75/ 100
C
OverallD67/100
Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss - 03 Brulee Pop by Clinique for Women - 0.11 oz Lip Gloss

Clinique · Lip Gloss

Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss - 03 Brulee Pop by Clinique for Women - 0.11 oz Lip Gloss

C · Moderate

Lower PFAS concern, typical lip gloss formula without known fluorochemical triggers.

Verdict: BuyClinique lip gloss uses standard cosmetic waxes and pigments with no established heavy-metal or talc-contamination issues; lower PFAS concern typical of non-water-resistant formulas.

Clinique's Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss is a conventional lip cosmetic using emollients and waxes; it has no waterproofing, non-stick, or stain-resistance claims that would suggest PFAS use. No public PFAS disclosures or testing data exist for this product, but the formula composition and cosmetic category pose minimal inherent risk.

Shop Clinique on Amazon →

Material

Hydrogenated polyisobutene, waxes, pigments, talc

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.

Hurts the grade

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement about PFAS in this product.

Hurts the grade

Safe base material

Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).

Helps the grade

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

This product's base is hydrogenated polyisobutene, a petroleum-derived emollient that forms a waxy film on lips; it poses minimal toxicity risk at skin-contact levels. The formula includes conventional waxes (likely beeswax or synthetic equivalents) and iron oxide or mica pigments for color. Talc is listed as an ingredient, which is the primary ingredient class requiring scrutiny in lip products, since inhalation of talc powder has historical contamination concerns, though talc itself is not classified as a carcinogen by major regulatory bodies when asbestos-free.

The brand's record and disclosure

Clinique is owned by Estée Lauder and maintains moderate transparency on ingredient sourcing but does not publish detailed heavy-metal testing or talc-purity certifications in public marketing. The brand has no major recalls tied to this product line and complies with FDA cosmetic ingredient regulations. However, Clinique has not made explicit public commitments to talc-free reformulation or PFAS elimination across its cosmetic range, reflecting industry-wide silence on these issues.

How it compares in its category

Lip glosses are among the lowest-risk cosmetic products because the amount applied is small and lip tissue is not a primary absorption route. This formula's reliance on hydrogenated polyisobutene rather than silicones or Teflon-family coating is typical of mainstream brands. Talc presence is common in glossy lip products from Clinique's tier; some competitors have moved to talc-free starch alternatives, but no major safety gap separates this product from peers at this price point.

If you buy it

Apply in thin layers to avoid excessive wax buildup; reapply after eating or drinking. Do not inhale the product during application or storage. Replace if the texture becomes grainy, sticky, or shows separation, which signals ingredient breakdown. Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to prevent the wax base from softening and leaking. If you have a history of talc sensitivity or wish to minimize talc exposure, talc-free lip glosses from brands like Burt's Bees or e.l.f. are readily available alternatives.

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.”

Possible

Talc contamination and inhalation risk

Talc is listed in the formula. While Clinique sources talc from regulated suppliers in compliant markets, no public third-party purity testing for asbestos or heavy metals is disclosed for this specific product. Inhalation risk is low in lip gloss form due to minimal powder exposure, but direct mouth contact means some ingestion is possible during eating.

None known

Heavy metals in pigments (iron oxide, mica)

Iron oxide and mica colorants are standard in cosmetics and subject to FDA limits on lead and cadmium. No recalls or test data linking Clinique lip glosses to heavy-metal contamination are on record, and the brand operates under Estée Lauder's established quality-control protocols.

Possible

Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components

The product listing does not detail fragrance components. Clinique uses fragrance in many formulas, which may contain allergens or sensitizers not individually named on the label. Individuals with fragrance sensitivities should request a full ingredient declaration or perform a patch test.

None known

1,4-dioxane (common cosmetic contaminant)

1,4-dioxane is a manufacturing byproduct found occasionally in surfactant-containing cosmetics. This lip gloss formula is wax-based without listed surfactants, so risk is low, but Clinique does not publicly disclose 1,4-dioxane testing on product labels.

None known

Formaldehyde releasers in preservative system

Clinique formulations typically use non-formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and lip glosses have low water content, reducing the need for heavy preservative loads. No established concerns exist for this product line, but preservative details are not publicly itemized.

What we don’t know

This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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 lip gloss 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.