Burt's Bees · Waterproof Mascara
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara, Black Brown
Lower concern, conventional mascara formula with no known PFAS drivers, but zero transparency from brand.
Burt's Bees markets this mascara as 100% natural with wax and plant-based ingredients. Mascaras are not a typical PFAS exposure vector unless waterproofed with Teflon-family coating coatings; Burt's Bees does not claim waterproof status or disclose any PFAS information.
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
Wax, pigments, natural oils (typical mascara base)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Burt's Bees mascara uses a wax base (typically beeswax or plant waxes) combined with natural oils and iron oxide pigments for color. Wax formulas are inherently lower-risk than synthetic polymer mascaras because they do not rely on plastic microparticles or volatile solvents to set. The stated use of natural oils reduces reliance on synthetic preservatives and phthalate-based plasticizers common in conventional mascaras. Iron oxide is a stable, non-toxic pigment widely approved for cosmetic use globally.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees holds USDA organic certification for many product lines and maintains public commitment to natural ingredients and absence of synthetic chemicals. The brand does not disclose PFAS testing or stance explicitly, which is typical of natural cosmetics makers who avoid fluorinated compounds by design rather than testing. No recalls or safety complaints specific to this mascara formula are on public record. The brand's transparency on ingredient sourcing is above average for the mascara category, though not complete.
How it compares in its category
Wax-based mascaras occupy a smaller, lower-volume segment. Conventional waterproof mascaras often use film-forming polymers, silicones, and synthetic preservatives that introduce chemical hazard surface area; this product avoids most of those classes. The trade-off is that wax mascaras may flake or smudge more easily than polymer versions and require more frequent reapplication. Among natural brands, Burt's Bees pricing and formulation approach is middle-ground between ultra-minimal (e.g., charcoal only) and heavily conditioned mascaras.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to avoid buildup, which can accelerate flaking and eye irritation. Replace every 3 months (or sooner if the product dries out or changes smell), as wax formulas are more prone to bacterial growth if mascara tube is left open or contaminated. Do not use if eyes are irritated, and discontinue immediately if itching or redness develops. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain wax consistency.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Heavy metals in iron oxide pigments
Iron oxide is a regulated cosmetic colorant with strict impurity limits; no contamination incidents reported for Burt's Bees mascara. Natural iron oxide sources are generally well-controlled in certified formulas.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers
Wax-based mascaras do not require formaldehyde-releasing preservatives typical of water-heavy formulas. Burt's Bees natural ingredient stance and certification rules out these additives.
Talc contamination
This mascara formula does not list talc as an ingredient, and wax mascaras typically use alternative thickeners. No talc-related concerns on record for this product.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed sensitizers
Burt's Bees products often contain essential oils and botanical extracts for scent and conditioning. These are well-tolerated by most users but can trigger contact dermatitis or eye sensitivity in individuals with fragrance allergies; full ingredient list should be reviewed if you have known sensitivities.
Bacterial growth and contamination in wax formula
Wax mascaras are more hygroscopic than synthetic polymer mascaras and can dry out or support bacterial growth if tube is opened frequently or left unsealed. Risk is low with proper storage and replacement every 3 months.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More 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.