Is This ‘Clean’ Mascara Actually Clean? A Greenwashing Investigation

Greenwashing Check
We dug into the cult-favorite ‘clean’ mascara’s claims to see if its formula holds up to scrutiny.
Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results
1.🔍The Clean Mascara Trap

Everyone’s obsessed with ‘clean’ beauty. But the term is basically meaningless.

I got suspicious when Glossier‘s Lash Slick kept calling itself clean — but wouldn’t define it. That’s the first red flag.

2.🌿The Cult-Favorite

It’s $18. A fiber mascara that promises a “clean,” defined, no-clump look. The ‘clean’ claim is front and center.

1

The Brush

Tiny, plastic bristles — great for separating.

2

The Finish

Pure gloss, zero drama.

3

The Removal

Washes off with warm water, they say.

Vya naturals bottles set

Photo: Vya Naturals / Unsplash

3.⚗️Formula Forensics

Here’s the thing: it’s not a revolutionary formula. It uses standard film-formers and waxes for that tubing effect.

The ‘clean’ spin? They avoid parabens and synthetic fragrances. But so do a million other mascaras that don’t shout about it.

  • Beeswax: Gives structure and a light hold.
  • Carnauba Wax: Adds that glossy finish.
  • Fibers: For the lengthening effect.
  • Acrylates Copolymer: The key to the tubing, wash-off tech.
4.📜The Wear Test

The formula is thin — almost watery. You feel the tiny brush catching every lash. Zero weight.

By week two, I noticed it dries out faster than my other mascaras. The ‘clean’ preservative system might be why.

💡

One Thing: Wiggle the brush at the base, then pull straight through. Do NOT layer more than two coats or it gets spidery.
a pink lipstick with a brown cap on a pink background

Photo: Mockup Free / Unsplash

5.⚠️The Real Results

It delivers perfect, feathery lashes. But it’s not volumizing. And ‘clean’? It’s a marketing halo, not a formula breakthrough.

Buy if
You want a natural, defined look and hate scrubbing mascara off.
⏭️

Skip if
You crave drama, volume, or have stubbornly straight lashes.
💰

Worth it?
For the effect, yes. For the ‘clean’ promise, no — it’s just a good mascara.
black and brown makeup palette

Photo: Nick Noel / Unsplash

6.Final Call

A great everyday mascara hiding behind a buzzy label. Don’t buy it for the ‘clean’ claim — buy it for the look.

7.5/10
Great effect, questionable greenwashing.
🛍️

Where to Buy: Direct from Glossier. They have a great return policy if you hate it.