NARS Explicit Lipstick
Avoid until NARS discloses waterproofing agent or obtains third-party testing.
NARS markets this as waterproof, signaling water-repellent coatings commonly made with PFAS in cosmetics. The brand has not publicly disclosed the waterproofing chemistry or provided testing results, leaving true PFAS exposure unknown.
The better-graded swap
Revlon
Revlon Super Lustrous 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
Wax, oils, pigments; waterproof coating unspecified
Lab data
No public lab test
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What NARS Explicit Lipstick is made of, ingredients and materials
NARS Explicit Lipstick is a wax-and-oil blend (typically beeswax, candelilla wax, plant oils, and synthetic emollients) with iron oxides, mica, and proprietary pigments for color. The 'waterproof' claim signals a hydrophobic coating or silicone-based film-former, but NARS has not publicly disclosed the specific waterproofing agent. This opacity is the core concern, waterproof cosmetics often use fluorinated polymers (PFAS) or undisclosed silicone derivatives to resist water and sweat.
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.
Heavy metals
Iron oxide pigments are generally low-risk, but NARS does not publish supplier testing or heavy metal concentration limits (lead, cadmium, arsenic). Synthetic colorants (e.g., D&C Red No. 7) are regulated by FDA but can carry trace impurities; no product-specific testing is publicly available.
Source, FDA ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance compounds
NARS Explicit lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient but does not itemize components. Fragrance blends commonly include limonene, linalool, and potential sensitizers; individuals with sensitive lips or fragrance allergies report irritation. The waterproof formulation may concentrate fragrance volatiles.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
While NARS does not disclose preservatives, wax-oil formulations typically use imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin, or other broad-spectrum preservatives that can release trace formaldehyde. No product-specific analysis is published; this is a category-level risk common to lipsticks.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
The undisclosed waterproof coating may degrade under heat, friction, or saliva exposure, potentially shedding microparticles. Long-term lip ingestion of synthetic polymer fragments is understudied; precautionary concern exists for daily users.
PFAS
NARS does not disclose the waterproofing agent. Industry standard for 'waterproof' lipstick formulations often involves Teflon-type coating, polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS-based polymers. This is addressed separately in the PFAS verdict but elevates overall caution.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
NARS (Shiseido-owned since 2000) does not publish a chemical transparency report, ingredient safety assessment, or PFAS sourcing policy. The brand has made no public commitment to PFAS phase-out in cosmetics, unlike competitors Credo Beauty or Beautycounter. NARS does list fragrance and may reformulate without notice; no major recalls specific to Explicit Lipstick are on record, but the absence of disclosure does not indicate absence of risk.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof lipsticks universally face this trade-off, durability often comes from fluorinated or silicone coatings. Brands like MAC Fix+ use silicone copolymers (less PFAS-intensive but not PFAS-free). NARS positions Explicit as a luxury product with extended wear; this durability claim typically requires more aggressive chemistry. Budget alternatives (e.g., Maybelline SuperStay) make similar claims with publicly disclosed ingredient lists, giving you more certainty.
If you buy it
Patch test on inner lip or behind ear 24 hours before full wear, especially if you have sensitive lips or fragrance sensitivities. Do not apply heavily to very young children or during pregnancy without consulting a dermatologist (precaution given undisclosed waterproofing). Replace every 18-24 months or if color/texture changes; do not store above 25C or in direct sunlight, as wax formulations can separate. Consider requesting a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from NARS customer service to push transparency.
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 Explicit 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.