essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara - 0.4 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free, Vegan, No Fragrance Added
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This mascara contains a mix of safe and moderately concerning ingredients. While it is free from parabens, alcohol, and added fragrance, it includes phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation for some users. The presence of synthetic beeswax and other synthetic components indicates a moderate level of processing, which affects the overall score.
Key ingredients 22
CI 77499 (Iron Oxides)Good
Iron Oxides are used as pigments in cosmetics to provide color. They are considered safe and non-toxic for use in cosmetics. They are widely used due to their stability and non-reactive nature.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with iron oxides.
Benefits
They provide natural and stable color to cosmetic products.
Aqua (Water)Neutral
Aqua is commonly used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-reactive.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate and blend other ingredients effectively.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend water and oils in formulations. It is derived from glycerin and stearic acid and is widely used in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to create a stable and smooth product consistency.
Acacia Senegal GumNeutral
Acacia Senegal Gum is a natural gum used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetics. It is derived from the sap of the Acacia tree and is considered safe for use. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a natural thickening effect and enhances product stability.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There is a potential for minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and application of cosmetic products.
Palmitic AcidNeutral
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to create a stable and smooth product consistency.
PolybuteneNeutral
Polybutene is a synthetic polymer used as a binder and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and adhesion of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with polybutene.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and adhesion of cosmetic products.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran WaxNeutral
Rice Bran Wax is a natural wax used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics. It is derived from rice bran oil and is considered safe for use. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with rice bran wax.
Benefits
It provides a natural thickening effect and enhances product stability.
VP/Eicosene CopolymerNeutral
VP/Eicosene Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used as a film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and adhesion of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with VP/Eicosene Copolymer.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and adhesion of cosmetic products.
OzokeriteNeutral
Ozokerite is a mineral wax used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with ozokerite.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and helps to retain moisture.
TropoloneNeutral
Tropolone is used as a preservative in cosmetics. It helps to prevent the growth of microorganisms and extend the shelf life of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the integrity and safety of cosmetic products.
Hydrogenated Vegetable OilNeutral
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and helps to retain moisture.
Stearyl StearateNeutral
Stearyl Stearate is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and helps to retain moisture.
HydroxyethylcelluloseNeutral
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with hydroxyethylcellulose.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic products.
Disodium PhosphateNeutral
Disodium Phosphate is used as a buffering agent in cosmetics. It helps to maintain the pH balance and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with disodium phosphate.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of cosmetic products.
ParaffinBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There is a potential for minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Paraffin can help to lock in moisture and provide a smooth texture.
Synthetic BeeswaxBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with synthetic beeswax.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and helps to retain moisture.
Aminomethyl PropanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of cosmetic products.
Polysorbate 60Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
Sodium PhosphateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with sodium phosphate.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of cosmetic products.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics to prevent microbial growth. While effective, it can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient in cosmetics.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the integrity and safety of cosmetic products by preventing microbial growth.
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