Urban Decay · Waterproof Mascara
Urban Decay Perversion Volumizing Mascara
Waterproof mascara; potential PFAS in film-formers. Brand silent on PFAS.
Urban Decay does not disclose PFAS use in this waterproof mascara. Waterproof cosmetics often contain fluorinated polymers or silicone coatings that may harbor PFAS; lack of brand transparency limits certainty.
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
waterproof mascara formula with unspecified coating/resin system
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Urban Decay Perversion Volumizing Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
Urban Decay Perversion is a waterproof volumizing mascara with a resin-based coating system designed to resist moisture and smudging. Waterproof mascaras typically use synthetic film-formers, often including fluorinated polymers or silicone resins, to create water-resistant films on lashes. The specific resin chemistry is not disclosed by Urban Decay on the label or in their technical documentation. Waterproof formulas are harder to remove and require solvent-based or oil-based cleansers, which can stress the lash and eyelid area.
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 mascara formulations commonly use fluorinated resins to achieve water resistance. Urban Decay does not disclose the film-former chemistry for Perversion, and industry data suggests PFAS presence in waterproof mascaras is routine.
Source, ATSDR ↗1,4-dioxane contamination (manufacturing byproduct)
Cosmetic surfactants and emulsifiers in mascara formulas can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane as an unintended byproduct. FDA does not require disclosure or removal, but the hazard exists in most conventional mascaras.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Waterproof mascaras require robust preservative systems to prevent bacterial growth in the tube; some preservative chemistries release formaldehyde over time. Urban Decay does not list preservative details, so the presence cannot be ruled out.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Black mascaras typically use iron oxide or carbon black pigments; these can carry trace lead or cadmium depending on sourcing. No specific testing data for Perversion is available, but this is a category-wide concern for dark pigmented products.
Source, FDA ↗Eye irritation and allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance or ingredients
Urban Decay mascaras are fragranced cosmetics; mascara is applied near mucous membranes and can trigger irritation in sensitive individuals. No specific safety recalls for Perversion exist, but user reports of eye redness and stinging are consistent with conventional mascara use.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Urban Decay (owned by L'Oreal) does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing or PFAS avoidance statements on this product or brand-wide. The brand does not list third-party certifications (Clean Beauty, Made Safe, etc.) for this mascara. Urban Decay has faced no major documented safety recalls for Perversion mascara. The brand's general approach to chemical transparency is minimal compared to indie or certified clean brands, though the product meets FDA cosmetic regulations.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof mascaras carry similar PFAS and film-former uncertainty; Perversion is typical in this regard. Non-waterproof mascaras and water-resistant (not waterproof) alternatives from brands like Glossier or Milk Makeup avoid the Teflon-family coating issue but offer less staying power. Urban Decay's formula is mid-market in transparency and performance; luxury mascaras (Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath) also rarely disclose PFAS status. If PFAS exposure is a priority, water-based mascaras or certified clean brands (Ilia, Flesh) are the clearer choice.
If you buy it
Remove with an oil-based or micellar cleansing system to avoid pulling lashes during removal; waterproof formulas set quickly and require adequate solvent action. Do not use near eyes if you have sensitive skin or eyelid dermatitis, as waterproof mascaras can trigger irritation. Replace every 3 months after opening to prevent bacterial contamination; once opened, mascara wands are a vector for eye infections if moisture enters the tube. If you experience redness, itching, or crusting, discontinue and consult an eye care professional.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Urban Decay Perversion Volumizing 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.