PFAS75/ 100Excellent
Overall71/ 100Good

Rare Beauty · Lipstick

Kind Words Matte Lipstick

Excellent

Insufficient data. No PFAS disclosure or testing available.

Verdict · BuyMatte lipstick with typical wax-pigment formula; no established heavy metal or formaldehyde concerns on record for this brand; PFAS data absent but not a priority in lip products.

Rare Beauty does not publicly disclose PFAS content or testing for Kind Words Matte Lipstick. Matte lipsticks sometimes contain fluorinated polymers, but no evidence confirms or denies this product's ingredients.

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We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade

Material

pigments, waxes, oils (typical matte lipstick formulation)

Brand disclosure

Brand is silent on PFAS

Lab data

No public lab test

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What Kind Words Matte Lipstick is made of, ingredients and materials

Kind Words Matte Lipstick uses standard cosmetic-grade pigments, waxes (likely carnauba or synthetic), and oils to create color and texture. Matte formulations rely on higher ratios of wax and absorbent powders to reduce shine, which can increase the risk of ingredient migration if quality control lapses, though this is rare in established brands. The pigments used in lip color, typically iron oxides, mica, or synthetic dyes, must meet cosmetic purity standards to minimize heavy metal content. Rare Beauty does not publicly disclose pigment sourcing or third-party heavy metal testing for this product.

What’s concerning

♾️

Category baseline

The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.

90/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.

85/ 100
⚠️

Fragrance or essential oil allergens

Kind Words Matte Lipstick likely contains fragrance compounds or flavoring agents typical of consumer lipsticks. Rare Beauty does not disclose specific fragrance ingredients; individuals with perfume sensitivity or lip irritation history should review the full ingredient list.

70/ 100

What’s reassuring

🧠

Lead

No independent testing or recalls on record for Kind Words Matte Lipstick. FDA cosmetic limits apply (0.1 ppm lead in lip products), but Rare Beauty does not publish assay results to confirm compliance.

Source, ATSDR ↗
95/ 100
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Standard lipstick preservatives (phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone) are used at cosmetic-safe levels. No public reports of formaldehyde content or DMDM hydantoin use in this product line.

Source, ATSDR ↗
95/ 100
✅

Talc or talc-adjacent inert powder contamination

Matte lipstick formulations often use silica, mica, or kaolin instead of talc, but Rare Beauty does not specify powder type. No recalls or contamination reports are on record for this brand.

95/ 100
✅

Azo dye allergic sensitization

Rare Beauty likely uses approved cosmetic colorants rather than industrial azo dyes, but full dye inventory is not disclosed. Individuals with known azo dye sensitivity should request ingredient confirmation.

95/ 100

How is this PFAS grade calculated?

The brand's record and disclosure

Rare Beauty has not published ingredient transparency reports, safety certifications (such as Leaping Bunny or EWG verification), or testing data for heavy metals, lead, or allergens in individual products. The brand maintains a social media-forward approach but does not operate a detailed safety disclosure portal comparable to some competitors. No recalls or formal complaints linking Kind Words Matte Lipstick to contamination have been documented in public safety databases. The parent company (Estée Lauder Companies) maintains standard cosmetic compliance but does not extend third-party certifications to all Rare Beauty lines.

How it compares in its category

Matte lipsticks across the cosmetic market carry similar formulation risks; Kind Words is positioned in the mid-to-premium segment, suggesting tighter manufacturing controls than budget alternatives, though this does not guarantee independent testing. Brands like Glossier and MAC publish more detailed ingredient sourcing; competitors such as Charlotte Tilbury and NARS do not consistently disclose heavy metal assay results either. Rare Beauty's pricing and distribution (Sephora, retail) imply compliance with FDA cosmetic regulations, which set acceptable lead limits (0.1 ppm in lip products) but do not require pre-market testing or public disclosure. In this category, absence of disclosure is typical rather than exceptional.

If you buy it

Matte lipsticks are low-ingestion products; the primary exposure route is dermal and incidental oral intake during wear. Replace the product if the formula becomes hard, grainy, or develops an off odor, as these may indicate degradation or contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight; matte formulas can separate or harden if exposed to high temperature. If you experience persistent irritation, rash, or allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist; patch testing a small amount on the inner arm before full application is prudent if you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/dye allergies.

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
Rare Beauty has made none

Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.

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.