NARS Climax Extreme Mascara
Skip until NARS discloses waterproof treatment chemistry.
Mascara is waterproof but NARS does not disclose the water-repellent coating chemistry. Waterproof cosmetics often use PFAS-based treatments; lack of transparency prevents confident assessment.
The better-graded swap
Burt's Bees
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara, Black Brown
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, film-forming polymers, waterproof coating (unspecified)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What NARS Climax Extreme Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Climax Extreme is a waterproof mascara based on wax and film-forming polymers, with an unspecified waterproof coating. Waterproof mascaras typically rely on hydrophobic treatments, often fluorinated compounds, to repel water and sweat. The specific polymer resins and any binding agents are not disclosed on available product labeling, making full ingredient transparency impossible for consumers evaluating safety.
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.
Undisclosed waterproof coating chemistry (possible fluorinated compounds)
Waterproof mascaras commonly use Teflon-type coating or other fluorinated polymers; NARS does not disclose the specific waterproofing agent, so fluorinated PFAS cannot be ruled out and aligns with the brand's poor PFAS transparency rating.
Polymer film residue and eye irritation if not fully removed
Waterproof film-forming polymers can adhere to lashes and lids if cleanser is insufficient; incomplete removal may accumulate over weeks and cause irritation or lash brittleness, particularly in sensitive users.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde releasers (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) are listed on available ingredient disclosures for this product; mascara formulas often use alternative preservative systems, but full ingredient transparency is limited.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Iron oxides and synthetic pigments used in black mascaras are regulated cosmetic colorants in most markets; no specific contamination recalls or testing results for this product are on record, but pigment sourcing and purity are not independently verified publicly.
Source, FDA ↗Fragrance allergens
This product does not list added fragrance in available labeling, reducing risk of fragrance-related contact dermatitis or sensitization compared to scented mascara formulas.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
NARS has not publicly disclosed its waterproof treatment chemistry or taken a formal stance on PFAS avoidance in cosmetics. The brand does not appear to hold third-party certifications for ingredient safety (e.g., EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, Clean Beauty certifications). No recalls or regulatory actions specific to this product are on record, but the silence on waterproof coating composition is a disclosure gap common in premium cosmetics.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof mascaras in the premium segment use undisclosed polymer and wax bases; NARS is not an outlier in opacity here. Some brands (e.g., Clinique, Estée Lauder lines) also do not detail waterproof treatments; others (e.g., RMS Beauty, Kosas) use natural wax and oil bases without waterproofing claims. Waterproof formulas inherently carry higher risk of fluorinated chemistry than non-waterproof alternatives, regardless of brand positioning.
If you buy it
Remove gently with oil-based cleanser or micellar water to avoid lash damage and minimize residue buildup. Do not expose to heat (e.g., direct sunlight, hair dryers) as polymer films can degrade. Replace every 3 months to prevent bacterial colonization of the wand and tube. If you prefer to avoid potential PFAS exposure, choose a non-waterproof mascara or a brand that explicitly confirms waterproof treatments are PFAS-free.
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
- NARS 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 NARS Climax Extreme Mascara?
- Wax, pigments, natural oils (typical mascara base)
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed sensitizers
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- pigments, waxes, polymers (unspecified)
- Lead
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- pigments, waxes, film-formers in liquid mascara
- Heavy metals
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore waterproof mascara 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.