Maybelline SuperStay · Lipstick
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick
Waterproof claim raises concern without public PFAS testing or brand disclosure found.
Maybelline markets this waterproof crayon as long-wear, features often tied to PFAS-based water-repellent coatings. The brand has made no public statement about PFAS presence or absence, and no third-party testing is publicly known, making the waterproof feature concerning.
The better-graded swap
Coty
(2 pack) Coty Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick, 0.14 oz
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/oil-based crayon formula with waterproofing
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
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 oil base (typical, carnauba wax, synthetic waxes, volatile solvents) formulated for waterproof wear and transfer resistance. The 'ink' pigment system and waterproofing mechanism are the key variables, waterproofing in lipsticks often involves silicone resins or, in some formulas, film-forming polymers that may incorporate fluorochemicals. Maybelline does not publicly disclose the specific waterproofing agent or pigment sourcing for this product.
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
Product contains fragrance compounds typical of lip stains (parfum not itemized on label). Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or lip sensitivity may experience irritation; formal allergen testing by brand is not published.
PFAS
Waterproof crayon formulas often use silicone resins or acrylate copolymers that require solvent activation. Maybelline does not disclose the specific waterproofing polymer, making long-term skin contact effects unverified; volatile organic solvents in the formula may cause lip drying or irritation with extended wear.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or public reports of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in SuperStay Ink Crayon. FDA-approved colorants are used; however, third-party testing is not disclosed.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No evidence of formaldehyde releasers (e.g., DMDM hydantoin) in public ingredient lists for this product; however, full preservative system is proprietary.
Source, ATSDR ↗Talc contamination
SuperStay Ink Crayon formula does not list talc; risk is negligible unless sourced from contaminated mineral suppliers, which is not on record.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (owned by L'Oreal) follows FDA cosmetic ingredient rules but is not known for proactive PFAS or heavy-metal testing disclosure in lipsticks. The brand has faced no major recalls for this specific product as of available records. However, the company has not published ingredient transparency reports, third-party safety certifications (e.g., EWG verification), or PFAS testing data for the SuperStay Ink line, leaving waterproof claims unverified.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof lipsticks carry inherently higher risk of fluorochemical use than conventional formulas, as PFAS coatings are industry standard for water and oil repellency. Maybelline's SuperStay Ink sits in the mass-market, affordable tier; luxury or indie brands with certified clean formulations (e.g., Bite Beauty, Axiology) typically offer transparency. Most major brands in this price range do not disclose PFAS testing, making this product neither exceptional nor an outlier for the segment.
If you buy it
Use in thin layers to minimize absorption of waxes and solvents. Do not use if you have sensitive lips, history of contact dermatitis, or are pregnant (precautionary due to untested waterproofing agent). Avoid frequent lip nibbling or eating while wearing; wash hands after application to prevent ingestion of pigments. Replace every 12-18 months or if the formula separates, thickens, or develops an off odor, which signals degradation or bacterial growth.
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 SuperStay has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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- Formaldehyde / VOCs
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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.