The Best Non-Toxic Cosmetic Color Products of 2026
14 of the 15 cosmetic color products PFAS Authority has graded reach its 70 point pass mark for PFAS and other toxins, 93.3% of the category, as of October 2026, and 1 scores below it. The highest graded is Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed at 75 out of 100.
Every grade below is built from published materials, ingredient lists, certifications and brand disclosures, scored on one public rubric and ranked best-graded first. Each score links to the full breakdown of what earned it, and the numbers across the whole dataset are published too.
Are cosmetic color products non-toxic?
14 of the 15 cosmetic color products we graded clear our screen and 1 do not. Non-toxic is not a defined or regulated term, so what we can tell you is what our graders recorded. Beyond PFAS, the hazards found or left unruled-out on cosmetic color products in this category are VOCs and off-gassing, formaldehyde, undisclosed fragrance, phthalates, artificial dyes. The highest graded here is Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed at 75 out of 100.
Quick picks
Best overall
Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) BoxedHighest PFAS grade in the category
75 Excellent
A second brand to consider
Sally Hansen New Lengths Nail Color SecretsThe best grade here from a brand other than the winner
75 Excellent
Why Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish wins, and what it beats
Every grade on this page is one sum. A category starts from a baseline, each disclosed material or coating adds risk points, and each thing the brand or a third party has published takes them away. Below is that sum for the winner, then for 1 product it beats, so you can see exactly where the 35 points between the top and the bottom of this cosmetic color products ranking come from.
The winner
Made of nitrocellulose, plasticizers, pigments, resins.
- +20Category baseline. The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
- +15No PFAS disclosure. No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
- -10Base material not linked to PFAS. The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
25risk points in total, which is a grade of 75
What the grade does not fix. It still carries one risk factor, No PFAS disclosure, and our graders recorded 5 other hazards on it. See the full breakdown.
What it beats, and why
What puts it behind. Unknown / proprietary coating, +25 points. A coating is recorded with no disclosed chemistry. The winner carries no such factor.
Made of UV-curable gel topcoat, formula not publicly disclosed.
- +25Unknown / proprietary coating
- +20Category baseline
- +15No PFAS disclosure
60risk points, a grade of 40
No product on this page was physically tested by us. Every number above comes from published materials, ingredient and coating disclosures, certifications and brand statements, scored on one public rubric. Formulations change without notice, so check the current product listing before buying.
What to watch for in cosmetic color products
Beyond the PFAS grade, these are the things our graders recorded on the 15 cosmetic color products in this category. We assess from materials, brand statements and published research. We do not lab-test.
- VOCs and off-gassing
Volatile compounds that evaporate out of a material at room temperature, which is what a new product smell is.
Found on 7 of these cosmetic color products. Plausible but unconfirmed on 8 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. EPA
- Formaldehyde
A preservative and resin ingredient that is also released slowly by a group of chemicals used in its place.
Found on 1 of these cosmetic color products. Plausible but unconfirmed on 7 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. NCI
- Undisclosed fragrance
A single word on a label that can stand for dozens of undeclared ingredients, protected as trade secret.
Plausible but unconfirmed on 14 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. FDA
- Phthalates
Plasticisers that keep vinyl soft and make a scent linger, usually undeclared.
Plausible but unconfirmed on 11 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. NIEHS
- Artificial dyes
Synthetic colours added to food, cosmetics and textiles, most of them petroleum derived.
Plausible but unconfirmed on 3 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. FDA
The safest cosmetic color products we graded, lowest PFAS risk first
- 1
Highest grade here
MAC
Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed
75ExcellentPFAS grade- nitrocellulose, plasticizers, pigments, resins
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 2
- Organic pigments, resins, solvents in liquid lacquer
- Volatile organic solvents (VOCs)
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 3
- Nail lacquer, organic pigments and film-formers
- Volatile organic compounds (toluene, xylene) from solvents
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 4
- Nail lacquer polish, organic solvent base with pigments
- Volatile organic compound (VOC) inhalation from solvents
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 5
- water-based nail polish, pigments, resins
- Formaldehyde / VOCs
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 6
- nail polish, organic pigments and resins
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 7
- liquid cosmetic spray, alcohol and resin based
- Alcohol inhalation from spray
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 8
- nitrocellulose, plasticizers, resins, pigments
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and inhalation risk
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What the evidence says about PFAS in cosmetic color products
A 2021 University of Notre Dame study screened more than 200 cosmetics and found high fluorine, an indicator of PFAS use, in 56 percent of foundations and eye products, 48 percent of lip products and 47 percent of mascaras, and only one of the 29 products found to contain specific PFAS listed them on the label. The US FDA reported in December 2025 that eye shadows, leave-on face products, eyeliners, face powders and foundations make up about 56 percent of PFAS-containing cosmetics, and that toxicological data for most of the PFAS it evaluated are incomplete. Vermont has banned cosmetics with intentionally added PFAS since January 2026, and Oregon’s ban starts in January 2027.
- StudyA University of Notre Dame study screened more than 200 cosmetics and found high fluorine, an indicator of PFAS use, in 56 percent of foundations and eye products, 48 percent of lip products and 47 percent of mascaras. University of Notre Dame ↗
- StudyIn the same study, 29 high-fluorine products tested further contained between four and 13 specific PFAS, and only one of them listed PFAS as an ingredient on its label. University of Notre Dame ↗
- Government sourceThe FDA’s December 2025 report says PFAS-containing products were 0.41 percent of cosmetics registered as of August 2024, and that eye shadows, leave-on face and neck products, eyeliners, face powders and foundations make up about 56 percent of them. US FDA report ↗
- Government sourceThe FDA evaluated the 25 most frequently used PFAS in cosmetics, about 96 percent of those intentionally added, and found toxicological data for most of them incomplete or unavailable. US FDA ↗
- Regulatory filingVermont’s attorney general says state law has barred selling cosmetic products with intentionally added PFAS in any amount since January 1, 2026. Vermont Office of the Attorney General ↗
- Regulatory filingOregon’s SB 546 bars manufacturers from knowingly selling cosmetics with intentionally added PFAS above the practical quantification limit, from January 1, 2027. Oregon Legislature ↗
Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.
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Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
All the cosmetic color products that pass, side by side
Sorted by score. A higher score means lower PFAS risk. Scored against 4 hazards that apply to this category.
| # | Cosmetic Color Products | Score | Rating | Made of | Key concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed | 75 | Excellent | nitrocellulose, plasticizers, pigments, resins | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation |
| 2 | Mac Nail Lacquer | 75 | Excellent | Organic pigments, resins, solvents in liquid lacquer | Volatile organic solvents (VOCs) |
| 3 | MAC Nail Lacquer 10 ml / 0.34 oz ( CHOOSE | 75 | Excellent | Nail lacquer, organic pigments and film-formers | Volatile organic compounds (toluene, xylene) from solvents |
| 4 | MAC Nail Lacquer Polish Coffee Break (BROWN) Size | 75 | Excellent | Nail lacquer polish, organic solvent base with pigments | Volatile organic compound (VOC) inhalation from solvents |
| 5 | Mac Nail Polish | 75 | Excellent | water-based nail polish, pigments, resins | Formaldehyde / VOCs |
| 6 | Mac Nail Polish, Quiet Time, Beige | 75 | Excellent | nail polish, organic pigments and resins | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation |
| 7 | MAC Studio Matte Overlacquer | 75 | Excellent | liquid cosmetic spray, alcohol and resin based | Alcohol inhalation from spray |
| 8 | Sally Hansen New Lengths Nail Color Secrets | 75 | Excellent | nitrocellulose, plasticizers, resins, pigments | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and inhalation risk |
The verdict on cosmetic color products
Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed grades 75 out of 100, the highest here. It is nitrocellulose, plasticizers, pigments, resins.
Choose Mac Nail Lacquer instead if you want a second option at 75 out of 100, organic pigments, resins, solvents in liquid lacquer.
We hold no price data, so nothing here is a budget recommendation. Grades are model-based assessments from published materials and disclosures, not laboratory tests.
The cosmetic color products we would skip
Lowest scoring in this category, worst first, with the reason.
- 40Butter London Hardwear Shine UV TopcoatPoor
Uncured resin monomers (sensitization/irritation)
- 75Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) BoxedExcellent
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation
- 75Mac Nail LacquerExcellent
Volatile organic solvents (VOCs)
What we check on cosmetic color products
- Heavy metals. Lead, cadmium, arsenic and others that accumulate in the body. FDA
- Lead. A heavy metal with no safe exposure level, especially for children. ATSDR
- Endocrine disruptors. Chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormone system. NIEHS
- Parabens. Cosmetic preservatives studied for weak hormone activity. FDA
Full point-by-point rubric on the methodology page.
The cosmetic color products brands we found no PFAS statement from
We found no PFAS statement from 2 of the brands here. That is our research, not proof a brand has never said anything, and it is not evidence of harm. It is why none of them score well on disclosure.
Butter London, Sally Hansen.
The brands that have published something, and what each of them actually said, are in our record of what every brand has said about PFAS.
Common questions about PFAS in cosmetic color products
Are cosmetic color products PFAS free?
14 of the 15 cosmetic color products PFAS Authority has graded reach its 70 point pass mark for PFAS and other toxins, 93.3% of the category, as of October 2026, and 1 scores below it. The highest graded is Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed at 75 out of 100. The lowest graded is Butter London Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat at 40 out of 100.
Are cosmetic color products non-toxic?
14 of the 15 cosmetic color products we graded clear our screen and 1 do not. Non-toxic is not a defined or regulated term, so what we can tell you is what our graders recorded. Beyond PFAS, the hazards found or left unruled-out on cosmetic color products in this category are VOCs and off-gassing, formaldehyde, undisclosed fragrance, phthalates, artificial dyes. The highest graded here is Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed at 75 out of 100.
Which are the safest cosmetic color products to buy?
On our grades, Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed at 75 out of 100, which we band as Excellent. Then Mac Nail Lacquer at 75. These are model-based assessments from published materials, ingredient lists, certifications and disclosures, not laboratory tests, so treat them as the lowest risk we can evidence rather than a safety guarantee.
Which cosmetic color products grade best for PFAS?
Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed, at 75 out of 100, which we band as Excellent. It is nitrocellulose, plasticizers, pigments, resins. The runner up is Mac Nail Lacquer at 75.
Which cosmetic color products should I avoid?
The three lowest scoring we hold are Butter London Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat at 40, Mac Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed at 75, Mac Nail Lacquer at 75. The problem with the first is that medium risk. No PFAS data available, limited formula transparency.
How can you tell if cosmetic color products contain PFAS?
In this category we check for heavy metals, lead, endocrine disruptors, parabens. Lead, cadmium, arsenic and others that accumulate in the body. Language like stain resistant, water repellent or easy release usually means fluorinated chemistry even when PFAS is never printed on the box.
Which cosmetic color products brands have not published a PFAS statement?
We found no PFAS statement from 2 of the brands we scored in this category, including Butter London, Sally Hansen. That is what our research turned up, not proof a brand has never said anything, and a missing statement is not evidence of harm. It is the reason those brands cannot score well on disclosure.
Do you lab test cosmetic color products?
No. We score from published ingredient lists, materials, certifications, disclosures and third party lab results where they exist. Where a product has been independently tested we use that result and say so.
More beauty and personal care categories we have graded
Same rubric, same scale. These are the categories closest to cosmetic color products.
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Does a particular brand of cosmetic color products have PFAS?
Brands we grade across the catalogue
Everything we have scored from these brands, not just cosmetic color products.
We also wrote this up at length. PFAS in Cosmetic Color Products, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst
Want to filter the whole category yourself? Browse all 15 cosmetic color products.