Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara
Summary
Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara scores 30/100. The ingredient list reads like a clean beauty dream — beeswax, jojoba oil, plant-derived preservatives, no parabens, no synthetic fragrances. But independent lab testing detected 357 ppm organic fluorine, a confirmed marker for PFAS 'forever chemicals,' in this exact product. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, hormone disruption, and immune suppression. Applied directly to eyelashes — millimeters from the eyes, on some of the thinnest skin on the body — that's a severe exposure vector. The 'natural' branding makes the hidden contamination more deceptive, not less.
At a glance
Contaminants 1
Source: Independent third-party laboratory testing
Organic Fluorine / PFAS 357 ppm High
Detected at a high level — at or above health-based exposure limits. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. PFAS do not break down in the body or environment and are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, hormone disruption, and immune suppression. Applied directly to eyelashes near the eyes — one of the highest absorption zones on the body.
Independent lab testing detected 357 ppm organic fluorine — a confirmed marker for PFAS 'forever chemicals.' Not disclosed on the ingredient label.
Key ingredients 10
Cera Alba [Beeswax]Good
Natural wax that provides structure and moisture retention. Sustainably sourced film-former with no toxicity concerns.
See more about Cera Alba [Beeswax] →GlycerinGood
Plant-derived humectant that hydrates and conditions lashes. Well-established safe ingredient.
See more about Glycerin →Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) WaxGood
Plant-based wax from the candelilla shrub. Vegan alternative to beeswax, provides hold and conditioning.
See more about Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax →GalactoarabinanGood
Plant-derived polysaccharide from larch trees. Natural film-former that conditions lashes.
See more about Galactoarabinan →Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilGood
Nourishing plant oil structurally similar to skin's natural sebum. Conditions and strengthens lashes.
See more about Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil →PullulanGood
Natural polymer produced by fungi. Creates a film that lifts and holds lashes without synthetic polymers.
See more about Pullulan →Acacia Senegal GumGood
Natural tree-derived gum that acts as a binder and film-former. Clean thickening agent.
See more about Acacia Senegal Gum →P-Anisic AcidGood
Naturally derived preservative from anise. Clean alternative to synthetic preservatives like parabens.
See more about P-Anisic Acid →Levulinic AcidGood
Plant-derived organic acid used as a natural preservative. Safe and effective.
See more about Levulinic Acid →TrehaloseGood
Natural sugar with protective and hydrating properties for lashes.
See more about Trehalose →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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