NYX Professional Makeup Worth The Hype Mascara
Waterproof mascara carries PFAS risk; NYX discloses nothing.
Waterproof mascaras often use PFAS-based polymers for durability. NYX makes no PFAS disclosure for this product, leaving composition unclear.
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
Film-forming polymers, waterproof film-former
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What NYX Professional Makeup Worth Hype Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
NYX Worth The Hype is a film-forming waterproof mascara built on polymeric binders and water-resistant resins that adhere pigment to lashes. The waterproofing mechanism typically relies on synthetic film-formers that may include Teflon-type coating-adjacent compounds or fluorinated polymers; waterproof mascaras in this price tier rarely disclose their full waterproofing chemistry. The formula also contains standard mascara ingredients, iron oxides (pigment), talc or silica (texture), and preservative systems, none of which NYX has published safety data for this specific product.
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
Waterproof mascaras depend on fluorinated or Teflon-type coating-adjacent polymers for durability; NYX discloses no chemistry or testing. PFAS presence is typical for this product category and grade.
Source, ATSDR ↗Talc contamination risk
Worth The Hype formula likely contains talc or silica for texture; talc has been linked to ovarian cancer risk in some studies when applied near reproductive areas. NYX does not publish talc sourcing or asbestos testing for this product.
Polymer film degradation and particle shedding
As waterproof mascara ages or is exposed to heat, the film-forming polymer can flake or shed microscopically. NYX provides no guidance on storage temperature or shelf-life after opening.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Iron oxides used in black mascara are generally low-concern, but NYX has not published lead, cadmium, or arsenic testing data for this product. FDA limits exist but are not enforced pre-market.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde releasers (DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea) are listed on NYX marketing materials, but the full preservative system is not disclosed. Standard cosmetic preservatives in mascara carry low eye irritation risk at typical concentrations.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
NYX is owned by L'Oreal and markets itself as cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, but does not publicly disclose PFAS use, heavy metal testing, or formaldehyde releaser screening for individual products. The brand has not issued statements on waterproofing chemistry or fluorine compound safety. No product-specific recalls or safety notices for Worth The Hype mascara are documented. NYX compliance is typical for mass-market cosmetics, meets FDA baseline but does not exceed disclosure standards.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras across all brands (Maybelline, L'Oreal, Loreal, Clinique, drugstore tier) share the same PFAS exposure risk because waterproofing without fluorinated compounds is difficult to achieve at this price point. NYX Worth The Hype is mid-tier; it does not stand out as lower or higher concern than competitors like Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof or L'Oreal Telescopic. Brands offering verified PFAS-free waterproof mascaras remain rare and typically cost significantly more or use water-resistant (not waterproof) formulas.
If you buy it
Remove with oil-based or micellar makeup remover; waterproof film-formers require lipophilic solvents to break down cleanly and avoid tugging lashes. Replace every 3 months or if clumping or drying occurs; dried-out mascara harbors bacteria. Do not heat the tube or leave it in direct sun; polymer film-formers can degrade and release particles. If you experience eye irritation, discontinue and rinse thoroughly; talc or pigment reactions are possible but uncommon.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- NYX has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to NYX Professional Makeup Worth The Hype 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.