Urban Decay · Foundation & Primer
Urban Decay All Nighter Ghosting Paste Primer
Cosmetic primer with no known PFAS risk indicators; standard formulation.
Urban Decay All Nighter Ghosting Paste uses typical cosmetic polymers and silicones without disclosed water-repellent treatments. No PFAS-related concerns identified based on public ingredient knowledge.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
silicones, polymers, pigments, water-based
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.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Urban Decay does not provide a full fragrance breakdown; silicone primers often include fragrance compounds to mask odor. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or contact dermatitis may experience irritation; patch testing on inner arm before full facial application is prudent.
1,4-dioxane (formulation impurity)
1,4-dioxane can arise as a byproduct in surfactant-heavy formulations during manufacture. This silicone-based primer is low in surfactants, reducing likelihood, but Urban Decay does not disclose dioxane testing. Impurity levels in regulated cosmetics are typically below 10 ppm if present.
Skin barrier disruption from occlusive silicones
Silicone primers form a film that can trap moisture and heat under makeup, potentially aggravating acne or rosacea in susceptible individuals. This is not a toxicological hazard but a compatibility concern; discontinuation resolves effects.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Heavy metals
Cosmetic-grade pigments in primers are regulated by FDA and typically verified for heavy metal contamination below safety thresholds. No recalls or contamination reports exist for this product line or Urban Decay primers generally.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Modern cosmetic preservatives in this product category typically use phenoxyethanol or paraben blends rather than formaldehyde-releasing agents. No documentation of formaldehyde releasers in Urban Decay All Nighter primers is available, though full ingredient disclosure would confirm.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
All Nighter Ghosting Paste is a silicone and polymer-based primer designed to create a smooth base layer under makeup. The formula relies on cyclomethicone (volatile silicone) and dimethicone (silicone oil) as primary film-formers, which are inert on skin and do not bioaccumulate. Water-based components and pigments are standard cosmetic-grade materials without known toxicity at use levels. The "ghosting" finish suggests the inclusion of light-diffusing polymers or spherical particles, typical in modern primers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Urban Decay does not publicly emphasize PFAS avoidance or disclose ingredient sourcing in detail, but no regulatory actions, recalls, or safety violations related to formulation chemistry are on record for this product line. The brand is owned by L'Oreal, which follows FDA and EU cosmetic compliance standards. Ingredient lists are available via the brand's website and standard cosmetic databases, indicating transparency at the regulatory minimum. No third-party certifications (cruelty-free, clean beauty seals) appear to be a defining marketing point.
How it compares in its category
Silicone primers dominate the professional and consumer market; this product occupies the mid-to-premium price tier with formulation comparable to competitors like Smashbox Photo Finish or MAC Fix+. Water-based alternatives exist (e.g., some brands using hyaluronic acid or glycerin bases) but silicone primers remain the category standard due to durability and application ease. Urban Decay's primer does not use talc, which removes a historical concern in powder-based primers. No unusual chemical complexity separates it from category norms.
If you buy it
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, moisturized skin; silicone primers can feel occlusive and may not suit acne-prone or extremely sensitive complexions without patch testing. Store away from direct heat and sunlight to preserve silicone stability, though the sealed tube format minimizes exposure. Replace if separation, odor change, or visible contamination occurs, though silicone formulas are chemically stable and typically last 12-18 months unopened. Discontinue and seek dermatological advice if irritation, redness, or allergic reaction develops.
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
- Urban Decay has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More foundation & primer 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.