Revlon · Lipstick & Lip Products
Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick
Waterproof lipstick carries some PFAS risk; brand silent on chemicals.
Waterproof cosmetics often use PFAS-based polymers to resist moisture. Revlon makes no PFAS disclosure for this product. Limited public data available.
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Material
liquid pigment suspension with waterproof polymer coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
ColorStay Suede Ink is a liquid pigment suspension with a waterproof polymer topcoat designed for extended wear. The waterproofing system typically relies on water-repellent polymers and resins; waterproof cosmetics are known to sometimes use fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve durability, though Revlon does not publicly specify its waterproofing chemistry. The 'suede' finish suggests a matte-effect silicone or film-forming agent that can trap pigment and reduce migration into lips.
The brand's record and disclosure
Revlon is a major cosmetics manufacturer but does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing or chemical safety statements comparable to some competitors. The brand has not issued public commitments to PFAS avoidance or third-party safety certifications (e.g., EWG verification, Cradle to Cradle). Revlon does list ingredients on packaging and the Revlon website, but lacks granular disclosure on polymer type or fluorine content in waterproof formulations.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof lipsticks across the market carry similar PFAS risk; this is not unique to Revlon. Brands offering explicit PFAS-free claims (e.g., some indie and clean beauty lines) are available but less common in mainstream long-wear formulas. ColorStay Suede Ink sits in the mass-market segment where waterproofing technology is less transparent than in premium or certified-clean alternatives.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to lips and avoid ingestion; lipstick is not intended for swallowing, but lip balm and eating habits mean small amounts enter the mouth. Store in a cool, dry place (avoid heat above 25C / 77F, which can degrade polymer coatings and increase leaching risk). If you notice color separation, coating cracking, or unusual odor, discontinue use. Check the ingredient list on the product or Revlon.com before purchase if PFAS avoidance is a priority; if not listed, contact Revlon directly.
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.”
Fluorinated polymer compounds (PFAS precursors)
Waterproof lipstick formulations commonly use fluorine-based polymers or surfactants to achieve water resistance. Revlon has not disclosed whether ColorStay Suede Ink uses PFAS or PFAS alternatives; the absence of public assurance leaves this classified as possible rather than confirmed.
Heavy metals in pigments (lead, cadmium, chromium)
No recalls or violations specific to ColorStay Suede Ink pigment contamination are on record. Revlon is subject to FDA cosmetic color additive regulations; however, synthetic organic pigments and iron oxides used in lipstick can occasionally harbor trace metals if not purified. No independent testing or brand statement addresses this for this product.
Formaldehyde releasers in resins
Waterproof polymer coatings sometimes incorporate formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin). Revlon does not publicly disclose resin or preservative chemistry for ColorStay Suede Ink. No recalls or complaints are documented, but ingredient transparency is insufficient to rule this out entirely.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
ColorStay Suede Ink contains fragrance compounds listed as 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on packaging, which may include allergens such as limonene or linalool. Revlon does not provide a full fragrance ingredient breakdown, and sensitive individuals may experience lip irritation or contact dermatitis.
Coating degradation and leachable monomers over time
The waterproof polymer layer can degrade with age, heat exposure, or rough handling, potentially releasing monomers or oligomers into the lipstick mass and onto lips. No accelerated aging data for this specific product is publicly available; stability over 12+ months of storage is not independently verified.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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 Lipstick & Lip Products
Revlon
Super Lustrous Lipstick
wax, oils, pigments, emollients
Lower PFAS risk likely, but no brand transparency or testing.
⚠Risky category by default
Revlon
Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick
wax, oils, pigments, emollients
Typical lipstick with no known PFAS risk markers.
⚠Risky category by default
Covergirl
Continuous Color Lipstick
Wax, oils, pigments, standard cosmetic bases
Lower concern lipstick, but no PFAS transparency from brand.
⚠Risky category by default
More lipstick & lip products 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.