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Safer Green Beauty Cosmetic Guide — PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Makeup

Mamavation » Blog » Beauty | Mamavation » Safer Green Beauty Cosmetic Guide — PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Makeup
green beauty lipgloss without PFAS forever chemicals

October 17, 2023 //  by Leah Segedie

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Welcome to our green beauty cosmetic guide! Do green beauty cosmetics contain PFAS “forever chemicals?” Answer: Likely, but not all.

Green beauty cosmetics sold in the United States may contain contamination-type levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a toxic class of chemicals linked to a number of serious health conditions, according to a recent consumer study by Mamavation. Bottom line: they are still preferable to conventional makeup, however, indications of levels of PFAS range from brand to brand.

Mamavation tested 165+ green beauty products and will drop those results at the end of this post. Our updated testing has additionally added over 100+ products to bring that number to over 165+. This investigation is being continiously added to as we get more labs. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like best period underwear brands without PFAS, best & worst deodorants, & best organic mattresses sans PFAS, now join us as we take you through the green beauty makeup aisle and reveal how much we found.

Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Hannah Gardener, Epidemiologist at A Green Slate. The content was also reviewed by Scott Belcher, Research Scientist at North Carolina State University, & Pete Myers, Chief Scientist at Environmental Health Sciences, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, and Co-Author of Our Stolen Future. This post also contains affiliate links and was partially funded by donations from the Mamavation community. As an Amazon Associate, we also earn from qualifying purchases. Mamavation has only “spot-checked” the industry and thus we cannot make predictions about brands and products that we have not tested. Products and manufacturing aides can change without notice so buyer beware. This post contains affiliate links. You can give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here. Click “yes” when asked if the gift is in honor of someone and type “Mamavation.” Thank you!  

Women green beauty cosmetics blush

Table of Contents

  • Mamavation’s Independent Study Finds Ubiquitous Low Levels of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” In Green Beauty Cosmetic Industry
  • Main Findings of Mamavation’s Study on Green Beauty Products & Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
  • Measuring Parts Per Trillion in Water vs. Parts Per Million in Makeup
  • Health Effects PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Backed By Decades of Research
  • Conventional Beauty Comparison: Study in 2021 Finds PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Beauty Products at Concerning Levels
  • Details of Mamavation Study On Green Beauty Cosmetics
    • How Green Beauty Products Were Selected & Where They Were Purchased
    • Method Used to Determine Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”–Organic Fluorine Testing
    • Organic & Total Fluorine Testing Is Used In Certifications to Determine PFAS Amounts
  • How Do PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Get Into Green Beauty Cosmetics?
    • Non-Stick Manufacturing Equipment
    • Raw Ingredients
    • Clean-Out Chemicals
    • Fluorinated Plastics
    • Transportation & Storage
    • Lubrication on Equipment
  • Unique Challenges For Small Green Beauty Brands That Conventional Makeup Industry Doesn’t Have
    • Brands Use Many Different Manufacturers to Create Different Products
    • Individual Green Beauty Brands Have Less Clout & Purchasing Power Than Large Brands
    • Green Brands Are Mostly Small Businesses
  • Other Categories of Products Mamavation Has Tested for Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
  • Mamavation’s Green Beauty Guide with 100+ Labs on Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Final Results
    • Not Our Favorite Green Beauty Cosmetic Brands with High Levels of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
    • Better Green Beauty Cosmetic Brands with Lower Levels of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
    • Best Green Beauty Cosmetic Brands Sans PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

Mamavation’s Independent Study Finds Ubiquitous Low Levels of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” In Green Beauty Cosmetic Industry

Green beauty products are a staple of the Mamavation community, so when scientists discovered that conventional makeup was contaminated with high levels of PFAS, we started testing green beauty products to be able to make informed recommendations to our audience.

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used and mass-produced in the United States for decades, dating back to the 1940s. PFAS are used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. They are ubiquitous & persistent and linked to health effects like cancers, cardiovascular disease, immune problems, and reproductive issues.

Because PFAS chemicals are ubiquitous, we expected to find them in green beauty cosmetic products, but we were surprised at the amount of contamination we discovered. The levels presented in green beauty cosmetics were similar to what was discovered in conventional makeup. We report these findings to you here with the hopes that these companies will work hard behind the scenes to fix this problem and we can report on improvements later.

Decorative green beauty cosmetics for makeup

Main Findings of Mamavation’s Study on Green Beauty Products & Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

Mamavation originally tested 83 beauty products from 49 different green beauty cosmetic brands, mostly mascara and lip products. To determine the concentration samples of each product, we took the median result of all samples that had detectable levels. The median exposure level of all detectable results was 30 ppm. (Today, Mamavation has tested about 165+ different products updated in the raw data.)

We then identified three exposure levels: anything above 30 parts-per-million (ppm) we considered high, anything between 10 ppm and 29 ppm we considered medium exposure, and anything beneath 10 ppm was low. Our measurements could detect organic fluorine down to 10 ppm, therefore anything lower was beneath the limits of detection of our chemical analysis.

The original lab results told us that 65% of green beauty products had detectable levels of organic fluorine. Here’s the full analysis:

  • 65% of green beauty cosmetic products tested had detectable levels of organic fluorine, while 35% of products did not have detectable levels.
  • Of the products with detectable levels of organic fluorine, the range was from 10 ppm to 865 ppm.
  • Of the products with detectable levels of organic fluorine, the median amount was 30 ppm.
  • 8 products tested exceeded 100 ppm.
  • Lipstick wearers beware — 76% of lip products had detectable levels of organic fluorine. Another exposure here is being kissed by someone else with lipstick that has detectable fluorine.
  • 64% of mascara had detectable levels of organic fluorine.

Safer Cosmetics Investigation: Toxic & Non-Toxic Makeup Brands 8

Measuring Parts Per Trillion in Water vs. Parts Per Million in Makeup

For context, it’s important to note that states like California evaluate water in the parts-per-trillion (ppt) and don’t recommend PFAS compounds like PFOA above 5.1 ppt in water. How much is a part per trillion compared to a part per million? 1 part per trillion is 1 millionth of a part per million. When you look at it that way, the levels in a lot of organic beauty products aren’t low. They are high, and they must come down.

The most common unit used for water results is ng/L which is the same for parts-per-trillion (ppt). We are investigating green beauty makeup in the parts-per-million (ppm), which is far more exposure to the consumer. Our advisors are concerned about any levels of PFAS above ppt for any product that is to be consumed. In other words, if some of these lipsticks were actually water, they would be restricted in several states in the US. However, very few states have enacted laws to protect consumers from PFAS in beauty products at the levels we are seeing.

Pete Myers, Chief Scientist of Environmental Health Sciences, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, & Co-Author of Our Stolen Future elaborates the concept:

You can think about a part per trillion as a tiny amount. But when you ask how many molecules of PFAS would be in a drop of a beauty product if PFAS were present in just one part per billion, it’s quite shocking. There would be over a trillion molecules of PFAS in that one drop.

Hormones and hormone disrupting chemicals are powerful at “low doses” because the hormone system uses hormones to send chemical messages. Very few molecules are needed to cause big effects. The hormone signaling system is like the amplifier in your sound system. It turns up the volume to make small signals have huge effects.

For example, when doctors prescribe Cialis (a molecule with the same effect as Viagra), the doctor wants a man’s serum levels of Cialis to be on the order of 50 parts per billion (ppb). That low dose causes a big effect, so to speak. But it can be even worse. One severe side effect is going blind for a few days.

So the next time some regulatory toxicologists scoffs at the notion of a part per billion or a part per trillion, ask them how many molecules were involved and then ask them how that is similar to prescription drugs like Cialis. Traditional toxicologists think that parts per billion are low doses, but endocrinologists who study hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals understand that “low doses” can have big effects.

cosmetics isolated on black

Health Effects PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Backed By Decades of Research

For most women, wearing makeup is a daily task. Think about how many pounds of lipstick you may have consumed in your lifetime. Unfortunately, the chemicals found in some makeup products can be hazardous to our health and can build up in our bodies over time. This is why it’s important to be informed of where they are hiding.

PFAS chemicals are used to create stain resistance, water resistance, and grease-proof qualities in the products they are added to. They are very commonly found in industries such as textiles & fabrics, firefighting foams, metal plating, semiconductors, paper, food packaging, coating additives, cleaning products, pesticides, and personal care products. In food packaging, they are used in popcorn bags, pizza boxes, fast food wrappers & canisters, and the flat dish on the bottom of cakes at the grocery store. They are also in carpeting, furniture, & jackets as “stain-proof” and “water-proof” agents and you’ll also find them on non-stick pans, some tooth flosses, and period underwear.

They are not just forever chemicals, they are everywhere chemicals.

The original PFAS chemicals are now referred to as “long-chain” because they have a long carbon and fluorine chain. Today, the production of the “legacy” long carbon chain of molecules like PFOA & PFOS are largely phased out in most consumer products. The manufacturing of the next generation of fluorinated chemicals has brought new PFAS chemicals to the forefront referred to as “small-chain” because they have a shorter carbon-fluorine chain. The biggest problem with this new class of chemicals is their small size, making them more persistent in the environment and more difficult to clean up.

Here is the list of health problems (PFAS) perfluorinated chemicals are linked to from over decades of research:

  • reduction in immunity
  • metabolic diseases like obesity & diabetes
  • reduced vaccination response
  • cardiovascular disease
  • affect the growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children
  • increased risk of allergies & asthma in young children
  • lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant
  • increase the chances of miscarriage
  • increase cholesterol levels
  • low sperm count
  • smaller penis size
  • increase the risk of kidney & testicular cancers

If you feel like you’ve been exposed to PFAS, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a division of Community Health Investigations has created this fact sheet to use when talking to your doctor. While regulating authorities struggle to catch up, it would be wise to limit your daily exposure to PFAS within consumer products.

Green beauty cosmetics testing for PFAS forever chemicals

Conventional Beauty Comparison: Study in 2021 Finds PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Beauty Products at Concerning Levels

Earlier this year a study found high levels of PFAS inside conventional makeup brands. This study, led by several researchers including Dr. Arlene Blum of the Green Science Policy Institute and Dr. Graham Peaslee, a physics professor at the University of Notre Dame, tested 231 (mostly conventional) makeup products and found high levels of fluorine in mostly liquid lipsticks, waterproof mascaras, and foundations. Out of 231 products tested, the following were found to contain high levels of fluorine above 15 parts per million (ppm) in the following categories:

  • 56 percent of foundations and eye products
  • 48 percent of lip products
  • 47 percent of mascaras

Shockingly, only 8% of the 231 products tested listed PFAS as an actual ingredient in the ingredient panel. Most brands with high levels of fluorine ingredients kept that information off the ingredient panel completely. The most common PFAS ingredient found inside most cosmetics is polytetrafluoroethylene, which is most commonly known as Teflon. Teflon-type coatings can also be found on cosmetic manufacturing equipment.

 

Brands Included in Study: Almay, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Annabelle, Bare Minerals, Bath & Body Works, Benefit, Burt’s Bees, Butter London, Buxom, Clinique, Cover FX, Covergirl, Dermablend, Elf, Essence, Estee Lauder, Fenty Beauty, Formula 10.0.6, H&M, Huda Beauty, IT Cosmetics, Jeffree Star, John Frieda, Josie Maran, Juice Beauty, Julep, Juvias Place, Kat Von D, L’Oreal, Lancome, Laura Geller, Lip Smacker, Lorac, MAC, Makeup Forever, Mally, Marc Jacobs, Maybelline, Merle Norman, Milani, MILK, NARS, Neutrogena, Nudestix, NYC New York City, PYX, Perricone, Physicians Formula, Pur, Revlon, Rimmel London, Sally Hansen, Sephora Beauty, Smashbox, Soap & Glory, Stila, Tarte, theBlam, Too Faced, Ulta Beauty, Urban Decay, Wet n’ Wild, XO Beauty, Yes too

Woman wearing red lipstick

Details of Mamavation Study On Green Beauty Cosmetics

How Green Beauty Products Were Selected & Where They Were Purchased

Mamavation tested more than 80 cosmetic products including foundations, mascara, and various lip products. We looked for descriptions like “long-lasting,” “wear-resistant,” or “waterproof” when we purchased based on the clues left by Peaslee’s cosmetic study earlier this year. The products we selected were crowdsourced from the Mamavation community based on cosmetics they were already using. The products were purchased from Amazon.com, Credo, Grove Collaborative, Ulta Beauty, or directly from their own websites between June and October 2021. They were sent to a third-party laboratory unopened in their original packaging after pictures were taken.

[Our updated version of this data has 116 products tested from 63 different brands.]

lady putting on green beauty makeup

Method Used to Determine Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”–Organic Fluorine Testing

The lab method used by Mamavation tested for total fluorine by using the Determination of Total Fluorine by Oxygen Flask Combustion and Ion-Selective Electrode. If detectable total fluorine was observed at a detection level of 10ppm, the lab did a Determination of Fluoride Ion by Ion-Selective Electrode and then did a calculation to determine organic fluorine amounts.

The chemistry of PFAS is unique and challenging. “There is currently no consensus best method for determining PFAS compounds of concern in all environmental or product matrices, which include testing green beauty cosmetics for the presence of PFAS” according to Taryn McKnight, PFAS Project Scientist at Eurofins Laboratory. Additionally, cosmetic formulas themselves are not homogenous and contain oils making them difficult to analyze. Results may vary from a single product based on oils separating. Therefore, a multitude of varying approaches to test these products are out there and they vary in price.

This soup of non-validated methods and analytical approaches has left brands & consumers with the challenging job of navigating their options. Because there are over 15,000 PFAS chemicals, it’s impossible to test for each one individually. The best University laboratories can isolate & identify about 150 PFAS chemicals at a time, but most private labs only have the capability of evaluating between 30-90. So there are limitations on how many of these chemicals can be directly isolated and reported on, especially the “small-chain” variety that is now so popular in commerce.

Alternatively, testing for organic fluorine allows you to look into all 15,000 chemicals at the same time by looking for the presence of organic fluorine, which is a likely marker for PFAS compounds. Testing for organic fluorine is also useful in cosmetics because it excludes natural fluoride and natural fluorine. Results then reflect all fluorinated synthetic compounds. Because no test is perfect, the drawback is that other synthetic fluorinated compounds may get into the final results. However, the type of chemicals that would find themselves in those results like microplastics, cleaning fluids, or trace amounts of pharmaceutical drugs, are not things our audience wants in their products. Therefore, this is the best spot-check method for our needs.

Pete Myers provides some additional context. “The complications of measuring PFAS can be confusing and will be exploited by manufacturers as weaknesses in these types of studies, but do not let these criticisms distract you from the main theme–PFAS chemicals are way too common in cosmetics and they need to be removed. Green beauty cosmetic companies can and must take the lead here to identify their sources and remove them.”

Organic & Total Fluorine Testing Is Used In Certifications to Determine PFAS Amounts

This method of testing for total fluorine and organic fluorine is becoming standardized by certifications looking for indications of PFAS in other industries. Some certifications evaluating food packaging products for “compostability” or as a toxic-free alternative are utilizing this type of method. BPI Industries uses total fluorine results to certify food packaging for composting and Green Screen Certified also relies on total fluorine results to give food packaging a non-toxic determination as well.

beautiful makeup cosmetics for eyes and business card

How Do PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Get Into Green Beauty Cosmetics?

As you can see, the results of our investigation paint a concerning picture. How do PFAS get into green beauty products in the first place when they are not intentionally added? We went undercover and interviewed several beauty industry experts to determine how this is likely happening.

Non-Stick Manufacturing Equipment

Most of us tossed our non-stick Teflon cookware ages ago, but did the manufacturing plant that produces your makeup do the same thing with their non-stick “Teflon-coated” equipment? In our interviews with industry experts, we were made aware that non-stick coatings are common among manufacturing equipment for cosmetics and food.

For instance, a batch of lip gloss could be stirred in a big vat with non-stick-coated paddles. Several types of equipment that come into contact with your makeup could also be coated with non-stick Teflon-type coatings, like PTFE coated fiberglass used for craft mats or conveyor belts. Those coatings can leach chemicals when they are under stress, are heated, or exposed to high fat or high acidic conditions.

In fact, the most common PFAS chemical found in the study by Green Science Policy Institute earlier this year was polytetrafluoroethylene, which is commonly known as Teflon.

Cosmetics on wooden table

Raw Ingredients

Sometimes raw ingredients become contaminated or are purposely coated with fluorinated compounds so they last longer in the environment. Many water sources around the United States are contaminated with PFAS chemicals and that water could be a potential contamination source.

In 2013, researchers in Japan tested cosmetics and found high levels of fluorine inside mica & talc. It turned out that some suppliers were fluorinating their raw ingredients in order to have the products last longer in the environment, i.e. on your face. Our desire to have “long-lasting” and “waterproof” natural makeup has set up an industry for natural mica & talc coated with PFAS. Other raw ingredients may have suffered the same fate.

Clean-Out Chemicals

The manufacturing equipment and storage equipment must be cleaned out in between uses to prevent the spread of bacteria and cross-contamination. Some cleaners used by manufacturing plants are made with fluorinated ingredients and their trace amounts can get into your product if they are not rinsed off properly.

New eyeshadow palette with makeup brushes on a pink background.

Fluorinated Plastics

Plastics are becoming even more troublesome. When Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found fluorinated plastics leaching PFAS from plastic HDPE pesticide containers, it was immediately apparent that other industries using similar plastics could also be leaching PFAS. So we took a look around at some plastic manufacturing companies to see if we could spot any examples of the “safer” plastics being fluorinated.

According to Berlin Packaging, which boasts they package many personal care brands, fluorination of plastic now includes food and beverage containers, household cleaning products, shampoos, and body washes, and a bunch of other things you use every day. “Creating a fluorine barrier prevents odors and vapors from escaping from the container. In untreated plastic containers, vapor escapes and the product begins to evaporate, causing the container to lose weight and volume. This can make the container appear as though it has been subject to tampering.” According to them, you’ll find fluoridation of plastics among:

  • Polyethylene (#1, #2)
  • Polypropylene (#5)

Through interviewing green beauty industry experts, we discovered some plastic manufacturers were fluorinating plastic containers and not alerting the brands.

Woman putting on clean beauty products

Transportation & Storage

When raw ingredients are collected and transported across the sea or across town, they could be exposed to PFAS, and that exposure could result in trace amounts coming off into the formulation. For instance, the vats commonly referred to as “totes” that are used to store raw ingredients could be coated on the inside with non-stick PFAS chemicals or the plastic itself can be fluorinated. When that vat is then exposed to heat based on normal conditions of being ship cargo or on a train, leaching can leave trace amounts behind. Storage inside the manufacturing plant can also be with fluorinated plastics that can leach into the formulation of the product in trace amounts. All of these scenarios within the supply chain need to be reviewed in order to remove contamination.

Lubrication on Equipment

Some raw materials are corrosive on equipment and over the years, chemical engineers discovered that lubricants with different PFAS chemicals can be added to the equipment to help it squeeze through the machine. If lubricants that are used to treat the equipment touch the cosmetic formulation, trace amounts can get off into the product.

Decorative cosmetics

Unique Challenges For Small Green Beauty Brands That Conventional Makeup Industry Doesn’t Have

It’s evident that these changes will not be happening overnight. For most of these brands to fix their problem, they will need to audit their ingredients, do lots of testing, interview manufacturers, and possibly do additional tours of manufacturing equipment and processes. Obviously, that’s gonna take some time to fix because of the complicated nature of green beauty. Here are some of those unique challenges they will face going forward.

Brands Use Many Different Manufacturers to Create Different Products

Even though all the products are similar, the reality is there are many manufacturers behind the scenes working on different products for that brand. Your mascara may not be from the same manufacturing plant as your lip products and so forth. When anything is as complicated as this, it’s tough to sort out. It’s also tougher to test and organize.

This is really good news because when you see our results, you’ll see plenty of products that did not show detectable levels of organic fluorine. Lots of brands had one product with levels and another non-detect. Perhaps the brands can start to eliminate PFAS by swapping out those dirtier manufacturers right away.

Individual Green Beauty Brands Have Less Clout & Purchasing Power Than Large Brands

One thing to remember is that most of these brands are very small and do not have the purchasing power to demand that manufacturers change their ways as the bigger brands do. This may cause more issues with brands that are not in the habit of sharing information with other competitors behind the scenes.

The solution to that problem is to band together as one group to demand changes behind the scenes, seek out safer manufacturers, and share information with each other on how to improve.

Green Brands Are Mostly Small Businesses

Finally, it needs to be understood that most of these brands, except for ones like Burts Bees, are small in nature. Testing and reformulating are going to be very expensive for them vs. larger brands that have plenty of reserves for emergencies such as this.

Huge view Panorama of Washington US Capitol on dramatic sunset gold

Other Categories of Products Mamavation Has Tested for Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

Before we launch into the raw data from our lab, we wanted to remind you about all the other studies we have done on indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside the food and consumer products you bring inside your home.

  • Soft Contact Lenses
  • Green Beauty Makeup
  • Dental Floss
  • Toilet Paper
  • Period Underwear
  • Tampons
  • Sanitary Pads, Pantiliners, & Incontinence Pads
  • Powdered Electrolytes
  • Butter Wrappers
  • Pasta & Tomato Sauces
  • Nut Butters (Peanut butter, etc.)
  • Cooking Oils (olive oil, almond oil, canola oil, etc)
  • Ketchup
  • Activewear (Yoga Pants)
  • Sports Bras
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cupcake Liners
  • Plastic-Free Straws
  • Fast Food Packaging
  • Children’s Probiotics
  • Kids’ Backpacks
  • Baby Strollers

makeup laid out on a white table

Mamavation’s Green Beauty Guide with 100+ Labs on Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Final Results

Our interest in reporting and organizing consumer studies on PFAS is to inform consumers. Please keep in mind this is a snapshot of green beauty makeup products at one point in time. Our study does not represent every lot of every product. It also will not consistently represent what the consumer is exposed to based on how the cosmetic formulas separate and pool over time. So please expect varying levels from product to product and brand to brand.

We used a standardized test that is good for spot-checking, but not identifying specific PFAS chemicals. Therefore, what is done for academic research is far more sophisticated and the number of products would be larger. Having said that, this test is a good method to check to see if organic fluorine is present in the sample. Organic fluorine likely indicates the presence of PFAS. However, it’s possible that other ingredients like fluorinated pharmaceuticals, fluorinated plastics, or fluorinated cleaning product chemicals could end up in the final result.

[Updated to add: We’ve continued our testing and have added additional products. These products and brands are clearly marked with a timestamp.]

woman putting foundation on her eyes

Not Our Favorite Green Beauty Cosmetic Brands with High Levels of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

In this category, you’ll find brands that had medium to high fluorine levels. This study saw a median of 30 ppm so we used that as our rank in this category. We have decided to put any brand with medium levels of fluorine and above in this section. Each brand mentioned below will have at least one product tested with over 30 ppm of organic fluorine. However, you’ll notice that a couple of brands in this section had one other product with non-detectable levels of fluorine and we linked up some of those products for you. We’ve also added cosmetics that disclose PTFE via IncideCoder. 

[Updated with additional products on 5-23-22 & 12-6-22 & 10-15-23]

  • Axiology: Axiology Lip to Lid Balmie-Watermelon (232 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Alima Pure: Alima Pure L Velvet Lipstick – Rouge A Levres Velvet Lips (non-detect) & Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara (35 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Antonym Cosmetics: Antonym Cosmetics Lola Lash Mascara (non-detect) & Antonym Cosmetic Skin Esteem Foundation Dark (53 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Au Naturale: Au Naturale Lip Gloss (52 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Bare Minerals: Bare Minerals Lashtopia Mega Volume Mascara (19 ppm organic fluorine), bareMinerals Endless Summer Bronzer (disclosed PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Bourjois: Bourjois Healthy Mix Glow Primer (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Burts Bees: Burts Bees All Aflutter Mascara (357 ppm organic fluorine), Burts Bees Nourishing Mascara (357 ppm organic fluorine), Burts Bees Lip Shimmer (36 ppm organic fluorine), Burts Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup Medium Sand (non-detect organic fluorine), Burts Bees Eyeshadow with Bamboo 1520 Dusky Woods (449 ppm organic fluorine), Burts Bees Blush 1210 Shy Pink (223 ppm organic fluorine), Burts Bees All aglow Lip & Cheek Stick Peony Pool (non-detect organic fluorine) [last 4 results were updated 12-5-22]
  • Catrice: Catrice Fresh Nude Eyeshadow Palette (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com), Catrice The Blazing Bronze Collection Eyeshadow (discloses PTFE incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Clinique: Clinique Eyeshadow Pinks (disclosure via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Clove & Hallow: Clove & Hallow Lip Velvet Liquid Lipstick (865 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Coastal Classic Creations: Coastal Classic Creations Lash Drama Volumizing Mascara (non-detect) & Coastal Classic Creation Lipstain (541 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Deborah Milano: Deborah Milano Trio Contouring Palette (disclosed PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Dr. Jetske Ultee: Dr. Jetske Ultee Powder (disclosed PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Elate Cosmetics: Elate Mascara Essential Mascara (non-detect) & Elate Moisturizing Lip Gloss Radiate (144 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Ere Perez: Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara (54 ppm organic fluorine) & Ere Perez Mango Lip Honey (18 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Estee Lauder: Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Etude House: Etude House Look at My Eyes Palette (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) Etude House Play Color Eyes Palette (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • EXA (Credo Brand): EXA High Fidelity Foundation (767 ppm organic fluorine), EXA High Fidelity Semi-Satin Foundation Rae 200 (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • Gabriel: Gabriel Mascara Black (21 ppm organic fluorine) & Gabriel Lip Gloss Ambrosia (37 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Golden Rose: Golden Rose Lips & Blush Velvet Touch (disclosed PTFE via incidecoder.com) Golden Rose Longstay Blush Trio (disclosed PTFE via incidecoder.com)[updated 10-15-23]
  • Glossier: Glossier Monochromes Essential Eyeshadow Trio Clay (3411 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Honest: Honest Extreme Length Mascara (25 ppm organic fluorine), Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Loose Powder (non-detect organic fluorine), Honest Beauty Fresh Flex Concealer Smooth Operator Cream (319 ppm organic fluorine), Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner Draw the Line Black (84 ppm organic fluorine), Honest Beauty Everything Primer Matte Mattee About You Bamboo Powder Oily Blemish Prone (non-detect organic fluorine), Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette All Eyes on You (1,262 ppm organic fluorine), & Honest Beauty Everything Cream Foundation Honey (99 ppm organic fluorine) [last 6 results updated on 12-6-22]
  • Hynt Beauty: Hynt Beauty Mascara (31 ppm organic fluorine) & Hynt Beauty Aria Pure Lipstick (29 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Ilia: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara (non-detect), Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil Saint (35 ppm organic fluorine), ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation SF13.5 Flores (404 ppm organic fluorine) [last result updated 12-6-22] ILIA The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette Cool Nude (1394 ppm organic fluorine) ILIA Clean Line Liquid Liner Midnight Express (non-detect organic fluorine), ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation SF13.5 Flores (non-detect organic fluorine), ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation SF.25 Mindoro (non-detect organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Instain: Instain Long Wearing Powder Blush Fall Plaisir (200 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Juice Beauty: Juice Beauty Phyto Pigments Ultra Natural Mascara (non-detect), Juice Beauty Phyto Pigments Satin Lip Cream (33 ppm organic fluorine), & Juice Beauty Concealer (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • Kosas: Kosas Big Clean Longwear Volumizing Mascara (non-detect) & Kosas Lip Oil Gloss (32 ppm organic fluorine), Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 Medium Coverage Rich Deep Neutral Olive 430 (31 ppm organic fluorine) [last results updated 12-6-22]
  • Limelife by Alcove: Limelife by Alcove Liquid Lips- Red (535 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Mary Kay: Mary Kay Eye Primer (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • MAC: MAC in Extreme Dimension 3D Lash Mascara (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Mica Beauty Cosmetics: Mica Beauty Mineral Pressed Powder #381 (201 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Mineral Fusion: Mineral Fusion Volumizing Mascara (62 ppm organic fluorine) & Mineral Fusion Lip Gloss (10 ppm organic fluorine), Mineral Fusion Speakeasy Refillable Eye Shadow Palatte: one the rocks, top shelf, moscow mule, single malt (non-detect organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Olga’s Organics: Olga’s Organics Blush Venice (33 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Pacifica: Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mascara (21 ppm organic fluorine), Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint Sugared Fig (28 parts per million) [last result updated 12-6-22], Pacifica Moonflower Otherwordly Eye Shadow (1527 ppm organic fluorine), Pacifica Neutralizing Mineral Mattifier Soft Focus Translucent Powder with Cherry & Coconut (1004 ppm organic fluorine), Pacifica Ultra CC Cream Radiant Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 17 in Cool/Deep (non-detect organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Physicians Formula: Physicians Formula Killer Curves Voluptuous Mascara (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Poofy Glam Cosmetics: Poofy Glam HD Mascara (37 ppm organic fluorine)
  • PUR: PUR Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara (33 ppm organic fluorine) & PUR Hybrid Balm CBD Lip & Cheek Balm (89 ppm), PUR Skin-Perfecting Powder Balancing Act (57 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Pyt Beauty: Pyt Beauty Pump It Up Lip Gloss (non-detect) & Pyt Beauty Swipe Right 12 Hr Mascara (122 ppm organic fluorine), Pyt Beauty Hot Flush Blush Flirty.com (non-detect organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23] 
  • Revolution: Revolve by Revolution High Key Tea Tree Translucent Powder (disclosed PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Rilastil: Rilastil Maquillage Compact Powder (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • rms Beauty: rms beauty “re” evolve natural finish foundation (375 ppm organic fluorine), RMS Mascara (12 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 12-6-22]
  • Romand: Romand Better Than Eyes Eye Shadow (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • St. Tropez: St. Tropez Bronzer 3-n-1 (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Tarte: Tarte Maneater Mascara (20 ppm organic fluorine), Tarte Sea Breezy Cream Blush (1095 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • The Balm: The BalmJour Mini Creamy Lip Stain Ni Hao (223 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • The Body Shop: The Body Shop Loose Face Powder (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) [updated 10-15-23]
  • The Face Shop: The Face Shop Brow Master Eye Brow Kit [updated 10-15-23]
  • TOK Beauty: TOK Beauty Eyes that TOK Lash Enhancing Mascara (non-detect) & TOK Beauty Lip Tonic Kind (76 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Too Faced: Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Complexion Powder (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) Too Faced Sweet Peach Glow Blush (discloses PTFE via incidecoder.com) Too Faced Sun Bunny Radiant Duo Tone Bronzer California Glow (552 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Toups & Co. Organics: Toups & Co. Organics Lip Gloss Ti Amo 310 (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22] Toups & Co. Organics Natural/Organic Eye Shadow Iced Mocha Eco-Refill (1563 ppm organic fluorine), Toups & Co. Organics Mineral Foundation Cocoa (268 ppm organic fluorine), Toups & Co. Organics Mascara 099 Black (13 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Young Living (Savvy Minerals): Savvy Minerals by Young Living Wish Lipstick (39 ppm organic fluorine), & Savvy Minerals by Young Living Mascara (29 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Zerro & Co: Zerro & Co Mascara (non-detect) & Zerro & Co Lip Balm (58 ppm organic fluorine)

Cosmetics on light grey background

Better Green Beauty Cosmetic Brands with Lower Levels of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

These are the green beauty products that have low levels of fluorine below 30 ppm. You’ll notice, we tested 1-2 of each brand and at least one of their products tested for detectable organic fluorine below 30 ppm. However, you’ll also notice that some of these brands had one product with non-detectable levels of organic fluorine, while another product had detectable levels. We are still linking up some of the products that had non-detect levels for you to make them easy to purchase.

  • Bloom Bright: Bloom Bright Mascara (21 ppm organic fluorine)
  • C’est Moi: C’est Moi Lip Gloss Bliss Color (11 ppm organic fluorine) & C’est Moi Muse Mascara (8 ppm organic fluorine)
  • EcoLips: EcoLips Unflavored PlantPod Lip Balm (19 ppm organic fluorine), EcoLips Mongo Kiss Pomegranate (12 ppm organic fluorine) [2nd test updated on 12-5-22]
  • Essence: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara (14 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Fenty Beauty: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fenty Glow 01 (15 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Inika Cosmetics: Inika Mascara (13 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Josie Maran: Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara (25 ppm organic fluorine) & Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek (non-detect)
  • Kari Gran: Kari Gran Lip Whip Suji (26 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Kjaer Weis: Kjaer Weis Red Liquid Lips (26 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Loreal: Loreal Paris Voluminous Noir Balm Mascara (24 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Mad Hippie: Mad Hippie Plum Cheek & Lip Tint (22 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Real Purity: Real Purity Lengthening Mascara (11 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Rejuva Minerals: Rejuvena Tint Lip Gloss (14 ppm organic fluorine) & Rejuva Minerals Mascara (20 ppm organic fluorine), Rejuva Mineral Concealer Loose Powder (17 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Ritual De Fille: Ritual De Fille Forbidden Lipstick Ravenous (10 ppm organic fluorine) Ritual De Fille The Black Orb Eigmatic Kohn Eyeliner Iron (non-detect organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Saie: Saie Mascara Lengthening & Lifting Mascara (non-detect) & Saie Really Good Gloss Sweet (17 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Thrive Causemetics: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extension Mascara (non-detect) & Thrive Causemetics Lipstain (28 ppm organic fluorine)
  • Tower 28: Tower 28 Mascara Jet (15 ppm organic fluorine) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Vapour Cosmetics: Vapour Elixir Lip Gloss (10 ppm organic fluorine)
  • W3LL People: W3LL People Bioextreme Lip Gloss (18 ppm organic fluorine) & W3LL People Volumizing Mascara (non-detect)
  • Westman Atelier: Westman Atelier Eye Love You Too Mascara (non-detect) & Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm (19 ppm organic fluorine)

Green Beauty Cosmetic Guide -- 80+ Products & PFAS "Forever Chemicals" Labs 2

Best Green Beauty Cosmetic Brands Sans PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

These brands did not have detectable fluorine at 10 parts per million in the products that were tested. This does not mean that they don’t have any PFAS, but it means that it was not detectable at 10 parts per million, which is the standardized test we used for this investigation. In the future, we hope to test down to lower levels as those tests & methods become more affordable.

[updated with additional non-detect brands on 5-23-22]

  • 100% Pure: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara (non-detect), 100% Pure Lip Caramel Lip Gloss (non-detect), & 100% Pure Bamboo Blur Tinted Moisturizer (non-detect), 100% Pure Mermaid Eyeshadow (non-detect), 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Healthy Foundation Toffee (non-detect), 100% Long Last Concealer with Super Fruits Toffee [updated 10-15-23] (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off all 100% Pure products)
  • About Face: About Face Cheek Freak Blush Balm Big About Feeling Flush (non-detect) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Aisling Organics: Aisling Organics Mascara Black (non-detect) & Aisling Organics Lip Gloss (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22] (Use discount code “MAMAVATION10” for 10% off all Aisling Organic products.)
  • Beautycounter: Beautycounter All-n-1 Mascara (non-detect), Beautycounter Beyond Gloss (non-detect) & Beautycounter Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation (non-detect), Beautycounter Lid Glow Cream Shadow Ombre Creme- Sepia (non-detect), Beautycounter cheeky Clean Cream Blush – Paloma (non-detect) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Crunchi: Crunchi Shattered Mascara (non-detect), Crunchi Datenight Hydrogloss (non-detect) & Crunchi My Alibi Concealer (non-detect), Crunchi Volume II Shadow Bar Eyeshadow (non-detect), Crunchi Spice Shadow Bar Special Edition (non-detect) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Doucce: Doucce Punk Volumizer Mascara black (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • FITGLOW Beauty: FITGLOW Beauty Lip Colour Serum (non-detect) & FITGLOW Beauty Vegan Good Lash Mascara (non-detect), & FITGLOW Beauty Beauty Plum Lash Primer (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22 recently reformulated and non-detect] & FITGLOW Foundation (non-detect) [updated 1-18-23] (Use discount code “Mamavation20” for 20% off all FitGlow Beauty products)
  • Jane Iredale: Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Lip Gloss (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • H&M: H&M Maximalist Mascara Deep Black (non-detect) & H&M Sheer Lip Colour Heartfelt (non-detect)[updated 5-23-22]
  • Henne: Henne Luxury Lip Tint – Desire (non-detect)
  • Lily Lolo: Lily Lolo Natural Mascara (non-detect) (Use discount code “LEALEA85343” for 10% off products!) 
  • Live Tinted Huestick: Live Tinted Huestick Eye Cheek Lip LIVE Tinted (non-detect) [updated 10-15-23]
  • MISMACK: MISMACK Amp’d Up Mascara (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • OGEE Cosmetics: OGEE Full Bloom Sculpted Lipstick Santana (non-detect) [updated 10-15-23] (Use discount code “MAMAVATION15” for 15% off products!) 
  • Prim & Pure: Prim & Pure Mineral Lip Gloss for Kids (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • Primally Pure: Primally Pure Lip Balm Creamsicle (non-detect) [updated on 12-6-22] (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off the entire order.)
  • Root: Root 100% Lash Mascara (non-detect) & Root Wonderlip Ellie (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • Sante Naturkosmetik: Sante Naturkosmetik Lipgloss No. 02 Nude silk (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • Sappho New Paradigm Cosmetics: Sappho New Paradigm Maximum Intensity Vegan Mascara (non-detect), Sappo New Paradigm Essential Foundation (non-detect) (Use discount code “MAMAVATION2022” for 10% off entire order till Sept. 30th)  [updated 6-29-22]
  • True Botanicals: True Botanicals Moisture Lock Glossy Balm Love (non-detect) [updated 10-15-23]
  • Truvani: Truvani Lip Conditioner (non-detect) [updated 5-23-22]
  • UNDONE Beauty: UNDONE Beauty Lip to Cheek Palette 3-in-1 color cream 318 Poppy (non-detect) [updated 10-15-23]

Pin It!

Green Beauty Cosmetic Makeup Guide with 83 PFAS "Forever Chemicals" Results

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jordan

    March 12, 2025 at 5:01 pm

    I am so happy I found this but so sad I didn’t find it sooner! I have been on a JOURNEY spending almost a thousand dollars trying different ‘natural’ beauty products and yet to have found one that I like, let alone the time it takes to thoroughly vet if it truly is non-toxic.

    Would love to see Merit & M.O.B tested

    Reply
  2. Jean

    December 4, 2024 at 2:34 am

    Hi, I saw that Huda beauty was tested but can’t find the results on this page? Could you please clarify? Thanks

    Reply
  3. Peg

    November 21, 2024 at 9:30 am

    Can you please review Yves Rocher products? I have used them for years because of their reputation for “clean” products. Thanks for all you do!

    Reply
  4. Sarah Veksler

    September 20, 2024 at 4:50 pm

    Thank you. I’d love to see the heavy metal in natural makeup items next.

    Reply
  5. Alex

    May 28, 2024 at 1:59 pm

    Can you provide any insight into the level of contamination that is likely to be accidental VS an intentional inclusion in a product? For example, do we know what the ppm is for some of the products where they have disclosed PTFE as an ingredient? It feels like when we’re talking parts per MILLION that any of these amounts could be accidental. I’m not saying that makes the amount trivial, just that I would like to distinguish brands where the PFAS is likely accidental from brands making those formulation choices when I have to buy other products that have not been tested.

    Reply
  6. Alex

    May 28, 2024 at 1:25 pm

    Hey, mamavation, how much do these tests cost each? I’m looking at all the requests and thinking you obviously can’t pay for infinite numbers of tests for everything we want to know about.

    Would you consider making a “bounty” list of products, where people could donate towards the tests for the particular products they most want to know about? Once you get enough donations to cover the test for a particular product, then the product goes into the next batch you send to the lab. I’ve seen this model work well in other contexts. It’s potentially win-win for both you and your readers–engagement, funding, and content that readers show you they literally value the most.

    Reply
    • Annah

      February 15, 2025 at 6:09 pm

      I tried to use your MAMAVATION code to get 20% off the 100% pure fruit mascara and it was not a valid code.

      Reply
  7. MS

    April 28, 2024 at 6:26 am

    Hi! Thank you for the reviews! Are there no eyeliners that you recommend for your Best products list? I specifically need to find a new eyeliner. Thanks!

    Reply
  8. MS

    April 27, 2024 at 11:58 am

    Hi! Thank you for the reviews. Are there no eyeliners that you recommend for your Best products list? I specifically need to find a new eyeliner. Thanks!

    Reply
  9. [email protected] Chappell

    February 19, 2024 at 8:29 am

    Could you please tell me, the healthiest powder or other foundation for older skin? I have been trying to read through all your test results and it is overwhelming for my brain. I though Bareminerals was safe, until I seen it has titanium dioxide. Please help.

    Reply
    • Jody

      March 15, 2024 at 3:02 pm

      With simplicity liquid foundation is a good one. I’m 67

      Reply
  10. Kimberly

    January 28, 2024 at 7:04 pm

    Wow – this is so disturbing and mind-blowing as I typically vet every ingredient in products I buy. Sappho New Paradigm has been reformulating and testing all of their products, and have been successful getting the PFAS out of some products but not all. They tested these products throughout the process and found some still detected 24ppm in the final results & were quite surprised. The owner said “there are no agencies that can point us to PFAS tested raw materials because no supplier is doing the testing and if they are, they are only testing for the 250 not the 14,000”. They have my favorite eyeshadows and while still selling the rest of their previous products, they have noted as such and warned the consumer to educate themselves, which brought me here! I can’t commend Sappho New Paradigm enough for the transparency (and educating me).

    I find myself partially being too alarmed to purchase those eye shadows, knowing the facts, but how would I know if others aren’t just as bad off or even worst on that and on items you didn’t test (like you mention RMS re-evolve foundation did not test well, but didn’t test the un-coverup concealer, and mentioned a couple of Ere Perez’s products but not the concealer, which I use as well)? As another person commented, I am especially concerned with concealer/foundation. Would you suggest we ask the companies directly for that information? Do most companies even test? Thank you so much for this very information (and all of them – I went down a rabbit hole with all of them)!

    So in the meantime, we will be sending revised formulas to the lab and testing individual ingredients in the hopes of being able to launch by March. If you are able to donate to our PFAS testing fund it would be appreciated.

    Reply
  11. Lisa

    January 5, 2024 at 1:33 pm

    This is so helpful, thank you! Would love if in the future you can add Highr Collective lipstick and Rel Beauty lip balm to the list 🙂 Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Leslie Vergara

    October 26, 2023 at 6:10 am

    Hi Mamavation! Thank you so much for your work! <3

    I see the Ilia Foundation in "Flores" is listed twice. Is this after re-testing in October 2023? Any plans to test more shades for Ilia foundation. I can send a different shade.

    Reply
  13. Ana

    October 20, 2023 at 9:47 pm

    How is it possible for Rejuva products to not be on your “Best” list, and instead just be on the “Better” list? Several of their products are MADE SAFE and EWG certified and I thought they were the best option when I was doing my research.

    Have you tested their Natural Look Pressed Powder, Titanium Dioxide & Mica Free Eye Pencil or their Pur’ Lips Lipstick in Red, Red Wine?

    Thanks for your help.

    Reply
  14. Anonymous

    August 1, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    ~ Howdy. What an informative website. First, a mountain cowgirl at heart, I began taking care of my skin/wearing makeup when I was 11 years old. At the consternation of my parents, I wore it anyway (it is my face, after all). Over the years, popular brands like Maybelline, Avon, Mary Kay and L’Oreal were part of my makeup repertoire. I never thought the ingredients would threaten my health. In addition, I have naturally curly hair and, as of several months ago, stopped using commercial hair care products. My natural hair care journey has been quite a learning experience as well.

    Second, I recently threw away all my cosmetics, commercial shampoos and, commercial hair dye. After much online research, I now wash my curls with beaten egg yolks and an apple cider vinegar rinse to clarify. A raw honey and organic coconut oil mix is my go-to hair conditioner. I discovered http://www.100percentpure.com to purchase any plant-based mascaras and lip glosses.

    Last, in order to live as healthy as possible, it’s imperative to think outside the box when transitioning to a daily natural lifestyle. Get a clue. No matter how slow it goes, they’re killing us. I prefer to spend my dollars elsewhere. ~

    Reply
  15. Kristen

    July 21, 2023 at 12:14 pm

    Can you check Chantecaille next time you do this?

    Reply
  16. Kristen

    July 21, 2023 at 12:13 pm

    Can you check Chantecaille next time you do this?

    Reply
    • Beth

      August 12, 2023 at 4:58 am

      Yes would love their results. Along with Merit and NudeStix.

      Reply
  17. Dayna

    July 11, 2023 at 11:06 am

    Please test DHC Care, specifically their skin care line.

    Reply
  18. Jessica Cyr

    July 1, 2023 at 7:46 am

    Can you check Well People eyeshadow?

    Reply
  19. Tara M Dangora

    April 12, 2023 at 11:58 am

    I was curios about Fab Brows duo or any good eye brow product? Please and thank you!!

    Reply
  20. Debbie

    March 31, 2023 at 4:28 am

    Could you please let me know about principal secret lotions

    Reply
  21. Haley Penner

    March 22, 2023 at 3:41 pm

    Great post!

    Is it safe to assume that Ilia’s tinted lip balm contains pfas as well?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  22. Cristin

    March 9, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    Please review Burts Bees regular lip balm!

    Reply
  23. Kelly M

    February 21, 2023 at 1:02 pm

    First of all, thank you SO much for the work you’re doing!

    Second, I would LOVE it if you could test Biossance (I use their Omega Repair Cream, Vitamin C Rose Oil, and Eye Peptide Gel the most). It’s skincare, rather than makeup, that claims to be free from thousands of chemicals. I’ve been using it for close to two years and have inexplicably developed eczema on my face and hands. VERY curious if this is the culprit, though I was using ILIA foundation previously.

    Thanks again!!

    Reply
  24. Em

    February 14, 2023 at 1:18 pm

    I am shocked by Ilia & RMS. I go out of my way to buy their clean foundations. Could you please update with more foundations? In the ‘best’ list there were very few foundations. Just the tinted moisturizer from 100% pure (not the foundation from 100% pure) and Jane Iredale lip, but no foundation. Would love to have those tested so we can have at least one clean makeup set: Foundation- blush- mascara- lip!

    Reply
  25. Lauren

    January 25, 2023 at 9:13 pm

    Hi there, very grateful you are doing this work to inform consumers and hold brands accountable! When you expand your makeup investigations can you please include more Ilia products? I know many people use their products thinking they are one of the “better” brands. Specifically their skin tint, concealer, and cream blush. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  26. Abby

    January 21, 2023 at 8:32 am

    I am just so shocked and sad to see the ILIA serum foundation at 404 ppm!!!! That blows my mind. I really considered it a safe brand to use even during my pregnancy and now I’m all tore up on this information. I wonder how their levels are so high?? It must be an ingredient not labeled somehow because I can’t see equipment alone causing those insanely high levels. Very sad news for me so I’m back on the train trying to find a safe moisturizing “tint” and not a heavy foundation. I’ve tried 100% pure in the past but I find the foundations lean orange and are less natural looking on the skin.

    Reply
    • Kelly M

      February 21, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      Same!!

      Reply
    • Diana R

      August 17, 2023 at 6:12 am

      same here same! Although from what I just read it is not the tinted serum that’s liquid with a doppler (Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40) that tested high it was the actual full coverage foundation (True Skin Serum Foundation) not sure if that helps. I still have my pure if I want to look orange lol

      Reply
  27. Emma

    January 15, 2023 at 1:04 am

    Thank you so much for what you do. Your work is really valuable as its virtually impossible to find accurate information on PFAS contents in makeup from manufacturers or any other source.

    Please continue to add new products and keep testing those you’ve already tested, as we all know formulations change and brands are rarely transparent about it.

    Reply
    • Karen

      November 3, 2023 at 11:45 am

      Ditto!!!!!

      Reply
  28. Amina

    December 6, 2022 at 9:14 pm

    Can you please test Jones Road Beauty, a clean makeup company, founded by Bobbi Brown.

    Reply
  29. Lynn

    December 6, 2022 at 12:20 pm

    One of the first ‘green’ products out there (30+yrs) in many co-ops is Dr. Hauschka. It’s practically in every health foods store in MN. Can you test this one?

    Reply
    • Barbara Bubb

      March 9, 2023 at 12:58 pm

      I’ve seen these in Mom’s Market around our area. It;s very expensive. I was wondering about this makeup as well.

      Reply
  30. Carol Fox

    December 2, 2022 at 9:04 pm

    Can you please test DN-24 Hydracreme by Pharmagel? It is a facial moisturizer apparently without Parabans.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  31. Lyn

    November 17, 2022 at 6:44 pm

    Recently purchased Tula products based on Ulta staff indicating its a clean product. Any testing & results of their products woul be beneficial as Iam trying to avoid dangerous chemicals due to health conditions.

    Reply
    • jessica

      December 7, 2022 at 8:46 pm

      I would not use Tula!

      Reply
      • Lynn

        January 20, 2023 at 5:41 pm

        Jessica. Why not Tula? I was told clean product after sharing w/sales about rare disease of tumors in nerve sheath.

        Reply
        • AN

          October 27, 2023 at 6:11 pm

          Nothing at Ulta is clean

          Reply
          • Lindsay

            April 15, 2024 at 1:28 pm

            BeautyCounter products, which are on her best list, are sold at Ulta

  32. Justinturner

    November 11, 2022 at 7:57 am

    Thanks for this detailed analysis, I actually used to use pretty bad cosmetics and besides it was cheap, now I am really going to throw it away, besides I made a purpose, which I found here https://sunnypapers.com/paper-samples/purpose/ to make myself a set of cosmetics that will be of the highest quality and not ruin my health. Besides that thanks a lot for this blog, it really is helpful.

    Reply
  33. Erin Neeb

    November 4, 2022 at 4:56 am

    Hi there! I am an Elate lover so was especially curious about them. So happy to see my favourite mascara was non-detect, but noticed that you had their Lip Gloss on the list. They no longer make lip gloss. (I know it is hard to keep up with the ever-changing industry!)
    Thanks for the deep-dive!

    Reply
  34. Sharon Gassen

    November 2, 2022 at 2:18 pm

    Omiana has been around for awhile and products can be obtained without talc, titanium dioxide and other harmful additives. I would be happy if you would test Omiana products for us.

    Reply
  35. Lora

    October 9, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    Clinique?

    Reply
  36. Anonymous

    October 4, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    What about Juice
    Beauty products?

    Reply
  37. MMB

    September 15, 2022 at 4:18 am

    the 100%Pure discount Code doesn’t work as of Sept2022

    Reply
  38. Sara Khan

    August 2, 2022 at 2:57 am

    Yeah, I can …

    Reply
  39. Domnica Fotino

    July 27, 2022 at 4:30 pm

    Can you also test Bobbi Brown, please?

    Reply
  40. Brittany

    July 26, 2022 at 9:49 pm

    I am interested to learn more about Jones Road Beauty! Does anyone know about their levels? Thank you for all of your hard work!!!! 🙂

    Reply
  41. Shel Oertel

    May 24, 2022 at 9:13 am

    Thank you!!! God bless you for all you are doing!! In Jesus Name!
    Shel

    Reply
  42. Amanda

    May 17, 2022 at 10:32 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try 100% but haven’t because of their use of food stuffs as pigments. Cocoa for example is notoriously high in cadmium. I don’t know their formulation but I imagine that pigment makes up a decent amount of it. Do you know if they test for heavy metals? If not would you be willing to have brands sent for those tests?

    Reply
  43. Michael

    February 25, 2022 at 1:57 pm

    Seems like Almay was part of the investigation. What levels were found in their products?

    Reply
  44. Togetherness

    February 14, 2022 at 12:51 pm

    Can you test Living Libations®️ and the shampoo brand OM please? Thank you for your work. There seems to be so much to avoid {palm oil; safflower oil {eaten, but maybe through skin it counts also}; castor oil; …} it makes for great opportunity for people to make products that are safe. Santa Barbara Olive company once told me olives are poisonous unless cured, so I can not help being concerned about the use of olive oil.

    Reply
  45. SUSAN MARIE WEIDEL

    February 6, 2022 at 7:49 am

    Can you please test Rainwater Botanicals.com and Baja Basics? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      February 6, 2022 at 10:00 am

      Can you link me to their mascara or lip glosses please.

      Reply
  46. G

    January 5, 2022 at 9:45 am

    Thanks Leah + team!!!! Appreciate what you do to keep us aware of what we should be checking in our products! Glad pureHAVEN comes out on the BEST again! phew! Wondering about this brand the NEXT time you check more… https://toupsandco.com/products/mineral-makeup?variant=5090669363230 Thanks!

    Reply
    • Amy Martin

      January 11, 2022 at 9:44 am

      Would love to see Lemongrass Spa on the list.

      Reply
      • Leah Segedie

        February 6, 2022 at 10:04 am

        I can arrange that in the next update!

        Reply
        • Sandra

          September 24, 2022 at 6:54 am

          Hi there…I’m especially concerned about liquid makeup base and liquid concealer…do you ever test for those, especially Rejuva minerals liquid foundation and Thrive causmetics Buildable Blur concealer?

          Reply
          • Leah Segedie

            September 24, 2022 at 9:02 am

            We are starting to test foundations now and will update this post with those labs.

          • Dona

            October 24, 2022 at 8:41 am

            I came here looking for that as well. Especially tying which clean products are best for aging skin together.

          • Debbie

            January 16, 2023 at 7:31 pm

            Hi, Mamavation! I am Debbie and I’ve just started my journey on clean beauty products. I have same question about Rejuva Minerals Foundation. Do you test that also? Thank you in advance. Appreciate your website!

        • Holly

          May 12, 2023 at 6:34 am

          Thank you so so much for the work you are doing!!!

          Can you please test:
          Bareminerals complexion rescue tinted moisturizer
          Il makiage foundation
          Benefit roller liner waterproof liquid eyeliner (although I already suspect that one is full of PFAs since it is called waterproof)
          Taste Shape Tape concealer

          Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      February 6, 2022 at 10:04 am

      I’ve purchased and will send their lip gloss to the lab. You’ll find them in the next update.

      Reply
    • Sia

      August 16, 2022 at 10:43 am

      Hello

      So happy to have found your blog! A new subscriber! I wish in your next haul you could include some pencil and liquid eyeliners. These are so close to eye woudl love to know which brands come out with 0 flurorines

      Pyt liquid eyeliner
      Thrive causemetics liquid and pencil eyeliner
      Zuzu cosmetics liquid eyeliner

      Would love to see these and more tested

      Because of your team I threw all my cosmetics away to start over. Your helping a lot of ppl

      Thank you

      Reply
  47. Gay

    December 9, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    You have some good and interesting info on this site. Small note – FYI -you call out Burt’s as a small business … Burt’s Bees is owned by Clorox Corp and in the mid-teens were pulling down 250 million a year. I bet they can afford to test their own products with not a lot of problem.

    Reply
    • Suzanne

      December 29, 2021 at 8:38 pm

      I’ll bet Burt’s Bees can along with some other very large revenue companies! However, that is the problem clearly! They’re not transparent with us, the consumer. If they listed every ingredient honestly, that’d be wonderful. If they produced only products…. which are truly clean and do not contain really unsafe ingredients that cause serious serious health issues, we wouldn’t have any concerns would we? Very sadly, at least here in the U.S., we are NOT protected. We are not cared about by the FDA and USDA etc. They pass through most food, health and other products as “safe” because their standards are PITIFUL!!!! ????

      Reply
  48. Veronica

    December 4, 2021 at 8:44 pm

    Please test Chanel dior ls

    Reply
  49. Heidi

    December 3, 2021 at 10:18 am

    Thank you for your tireless and valuable work! I recently signed up on your e-mail list. The next time you test I would be curious about eyebrow pencils made by Sante Naturkosmetik, and Doucce, and concealers made by Bella Mari, Mineral Fusion, and My Spots Are Concealed. EWG seemed to rate at least a few of these as good but said there was limited information on Doucce, and I found no information on My Spots Are Concealed.

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      February 6, 2022 at 10:09 am

      Sante…yes! I need to test them! You are right…how did I miss that brand? I’ll make sure to test Doucce too.

      Reply
      • Kala

        December 27, 2022 at 9:37 pm

        Could you also test Omiana?

        Reply
  50. Lisa Allen

    December 3, 2021 at 6:16 am

    Please test Lemongrass Spa…thank you!

    Reply
  51. Mary

    December 2, 2021 at 10:47 pm

    Please test Arbonne product next time around.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      February 6, 2022 at 10:10 am

      Can you link me to Arbonne mascara or lip gloss please?

      Reply
      • Christina Smith

        January 18, 2023 at 7:47 pm

        Wondering if you ever tested Arbonne? Love the mascara…thanks!

        Reply
      • Christina Smith

        January 18, 2023 at 7:50 pm

        https://www.arbonne.com/us/en/shop-all/makeup/eyes/speak-volumes-mascara/p/7794%20US

        Reply
  52. Tammie

    December 1, 2021 at 9:36 pm

    Can you please test L’Bri products? Thank you for all you do.

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      February 6, 2022 at 2:22 pm

      Can you link up one of their mascaras or lip glosses please

      Reply
  53. Susan

    December 1, 2021 at 6:37 pm

    I literally just spent 4 hours today trying to find winter coats for my family that are affordable without PFAS and now this? I’ve been using some of these products for years. The anxiety that this has caused me might just be the death of me.

    Reply
    • Roxanne Sears

      December 2, 2021 at 5:54 am

      I go along with you but maybe we can keep our children and grand children from this toxic mess.

      Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      February 6, 2022 at 2:23 pm

      I heard you and fogot to come back to let you know that I did that jacket investigation for you, https://mamavation.com/product-investigations/safest-nontoxic-jackets-raincoats-pfas-forever-chemicals.html.

      Make sure you join the email newsletter so you don’t miss these when they come out.

      Reply
  54. Sarah Sabo

    December 1, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    Could you please also test Mac in the next round

    Reply
  55. Gabby

    December 1, 2021 at 11:01 am

    Will you test Red Apple Lipstick on the next round? Thank you for all your work!

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      December 1, 2021 at 11:25 am

      Yes, I can

      Reply
  56. Kris Ann Valdez

    December 1, 2021 at 7:52 am

    Will you test Root Pretty cosmetics on the next go around?

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      December 1, 2021 at 8:23 am

      We can do that!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        December 1, 2021 at 11:35 am

        Can you also test Tower 28 Beauty? It’s another “clean” company I’m seeing all over.

        Reply
        • Kara

          March 9, 2023 at 12:05 pm

          I would also like to see Tower 28’s Make Waves mascara tested.

          Reply
  57. Chelsea Baxter

    December 1, 2021 at 6:35 am

    I read this post word for word it was so awesome. Thanks Leah!! I loved hearing about the Federal Toxic-Free Legislation going on and signed and shared the petition! Happy to see Beauty Counter going strong! I’m going to have to check out Pure Haven. Thanks again for you and your team’s hard work on making this happen!

    Reply
    • Rachael

      January 24, 2023 at 6:31 pm

      Physicians formula?

      Reply
      • Jen

        March 18, 2023 at 10:31 am

        I second this one!

        Reply
      • Peg

        November 21, 2024 at 9:31 am

        Yes please! Especially their face powder.

        Reply
    • Mel

      October 17, 2023 at 6:01 pm

      Would love if u add Charlotte Tilbury and Victoria Beckham Beauty products next round! Thank u! Great article as always ????

      Reply

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