PFAS-free mascara: how to spot mascara without PFAS

Short answer: PFAS are 'forever chemicals' that are sometimes added to make-up to make it last longer or repel water. Waterproof mascara stands out in particular. You can spot a PFAS-free mascara by an ingredient list without words like PTFE, perfluoro- or fluoro- – and ideally by a brand that clearly states its product is PFAS-free. Our mascaras Miracle Lash and FabuLash are PFAS-free, fragrance-free and vegan. You'll find both in our vegan mascara collection.

Looking for a vegan mascara? Read our guide how to choose the best vegan mascara.

What are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals – thousands of them. They repel water, grease and dirt. That's why they're used in non-stick pans, rain jackets and packaging, but also in some cosmetics. They're called 'forever chemicals' because they barely break down in nature. They build up in water, soil and in the human body.

Why is there sometimes PFAS in mascara?

In make-up, PFAS give a smooth texture, better adhesion and above all a product that resists water and sebum. That makes them attractive for mascara that needs to last 'all day' or be 'waterproof'.

A well-known study by the University of Notre Dame (published in 2021 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters) screened 231 make-up products from the US and Canada. The researchers found high fluorine levels – an indicator of PFAS – in 82% of waterproof mascaras and 47% of mascaras overall. Products marketed as 'long-lasting' or 'wear-resistant' often scored high. Most striking: in most products, the PFAS were not listed on the label.

What does the law say?

• France was the first EU country to ban them: since 1 January 2026, cosmetics with intentionally added PFAS may no longer be made, imported or sold there. Stock produced before 2026 may be sold for up to twelve more months.
• The EU has restricted one subgroup (PFHxA and related substances) since 2024, including in cosmetics. A much broader ban on all PFAS, proposed by countries including the Netherlands and Germany, is still being assessed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). New EU rules are expected from 2027 at the earliest.

Until then, mascara containing PFAS can still be sold in most countries. So it's worth checking for yourself.

How to spot PFAS on the ingredient list

Check the INCI list (the official ingredient list) on the packaging or online. Look out for these names and word parts:

• PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, the 'Teflon' of make-up; the most commonly used)
• anything with perfluoro-, polyfluoro- or fluoro-, such as perfluorodecalin, perfluorononyl dimethicone and perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane
• C9-15 fluoroalcohol phosphate

One caveat: research shows PFAS can also end up in a product as an unintended impurity, without appearing on the label. A clean ingredient list is a good start. A brand that states its product is PFAS-free gives you more certainty.

PFAS-free, natural, organic or vegan: what's the difference?

• PFAS-free: no PFAS have been added to the product.
• Vegan: no animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax or carmine. Read more in our guide to choosing a vegan mascara.
• Natural or organic: these terms aren't legally defined for cosmetics. Only a certification label tells you how many natural or organic ingredients a product contains.

These labels don't automatically overlap. A vegan mascara can contain PFAS, and a PFAS-free mascara can contain beeswax. So always check what matters to you.

What about waterproof without PFAS?

Waterproof mascara is the category with the most PFAS. On top of that, waterproof mascara often needs a strong remover, and the rubbing can irritate sensitive eyes. Read more in applying mascara with sensitive eyes.

Our PFAS-free mascaras

Miracle Lash and FabuLash share the same formula: PFAS-free, fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free, developed with sensitive eyes in mind. The difference is the brush.

• Miracle Lash: silicone brush that catches every single lash. For length and definition.
• FabuLash: spiral brush for more volume.

Frequently asked questions

Is mascara with PFAS dangerous?

Little is known yet about how much PFAS is absorbed from make-up around the eyes. What is certain is that PFAS barely break down and that some PFAS have been linked to health risks. That's why more and more countries want them out of cosmetics. If you'd rather be safe, a PFAS-free mascara is the logical choice.

Is mascara with PFAS still allowed?

In most countries, yes, for now. Only a few specific PFAS are banned in the EU. France, however, has banned all intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics since 2026.

Are PFAS always listed on the label?

Not always. Added ingredients must appear on the INCI list, but impurities and breakdown products don't. So choose a brand that clearly states it is PFAS-free.

Are Miracle Lash and FabuLash PFAS-free?

Yes. Both mascaras are PFAS-free, fragrance-free and vegan. Shop them in our vegan mascara collection.