Herbivore Botanicals · Moisturizer
Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil
Lower-concern cosmetic oil with no known PFAS triggers; brand makes no PFAS claims.
Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil is a pure botanical oil blend with no waterproofing, water-resistance, or nonstick coatings, the primary PFAS application areas in cosmetics.
Shop Herbivore Botanicals on Amazon →Material
Plant oils (lapis lazuli pigment, botanical extracts, mineral oil 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
Herbivore Lapis uses a mineral oil base blended with botanical extracts and ultramarine pigment (lapis lazuli) for color. Mineral oil is a refined petroleum derivative with low percutaneous absorption risk and is widely permitted in cosmetics globally. The lapis pigment itself is inert in topical form, though the formulation's stability depends on the quality and purity of both the mineral oil and plant-extract preservatives. No emulsifiers or synthetic thickeners are typical in pure oil formulations, which reduces the likelihood of problematic chemical additives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Herbivore Botanicals markets itself as a clean-beauty brand emphasizing botanical sourcing, but the company does not publicly disclose third-party safety certifications (e.g., EWG, Leaping Bunny) or detailed ingredient sourcing audits. No major safety recalls or contamination incidents are on public record for this product line. The brand's PFAS stance remains undisclosed, limiting transparency on whether intentional or incidental PFAS exposure is managed; however, mineral oil and plant extracts are not inherent PFAS vectors.
How it compares in its category
Facial oils in this price range ($68 USD typical) vary widely in purity and sourcing transparency. Herbivore positions above drugstore alternatives by claiming botanical focus, but lacks the independent certifications (organic, heavy-metal testing) that distinguish premium competitors like Wildcraft or certified organic brands. Mineral oil is a common base in mid-to-premium facial oils and carries no unusual risk relative to other plant-oil blends; the main differentiator is ingredient purity and manufacturing controls, which are not independently audited for this product.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to clean, damp skin to avoid occlusion and potential irritation if layered under occlusives. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, as botanical extracts can oxidize and lose efficacy over 12-18 months; replace if the oil develops a rancid smell or separates noticeably. Discontinue if redness, itching, or comedogenic reactions occur, particularly on sensitive or acne-prone skin. Mineral oil itself does not degrade from body heat, but the plant extracts may; do not apply immediately before sun exposure without a sunscreen layer.
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.”
Fragrance allergens and botanical extract sensitivizers
Botanical extracts in oils can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; no ingredient list with allergen flags is publicly detailed by the brand for this specific product variant.
Heavy metals in mineral pigment (lapis lazuli)
Lapis pigment (ultramarine) is inert in topical form and not known to leach into oil formulations; no contamination reports exist for this product or brand, though independent lab verification of pigment purity is not disclosed.
Oxidation and rancidity in botanical oil blends
Plant extracts and some botanical oils are prone to oxidation without proper antioxidant preservation; oxidized oils may cause mild skin irritation but are not acutely toxic.
Mineral oil safety (percutaneous absorption and comedogenicity)
Mineral oil is a low-risk cosmetic base approved globally; however, it is occlusive and may trigger or worsen acne in predisposed individuals, particularly when applied to already-congested skin.
Undisclosed surfactants or emulsifiers in formula
Pure oil formulations typically avoid emulsifiers, reducing risk of 1,4-dioxane or phthalate plasticizers; Herbivore's ingredient list for this product is not fully publicly itemized, limiting certainty.
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.
Safer alternatives in Moisturizer
Tatcha
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
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.