by default
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.