Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
Waterproof cosmetics may use fluorinated compounds; brand silent on PFAS.
Maybelline does not disclose PFAS content for this waterproof mascara. Waterproofing in cosmetics sometimes involves fluorinated polymers; independent testing unavailable.
The better-graded swap
Bare Minerals
bareMinerals Mineral Makeup
100/100 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 blend, film-forming polymers, waterproof coating (unspecified)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift uses a wax-polymer blend as its base, combined with film-forming polymers to create the color deposit and hold. The waterproof coating is unspecified by the brand, which is typical for cosmetics; waterproof mascaras often rely on silicone or fluorinated compounds to repel water. The formulation is designed to adhere to lashes without flaking while resisting moisture and oil on the eyelid, a chemically demanding balance.
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.
PFAS
Waterproof mascaras commonly use fluorinated polymers or surfactants to achieve water resistance. Maybelline does not disclose this; no testing or confirmation is on public record for this specific product, but the waterproof claim and brand silence create moderate uncertainty.
Source, ATSDR ↗Bacterial or fungal growth if lid left open or contaminated
All mascaras are hygroscopic (wet, wax-based products in sealed tubes). Leaving the mascara uncapped, sharing applicators, or introducing moisture accelerates microbial colonization and infection risk. This is a use and storage hazard, not a manufacturing issue.
What’s reassuring
1,4-dioxane (residual from polymer synthesis)
Film-forming polymers in cosmetics can be manufactured via processes that leave 1,4-dioxane residue. Maybelline does not publish 1,4-dioxane testing for this product, and no recalls or alerts specific to this mascara are on record.
Lead
Black mascaras typically use iron oxide pigments, which are generally well-controlled in cosmetics. No substantiated heavy-metal contamination has been reported for Maybelline mascaras, but the brand does not publish third-party pigment analysis.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Formaldehyde and releasers (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) are used in some mascaras as preservatives. No recalls or reported issues are on record for this Maybelline product, and the brand has not flagged formaldehyde concerns.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal subsidiary) does not publicly disclose PFAS use, fluorination, or ingredient sourcing for this product despite waterproof claims that often correlate with fluorinated additives. The brand has no published third-party certifications (e.g., Leaping Bunny, COSMOS, Ecocert) for this mascara. No formal recalls or substantiated safety warnings specific to this product are on public record.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras as a class often carry higher undisclosed PFAS risk than non-waterproof alternatives; this product offers no transparency advantage over competitors. Some brands (e.g., Beautycounter, Honest Beauty) disclose PFAS avoidance or use fluorine-free waterproofing, whereas Maybelline remains silent. Non-waterproof mascaras and those using disclosed mineral waxes and silicone-only films generally present lower uncertainty.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to avoid product migration into the eye; remove with makeup remover rather than rubbing, which can stress the lash and eyelid skin. Replace every 3-6 months after opening to minimize bacterial colonization (mascaras are damp environments). If you experience redness, itching, or irritation, discontinue and patch-test separately. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent polymer degradation and separation.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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.
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