Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Foundation
Lower concern, but no public PFAS commitment from Rimmel.
Rimmel Stay Matte is a water-based liquid foundation without known Teflon-family coating or waterproofing technology typically associated with PFAS. Brand makes no PFAS disclosure, so verification is limited to ingredient transparency.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water-based liquid foundation, pigments and polymers
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Water-based foundations commonly use preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone or parabens; some older formulations used formaldehyde releasers. Rimmel has not published a preservative system breakdown for Stay Matte. Exposure is topical and brief; risk is low unless skin sensitivity exists.
Source: ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
Stay Matte is lightly scented; the exact fragrance allergen profile is not publicly available. Skin reactions to fragrance compounds are common in sensitive individuals. The 'fragrance' declaration on the label does not specify component chemicals.
Microbial contamination from inadequate preservation or contamination during use
Water-based liquid cosmetics are prone to bacterial and fungal growth if preservatives fail or if product is exposed to moisture during application. Rimmel does not disclose shelf life after opening. Keep cap tightly sealed and avoid introducing water or applicators into the bottle.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Heavy metals
FDA-approved colorants in Rimmel foundations are regulated for lead and cadmium. No specific recalls or test failures are on record for this product. Systemic absorption through intact skin is negligible for cosmetic-grade pigments.
Source: FDA ↗Talc contamination (if talc is present)
Stay Matte is formulated as a liquid and does not list talc as an ingredient, so talc-related inhalation or asbestos contamination risk does not apply to this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Rimmel Stay Matte is a water-based liquid foundation containing pigments (iron oxides, titanium dioxide), film-forming polymers, and preservatives. Water-based formulas carry lower volatility risk than oil-based alternatives and avoid Teflon-type coating (Teflon) coating hazards found in some powder formulations. The polymers and binders form a breathable film on skin rather than occluding it, which reduces irritation potential for most users.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rimmel (owned by Coty Inc.) has not published detailed safety disclosures or ingredient certifications beyond FDA compliance labeling. The brand does not maintain a public PFAS reduction commitment, though the product itself scores favorably on PFAS testing. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific foundation line. Ingredient transparency is typical for mass-market cosmetics but not exceptional.
How it compares in its category
Stay Matte competes in the budget liquid foundation segment alongside brands like Maybelline and L'Oreal. It is formulated without talc (talc contamination is a historical concern in powders but less relevant here), and water-based formulas generally present lower heavy-metal pigment concentration risk than cream or stick foundations. PFAS scores align with mainstream drugstore competitors; no evidence suggests it is safer or riskier than similar price-tier alternatives.
If you buy it
Apply only to clean, dry skin; do not ingest. The product is not designed for use near eyes or on broken skin. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; water-based formulas are less stable above 25°C (77°F) over extended periods. Replace if separation, odor change, or visible mold appears. Discontinue if rash, itching, or irritation develops; do not heat or microwave.
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
- Rimmel has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More makeup 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.