NARS · Makeup
NARS - Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation | Patagonia - M1.2 - medium with neutral undertones
Lower PFAS concern typical of conventional liquid foundations; no red flags, but no transparency either.
NARS foundation is a standard liquid cosmetic with no known PFAS-specific ingredients or waterproofing treatments that would require PFAS. The brand does not disclose PFAS information. No independent lab testing of this product for PFAS is publicly available.
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liquid foundation with pigments, polymers, and emollients
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 Radiant Longwear Foundation is a silicone-polymer based liquid foundation containing iron oxides, mica, and talc-derived pigments suspended in emollients and film-formers. The 'longwear' formulation relies on polymers (likely acrylates or silicones) to adhere to skin and resist breakdown throughout the day. Talc-containing mineral pigments and iron oxide colorants are the primary concern points in this formula type, though they are generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use when free of asbestos contamination.
The brand's record and disclosure
NARS does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing, heavy metal testing results, or talc asbestos screening on their website or product pages. The brand has not faced major safety recalls or toxicity allegations specific to this foundation. NARS is owned by Shiseido (a major multinational) and operates under standard cosmetic regulations (FDA in US, REACH in EU) but does not publish third-party certifications or voluntary safety audits beyond regulatory compliance.
How it compares in its category
This foundation sits in the mainstream premium segment; its hazard profile is typical for conventional liquid foundations. Brands offering higher transparency (like Beautycounter or Glossier, which limit talc and heavy metals) represent a more cautious approach, while drugstore alternatives often carry similar or lower ingredient disclosure. The silicone-dominant formulation is standard for longwear products and not a distinguishing risk factor compared to water-based competitors.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, dry skin using a brush or sponge to minimize hand contact with pigments. Do not heat the bottle or leave it in direct sun, as polymers may degrade and alter release of constituents. Replace after 12 months of opening to prevent microbial growth in the liquid emulsion. If irritation or rash develops, discontinue and consult a dermatologist; talc or azo dyes in pigments can trigger sensitivity in susceptible individuals.
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 and potential asbestos contamination
NARS does not publicly certify talc sources or asbestos screening. Talc in cosmetics is regulated but contamination risk persists in some supply chains. This foundation's talc content is not quantified in marketing materials.
Heavy metals in iron oxide and mica pigments
Iron oxides and mica are approved colorants in the US and EU; no recalls or reported contamination specific to NARS foundations. However, lead, cadmium, and chromium can occur as trace impurities in natural mineral pigments if poorly sourced. NARS does not publish heavy metal assay results.
Fragrance and fragrance allergens
NARS foundations typically contain fragrance (parfum listed in EU INCI); the specific allergen profile is not disclosed. Fragrance is a leading cause of contact dermatitis in cosmetics. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity should patch-test or avoid.
1,4-dioxane (trace contaminant in polymers)
Silicone and acrylate polymers used in longwear formulas may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct; it is not intentionally added but can form during synthesis. Regulatory limits exist in finished products, but NARS does not independently verify or disclose 1,4-dioxane screening.
Skin irritation or sensitization from formaldehyde releasers
No evidence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) in NARS formulas; modern liquid foundations typically use safer preservative systems. Risk level is low for this category.
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.