MAC Nail Lacquer 10 ml / 0.34 oz ( CHOOSE
Lower concern. Nail lacquer formulations rarely contain intentional PFAS.
MAC nail lacquers are standard cosmetic formulations without documented PFAS use. No public disclosure or testing is available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Nail lacquer, organic pigments and film-formers
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.
Volatile organic compounds (toluene, xylene) from solvents
Nail lacquers inherently contain solvents to suspend pigments. MAC Fix+ formulation details are proprietary, but standard nail lacquers release these during application and drying. Short-term inhalation risk is low with ventilation; chronic exposure concern is mainly occupational (nail technicians).
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or phthalate plasticizers
DBP is a common plasticizer in nail lacquers to improve flexibility and shine. MAC does not explicitly state whether Fix+ uses DBP or phthalate-free alternatives. If present, DBP is a known endocrine disruptor at high doses; dermal absorption from dried polish is minimal, but inhalation during application is the exposure route.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some nail lacquer resins (tosylamide-formaldehyde resin) can release trace formaldehyde. MAC's transparency on resin type is limited. Once dried, formaldehyde release from cured polish on the nail is negligible; exposure is mainly during application.
Source: ATSDR ↗Skin sensitization from fragrance or preservatives
MAC Fix+ contains fragrance (undisclosed specifics) and preservatives common in cosmetics. Contact dermatitis risk is low but possible in sensitive individuals, especially around the cuticle or if polish contacts skin before drying. Nail technicians with repeated exposure have higher sensitization risk than occasional users.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Lead
No recalls or test results document heavy metal contamination in MAC Fix+ specifically. Cosmetic colorants are FDA-regulated in the US; MAC's manufacturer status suggests adherence to limits. Risk is lower than in unregulated foreign nail lacquers but not zero-verified without third-party testing.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
MAC Fix+ is a nail lacquer (nail polish), a suspension of organic pigments, film-forming resins (typically nitrocellulose), and volatile solvents (toluene, xylene, dibutyl phthalate or alternatives). These solvents evaporate during drying to leave a hard, colored coating on the nail. The pigments and resins are the functional ingredients; solvents are the delivery vehicle and pose the primary inhalation and dermal exposure risk during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC Cosmetics (Estée Lauder Companies) does not publish detailed ingredient transparency reports or third-party certifications specific to nail products. The brand does not disclose PFAS use in nail lacquers. No recalls or regulatory actions specific to MAC Fix+ nail lacquer are on record for heavy metals, formaldehyde, or reproductive toxicants. MAC reformulated some products away from the "toxic trio" (toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde) but does not confirm this applies to all nail lacquers.
How it compares in its category
MAC Fix+ sits in the mainstream premium nail lacquer tier. It is not certified 3-free, 5-free, or green-labeled (unlike brands like Ella+Mila or Zoya). Compared to budget brands, MAC typically has tighter manufacturing control and less likelihood of heavy metal contamination in pigments. Compared to clean-beauty nail lines, it offers no reduced-solvent or water-based formulation.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of volatile solvents (toluene, xylene). The product dries in minutes; once fully cured (2-4 hours), dermal contact risk is near zero. Replace if the lacquer becomes thick, separation occurs, or the brush dries out; this signals solvent loss and uneven pigment suspension. Keep the cap sealed tightly and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight to preserve texture and prevent solvent evaporation.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.
Safer alternatives in Cosmetic Color Products
MAC
Studio Matte Overlacquer
liquid cosmetic spray, alcohol and resin based
Alcohol inhalation from spray
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Limited concern
Resin irritation on compromised skin
Limited concern
Low risk. No known PFAS triggers in this cosmetic spray.
⚠Risky category by default
More cosmetic color products 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.