NARS Notorious Mascara
Skip until NARS discloses waterproofing chemistry.
NARS does not disclose PFAS or coating ingredients for this waterproof mascara. Waterproof cosmetics often use fluorinated polymers; no testing or third-party verification available.
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, polymers, waterproofing agents (unspecified)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What NARS Notorious Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Notorious Mascara is a wax-polymer formula with unspecified waterproofing agents. The polymers provide film-forming and conditioning; wax acts as a binder and thickener. Waterproofing agents are the concern, NARS does not publicly disclose whether these are PFAS-based or alternative chemistry. Wax and standard polymers in mascara are not inherently hazardous, but opacity around waterproofing formulations prevents full assessment of exposure risk.
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.
PFAS
NARS Notorious scored 30/100 on PFAS safety assessment; waterproofing chemistry not disclosed, preventing confirmation of fluorochemical presence. PFAS are graded separately but drive overall concern.
Source, ATSDR ↗Eye irritation or sensitization from undisclosed additives
Mascara is applied directly to eye contour; waterproofing agents and preservatives in unspecified formulations carry inherent risk of irritation, especially for sensitive users. NARS lack of transparency prevents assessment of irritant potential from specific additives.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No documented formaldehyde releasers or formaldehyde resins reported in Notorious Mascara on record. Wax-polymer mascaras typically do not require these preservatives.
Source, ATSDR ↗1,4-dioxane contamination
No specific 1,4-dioxane contamination reported for this product. Dioxane risk is higher in products with ethoxylated surfactants; mascara formulas typically avoid these, though NARS does not publish manufacturing or impurity specs.
Heavy metals
No specific heavy metal contamination or use of problematic pigments reported for Notorious Mascara. Iron oxides and carmine are common colorants in mascaras and are generally regulated; NARS does not disclose pigment sourcing.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
NARS has not published ingredient sourcing transparency reports or PFAS policy statements. The brand does not list waterproofing agents by name in ingredient disclosures, which is standard industry practice but limits consumer verification. No established recalls or regulatory actions specific to Notorious Mascara are on record. NARS silence on PFAS across its portfolio is a red flag for consumers seeking fluorochemical-free options.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof mascaras rely on either silicones, waxes, or fluorochemicals to achieve water resistance; NARS does not specify which. Many indie and clean beauty brands now disclose PFAS-free status explicitly, making Notorious's lack of transparency notable. Some premium brands (e.g., MAC, Estee Lauder lines) have also not fully disclosed waterproofing chemistry, suggesting industry-wide opacity. This product is neither notably transparent nor notably opaque relative to mass-premium mascara, but the PFAS concern makes it less competitive than fully transparent alternatives.
If you buy it
Use only as directed and avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with warm water and gentle cleanser to remove completely, especially if you experience irritation or redness. Do not heat or expose mascara to high temperatures, which could alter polymer or waterproofing agent stability. Replace every 3 months or immediately if formula thickens, smells off, or causes stinging. If seeking to minimize PFAS exposure, consider requesting NARS to disclose waterproofing agents in writing or switching to a brand with published PFAS-free commitment.
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 Notorious 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.