NARS Mini Notorious Mascara
No PFAS data available; standard mascara formulation poses lower concern.
NARS does not disclose PFAS content or sourcing for this mascara. Standard mascaras rarely contain intentional PFAS, but waterproofing agents are sometimes used; verification requires brand transparency.
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
mascara wax, pigments, film-forming polymers
Lab data
No public lab test
What NARS Mini Notorious Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
NARS Notorious Mascara Mini is a traditional mascara combining waxes (for adhesion and texture), film-forming polymers (for wear and definition), and pigments (typically iron oxides or synthetic colorants for the black finish). This formulation is standard across the mascara category and does not inherently pose elevated leaching or degradation risk. The mini format has no unique material hazards compared to the full-size product; it is the same formula in reduced volume.
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.
1,4-dioxane contamination in polymers or emulsifiers
Film-forming polymers and emulsifiers in mascara may be manufactured with 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct; NARS does not publicly disclose distillation or purification steps to remove trace contaminants. Exposure via mascara is low because the product is not ingested and is applied in small quantities.
Bacterial or fungal growth if applicator or product oxidizes
All mascaras risk contamination if stored improperly or kept beyond 3 months; this is a usage and hygiene issue, not a formulation defect specific to NARS. Proper cap sealing and replacement schedules mitigate this risk across all brands.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Iron oxide pigments are FDA-approved colorants for cosmetics; no documented lead or cadmium contamination specific to NARS Notorious or standard black mascaras is on record. Risk is lower because mascara does not contact mucous membranes directly and has minimal dermal absorption.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public ingredient disclosure from NARS confirms or denies use of formaldehyde releasers in this product. Standard mascara preservatives (e.g., methylisothiazolinone, parabens) are not formaldehyde sources and are widely used across premium brands without incident.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens
No fragrance is listed in widely available ingredient summaries for NARS Notorious Mascara, reducing allergen risk. If fragrance is present, NARS does not itemize allergen compounds (e.g., limonene, linalool), which is standard industry practice but limits transparency.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
NARS does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient safety testing, certifications, or PFAS avoidance policies on this product. The brand has no established history of major cosmetic safety recalls or controversies on record for mascaras. NARS is not certified by third-party schemes (e.g., EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny) on their website for this item, though the brand does claim cruelty-free status. No independent testing or safety controversies specific to this mascara formulation are documented in public safety databases.
How it compares in its category
Mascara as a category carries lower systemic absorption risk than foundation or lip products because it contacts the eye margin and lashes, not mucous membranes or ingested surfaces. NARS Notorious sits in the mid-to-premium segment with formulations comparable to Dior, MAC, and Estée Lauder; no ingredient composition publicly distinguishes it as higher or lower concern. Most major-brand mascaras do not disclose PFAS or heavy metal testing, so this product's silence is consistent with industry norm.
If you buy it
Replace mascara every 3 months or sooner if you notice clumping, drying, or odor to prevent bacterial contamination and buildup. Do not share applicators with others to reduce cross-contamination. Store upright with the cap sealed to prevent oxidation and moisture loss. If you experience eye irritation, discontinue immediately and patch test on skin first if reintroducing after a break.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% 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.
Better-graded alternatives in Waterproof Mascara
Burt's Bees
100% Natural Nourishing Mascara, Black Brown
- Wax, pigments, natural oils (typical mascara base)
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed sensitizers
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
More 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.