MAC · Lip Balm & Long-Wear Lipstick
MAC Locked Kiss Ink
Waterproof cosmetic ink; PFAS risk unclear without disclosure.
MAC does not disclose PFAS presence in this waterproof liquid lipstick. Silicone and waterproof cosmetic inks sometimes contain PFAS; no third-party verification available.
The better-graded swap
EOS
eos Moisture Super Balm
75/100 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
silicone-based liquid ink, waterproof coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What MAC Locked Kiss Ink is made of, ingredients and materials
MAC Locked Kiss Ink is a silicone-based liquid lip formula designed for long wear and waterproof performance. Silicone polymers themselves are generally stable and unlikely to leach into lips at typical wear times, but waterproof cosmetics often rely on fluorinated compounds or other additives to achieve water resistance. The 'ink' structure (high pigment load in a thin, drying film) means color stability depends on pigment chemistry, which raises questions about heavy metal content in synthetic and iron oxide colorants.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
Heavy metals
Waterproof liquid inks often rely on high-saturation synthetic dyes and iron oxide pigments; MAC does not publicly disclose lead or cadmium testing in this product. Iron oxide itself is low-risk, but sourcing and purity of colorants in prestige cosmetics are not always transparent.
Source, FDA ↗Fragrance allergens
Locked Kiss Ink contains fragrance, which on the label appears as a catch-all category. Specific fragrance components are not disclosed; individuals with fragrance sensitivity or history of contact dermatitis may experience localized lip irritation, particularly given prolonged contact time as a long-wear formula.
1,4-dioxane as a trace contaminant
Silicone-based cosmetics can contain trace 1,4-dioxane if ethoxylated silicones or detergent-type emulsifiers are used. MAC does not disclose whether this product is 1,4-dioxane-screened; risk is low but unquantified given the brand's limited chemical transparency.
What’s reassuring
Silicone polymer degradation and residue
Silicone-based cosmetics are generally stable and do not leach volatile compounds during normal lip use. No documented safety incidents or degradation products have been reported for MAC's silicone formulations, though extended shelf life (beyond 12-24 months post-opening) is not guaranteed.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Waterproof liquid formulas typically use alternative preservative systems (phenoxyethanol, parabens) rather than formaldehyde releasers due to stability requirements. No evidence of formaldehyde-releasing agents in Locked Kiss Ink formulation details.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (Estee Lauder subsidiary) does not publicly disclose PFAS content in this product or offer PFAS-free certifications. The brand has faced criticism for limited transparency on chemical use relative to indie and clean beauty competitors. MAC's safety data sheets do not typically highlight fluorinated water-repellents or clarify pigment sourcing. No major recalls or documented safety incidents linked to Locked Kiss Ink have been reported to regulatory agencies.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof liquid lip inks represent a higher-chemical-intensity subcategory; alcohol-based or water-based long-wear formulas carry different profiles. MAC's silicone-based approach is common among prestige brands (Fenty, Nars) and generally less likely to trigger irritation than heavily azo-dyed competitors, but lacks the transparency of brands that explicitly avoid PFAS or fluorinated polymers. Non-waterproof liquid lipsticks or traditional creamy formulas sidestep fluorinated additives entirely.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to avoid buildup; this product is meant to dry on lips, so ensure lips are clean and exfoliated to prevent patchy application or irritant contact. Do not ingest or apply near the eye area. If any localized rash, swelling, or persistent irritation occurs, discontinue and patch-test the formula on inner arm first on future use. Replace if formula separates or develops visible particles, which signals degradation of the silicone matrix.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% 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 MAC Locked Kiss Ink?
- Glycerin, silicones, pigments, film-formers (typical liquid cosmetic gloss)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
- Liquid lipstick, likely pigments, oils, and waxes
- Fragrance allergens or sensitizers
- Natural waxes and oils (beeswax, plant oils, pigments)
- Lead
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More lip balm & long-wear lipstick 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.