Eye Kohl MAC
Waterproof cosmetics often contain PFAS. MAC discloses nothing, choose alternatives.
This waterproof pencil eyeliner likely relies on water-repellent treatments associated with PFAS in cosmetics. MAC provides no ingredient transparency or PFAS assurance.
The better-graded swap
Ere Perez
Jojoba Eye Pencil
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Pigments, waxes, oils in pencil/kohl format with waterproofing agents
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Eye Kohl MAC is made of, ingredients and materials
MAC Eye Kohl is a pencil-format eyeliner combining pigments, waxes (typically carnauba or paraffin), oils, and waterproofing agents to achieve long-wear performance. The waterproofing component is the key concern, cosmetics claiming waterproof or long-wear properties often rely on fluorinated compounds or silicone polymers to repel moisture. These agents sit directly on the delicate eye area and mucous membranes, where absorption and irritation risks are higher than face products.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Eye area cosmetics sometimes use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) to extend shelf life in pencil format. MAC does not disclose preservative systems; sensitive eyes may react to these compounds.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and contact sensitization
If MAC Eye Kohl contains fragrance or essential oils for scent appeal, these are common contact sensitizers in eye-area products. Unscented or fragrance-free formulas exist but are not marketed by MAC for this product.
Irritation from waterproofing agents and occlusion
Waterproof eyeliner pencils trap moisture and oils on the lid, raising risk of bacterial overgrowth and contact dermatitis, especially in warm or humid climates. Prolonged wear (overnight) amplifies this risk.
What’s reassuring
Lead
No recalls or published test results document heavy metal contamination in MAC Eye Kohl specifically. Pigment metals are a known risk class in eye cosmetics globally, but MAC's products have not appeared in regulatory alerts.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic contamination (unlikely in pencil form)
Solid pencil eyeliners do not typically shed microplastics unless the outer wooden or plastic barrel is damaged. Risk is negligible compared to cream or liquid formulas.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (Estee Lauder subsidiary) does not publicly disclose ingredient breakdowns, PFAS use, or waterproofing chemistry on product labels or website FAQs. The brand holds no independent certifications (EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, etc.) for this line and has not signed commitments to phase fluorinated compounds. This silence is notable given waterproof makeup's documented association with PFAS.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof pencil eyeliners as a category carry moderate PFAS risk; MAC's lack of transparency puts it at the less-friendly end of the market. Brands like Zoya and Pacifica publish ingredient lists and PFAS reduction commitments. However, traditional kohl pencils (non-waterproof variants) typically carry lower waterproofing chemical loads, making them a simpler alternative if performance allows.
If you buy it
Perform a patch test on inner arm or behind ear 48 hours before eye application to screen for irritation, especially if you have sensitive eyes or contact lens use. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent wax separation or oil leakage. Replace every 6-12 months or if the tip becomes uneven or the product develops odor. Avoid applying to waterline if possible; lid application minimizes contact with eyes themselves.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- MAC has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Eye Kohl MAC?
- Jojoba oil, wax, pigments
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Jojoba oil, waxes, pigments (typical pencil formulation)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Jojoba oil, waxes, pigments (natural eye pencil formulation)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens or essential oil irritants
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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.