Does MAC makeup have PFAS?
MAC makeup averages 74 out of 100 on PFAS Authority's PFAS and toxin screen across the 9 MAC makeup products graded as of October 2026, above the 70 out of 100 median for the 24 other makeup brands graded alongside it.
MAC makeup averages Good on our four-band scale. 8 of the 9 we graded are worth buying. That is above 67% of the makeup brands we grade.
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 makeup worth buying Good or better, best-graded first
- liquid foundation, pigments, glycerin, emollients
- Heavy metals, MAC does not publish heavy metal testing results for this product. Industry-standard pigments…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- talc, mica, iron oxides, pigments (powder cosmetic)
- Talc and asbestos contamination. Talc ore naturally contains asbestos in some deposits. MAC does not publicly…
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Talc, mica, pigments, standard cosmetic powders
- Talc inhalation and respiratory exposure. Cosmetic-grade talc in the US is asbestos-free, but repeated…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- liquid foundation (water, silicones, pigments)
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components, MAC lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without breaking…
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- liquid foundation with silicones, pigments, and emollients
- Heavy metals. Iron oxide colorants used in foundations can contain trace lead or cadmium depending on ore…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Lightweight liquid foundation with pigments and silicones
- Fragrance allergens and sensitizers, MAC does not disclose fragrance components (typically trade secret)…
- liquid serum foundation with glycerin & emollients
- Formaldehyde / VOCs, MAC ingredient lists do not always itemize preservative blends; possible use of DMDM…
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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- 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…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonWhich MAC makeup contains PFAS? Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
- liquid foundation emulsion, mineral pigments, silicones, oils
- Lead, MAC does not publicly disclose heavy-metal testing results or maximum limits for iron oxide and…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonBetter makeup from other brands
Graded higher than the MAC average of 74.
- water, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, pigments, emollients
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- 1,4-dioxane contamination from emulsifiers
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- pigments, oils, waxes, polymers (standard cosmetic formulations)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens or 1,4-dioxane in fragrances
- pigments, waxes, oils, talc, mica
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens
The same question, asked of the other makeup brands
Best average grade first. MAC averages 74.
See every MAC product we grade on the MAC brand page, or the full makeup ranking.