MAC MACStack Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof mascara formula unknown; PFAS risk unquantified, skip if concerned.
MAC does not disclose PFAS status or specific waterproof coating ingredients in MACStack Waterproof Mascara. Waterproof cosmetics often contain fluorinated compounds, but lab data for this product is unavailable.
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
proprietary waterproof formula, coating unspecified
Lab data
No public lab test
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What MAC MACStack Waterproof Mascara is made of, ingredients and materials
MAC MACStack uses a proprietary waterproof formula, but the brand does not publicly disclose its exact composition or which filmogenic agents (waxes, resins, silicones, or synthetic polymers) create water resistance. Waterproof mascaras typically rely on hydrophobic polymers, silicones, or wax blends to repel water; without ingredient transparency, the chemical profile and potential irritants cannot be independently assessed. The formula does not list PFAS avoidance as a design principle, leaving fluorinated water-repellent compounds as a plausible but unconfirmed component.
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
The formula mechanism for water resistance is proprietary and not disclosed; PFAS compounds are common in waterproof cosmetics but MAC has not ruled them out or confirmed their absence.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
MACStack may contain fragrance or masking scents; fragrance mixtures are often opaque and can trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible individuals.
Eye irritation or sensitization from proprietary film-formers or resins
Waterproof mascaras require robust polymeric or resinous binders; unknown formulation increases risk of localized eye irritation, especially with prolonged wear or incomplete removal.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives or known allergens have been documented in public sources for MACStack; however, full ingredient disclosure would be needed to rule out less common preservative systems.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Mascaras typically contain iron oxides or other pigments for color; no lead, cadmium, or arsenic contamination has been reported for MACStack, but cosmetic pigments are not routinely third-party tested for trace metals at retail.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (Estee Lauder group) does not publish detailed safety data sheets or ingredient breakdowns for MACStack specifically, and has not made public statements on PFAS exclusion or reduction in cosmetics lines. The brand is not known for leading transparency initiatives on water-resistant coating chemistry in mascaras. No product-specific recalls or regulatory actions against MACStack have been documented, but this absence does not confirm absence of hazards; it reflects limited independent testing disclosure.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mascaras across the market typically do not disclose PFAS content or chemical specifics; MAC's stance aligns with industry-wide opacity on water-resistant coatings. Brands offering PFAS-free or transparent formulations (e.g., some indie and clean beauty lines) do exist but remain less common in premium departments. MACStack is positioned as a performance mascara; ingredient secrecy is standard in this tier but represents a trade-off for verifiability.
If you buy it
Use the product as directed and patch-test on a small eye area first if you have sensitive or reactive skin, as proprietary formulas carry unpredictable allergen risk. Remove thoroughly each day with appropriate makeup remover; prolonged wear or incomplete removal can irritate the eye area and lash follicles. Replace the wand and tube after 3-4 months or sooner if clumping, separation, or odor occurs, as waterproof formulas can degrade or harbor bacteria if kept beyond shelf life. If eye irritation, redness, or contact lens discomfort develops, discontinue and consult a healthcare provider.
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 MAC MACStack Waterproof Mascara?
- Wax, pigments, natural oils (typical mascara base)
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed sensitizers
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5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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- 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.