NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation and Soft Matte Complete Concealer 2-Piece Set
Lower PFAS risk for typical liquid foundation and concealer, but brand discloses nothing.
NARS does not publicly disclose PFAS presence or absence in these cosmetics. Neither product claims water-resistance or specialty coatings that commonly trigger PFAS use.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
pigments, binders, silicones in liquid/powder cosmetics
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Talc contamination and respiratory exposure
NARS does not disclose talc sourcing or asbestos testing. Talc in liquid formulations presents lower inhalation risk than loose powders, but repeated face application over years carries cumulative exposure. FDA approval does not exclude trace asbestos.
1,4-dioxane as manufacturing contaminant
Silicone-based liquid cosmetics may contain trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylated surfactants unless vacuum-stripped during production. NARS does not publish dioxane screening data. Typical levels in rinse-off products are below dermal absorption thresholds, but cumulative exposure data is limited.
Fragrance allergens
NARS Matte Longwear Foundation contains fragrance listed generically on label. Some users report contact sensitization; fragrance is a top allergen in leave-on cosmetics. Those with sensitive or reactive skin should patch-test or choose fragrance-free alternatives.
Silicone accumulation and skin occlusion
High-silicone formulations may trap bacteria or impair transepidermal water loss if applied daily without thorough cleansing. This is not acutely toxic but can trigger or worsen acne-prone conditions. Regular evening cleansing mitigates risk.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
Iron oxide pigments (Fe2O3, Fe3O4) are cosmetic-grade and regulated for lead/cadmium limits in most jurisdictions. No recalls or testing reports exist for NARS foundation metals. Risk is minimal for topical facial use.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
NARS Matte Longwear Foundation and Soft Matte Concealer are liquid suspensions of iron oxide pigments, talc or silica-based mattifiers, silicones (dimethicone), and water-soluble binders. The talc component is the primary concern in powder-containing formulations, though talc in wet foundations is minimal. Silicones in these products are inert once dried and pose no documented leaching risk; they are not volatile at skin temperature.
The brand's record and disclosure
NARS publishes ingredient lists and complies with EU/US cosmetic regulations but does not publicly disclose PFAS testing, heavy metal screening, or formaldehyde-releaser audits. The brand has no major safety recalls on record for these specific products. NARS is privately held (under Shiseido) and does not claim clean-beauty or toxicology certification, limiting third-party verification of production controls.
How it compares in its category
Liquid foundations and concealers are among the lowest-hazard cosmetics because pigments and binders are bound in suspension and not volatile. NARS sits in the mid-to-premium tier alongside brands like MAC and Estee Lauder; all three use similar silicone-talc-iron oxide chemistry. Cleaner alternatives (e.g., Clinique, Bare Minerals) avoid talc but offer no documented safety advantage for short-term use.
If you buy it
Apply only to face and neck; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Do not ingest. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent pigment separation. Replace if consistency changes or odor develops. If talc sensitivity or respiratory concern exists, seek products labeled talc-free. Discontinue if rash or irritation emerges within 48 hours.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- NARS has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More concealer 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.