Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama Washable Mascara
Skip; waterproof mascara likely contains PFAS, brand offers no disclosure.
Washable mascaras typically use fluorinated coatings for waterproofing. Maybelline discloses no PFAS information, and no third-party testing is publicly available for this product.
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, pigments, film-forming polymers, waterproof treatment unspecified
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline The Falsies Washable Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
This mascara contains waxes (likely carnauba or synthetic), pigments (iron oxides or organic colorants), and film-forming polymers to create the mascara structure and adherence. The 'waterproof treatment' is not specified by the brand, which is a red flag, waterproofing in mascara typically requires either silicone or fluorochemical (PFAS) additives to repel water. Wax-based mascaras are generally recognized as lower toxicity delivery systems, but the treatment chemicals and pigment sourcing are where contamination risks concentrate in this product.
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 contain PFAS to achieve water resistance; Maybelline does not disclose waterproofing chemistry, making PFAS presence undetermined but statistically probable in this formulation class.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Iron oxide and synthetic organic pigments used in mascara can carry trace contamination (lead, cadmium, arsenic) depending on pigment sourcing and refining; Maybelline does not publish pigment sourcing or heavy-metal testing limits for this product.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some synthetic polymers used in mascara formulations contain or release trace formaldehyde during manufacturing or storage; Maybelline does not specify polymer type or formaldehyde testing for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
If this mascara contains fragrance (common in consumer mascaras for scent or preservative synergy), Maybelline is not required to disclose fragrance allergen components in the US; sensitive individuals may react without knowing the trigger.
Bacterial or fungal growth in wet brush and formula
Mascaras are high-moisture products stored in wet applicator conditions; regular replacement and proper hygiene minimize infection risk, but old or contaminated product can harbor pathogens and cause eye infections.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal subsidiary) does not publicly disclose PFAS use, presence limits, or phase-out timelines across its cosmetics line, including mascaras. The brand has not published ingredient-by-ingredient transparency for waterproofing agents or obtained third-party cosmetic safety certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny audits with transparency). No major recalls or formulation controversies specific to this mascara are on record, but silence on PFAS in a waterproof product is a significant disclosure gap in a category where PFAS is common.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras across the market (drugstore and prestige) frequently rely on PFAS or silicones for water resistance; this product sits in a high-volume, cost-driven segment where PFAS presence is statistically likely but rarely disclosed. Non-waterproof mascaras, water-resistant mascaras with explicit PFAS-free claims, and brands that certify against PFAS (rare in mass market) represent lower-concern alternatives. Maybelline's silence puts this product in the opaque middle, no claim of PFAS-free status, no independent verification.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight, as high temperatures can degrade wax and film-forming polymers, potentially altering the product's safety profile or texture. Replace every three months after opening to minimize bacterial growth in the wet brush environment. Remove with gentle, oil-based makeup remover or micellar water to avoid repeated rubbing that can degrade the coating and release particles. If you experience eye irritation, discontinue use; if irritation persists, consult an ophthalmologist.
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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