Makeup Reviewed Jul 5, 2026

L'Oréal & Maybelline Waterproof Mascaras

PFAS lawsuits over its waterproof mascaras were dismissed by the courts for lack of standing.

Lawsuit · 2022 · dismissed

PFAS mascara class actions — dismissed (Davenport v. L'Oréal; Hicks v. L'Oréal)

Class actions alleging L'Oréal/Maybelline waterproof mascaras contained undisclosed PFAS were dismissed: Davenport (filed Feb 2022) was voluntarily dismissed in April 2022, and Hicks v. L'Oréal U.S.A. (S.D.N.Y.) was dismissed on Sept 30, 2023. Dismissed: the courts found the plaintiffs lacked standing — the organic-fluorine testing did not establish that the specific mascaras they bought contained PFAS.

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Our take

Why It’s on Our Radar

The PFAS class actions here were dismissed, and PFAS was never proven in these specific mascaras — so we present this as a dismissed-lawsuit record, not an ingredient verdict. Waterproof mascaras as a category can contain fluoro-ingredients, which is the general concern behind the suits.

What's inside

Ingredients & Safety

A conventional waterproof mascara (waxes, acrylates film-former, phenoxyethanol, fragrance). The PFAS the lawsuits alleged were never confirmed in these specific products, so we do not list them as an ingredient.

A couple to know — 2 ingredients we flag:

Phenoxyethanol

Widely used preservative considered safer than parabens but can irritate sensitive skin at high concentrations.

Fragrance — sometimes listed as Parfum

Undisclosed scent blend that is a common allergen and irritant; choose fragrance-free for sensitive or reactive skin.

Ingredient List Reviewed

Safe Watch Caution
  • Aqua also listed as Aqua, Purified Water
  • Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
  • Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
  • Beeswax also listed as Cera Alba
  • Acrylates Copolymer
  • Phenoxyethanol Watch
  • Fragrance also listed as Parfum, Perfume Watch

Formula scope: the disclosed ingredient list captured for this review. Formulas can differ by product, scent, country, and date; compare the current package with this list before deciding.

Want another top-tier option? Axiology in Makeup & Cosmetics currently meets our top criteria. Review its formula scope and cited records before deciding.

Who owns it

Ownership & Independence

L'Oréal and Maybelline are both owned by L'Oréal.

Where to buy

Key Products

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