MAC MACStack Elevated Mascara
Skip until MAC discloses waterproofing chemistry.
Waterproof mascara formulations often use PFAS-based repellents, but MAC does not publicly disclose ingredients. Public ingredient lists lack waterproofing agent details.
The better-graded swap
Burt's Bees
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara, Black Brown
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
wax, film-forming polymers, waterproofing agent unspecified
Lab data
No public lab test
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What MAC MACStack Elevated Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
MAC MACStack Elevated Mascara is a waterproof formula built on wax and film-forming polymers, with an unspecified waterproofing agent, the core transparency problem. Wax and polymers are standard mascara bases and carry minimal inherent toxicity risk. The waterproofing agent is critical because it often relies on PFAS chemistry (PFAS "forever chemicals") to repel water, which MAC has not publicly disclosed for this product. Without that disclosure, the actual chemical identity and safety profile of the waterproofing system remain unknown.
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.
PFAS
Waterproofing chemistry unspecified; PFAS graded Poor (30/100). Waterproof mascara formulas commonly rely on fluorinated compounds. MAC has not disclosed the waterproofing agent, making PFAS presence probable but unconfirmed.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens
Mascara formulations often include fragrance compounds to mask polymer and wax odors. Fragrance is not itemized in available product descriptions, but presence is typical in this price tier and can trigger allergic contact dermatitis on sensitive eye areas.
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in polymers)
Film-forming polymers used in waterproof mascaras can carry trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct. MAC does not publish residual solvent testing data for this product; contamination levels are unknown.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Waterproof mascaras require robust preservation systems to prevent bacterial growth in wet-environment packaging. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin) are common in this category; MAC does not disclose preservative chemistry for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or testing reports link MAC MACStack Elevated to lead, iron oxide, or other pigment-based heavy metal contamination. Standard cosmetic pigments used in black mascara are regulated, though periodic industry testing has flagged occasional exceedances in unregulated brands.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (Estée Lauder Companies) has not taken a public stance on PFAS elimination or ingredient transparency for mascaras. The brand does not appear on major PFAS-transparency initiatives or committed reformulation lists. This product's waterproofing ingredient is not itemized on MAC's available material disclosures, leaving consumers unable to assess PFAS exposure. Until MAC voluntarily discloses the waterproofing chemistry, the formula remains a black box on this critical hazard.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras across the category routinely use PFAS or fluorinated compounds to achieve water resistance; MAC's silence on this is common industry practice but not a defense. Some brands (e.g., Inika, Pacifica) market PFAS-free waterproof formulas, demonstrating alternatives exist. MAC MACStack Elevated occupies the mid-to-premium market segment where ingredient transparency is increasingly expected but not yet standard. Without disclosure, direct comparison to PFAS-safer competitors is impossible.
If you buy it
Apply only to lashes; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Remove with a dedicated makeup remover or oil cleanser before bed, leaving waterproof mascara on overnight increases risk of eye irritation and bacterial colonization at the lash line. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat; high temperatures can degrade polymers and change formula consistency. If eye irritation, redness, or itching develops, discontinue use and rinse thoroughly with water.
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 MACStack Elevated Mascara?
- Wax, pigments, natural oils (typical mascara base)
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed sensitizers
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- pigments, waxes, polymers (unspecified)
- Lead
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- pigments, waxes, film-formers in liquid mascara
- Heavy metals
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore waterproof mascara 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.