Pacifica · Waterproof Mascara
Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara
Lower PFAS concern for this mineral mascara, but lack of disclosure leaves room for uncertainty.
Pacifica's Stellar Gaze is a mineral-based mascara with no known PFAS-containing coatings or waterproof treatments requiring fluorochemicals. Pacifica does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or make PFAS-free claims.
Shop Pacifica on Amazon →Material
mineral pigments, waxes, resins
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
Pacifica Stellar Gaze uses mineral pigments (iron oxides, mica) as colorants rather than synthetic azo dyes, which eliminates concern for azo dye metabolites and heavy metal contamination typical of conventional mascaras. The formula relies on natural waxes (likely carnauba or beeswax) and plant-based resins as binders, avoiding the need for high levels of synthetic polymers or preservative-heavy emulsifiers. Mineral-based formulations are inherently more stable and less prone to the off-gassing or degradation seen in some synthetic cosmetics, though the specific resin chemistry is not fully disclosed by the brand.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pacifica markets itself as a cruelty-free and vegan brand with a focus on natural ingredients, but provides minimal transparency on full ingredient sourcing, heavy metal testing, or manufacturing standards. The brand does not publicly disclose third-party safety testing results, PFAS screening protocols, or certifications beyond cruelty-free claims. No product recalls or regulatory warnings are on record for this specific mascara. The lack of detailed disclosure on contaminant testing (lead, cadmium, 1,4-dioxane) reflects a broader industry trend in the prestige natural-cosmetics segment rather than a specific red flag.
How it compares in its category
Mineral mascaras generally carry lower chemical hazard profiles than conventional waterproof mascaras, which often rely on silicone polymers, synthetic preservatives, and azo dyes. Pacifica's mineral approach sits in the safer half of the waterproof mascara market, comparable to brands like Bare Minerals or Inika in risk profile. Conventional drugstore waterproof mascaras (Maybelline, L'Oreal) and some prestige formulas carry higher reported concerns for formaldehyde releasers and undisclosed fragrance allergens, making this product a relatively lower-risk choice.
If you buy it
Replace mascara every 3 months to prevent bacterial growth and avoid eye infection, a standard safety practice that applies especially to cream or liquid mineral formulas. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to preserve the integrity of wax and resin binders; mineral pigments are stable but reformulation occurs with temperature stress. Apply with clean applicators or wands each use to minimize bacterial transfer. If irritation, redness, or discomfort develops, discontinue immediately and check the ingredient list against known personal sensitivities (mica is generally safe but fragrance/plant extracts can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive users).
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 metal contamination in mineral pigments
Iron oxide pigments used in mineral mascaras are generally well-regulated, but lead and cadmium can be trace contaminants in natural mineral sources. Pacifica does not publicly disclose heavy metal testing results for this product, so residual contamination risk cannot be ruled out, though mineral-based formulas carry lower inherent risk than synthetic pigments.
Fragrance allergen exposure
Pacifica lists fragrance/botanical extracts in many formulations but does not itemize specific fragrance compounds or allergen disclosure on this product. Undisclosed fragrance ingredients can trigger contact dermatitis or ocular irritation in sensitive individuals; the mineral base itself is not the concern, but volatile components in the formula may cause localized allergic reactions.
1,4-dioxane in preservative systems
No public record of this specific mascara being tested for or found to contain 1,4-dioxane. Mineral mascaras with simpler wax-and-resin formulas typically require fewer preservatives than conventional mascaras, reducing likelihood of this contaminant, but brand testing data is not available to confirm.
Bacterial or fungal growth with use
All mascara products, including mineral formulations, can support bacterial growth if applicators contact the eye and are recontaminated. Waterproof mascaras may retain moisture longer if not fully dried between uses, increasing microbial risk; this is a product-use hazard, not a formulation defect specific to Pacifica.
Mica safety and ocular irritation
Mica is a standard mineral pigment in prestige and natural mascaras and is not associated with acute toxicity or systemic harm at typical cosmetic exposure levels. Particle size and ocular irritation risk from mica in mascara have not been reported as an issue in this product category; no regulatory warnings exist.
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 waterproof mascara 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.