The Classic Pencil vs Soft Touch Shadow Pencil: which is safer?

NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Charlotte Tilbury

The Classic Pencil

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 59/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Graphite/wood pencil core, wooden barrel

Confidence

78%

PossibleFormaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

PossibleFragrance allergens

PossibleBacterial or fungal growth from sharpener/shaving debris

Why this gradeBuy

Our pick

NARS

Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

D 67/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Wax-based pigmented pencil with graphite core

Confidence

72%

PossibleFragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components

PossibleBacterial contamination from repeated sharpening and contact with eyes

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More eyeliner: see the full ranking