Revlon ColorStay Xtensionnaire Mascara
Limited transparency on waterproofing ingredients. Skip if PFAS-concerned.
Revlon does not disclose PFAS status for this mascara. Waterproof formulas commonly use PFAS or alternative water-repellent coatings, but specific ingredients are proprietary and unverified.
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
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Revlon ColorStay Xtensionnaire Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Revlon ColorStay Xtensionnaire is a waterproof mascara based on waxes, film-forming polymers, and proprietary waterproofing agents. The waterproofing layer is the key unknown, it may contain siloxanes, acrylates, or fluorinated compounds (PFAS). Wax-polymer mascaras are generally stable on the lash, but the waterproofing chemistry determines whether volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gas during application or storage, and whether the formula breaks down predictably over time.
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
Revlon does not specify the waterproofing chemistry in public labeling. Waterproof mascaras typically use fluorinated compounds or volatile siloxanes; without ingredient transparency, cumulative skin and eye exposure cannot be fully assessed.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and irritants in the formula
Revlon cosmetics often list 'fragrance' as a catch-all ingredient. Mascara is applied near the eyes; undisclosed fragrance components can trigger allergic contact dermatitis or irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
Bacterial contamination and infection risk
Mascara wands are a known vector for bacterial and fungal contamination over time. Sharing mascaras or using expired product increases risk of conjunctivitis or styes. No specific recall for this product, but the hazard class is inherent to all liquid mascaras.
Polymer film brittleness and flaking
Waterproof mascara polymers can become brittle or flake if stored in extreme heat or after extended use. Flaking near the eye or into the eye is a mechanical irritant and should prompt replacement.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Revlon mascaras typically use approved FD&C colorants and iron oxide pigments. No reported contamination with lead, cadmium, or arsenic in this line; standard FDA compliance applies. Mica sources are not disclosed, so talc or silica contamination cannot be ruled out but is not on record.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Revlon does not publicly disclose the specific waterproofing agents in this product. The brand has no known certified clean beauty or transparency initiative (no EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny ingredient lists, or third-party testing on file). Revlon has faced past FDA warning letters on manufacturing and labeling issues but no specific cosmetic safety recalls tied to this mascara line. The lack of ingredient specificity on waterproofing agents is the primary concern.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof mascaras rely on siloxanes or PFAS; Revlon's approach is typical for mass-market formulas. Transparent alternatives (e.g., Burt's Bees, Clinique, or BIPOC-owned brands with published ingredient lists) disclose waterproofing strategies more openly. Xtensionnaire's polymer-rich formula is middle-ground for wear time and removal difficulty, not an outlier in safety or performance.
If you buy it
Remove with an oil-based or micellar cleanser to avoid tugging and lash damage; waterproof mascaras are harder to remove and may cause more breakage with harsh rubbing. Do not use past 12 months of opening; mascara is a high-bacterial-contamination product and should be replaced if it dries out or smells off. Store cap-on in a cool, dry place away from heat; wax and polymer bases can soften or separate in humidity or sunlight. If you have sensitive eyes or reactive skin, patch test on a small area first.
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
- Revlon 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 Revlon ColorStay Xtensionnaire 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.