Is this mascara safe for people with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers?

The formula contains synthetic polymers, silicones and preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and BHT, which can cause irritation for very sensitive eyes or contact-lens users, so a patch test is recommended before full application.

What function does isododecane serve in The Colossal mascara?

Isododecane is a lightweight, fast-evaporating silicone that helps spread the product evenly, dries quickly and creates a water-resistant film that locks the pigment in place for long wear.

Does The Colossal mascara contain any non-vegan ingredients or controversial chemicals?

Yes, it includes beeswax, an animal-derived wax, making it non-vegan, and it also uses preservatives like phenoxyethanol and the antioxidant BHT, which some consumers consider controversial.

L'OREAL NORGE AS

Maybelline New York The Colossal 100% Black Waterproof Mascara

Makeup

Product Insights

The Maybelline New York The Colossal 100% Black Waterproof Mascara delivers an intense jet-black finish with a long-lasting, smudge-proof formula designed for high-impact eye looks. Its core structure relies on a blend of volatile silicones (isododecane), microcrystalline and plant-derived waxes (CERA MICROCRISTALLINA, CERA ALBA, beeswax) plus film-forming polymers (VA copolymer, polyquaternium-10) that lock pigment in place and resist water. However, the formula includes several synthetic additives such as BHT, phenoxyethanol, and a suite of cosmetic polymers, which may irritate extremely sensitive eyes, and the presence of beeswax means it is not vegan-friendly.

Comparative Analysis

Positioned as an ultra-intense, waterproof black mascara, The Colossal stands out in the mascara market for its high pigment load and long-wear technology, targeting consumers who want dramatic, smudge-free eye makeup.

Ingredients

ISODODECANE, CERA MICROCRISTALLINA / MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, C8-9 ISOPARAFFIN, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA / CARNAUBA WAX, AQUA / WATER, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, ALLYL STEARATE/VA COPOLYMER, LECITHIN, ETHYLENEDIAMINE/STEARYL DIMER DILINOLEATE COPOLYMER, ORYZA SATIVA STARCH / RICE STARCH, POLYVINYL LAURATE, SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE, PEG/PPG-17/18 DIMETHICONE, HYDROGENATED JOJOBA OIL, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, SILICA, PANTHENOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, SOLUBLE COLLAGEN, TRISODIUM EDTA, BHT, POTASSIUM SORBATE

84%

35%

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