Urban Decay All Nighter · Beauty Primers & Setting Sprays
Urban Decay All Nighter Dewy Setting Spray
Waterproof cosmetics often use PFAS; brand silent on PFAS content.
Urban Decay has not disclosed PFAS use or absence in this waterproof setting spray. Waterproof cosmetics sometimes contain PFAS-based ingredients; no independent testing of this product is publicly available.
The safe swap
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
liquid spray formulation with water-resistant/waterproof silicones
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
Urban Decay All Nighter Dewy is a silicone-based liquid spray formulation designed to lock makeup in place and resist moisture. The 'waterproof' or water-resistant claim almost certainly relies on fluorinated polymers (PFAS compounds) or siloxane networks to repel water, though the full ingredient list available to consumers does not itemize PFAS specifically. Silicones themselves have a low toxicity profile at cosmetic concentrations, but the waterproofing mechanism raises fluorochemical concerns. The product also contains fragrance compounds and preservatives typical of setting sprays, which may include potential sensitizers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Urban Decay (Estee Lauder-owned) has not publicly disclosed PFAS content or committed to PFAS-free formulation across its cosmetic lines as of available public records. The brand does list ingredients on packaging and websites but does not break down component chemicals to the level of PFAS identification or heavy-metal testing protocols. No established product recalls or regulatory violations specific to this setting spray are on record. Estee Lauder parent company has faced pressure from NGOs on PFAS in cosmetics but has not issued category-wide transparency statements.
How it compares in its category
Setting sprays as a category frequently use silicones and water-repellent coatings, making PFAS presence common across brands (MAC Fix+, NYX, Benefit, Coty brands). Urban Decay's entry is mid-tier in terms of ingredient transparency; prestige brands typically offer less detailed PFAS disclosure than indie or 'clean' alternatives. Water-resistant formulas inherently carry higher PFAS risk than non-water-resistant sprays. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, silicone-based sprays without waterproofing claims or plant-derived alternatives present lower hazard profiles.
If you buy it
Use in well-ventilated spaces to minimize inhalation of any volatile fragrance or silicone particles during spraying. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; rinse thoroughly if exposure occurs. Do not apply to broken skin or around the eye area despite common makeup application. Replace or discard if the spray nozzle degrades or if product separates; degraded containers may leach or aerosolize ingredients unevenly.
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.”
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
Urban Decay lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient on labels; this masks up to 3000+ possible chemical compounds, some of which are known sensitizers (e.g., limonene, linalool, eugenol). Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or compromised skin barriers may experience contact dermatitis or respiratory irritation.
Preservative-related irritation (formaldehyde releasers)
Spray formulations commonly use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) to prevent microbial growth. Urban Decay does not publicly specify preservative choice; exposure via aerosolized spray may irritate respiratory or ocular tissues, particularly with repeated use.
Heavy metals in color additives or iron oxides
This is a clear to translucent spray with minimal or no pigmentation; heavy-metal contamination from colorants is not a relevant concern for this specific product formulation.
Silicone accumulation on skin and follicles
Silicone-based setting sprays are designed to leave a film on the skin. Long-term daily use may contribute to silicone buildup, potentially trapping bacteria or irritants in pores. Dermatologists recommend weekly cleansing breaks or use of exfoliating cleansers if used daily over weeks.
Aerosolization and inhalation risk
Spray cosmetics deliver fine mist particles into the respiratory tract and surrounding air. Chronic inhalation exposure to silicone microparticles, fragrance volatiles, and any PFAS present is not well-characterized in long-term safety studies; precaution suggests limiting exposure in poorly ventilated spaces.
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 Beauty Primers & Setting Sprays
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist
liquid spray formulation, water and glycerin base
Lower concern. Spray cosmetic with no known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder The Smoother Universal Perfecting Primer
Silicone, glycerin, water, pigments
Liquid cosmetic primer with lower PFAS concern, no red flags identified.
⚠Risky category by default
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer and Finisher
silicones, talc, pigments, waxes
Lower concern; cosmetic primer with no known PFAS-prone ingredients.
⚠Risky category by default
More beauty primers & setting sprays 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.