NARS · Concealer
NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation and Soft Matte Complete Concealer 2-Piece Set
Lower PFAS risk for typical liquid foundation/concealer, but brand discloses nothing.
NARS does not publicly disclose PFAS presence or absence in these cosmetics. Foundation and concealer formulations typically contain silicones and pigments; neither product claims water-resistance or specialty coatings that commonly trigger PFAS use.
Shop NARS on Amazon →Material
pigments, binders, silicones in liquid/powder cosmetics
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 Matte Longwear Foundation and Soft Matte Concealer are liquid suspensions of iron oxide pigments, talc or silica-based mattifiers, silicones (dimethicone), and water-soluble binders. The talc component is the primary concern in powder-containing formulations, though talc in wet foundations is minimal. Silicones in these products are inert once dried and pose no documented leaching risk; they are not volatile at skin temperature.
The brand's record and disclosure
NARS publishes ingredient lists and complies with EU/US cosmetic regulations but does not publicly disclose PFAS testing, heavy metal screening, or formaldehyde-releaser audits. The brand has no major safety recalls on record for these specific products. NARS is privately held (under Shiseido) and does not claim clean-beauty or toxicology certification, limiting third-party verification of production controls.
How it compares in its category
Liquid foundations and concealers are among the lowest-hazard cosmetics because pigments and binders are bound in suspension and not volatile. NARS sits in the mid-to-premium tier alongside brands like MAC and Estee Lauder; all three use similar silicone-talc-iron oxide chemistry. Cleaner alternatives (e.g., Clinique, Bare Minerals) avoid talc but offer no documented safety advantage for short-term use.
If you buy it
Apply only to face and neck; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Do not ingest. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent pigment separation. Replace if consistency changes or odor develops. If talc sensitivity or respiratory concern exists, seek products labeled talc-free. Discontinue if rash or irritation emerges within 48 hours.
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 and respiratory exposure
NARS does not disclose talc sourcing or asbestos testing. Talc in liquid formulations presents lower inhalation risk than loose powders, but repeated face application over years carries cumulative exposure. FDA approval does not exclude trace asbestos.
Heavy metals in iron oxide pigments
Iron oxide pigments (Fe2O3, Fe3O4) are cosmetic-grade and regulated for lead/cadmium limits in most jurisdictions. No recalls or testing reports exist for NARS foundation metals. Risk is minimal for topical facial use.
1,4-dioxane as manufacturing contaminant
Silicone-based liquid cosmetics may contain trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylated surfactants unless vacuum-stripped during production. NARS does not publish dioxane screening data. Typical levels in rinse-off products are below dermal absorption thresholds, but cumulative exposure data is limited.
Fragrance allergens
NARS Matte Longwear Foundation contains fragrance listed generically on label. Some users report contact sensitization; fragrance is a top allergen in leave-on cosmetics. Those with sensitive or reactive skin should patch-test or choose fragrance-free alternatives.
Silicone accumulation and skin occlusion
High-silicone formulations may trap bacteria or impair transepidermal water loss if applied daily without thorough cleansing. This is not acutely toxic but can trigger or worsen acne-prone conditions. Regular evening cleansing mitigates risk.
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 concealer 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.