Nail Lacquer Polish Coffee Break (BROWN) Size vs Studio Matte Overlacquer: which is safer?

MAC Studio Matte Overlacquer is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

MAC Nail Lacquer Polish Coffee Break (BROWN) Size

MAC

Nail Lacquer Polish Coffee Break (BROWN) Size

PFAS grade

Excellent 75/100

Overall grade

Poor 49/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

Nail lacquer polish, organic solvent base with pigments

Confidence

72%

PossibleVolatile organic compound (VOC) inhalation from solvents

PossibleDibutyl phthalate (DBP) dermal and systemic exposure

PossibleContact dermatitis and sensitization from fragrance/resin compounds

Our pick

MAC Studio Matte Overlacquer

MAC

Studio Matte Overlacquer

PFAS grade

Excellent 90/100

Overall grade

Excellent 78/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

liquid cosmetic spray, alcohol and resin based

Confidence

72%

PossibleAlcohol inhalation from spray

PossibleFragrance allergens and sensitizers

PossibleResin irritation on compromised skin

Where these two actually differ

  • We flag Volatile organic compound (VOC) inhalation from solvents, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) dermal and systemic exposure, Contact dermatitis and sensitization from fragrance/resin compounds and Formaldehyde resin as hardening agent on the MAC and not on the MAC.
  • We flag Alcohol inhalation from spray, Fragrance allergens and sensitizers and Resin irritation on compromised skin on the MAC and not on the MAC.
  • The MAC is Nail lacquer polish, organic solvent base with pigments where the MAC is liquid cosmetic spray, alcohol and resin based, which is most of the difference in these two grades.

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More cosmetic color products: see the full ranking