Yves Saint Laurent Nu Bare Look Tint Foundation
Typical liquid foundation, lower concern; no known PFAS risk signals.
YSL's tint foundation uses standard cosmetic emulsifiers and pigments without reported waterproofing agents or Teflon-family coating. No public PFAS claims or third-party testing available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
pigments, silicones, glycerin, water-based emulsion
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 undisclosed fragrance components
YSL foundations contain fragrance as a listed ingredient but do not itemize fragrance components on packaging (standard industry practice). Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or histories of cosmetic contact dermatitis should patch test. Common fragrance allergens (eugenol, cinnamyl alcohol) are not explicitly declared.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Heavy metals
YSL uses standard FDA-approved colorants (iron oxides, titanium dioxide, D&C reds/yellows). No recalls or test reports documenting lead, cadmium, or arsenic in this product. Luxury brands typically source from regulated pigment suppliers, but YSL does not publish third-party metal testing for this foundation.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
This product uses standard cosmetic preservative systems (likely parabens, phenoxyethanol, or similar). Formaldehyde releasers like DMDM hydantoin are less common in premium foundations. No documented formaldehyde contamination or preservative-related recalls for this line.
Source: ATSDR ↗1,4-Dioxane contamination in emulsifiers
Water-based emulsions may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylation in surfactants or emulsifying waxes. YSL does not publish dioxane testing data. EPA guidance suggests levels in cosmetics are typically below 100 ppm and considered low-risk for topical use, but sensitive individuals may wish to avoid.
Talc contamination (if talc is present)
YSL Nu Bare Look Tint is a liquid foundation and does not list talc as an ingredient. Talc-related health concerns (asbestos, respirable particle risk) are not applicable to this product format.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
YSL Nu Bare Look Tint is a silicone-glycerin water emulsion designed to deliver sheer, skin-like coverage. The pigment load is relatively low (tinted foundations use iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and synthetic colorants rather than heavy-metal-containing lakes). Silicones in this class are inert when applied topically; they do not migrate into skin or leach under normal use conditions. Glycerin and water comprise the bulk, making this a low-chemical-complexity base formulation.
The brand's record and disclosure
YSL Beauty does not publicly commit to PFAS avoidance or publish ingredient safety certifications beyond regulatory compliance. The brand has no documented cosmetic recalls specific to heavy metals, formaldehyde, or talc in recent years. Full ingredient lists are available on retail sites and packaging, but the brand does not volunteer third-party testing or allergen transparency beyond what regulations require. No major controversies regarding this specific product line are on record.
How it compares in its category
Liquid tinted foundations in the luxury segment (MAC Face & Body, Estée Lauder Double Wear, Fenty Pro Filt'r) follow similar silicone-glycerin chemistry. YSL's formulation sits in the mainstream-safe middle; it avoids talc (a concern in powder foundations) and uses standard synthetic pigments rather than artisanal or unregulated colorants. Compared to indie or unbranded tints, YSL's supply chain and regulatory scrutiny are higher, reducing microcontaminant risk.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent pigment oxidation and silicone separation over time. Do not apply to broken or severely irritated skin without patch testing first, as synthetic colorants can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Discard after 12 months of opening; bacterial growth in partially-used containers increases with time, especially if applicators are not cleaned. If redness, itching, or swelling occurs, discontinue and consult a dermatologist.
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
- YSL Beauty 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.