Maybelline Volum Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof mascara formula raises PFAS concern; brand silent on ingredients.
Maybelline does not disclose PFAS status or waterproofing agent identity. Waterproof mascaras often use fluorinated polymers; public ingredient lists lack detail on the film-forming system.
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, film-forming polymers, waterproofing agent unspecified
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maybelline Volum Express Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Volum Express The Falsies Waterproof contains wax (likely beeswax or synthetic wax) as the base, film-forming polymers to build and hold lashes, and an unspecified waterproofing agent. The waterproofing ingredient is not publicly disclosed by Maybelline, which is the core concern here, waterproof cosmetics typically require either PFAS compounds or silicone-based barriers, and without transparency, the actual mechanism cannot be independently verified. Wax and polymers themselves carry low hazard if pure, but the waterproofing agent's identity determines whether PFAS or other synthetic compounds are present at levels that matter to individual consumers.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Waterproof mascaras commonly rely on robust preservative systems to prevent microbial growth in humid, water-resistant formulas. If Maybelline uses formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea), dermal or ocular sensitization is possible, particularly in frequent users; no specific formulation record for this product rules out the hazard.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and sensitization
Mascara formulas may contain fragrance compounds to mask base odor; while not universally present, fragrance contact sensitization is documented in eye cosmetics. Maybelline does not disclose fragrance ingredients, so individual allergen risk cannot be assessed without patch testing or trial.
Eye irritation from polymer film or adhesion agents
Long-wear and waterproof mascaras rely on film-forming polymers and adhesion resins that can cause temporary eye irritation, redness, or dryness in sensitive users. This is a known class effect, not unique to this product, but removal difficulty with waterproof formulas can prolong irritation if not cleansed thoroughly.
PFAS
The waterproofing mechanism is not disclosed on packaging or in public ingredient lists. Waterproof mascaras typically use either silicone (lower concern) or PFAS (higher concern per separate PFAS grade); without transparency, the actual hazard profile cannot be confirmed beyond the Poor PFAS rating already assigned.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Black and brown mascaras typically use iron oxide or carbon black, which are generally stable in cosmetics and low-concern when applied topically. No recalls or contamination reports specific to Volum Express The Falsies or Maybelline mascaras for heavy metal content have been established.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Maybelline (L'Oreal subsidiary) does not publicly disclose its PFAS policy or waterproofing ingredient choices for mascaras. The brand has not published ingredient transparency statements specific to PFAS avoidance or confirmation. L'Oreal parent company has made some commitments to reduce certain hazardous substances but has not issued a clear PFAS roadmap for waterproof cosmetics. This silence is notable in an era when competitors increasingly name or commit to avoiding PFAS in long-wear formulas.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras as a category carry inherent transparency risk because the waterproofing agent is rarely disclosed on retail labels. Volum Express The Falsies is mid-market and widely available, making it comparable to other mass-market waterproof mascaras; it does not stand out as particularly transparent or opaque. Premium or indie brands (e.g., Clinique, Glossier, RMS Beauty) sometimes disclose waterproofing mechanisms more explicitly, though not uniformly. Overall, this product sits at the category norm for disclosure gaps, not better or worse.
If you buy it
Remove waterproof mascara daily with a gentle, thorough makeup remover (oil-based or micellar water works well) to avoid lash brittleness and eye irritation over time. Do not sleep in it or leave it on for extended periods, as waterproof formulas are harder to remove and can stress lash follicles. Replace the tube every 3 months or sooner if clumping, flaking, or odor develops; bacterial growth is a risk in wet cosmetics. If you experience eye irritation, discontinue use and allow a minimum 1-week break before reapplying.
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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Maybelline Volum Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara?
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
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2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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