
Makeup · Mascara · Drugstore
We put Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara through our full ingredient analysis.
Chapter I · The Score
After analyzing 11 ingredients across four dimensions, our algorithm returned a verdict that surprised us.
Overall
Use With Caution
Chapter II · The Ingredients
We scored every ingredient individually. Some impressed us. Others raised serious questions.
Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
This synthetic film-former is classified as liquid microplastic and pollutes the environment.
Polyurethane-35
A polyurethane-based plastic film-former that is difficult to biodegrade in the environment.
Disodium EDTA
This chelating agent is environmentally concerning as it is poorly degradable and can mobilize heavy metals in the environment.
Ethylene/Va Copolymer
Another synthetic polymer that contributes to the microplastic problem in cosmetic products.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
This surfactant can irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and is considered potentially drying.
PEG-200 Glyceryl Stearate
Polyethylene glycols can make the skin barrier more permeable to foreign substances and pollutants.
Paraffin
A mineral oil product that provides consistency but is based on fossil raw materials and offers no true nourishing ingredients.
Propylene Glycol
A synthetic solvent that can, in rare cases, cause irritation in very sensitive eye areas.
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Soluble Collagen
Soluble collagen is moisturizing and supports the strengthening of the eyelash structure.
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Bamboo extract contains natural silicic acid, which can strengthen eyelash hairs.
Full ingredient list
Aqua/Water/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Polyurethane-35, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire Dabeille, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-200 Glyceryl Stearate, Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Carnauba Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ethylene/Va Copolymer, Alcohol Denat, Paraffin, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, Rayon, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, Myristic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Soluble Collagen, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Trisodium EDTA, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides, Ci 77007/Ultramarines, Mica, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Ci 75470/Carmine, CI 77288/Chromium Oxide Greens, Ci 77742/Manganese Violet, Ci 77510/Ferric Ferrocyanide, Aqua/Water/Eau, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire Dabeille, Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Carnauba Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Ethylene/Va Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides, Ci 77007/Ultramarines, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Ci 75470/Carmine, CI 77288/Chromium Oxide Greens, Ci 77742/Manganese Violet, Ci 77510/Ferric Ferrocyanide
Chapter III · The Deep Dive
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is a classic mascara designed for volume and definition. The formulation is based on a combination of water, waxes, and a variety of synthetic film formers.
The mascara contains a solid base of nourishing waxes and collagen, but it also has a high number of synthetic polymers (liquid microplastics) and potentially irritating substances like PEGs and sulfates. Therefore, the composition is only conditionally recommended for the environment and very sensitive eyes.
| Ingredient | Rating | Function & Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua | 🟢 | Solvent and base of the product. |
| Cera Alba / Beeswax | 🟢 | Beeswax; provides consistency and nourishes the eyelashes. |
| Copernicia Cerifera Cera | 🟢 | Carnauba wax; provides firmness and shine. |
| Propylene Glycol | 🟢 / 🟡 | Humectant; can be slightly irritating to very sensitive skin. |
| Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer | 🔴 | Synthetic film former; classified as liquid microplastic. |
| Polyurethane-35 | 🔴 | Plastic-based film former; difficult to biodegrade. |
| PEG-200 Glyceryl Stearate | 🟡 | Emulsifier; PEGs can make the skin more permeable to harmful substances. |
| Paraffin | 🟡 | Mineral oil wax; provides structure, but is a fossil raw material. |
| Alcohol Denat. | 🟡 | Solvent; has a preservative effect, but can dry out the eye area. |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate | 🟡 | Surfactant/Emulsifier; potentially irritating to mucous membranes. |
| Soluble Collagen | 🟢 | Collagen; has a moisturizing effect and strengthens the lash structure. |
| Bambusa Vulgaris Extract | 🟢 | Bamboo extract; strengthens the lashes through natural silicic acid. |
| Phenoxyethanol | 🟡 | Preservative; considered allergenic in higher concentrations. |
| Disodium/Tetrasodium EDTA | 🔴 | Chelating agent; stabilizes the product, but is environmentally harmful. |
| Iron Oxides (Ci 77491/92/99) | 🟢 | Mineral pigments for the black/brown color. |
The environmental balance of this product is to be considered critical due to its complex chemical composition.
Conclusion: The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara offers good performance for the lash structure due to ingredients like Carnauba wax and collagen. However, the use of numerous synthetic plastics and EDTA significantly worsens the ecological rating.
Recommendation:
High Concern — Flagged Ingredients
Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
This synthetic film-former is classified as liquid microplastic and pollutes the environment.
Polyurethane-35
A polyurethane-based plastic film-former that is difficult to biodegrade in the environment.
Disodium EDTA
This chelating agent is environmentally concerning as it is poorly degradable and can mobilize heavy metals in the environment.
Ethylene/Va Copolymer
Another synthetic polymer that contributes to the microplastic problem in cosmetic products.
Chapter IV · The Verdict
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara earns a 55/100 from our algorithm. A moderate score — some effective ingredients alongside notable concerns.