MAC Review, Is MAC Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 40 graded products, MAC averages Good (63/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 26 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Does MAC have PFAS, by category
Worth buying from MAC Good or better, safest first
MAC
Studio Matte Overlacquer
liquid cosmetic spray, alcohol and resin based
Alcohol inhalation from spray
Ethanol-based sprays create fine aerosol particles; chronic inhalation in unventilated…
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
MAC products typically contain fragrance compounds; no specific allergen declaration is…
Resin irritation on compromised skin
Film-forming resins can accumulate on skin and may irritate eczema, active acne, or…
Low risk. No known PFAS triggers in this cosmetic spray.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Nail Lacquer Nail Polish Al Fredo
nail lacquer film-forming resins, pigments, solvents
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) / Solvent Inhalation
Standard nail lacquers contain toluene, xylene, and acetone that evaporate during…
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) Plasticizer
MAC Nail Lacquer is not marketed as 'phthalate-free' or 'DBP-free,' suggesting it may…
Fragrance Allergens and Sensitivizers
MAC Nail Lacquer formulations may contain fragrance compounds to mask solvent odor, which…
Low-medium concern. Standard nail polish unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Lipstick MAC Retro Matte
wax, oils, pigments, emollients
Fragrance allergens and sensitization
Retro Matte contains fragrance compounds (listed as 'fragrance' on label, specific…
Coating degradation and ingredient migration over time
Lipstick wax formulations can soften, separate, or oxidize with age or heat exposure…
Lower concern. Typical lipstick formulation without known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Concealer
liquid foundation/concealer, silicone-based emulsion with pigments
1,4-dioxane (synthetic fragrance contaminant)
MAC products typically contain fragrance; 1,4-dioxane can occur as a trace contaminant in…
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
MAC Studio Fix contains fragrance ingredients; individuals with fragrance sensitivity…
Lower concern for typical liquid cosmetic; no known PFAS signals, no brand disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Locked Kiss Lipstick
Wax blend, oils, pigments, traditional lipstick
Lead
MAC does not publish pigment heavy metal test results. Color cosmetics routinely contain…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
MAC lipsticks contain fragrance listed as a single ingredient on labels, masking…
Traditional lipstick formula, lower PFAS concern than waterproof cosmetics.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Lustre Lipstick
wax, oils, pigments, emollients
Fragrance allergens
MAC Lustre formulas typically include fragrance compounds and essential oils for scent.…
Rancidity and oxidative breakdown of oils
Lipstick oils and emollients can oxidize or separate if stored in heat or sunlight over…
Lower concern; no known PFAS-prone ingredients typical of lipstick formulations.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Talc, mica, pigments, standard cosmetic powders
Talc inhalation and respiratory exposure
Cosmetic-grade talc in the US is asbestos-free, but repeated inhalation of any powder…
Fragrance allergens and irritants
Studio Fix contains fragrance or masking agents typical of cosmetic powders; individual…
Coating degradation and separation over time
Pressed powder formulations can develop separation or hardening if exposed to moisture or…
Lower PFAS concern for powder cosmetics rarely using intentional PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
liquid foundation (water, silicones, pigments)
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
MAC lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without breaking down individual allergens…
Silicone accumulation and skin barrier effects
Cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone are film-formers that can trap bacteria and sebum if…
Lower concern for PFAS, but MAC makes no public commitment to PFAS-free formulation.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Pro Full Coverage Foundation
liquid foundation, pigments, glycerin, emollients
Heavy metals
MAC does not publish heavy metal testing results for this product. Industry-standard…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
MAC lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient without component breakdown. Fragrance mixtures…
Preservative degradation and microbial growth over time
Liquid foundations rely on preservative systems (commonly methylisothiazolinone or…
Lower concern for PFAS without waterproofing claims typical of liquid foundation.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Studio Fix Powder Foundation Refill 129
talc, mica, iron oxides, pigments (powder cosmetic)
Talc and asbestos contamination
Talc ore naturally contains asbestos in some deposits. MAC does not publicly disclose…
Mica sheet silicate toxicity
Mica is generally recognized as safe by FDA but is a crystalline silicate; chronic…
Lower-concern cosmetic where powder formulas rarely use PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Strobe Dewy Skin Tint
liquid foundation with water, glycerin, silicones, pigments
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
MAC Strobe Dewy Skin Tint lists 'fragrance' without component detail; common allergens…
Mica (synthetic) respiratory or skin irritation
Mica is insoluble and non-toxic at topical levels; only theoretical concern is airborne…
Preservative system adequacy (bacterial/fungal growth if mishandled)
Water-based foundations require effective preservatives; MAC does not disclose…
Lower PFAS concern for standard liquid foundation; no red flags but no reassurance either.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Face Body Foundation
Liquid foundation with water, silicones, pigments
1,4-dioxane (manufacturing impurity)
Water-based emulsified cosmetics can contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
If this formula contains fragrance (common in MAC foundations), specific fragrance…
Bacterial or fungal contamination from non-sterile application
Liquid foundations with water content can support microbial growth if applicators…
Lower-concern liquid cosmetic; no known PFAS triggers but MAC has not publicly committed to PFAS-free formulation.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Cream Colour Base
Oils, waxes, pigments, and standard cosmetic emollients
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
MAC Cream Colour Base ingredient lists do not itemize fragrance allergens; typical cream…
Skin irritation from emollients or wax degradation
Oil-wax formulas can cause contact dermatitis in individuals with acne-prone or sensitive…
Lower concern; cream color base uses typical cosmetic ingredients without known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Strobe Cream
Water, silicones, glycerin (emollient cosmetic cream)
Parabens
MAC does not disclose preservative system used in Strobe Cream. Water-based cosmetics…
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Strobe Cream is lightly scented (MAC lists 'fragrance' in INCI but no breakdown). Common…
Bacterial growth in opened container
Water-silicone emulsions are vulnerable to microbial colonization after opening…
Lower concern for PFAS; typical cosmetic cream with no known treatment triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Blush Powder
talc, mica, pigments
Heavy metals
Talc deposits can naturally contain asbestos or trace heavy metals (lead, cadmium)…
Lead
Iron oxide pigments and synthetic mica colorants used in blush are cosmetic-grade but may…
Inhalation risk during application
Powder inhalation during application is a documented concern for talc and mica-based…
Mica environmental and purity concerns
Mica is mined in countries with variable labor and environmental oversight; sourcing and…
Low-Medium risk. Pressed powder has no known PFAS applications, but MAC doesn't disclose sourcing.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Blush Sheertone MAC
Mineral pigments, talc, mica, binders
Talc and potential asbestos contamination
Talc is the primary ingredient; cosmetic-grade talc in regulated US markets has undergone…
Bacterial or fungal growth if stored improperly
Pressed powder is inherently low-moisture, but exposure to humidity or water can enable…
Low-Medium risk. Pressed powder blush with standard ingredients; no known PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Mineralize Blush
Mineral pigments, talc, mica
Talc (inhalation and contamination risk)
Talc is a regulated ingredient in cosmetic-grade form and modern supplies are required to…
Fragrance allergens and fragrance disclosure
Blush formulations may contain fragrance compounds; MAC does not provide detailed…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Pressed powder blushes may contain preservative systems to prevent microbial growth; MAC…
Low-Medium risk. Mineral-based powder with no known PFAS triggers, but MAC provides no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Nail Lacquer
Organic pigments, resins, solvents in liquid lacquer
Volatile organic solvents (VOCs)
Nail lacquers inherently release toluene, ethyl acetate, and xylene during application…
Phthalates
MAC does not market this product as phthalate-free or '5-free,' implying potential…
Fragrance and allergen sensitizers
MAC Fix+ likely contains fragrance compounds typical of cosmetic nail lacquers, which may…
Standard nail lacquer; no known PFAS risk identified.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Nail Polish, Quiet Time, Beige
nail polish, organic pigments and resins
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation
Nail polish lacquers contain toluene, xylene, and other organic solvents that evaporate…
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and plasticizers
Many conventional nail polishes historically used DBP as a plasticizer to improve…
Fragrance allergens and irritation
Beige shades often contain fragrance additives and coalescent solvents that may trigger…
Skin and nail bed absorption during application
Wet nail polish can make contact with cuticles, lateral nail folds, and skin during…
Lower concern. Nail polish rarely contains PFAS intentionally.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Nail Lacquer 10 ml / 0.34 oz ( CHOOSE
Nail lacquer, organic pigments and film-formers
Volatile organic compounds (toluene, xylene) from solvents
Nail lacquers inherently contain solvents to suspend pigments. MAC Fix+ formulation…
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or phthalate plasticizers
DBP is a common plasticizer in nail lacquers to improve flexibility and shine. MAC does…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some nail lacquer resins (tosylamide-formaldehyde resin) can release trace formaldehyde.…
Skin sensitization from fragrance or preservatives
MAC Fix+ contains fragrance (undisclosed specifics) and preservatives common in…
Lower concern. Nail lacquer formulations rarely contain intentional PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Cosmetics Makeup | Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed | Color: Gold/Pink | Size: 0
nitrocellulose, plasticizers, pigments, resins
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation
Nitrocellulose lacquers release toluene, xylene, and other VOCs during and shortly after…
Phthalate plasticizers
MAC does not disclose whether this formula uses dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or newer…
Heavy metals
Gold and pink glitter pigments (likely iron oxides, titanium dioxide, or synthetic…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some lacquer resins (tosylamide/formaldehyde resin) release low levels of formaldehyde…
Nail polish poses lower PFAS concern.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Studio Fix 24-Hour Colour Corrector
pigments, silicone, glycerin in liquid/cream base
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance compounds
MAC color correctors are often lightly fragranced or fragrance-free; if fragrance is…
Microbial contamination from open-jar or finger-dip application
Liquid or cream color correctors are water-containing formulations vulnerable to…
Contact irritation or sensitization from silicone or emollients
While silicone and glycerin are generally recognized as safe, some individuals experience…
Lower PFAS concern; colour correctors rarely contain intentional PFAS, but brand offers no verification.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Nail Polish
water-based nail polish, pigments, resins
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Water-based polishes may use formaldehyde-releasing resins or preservatives to prevent…
Heavy metals
Synthetic and natural pigments used in nail polish can contain trace cadmium, lead, or…
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) and respiratory irritation
Even water-based formulas emit VOCs from synthetic resins and binders. Inhalation during…
Contact allergens and sensitization
Fragrance additives, specific resin components, or pigment stabilizers may trigger…
Lower concern; typical nail polish without known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Nail Lacquer Polish Coffee Break (BROWN) Size
Nail lacquer polish, organic solvent base with pigments
Volatile organic compound (VOC) inhalation from solvents
Toluene, xylene, and other solvents in nail lacquer emit during application and drying.…
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) dermal and systemic exposure
DBP is a plasticizer common in nail polish formulas. It is readily absorbed through skin…
Contact dermatitis and sensitization from fragrance/resin compounds
Nail lacquers contain fragrance compounds and resin allergens (e.g.…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Tosylamide/formaldehyde resin is used in many nail lacquers for hardness; it does not…
Lower concern. Nail polish is unlikely to be a PFAS source versus cosmetic treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Chromaline Gel - Hi-Def Cyan
gel pigment formulation (primary ingredients not publicly disclosed for proprietary reasons)
Heavy metals
Cyan gel eyeliners rely on synthetic or mineral pigments; MAC does not publicly certify…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Gel eyeliners commonly use imidazolidinyl urea or dmdm hydantoin as preservatives, which…
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in polyethylene glycol or emulsifiers)
Gel formulations often contain PEG-derived ingredients or ethoxylated emulsifiers that…
Eye irritation from film formers or fragrance compounds
Consumer reviews occasionally cite redness or stinging with gel eyeliners in sensitive…
Lower concern, but brand doesn't disclose full formulation details.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Lipglass Air Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
Silicone-based non-sticky gloss formula (typical MAC formulation)
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed composition)
MAC Lipglass Air contains fragrance listed as 'fragrance' on the label without specific…
1,4-dioxane (cosmetic solvent contaminant)
Not intentionally added but can be a trace contaminant in ethoxylated ingredients used as…
Bacterial colonization on applicator wand
Lip gloss wands are frequently introduced into the mouth and stored in a warm, humid cap…
Lower concern, silicone glosses carry minimal PFAS risk, but MAC offers no public PFAS transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
MAC
Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Matte Foundation Oil Control
liquid foundation with silicones, pigments, and emollients
Heavy metals
Iron oxide colorants used in foundations can contain trace lead or cadmium depending on…
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
MAC Studio Fix lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient. Fragrance blends commonly contain…
Skin barrier disruption from silicone occlusion
High silicone content may trap moisture and create anaerobic microenvironment on…
Cosmetic PFAS risk is low for use-and-rinse products, but MAC makes no public disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation
liquid serum foundation with glycerin & emollients
Formaldehyde / VOCs
MAC ingredient lists do not always itemize preservative blends; possible use of DMDM…
Fragrance allergens undisclosed in 'fragrance' catch-all
Studio Radiance formulas may contain fragrance components listed only as 'fragrance'…
No public PFAS risk signals, but cosmetic formula not disclosed.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Studio Fix Tech Cream-To-Powder Foundation
Cream-to-powder emulsion with talc, silica, oils, and pigments
Talc (asbestos contamination risk)
Cosmetic talc is regulated to exclude asbestos fibers in the US (FDA) and EU, but talc…
Fragrance allergens
MAC Studio Fix Tech contains fragrance (typically listed as perfume or essential oil…
Silica inhalation risk (powder application)
When applied with a brush or sponge, fine silica particles may become airborne in small…
Insufficient public data; standard cosmetic lacking known PFAS-linked ingredients.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm
liquid cosmetic base (emulsion); composition not fully disclosed
Formaldehyde / VOCs
MAC does not disclose whether formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., dmdm hydantoin…
1,4-dioxane (synthesis contaminant)
Ethoxylated ingredients used as emulsifiers in BB creams can carry trace 1,4-dioxane as a…
Fragrance allergen sensitization
MAC cosmetics commonly include fragrance components. Some users report contact dermatitis…
Emulsion separation and microbial growth if contaminated
Liquid emulsions require effective preservatives and proper storage. Once opened…
Wait for ingredient transparency to improve as cosmetic formulations often lack PFAS use clarity.
⚠Risky category by default
MAC
Locked Kiss Ink
silicone-based liquid ink, waterproof coating
Heavy metals
Waterproof liquid inks often rely on high-saturation synthetic dyes and iron oxide…
Fragrance allergens
Locked Kiss Ink contains fragrance, which on the label appears as a catch-all category.…
1,4-dioxane as a trace contaminant
Silicone-based cosmetics can contain trace 1,4-dioxane if ethoxylated silicones or…
Waterproof cosmetic ink; PFAS risk unclear without disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation
liquid foundation with water-resistant/waterweight polymer matrix
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed ingredients
MAC does not list full fragrance component breakdown on packaging or website per standard…
1,4-dioxane (solvent/emulsifier byproduct)
Water-resistant foundations often use PEG-based or poloxamer emulsifiers that can contain…
Coating degradation and instability over time
The water-resistant polymer matrix in waterweight foundations can break down with…
PFAS
The waterweight/water-resistant claim almost certainly requires fluorinated polymer…
Unknown PFAS risk; waterproof cosmetics often use fluorinated polymers.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
Stack Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof film/coating (unspecified polymer)
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Waterproof mascara formulations typically require formaldehyde-releasing agents (e.g.…
Heavy metals
Black pigments in mascara often contain iron oxide or synthetic lakes bound to aluminum…
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Mascara formulations often include fragrance blends or aromatic compounds to mask polymer…
Polymer film residue and lash damage
Users report incomplete removal of waterproof polymer films, leading to lash brittleness…
Skip until MAC discloses waterproofing chemistry.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
In Extreme Dimensions Waterproof Lash Mascara
proprietary waterproof formula with wax, silicones, and film-forming polymers
PFAS
Waterproof mascaras require fluorinated compounds to function; MAC does not disclose…
Heavy metals
Black and colored mascaras commonly use iron oxide pigments, which are generally safe at…
Silicone polymer buildup and lash brittleness
High-silicone waterproof mascaras can accumulate on lashes if not removed thoroughly…
Waterproof claim raises PFAS concern; MAC provides no transparency.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
Stack Mascara
wax, film-forming polymers, waterproofing agents (unspecified)
PFAS
MAC Stack's waterproofing chemistry is not disclosed. Industry data shows waterproof…
Film-forming polymer residue and microfiber shedding
Polymer-based mascaras can shed microfibers into the eye, particularly with poor removal…
Fragrance allergens and ocular irritation
Mascaras typically contain fragrance compounds. MAC Stack's full fragrance list is not…
Bacterial colonization if stored or capped improperly
All liquid mascaras, including wax-based formulas, can harbor bacteria if caps are left…
Skip until MAC discloses waterproofing chemistry.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35
emulsion base with silicones, water, mineral pigments, SPF actives
PFAS
Waterproof BB creams almost always require fluorinated water-repelling agents; MAC has…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
MAC products typically use proprietary fragrance blends; while 1,4-dioxane contamination…
Bacterial or fungal growth in silicone emulsion base
Silicone-water emulsions require preservatives; if the container is exposed to moisture…
Waterproof cosmetics carry PFAS risk; MAC discloses nothing so skip until clarity emerges.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
M·A·C MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 50
Water-resistant silicone, emollients, polymeric thickeners
PFAS
SPF 50 water-resistant BB creams frequently use fluorinated polymer coatings or C8/C6…
Fragrance allergens
MAC products in this category typically contain fragrance; the specific fragrance…
Silicone occlusion and skin irritation
Silicone-heavy formulas can trap bacteria or sweat on sensitive skin and may worsen acne…
Wait for MAC to disclose water-resistant ingredient sources; SPF 50 waterproof cosmetics often use PFAS-based coatings.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer
liquid concealer with silicones and polymers; formula claims 24HR wear/waterproofing
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in surfactants/emulsifiers)
Waterproof cosmetic formulas often rely on ethoxylated surfactants that may be…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
The formula includes fragrance, but like most mass-market concealers, specific fragrance…
Preservative-related irritation or sensitization
Waterproof formulas typically require robust preservation systems to prevent bacterial…
Silicone accumulation and pore occlusion
Repeated daily application of silicone-heavy formulas without thorough removal can lead…
Waterproof cosmetics warrant caution; MAC makes no public PFAS disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner
gel pencil with waterproof formula
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
MAC Colour Excess is marketed without explicit fragrance, but gel formulas may contain…
Bacterial or mold growth in pencil packaging
Gel eyeliner pencils are sharpened or twisted, exposing fresh product surface repeatedly.…
PFAS
Waterproof cosmetics, especially pencil eyeliners, have a documented history of PFAS use…
Waterproof cosmetics carry PFAS risk.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
MAC
Eye Kohl MAC
Pigments, waxes, oils in pencil/kohl format with waterproofing agents
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Eye area cosmetics sometimes use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (imidazolidinyl…
Fragrance allergens and contact sensitization
If MAC Eye Kohl contains fragrance or essential oils for scent appeal, these are common…
Irritation from waterproofing agents and occlusion
Waterproof eyeliner pencils trap moisture and oils on the lid, raising risk of bacterial…
Waterproof cosmetics often contain PFAS.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →