Nail Polish, Quiet Time, Beige 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 Polish, Quiet Time, Beige

MAC

Nail Polish, Quiet Time, Beige

PFAS grade

Excellent 75/100

Overall grade

Good 53/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

nail polish, organic pigments and resins

Confidence

72%

ReportedVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation

PossibleDibutyl phthalate (DBP) and plasticizers

PossibleFragrance allergens and irritation

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 compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and plasticizers, Fragrance allergens and irritation and Skin and nail bed absorption during application 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 polish, organic pigments and resins 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