Chromaline Gel - Hi-Def Cyan
Lower concern, but brand doesn't disclose full formulation details.
MAC Chromaline Gel lacks public PFAS information or third-party testing. Gel formulas rarely need PFAS, though MAC keeps ingredients proprietary.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
gel pigment formulation (primary ingredients not publicly disclosed for proprietary reasons)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Heavy metals
Cyan gel eyeliners rely on synthetic or mineral pigments; MAC does not publicly certify heavy metal testing. Iron oxides and titanium dioxide are regulated but trace lead or cadmium is possible in lower-quality pigment batches. Eyelid exposure is minimal due to small application volume.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Gel eyeliners commonly use imidazolidinyl urea or dmdm hydantoin as preservatives, which slowly release formaldehyde. MAC does not disclose which preservatives are used in Chromaline Gel. Direct eyelid exposure carries low risk because contact area is small and duration is brief, but sensitized individuals may react.
Source: ATSDR ↗1,4-dioxane (contaminant in polyethylene glycol or emulsifiers)
Gel formulations often contain PEG-derived ingredients or ethoxylated emulsifiers that may carry 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing residue. MAC does not publish 1,4-dioxane testing or removal data. Regulatory limits in the US are absent, but the EU allows trace amounts in cosmetics.
Eye irritation from film formers or fragrance compounds
Consumer reviews occasionally cite redness or stinging with gel eyeliners in sensitive eyes; this is typically due to polymers, emulsifiers, or preservatives rather than acute toxins. Chromaline Gel is not fragrance-free, so fragrance allergens (eugenol, limonene) are possible in the formulation.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Microplastic shedding from polymeric coating
No specific recalls or studies document microplastic shedding from MAC gel eyeliners. The product is intended for short-term eyelid use and is removed daily, minimizing environmental or bioaccumulative concern, though all synthetic gel eyeliners carry theoretical microplastic risk during application and removal.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Chromaline Gel is a proprietary pigmented gel formulation; MAC does not publicly disclose the full ingredient list beyond standard cosmetic labeling. Gel eyeliners typically contain water, film-forming polymers (acrylates or silicones), pigments, and preservatives. The opacity of the formulation means independent verification of specific constituents is limited, but gel eyeliners are among the lower-risk makeup categories because they do not aerosolize like powders and sit on the eyelid in minimal quantities.
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (Estée Lauder-owned) does not maintain a public PFAS stance for cosmetics and has not disclosed PFAS levels in individual products. The brand complies with FDA cosmetic regulations and EU cosmetic directives in relevant markets. No recalls or safety warnings specific to Chromaline Gel or MAC eyeliners are on record. MAC publishes basic ingredient lists but not full chemical safety data sheets for consumers.
How it compares in its category
Gel eyeliners as a category carry fewer documented hazards than cream or liquid liners because they are more stable and less prone to separation or microbial growth if used cleanly. Chromaline Gel is positioned as a premium product with higher pigment concentration; this does not inherently increase toxicity but may concentrate trace metals from pigments. Comparable brands (Bobbi Brown, Clinique, drugstore alternatives) face similar formulation opacity and PFAS uncertainty.
If you buy it
Store the product with the lid tightly closed to prevent drying and contamination. Replace after 6-8 months of regular use or if you notice hardening, separation, or odor changes, as gel formulations can degrade and lose preservative efficacy. Avoid applying to the waterline if you have sensitive eyes; the eyelid skin is thin and permeable. Do not share applicators or allow the product to contact mucous membranes beyond intended use.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 65% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- MAC has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More eyeliner grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.