Is Revlon Colorstay Lipstick Safe? [Explained]

Revlon ColorStay

Revlon ColorStay lipsticks consistently make it to the list of the best and long-lasting lipsticks available in the market today.

But how safe are they? Are you sure Revlon ColorStay is not causing any long-term damage to your skin?

Keep reading to know more.

What ingredients are in Revlon ColorStay lipstick?

Revlon ColorStay is meant to offer a moisturizing touch to your lips. Close to 99% of the ingredients in the lipstick are moisturizing (the company’s words, not ours).

The main ingredients in the lipstick include Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, and Disteardimonium Hectorite.

Other ingredients in the lipstick include C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methicone, Serica (Silk Powder), Silica, Propylene Carbonate, BHT, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol.

Is Revlon Colorstay Lipstick safe for your skin?

Revlon ColorStay lipsticks are safe for your skin. For the most part, Revlon ColorStay lipsticks are free from allergens, and harsh chemicals. 

They are fragrance-free, gluten-free, lanolin-free, and paraben-free.

They do not contain coconut, nickel, MCI/MU, soy, propylene, glycol, or any topical antibiotics. 

This study was done by SkinSAFE and they deem it a safe product to use on your lips.

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Is Revlon ColorStay lipstick vegan?

Revlon has several products in its lineup that make use of animal-derived substances like carmine, beeswax, and lanolin. However, most of the Revlon ColorStay lipsticks that we checked do not contain lanolin, and hence appear to be vegan.

Does Revlon ColorStay have parabens?

Revlon does NOT have parabens. Parabens are basically preservatives used in cosmetic products. This includes chemicals like Isopropyl paraben, Isobutyl paraben, Phenyl paraben, Benzyl paraben, and Pentyl paraben.

Parabens have a tendency to act like estrogen and can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. 

Fortunately, none of these parabens are used in Revlon ColorStay lipsticks.

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Is Revlon Colorstay non-comedogenic?

Revlon Colorstay claims to be a non-comedogenic product. Non-Comedogenic refers to skincare products that are formulated to avoid clogging the pores of your skin, and thus protecting them from causing acne or breakouts.

However, Revlon ColorStay lipsticks contain Dimethicone which is a silicone. Although silicones are notorious for clogging pores, some dermatologists argue that Dimethicone itself is not a comedogenic.

Does Revlon Colorstay lipstick contain PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals that are used in skincare products to improve their consistency and durability. 

Revlon ColorStay lipsticks do not contain any PFAS. 

Does Revlon lipstick contain carmine?

Carmine is one of the most commonly used substances to give lipsticks their characteristic red color. This is produced from crushed bugs. 

Unfortunately, Revlon ColorStay products DO contain carmine. You may want to avoid this brand if you care about this.

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Is Revlon Colorstay lipstick lead-free?

While none of Revlon’s ColorStay lipsticks include lead as an ingredient, you must know that as a naturally occurring element, lead is present in the environment and may hence exist in small quantities in some of the raw ingredients used in cosmetics formulation.

Is Revlon ColorStay silicone based?

Lipsticks that are made to last long tend to contain silicone oil that seals the coloring pigment to the skin. But in doing so, they form a barrier that clogs the pores and traps dirt and germs within your skin.

Revlon ColorStay lipsticks contain Dimethicone which is a silicone. 

How long does Revlon ColorStay lipstick last?

Revlon ColorStay lipsticks are quite long-lasting. Many customers have opined that they have managed to go on for as long as 12 hours without needing a touchup. 

This could however be a problem in some cases since lipsticks tend to make your lips dry. However, as we noted earlier in this article, the ingredients used in the formulation of the ColorStay are almost moisturizing in nature.

This lipstick is thus ultra-hydrating.

Does Revlon ColorStay have a shelf life?

Yes, Revlon ColorStay lipsticks have a typical shelf life of around three years. Tests on the product do suggest that they tend to stay fresh well beyond the three-year period. 

Is Revlon lipstick cruelty-free?

No, Revlon ColorStay is not a cruelty-free product.

Revlon sells ColorStay across the world. Some countries require cosmetics manufacturers to subject their products to animal testing by law. Revlon abides by these laws.

Their products also contain carmine that is made from crushed bugs. 

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Is Revlon Colorstay lipstick worth it?

This depends on how you look at it. While Revlon ColorStay is a good product and does its job well – it stays smudge-free for hours, does not contain any harmful chemicals, and is ultra-hydrating, it is also true that it contains animal products like carmine that not everyone may be comfortable with.

The lipstick is non-bleeding and non-transferable. Chamomile and soy are two ingredients in lipstick that aid to nourish the skin. It comes with a topper, making it travel-friendly. You can drink and eat without affecting the color of your lips. 

Depending on which side of the fence you are in, Revlon ColorStay may or may not be worth it.

References:

  1. https://www.revlon.com/lips/lipstick#e=0&collection=ColorStay
  2. https://www.skinsafeproducts.com/revlon-colorstay-ultimate-suede-lipstick-iconic-0-09-oz
Anand Srinivasan
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