Does MAC makeup have PFAS?
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.
We graded 8 MAC makeup products, averaging Good (66/100). 4 of them grade Good or better. Against the other 11 makeup brands we grade, where the middle brand sits at 75/100, MAC is worse than typical, scoring above 18% of them.
MAC makeup worth buying Good or better, safest first
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
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
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
Better makeup from other brands
Graded higher than the MAC average of 66.
Clinique
Even Better Makeup
Pigments, oils, waxes, polymers (typical liquid foundation/makeup base)
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
Moderate concern
Applicator sponge bacterial growth
High concern
No known PFAS risk, but Clinique offers no public PFAS disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Clinique
Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
liquid foundation with pigments, emollients, silicones
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Fragrance allergen sensitization
Limited concern
1,4-dioxane contamination in emulsifiers
Limited concern
Lower concern. Liquid cosmetics rarely contain intentional PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Clinique
Superbalanced Makeup
Talc, mineral pigments, silicone
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Inhalation risk from powder dust
Moderate concern
Lower concern. Typical mineral-based makeup with no known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
See every MAC product we grade on the MAC brand page, or the full makeup ranking.