Herbivore Botanicals · Moisturizer
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
Herbivore Lapis is a cosmetic facial oil with no known PFAS-prone ingredients or treatments. The brand makes no PFAS claims (neither positive nor negative). Facial oils rarely require water-resistance or nonstick coatings; primary risk would be from intentional fluorinated additives, which are uncommon in luxury oil formulations.
Shop Herbivore Botanicals on Amazon →Material
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
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.
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Herbivore Lapis is formulated primarily from plant oils (such as jojoba, squalane, and rosehip) combined with lapis lazuli pigment for color. Plant oils are generally stable and non-volatile in facial applications, posing minimal fume or leaching risk. The mineral pigment (lapis lazuli) is inert in topical use and contained within an oil matrix rather than a powder form, reducing inhalation concern. Glass packaging eliminates leaching pathways common in plastic bottles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Herbivore Botanicals does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing certifications or third-party safety testing data on their website. The brand claims use of 'natural' and 'non-toxic' formulations but provides limited specificity on heavy metal testing or microbial standards. No recalls, adverse event complaints, or regulatory actions have been established for this product. Ingredient lists are available, though full supplier transparency is not publicly documented.
How it compares in its category
Facial oils are among the lowest-risk moisturizer formats because they avoid emulsifiers, preservative systems, and synthetic thickeners that increase hazard surface area. Herbivore's use of glass and plant-only actives places it at the safer end of the category compared to silicone-based or heavy-preservative moisturizers. The lapis pigment choice is decorative rather than functional; similar products use synthetic colorants, which carry their own trace-metal concerns. Overall positioning is premium-tier safety profile for the moisturizer category.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dark place to preserve oil oxidation stability over time; exposure to heat or direct sunlight can degrade potency and increase rancidity, though this affects efficacy rather than safety. Use within 12 months of opening; oils can accumulate oxidative byproducts if stored long-term. Apply to clean, damp skin to enhance absorption and reduce risk of surface buildup. If sensitivity occurs (rare with plant oils, but possible with lapis mineral or fragrance), discontinue and patch-test on inner arm before resuming.
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 mineral pigments (lapis lazuli)
Lapis lazuli can contain trace copper, iron, and sulfur compounds; however, topical exposure in a sealed oil matrix is minimal. No regulatory limits apply to cosmetic-grade lapis, and absorption through skin is negligible. Risk is theoretical rather than established for this application.
Oil oxidation and peroxide formation
Plant oils exposed to air and light gradually oxidize, forming hydroperoxides that can irritate sensitive skin or eyes if concentrations accumulate. This is a preservation/quality issue rather than a manufacturing hazard, manageable through proper storage. Glass packaging is opaque if colored, mitigating light exposure.
Fragrance allergen content
Herbivore products often include essential oils and fragrance compounds for scent; while plant-derived, some essential oils (e.g., lavender, lemongrass) are known skin sensitizers in concentrated form. The brand does not publish fragrance allergen disclosure or hypoallergenic certifications, so risk profile for sensitive individuals is unclear.
Microbial contamination (plant oils)
Plant oils are hydrophobic and naturally resist bacterial growth; no preservative system is required. No contamination incidents have been reported for this product or brand. Glass sealing and anaerobic conditions in the bottle further minimize microbial risk.
Skin irritation from concentrated botanicals
High-concentration plant extracts can trigger contact dermatitis or photosensitivity in predisposed individuals, particularly if used around the eye area. Herbivore does not disclose concentration thresholds or conduct dermatological testing. Patch testing before full-face application is prudent for sensitive skin.
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 moisturizer 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.