NARS · Makeup
NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation
Lower PFAS concern for a liquid foundation, but NARS offers no public transparency on formulation PFAS status.
NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation is a liquid foundation with no known Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating coatings, the primary PFAS risk vector in cosmetics. The brand has not publicly disclosed PFAS-free status or pursued third-party verification. No published lab data on this product exists in the public domain.
Shop NARS on Amazon →Material
Pigments, silicones, polymers (liquid foundation 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
NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation is a silicone-based liquid foundation containing pigments, silicone polymers, and various binders designed for long wear and matte finish. Silicone polymers are generally considered chemically inert and non-irritating in finished cosmetics, though they are persistent in the environment. The pigments (iron oxides, titanium dioxide, mica) are standard colorants with low absorption risk when applied topically. No formaldehyde releasers or talc have been documented in this product line.
The brand's record and disclosure
NARS does not publish a detailed ingredient transparency report or formulation chemical hazard disclosure on its website. The brand has no documented safety recalls or regulatory actions specific to this foundation. NARS is owned by Shiseido, a company with broader sustainability commitments, but NARS itself does not highlight third-party cosmetic certifications (e.g., clean beauty, cruelty-free beyond corporate policy). No public statements address PFAS, heavy metals testing, or microplastic content.
How it compares in its category
Silicone-based liquid foundations are a mainstream category choice; this product sits in the mid-to-premium market without differentiation in published safety standards. Brands like Bare Minerals (mineral powder) and Beautycounter (disclosed ingredient sourcing) offer more transparent alternative approaches. Compared to water-based or powder alternatives, liquid silicone foundations carry no higher documented toxicity risk but do offer less environmental biodegradability. NARS does not claim hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, or clean beauty certification.
If you buy it
Store below 25C (77F) to avoid silicone separation or pigment settling. Patch test on inner arm 24 hours before full application if you have sensitive skin, as fragrance or botanical extracts in the formula may irritate some users. Replace after 12 months of opening to minimize bacterial growth risk in the pump dispenser. Do not ingest; wash hands and avoid eye contact during application; remove with a non-abrasive makeup remover to prevent skin barrier damage.
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 pigments
Iron oxides and titanium dioxide are approved cosmetic colorants with very low migration risk into skin. No lead or cadmium contamination has been reported in NARS foundations or regulatory testing of this product line.
1,4-dioxane (residual from manufacture)
1,4-dioxane can be a trace contaminant in silicone-based emulsions if not purged during manufacturing. NARS does not publicly disclose testing for this contaminant; third-party testing is unavailable for this specific product.
Fragrance allergens
NARS foundations contain fragrance; individuals with fragrance sensitivity or eczema may experience irritation or contact dermatitis. The full fragrance ingredient list is not disclosed (permitted as 'fragrance' on labels), limiting identification of specific allergens.
Preservative or botanical ingredient sensitization
Liquid foundations typically contain preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol) and may contain botanical extracts for 'natural' claims. Parabens have low absorption through intact skin but can trigger contact allergies in sensitized individuals. NARS does not clearly list all preservatives on its website.
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 makeup 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.