Do MAC cosmetic color products have PFAS?
MAC cosmetic color products average 75 out of 100 on PFAS Authority's PFAS and toxin screen across the 8 MAC cosmetic color products graded as of October 2026, and all 8 reach its 70 point pass mark.
MAC cosmetic color products average Excellent on our four-band scale. 8 of the 8 we graded are worth buying.
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.
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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.
What MAC says and does about PFAS
In November 2023 CBC Marketplace lab testing found PFAS in two MAC products, Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 foundation and Stack Waterproof Mascara, including two PFAS that Canada restricts when used intentionally, found in two of the three MAC foundation samples. MAC told Marketplace it does not intentionally add PFAS as an ingredient to any of its makeup. MAC is also covered by the Center for Environmental Health’s 2022 court-enforceable settlement on intentionally added PFOA, and Ulta’s ingredient list for one MAC mascara includes PTFE.
- Independent testCBC Marketplace’s 2023 lab testing named MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NC5 and MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara in black among five makeup products found to contain PFAS. CBC News ↗
- Independent testTwo fluorotelomer alcohols that Canada restricts when used intentionally were found in two of the three MAC foundation samples. CBC News ↗
- Brand statementMAC told Marketplace it does not intentionally add PFAS as an ingredient to any of its makeup, and that it constantly reviews the latest safety and environmental data on its products. CBC News ↗
- Legal caseThe Center for Environmental Health’s March 2022 court-enforceable settlement with Estée Lauder names MAC among the brands whose foundations and concealers will not contain intentionally added PFOA or ingredients known to degrade to it. Center for Environmental Health (archived page) ↗
- MaterialsUlta’s ingredient list for MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Volumizing Black Lash Mascara includes PTFE. Ulta Beauty ↗
- Regulatory filingA Proposition 65 notice of violation filed with the California Attorney General named MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC42, by UPC, as an example of a product alleged to expose consumers to perfluorooctanoic acid. A 60-day notice is an allegation by the filing group, not a finding. Center for Environmental Health, notice filed with the California Attorney General ↗
- Regulatory filingAn earlier notice over makeup foundation and concealer listed Make-Up Art Cosmetics Inc. among the responsible parties. Center for Environmental Health, notice filed with the California Attorney General ↗
- Regulatory filingIn January 2026 Estee Lauder Cosmetics Ltd. was fined $750,000 at the Ontario Court of Justice over eyeliner products that listed perfluorononyl dimethicone as an ingredient, which Environment and Climate Change Canada describes as a PFAS. The release names the Canadian company, not MAC specifically. Environment and Climate Change Canada ↗
Sources checked October 1, 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.
MAC cosmetic color products worth buying Good or better, best-graded first
MAC
Cosmetics Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed
- nitrocellulose, plasticizers, pigments, resins
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation. Nitrocellulose lacquers release toluene, xylene…
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Organic pigments, resins, solvents in liquid lacquer
- Volatile organic solvents (VOCs). Nail lacquers inherently release toluene, ethyl acetate, and xylene during…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Nail lacquer, organic pigments and film-formers
- Volatile organic compounds (toluene, xylene) from solvents. Nail lacquers inherently contain solvents to…
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Nail lacquer polish, organic solvent base with pigments
- Volatile organic compound (VOC) inhalation from solvents. Toluene, xylene, and other solvents in nail lacquer…
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- water-based nail polish, pigments, resins
- Formaldehyde / VOCs. Water-based polishes may use formaldehyde-releasing resins or preservatives to prevent…
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- nail polish, organic pigments and resins
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation. Nail polish lacquers contain toluene, xylene, and…
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- liquid cosmetic spray, alcohol and resin based
- Alcohol inhalation from spray. Ethanol-based sprays create fine aerosol particles; chronic inhalation in…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- nail lacquer film-forming resins, pigments, solvents
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) / Solvent Inhalation. Standard nail lacquers contain toluene, xylene, and…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
The same question, asked of the other cosmetic color products brands
Best average grade first. MAC averages 75.
See every MAC product we grade on the MAC brand page, or the full cosmetic color products ranking.