Is This 'Clean' Lipstick Actually Clean? A Greenwashing Investigation

Greenwashing Check

We tested the ‘clean’ claims of this viral lipstick to see if the formula lives up to its marketing.

Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results

1.🔍Clean or Just Green?

That viral Kosas lipstick? It’s everywhere. But ‘clean beauty’ is a marketing black hole.

Here’s the thing: the term has zero legal definition. A brand can slap it on anything.

2.💄The Breakdown

Clean Matte Lip Color, $28. The claim? A clean, comfy matte. I had to test the ‘clean’ part.

Weighty metal tube — feels expensive, not eco.

10 colors. The nudes are genuinely unique.

Light vanilla-cake smell. Pleasant, but a fragrance is a fragrance.

Photo: Karly Jones / Unsplash

3.🌿Inside the Tube

They lead with shea and mango butter. Good. But the ‘clean’ list is short.

It’s what’s NOT here that’s the real sell: no parabens, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrance.

Photo: Alexander Grey / Unsplash

4.⚠️The Wear Test

Applies like a cream — shockingly smooth for a matte. Sets down in about 90 seconds. Not sticky.

After two weeks? The bullet started to smell… off. A waxy, almost crayon-like scent. A known issue with some clean formulas that skip preservatives.

💡

One Thing: Apply one thin layer, blot, then a second. Prevents it from settling into lines.

Photo: pmv chamara / Unsplash

5.📊Who It’s For

Lasted 4 hours with coffee. Faded evenly, no ring. But my lips weren’t drier after — that’s the win.

✅

Buy if

You want a comfortable matte and avoid specific chemicals.

⏭️

Skip if

You need all-day wear or hate any fragrance.

💰

Worth it?

Yes, for the feel. No, if you expect a miracle clean product.

6.✅Final Call

It’s a great lipstick that happens to be clean-ish. Not a greenwashing scandal, but not a purity saint either.

7.5/10

Great formula, clean-ish credentials.

🛍️

Where to Buy: Kosas or Sephora. Use it within 6 months — seriously.