Maybelline SuperStay · Lipstick
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Waterproof liquid lipstick with undisclosed binder chemistry and no PFAS statement.
This long-wear liquid lipstick uses film-forming acrylate polymers and waterproof binders to achieve durability. Maybelline has no PFAS statement on record for this product. The specific chemistry of the waterproof binders is not stated.
The better-graded swap
MAC
MAC Macximal Silky Matte 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 film-forming acrylate polymer with waterproof binders
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
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 uses a film-forming acrylate polymer backbone (common in long-wear liquid lipsticks) that hardens on lips to create durability and water resistance without traditional pigment suspension. The waterproof binder system is the source of the PFAS concern noted above, since many water-resistant cosmetics historically relied on fluorinated compounds, though Maybelline has not publicly disclosed specific PFAS content or absence. The formulation also includes standard pigments, preservatives, and humectants typical of the category.
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 and sensitizers
The product contains fragrance/parfum as a listed ingredient. Individual allergic reactions to fragrance compounds are common but highly variable; Maybelline does not disclose specific fragrance components (a widespread industry practice).
1,4-dioxane (solvent contaminant)
Acrylate-based polymers and emulsifiers used in long-wear liquid lipsticks can be processed with or contaminated by 1,4-dioxane. No public testing of SuperStay Matte Ink for this contaminant has been published.
Contact sensitization from preservatives or film-formers
Acrylate polymers and common preservatives (e.g., methylisothiazolinone) are known contact allergens in sensitive individuals. Rare reports of localized lip irritation or dermatitis exist for liquid lipstick products, though not specifically pinned to SuperStay Matte Ink.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink uses synthetic organic dyes and approved mineral pigments. No testing data or recalls for lead, cadmium, or arsenic contamination are on record for this product.
Source, FDA ↗Microplastics
The acrylate film-former is designed to adhere to lips and shed gradually with natural lip exfoliation. No evidence of intentional microplastic spheres in this product exists, and polymer particle size relative to absorption risk is not documented.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (owned by L'Oreal) does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing, heavy metal testing, or PFAS testing results for SuperStay products on its website. The brand has no known recalls or regulatory actions specific to this lipstick line. L'Oreal parent company has made commitments to reduce PFAS and other persistent chemicals, but transparency on individual product formulations remains limited compared to indie or transparency-focused brands.
How it compares in its category
Liquid matte lipsticks as a category typically carry lower chemical hazard profiles than traditional pencil or cream formulations because they do not require lead or cadmium-containing pigments or heavy mineral fillers. SuperStay Matte Ink is a mainstream mid-market option; it performs similarly to competing products like NYX Lip Lingerie and Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in terms of formula type, though independent testing data comparing PFAS or heavy metals across brands is scarce.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly; liquid lipsticks are not meant to be ingested, so avoid heavy consumption of lip balm or eating immediately after application. Replace every 12-18 months or if the applicator becomes dried, cracked, or contaminated; do not thin with water or add non-cosmetic liquids. Patch test on a small area of lip first if you have sensitive skin or known dye allergies. Store upright in a cool, dry place to prevent settling or separation.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 58% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick?
- Wax, oils, pigments, beeswax base
- Fragrance allergens (essential oils, fragrance compounds)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Wax, oils, pigments, and traditional cosmetic binders
- Lead
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- pigments, waxes, oils in lipstick base
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- 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.