Clinique Stay Matte · Pressed Powder
Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder - 101 Invisible Matte by Clinique for Women - 0.27 oz Powder
Lower PFAS concern for typical pressed powder; no red flags, but Clinique has not publicly committed to PFAS-free formulation.
Clinique Stay-Matte is a standard mineral/talc-based pressed powder with no confirmed waterproofing, nonstick coatings, or water-resistant treatments that typically introduce PFAS. The brand makes no public PFAS claims or disclosures.
Shop Clinique Stay Matte on Amazon →Material
talc/mineral powder 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
Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer is a talc or talc-derivative mineral powder designed to mattify and set makeup. Pressed powders in this category are typically inert mineral formulations (talc, mica, iron oxides) that sit on skin rather than absorb systemically. The risk profile depends primarily on talc sourcing and the presence of asbestos contamination or heavy-metal pigments, not on volatile organic compounds or leaching concerns that affect cookware or food storage products.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique is owned by Estée Lauder and maintains standard cosmetic compliance with FDA and international regulations. The brand does not prominently advertise talc-free or PFAS-free formulations on this product's public materials. Clinique has faced no major recalls or published safety controversies for this specific powder line. The brand's ingredient transparency is typical for mass-market prestige cosmetics but not exceptional.
How it compares in its category
Talc-based pressed powders remain common in mainstream makeup despite growing availability of talc-free alternatives (silica, rice starch, mica blends). Clinique's formulation is middle-of-the-road for the segment: it uses established, regulated ingredients without marketed premium certifications (organic, clean, etc.). Comparable products from MAC, Bobbi Brown, and drugstore brands share similar mineral bases and disclosure practices.
If you buy it
Apply with a brush to avoid inhalation of loose particles; do not inhale powder clouds during application. Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity, which can degrade pressed compacts and encourage bacterial growth in the case. Replace every 12-18 months or immediately if the surface becomes visibly wet, contaminated, or crumbly. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes; if ingestion occurs in small amounts, it is not acutely toxic, but seek medical advice for large quantities.
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.”
Talc contamination with asbestos
Talc deposits can naturally contain asbestos fibers. Clinique does not publicly disclose asbestos testing or talc sourcing standards for this product. Modern cosmetic-grade talc is regulated under FDA guidelines, but third-party independent verification is not publicly available for this specific formulation.
Heavy metals in synthetic pigments (iron oxides, colorants)
Pressed powders typically use iron oxides and mica for color, which are stable, regulated pigments. No recalls or published safety data indicate heavy-metal (lead, cadmium, mercury) contamination in this Clinique product or in talc-based powder formulations from this manufacturer.
Fragrance allergens
Product formulation may include fragrance compounds. Clinique does not list full fragrance components on standard packaging (IFRA trade secret exemption applies). Individuals with fragrance sensitivity should patch-test or contact Clinique for detailed fragrance ingredient disclosure.
Bacterial or fungal growth from moisture exposure
Pressed powder compacts can absorb moisture if stored improperly, creating conditions for microbial growth, especially if used with damp brushes. This is a usage and storage issue, not a manufacturing defect, but affects product safety over time.
Formaldehyde releasers in binders or preservatives
Pressed powders do not typically use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives because water content is minimal and the product is inherently shelf-stable. No published data indicates formaldehyde or releasers in this specific formulation.
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 pressed powder 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.