MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12HR Shine-Control Primer
Lower concern. Cosmetic primer with no known PFAS applications or brand disclosure.
MAC primers typically use silicones and mineral pigments without fluorinated coatings. No PFAS-specific claims or third-party verification available, but no indicators of intentional PFAS use.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
silicones, oils, pigments, mineral-based powders
Lab data
No public lab test
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What MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12HR Primer is made of, ingredients and materials
MAC Studio Fix Mattifine is formulated primarily with silicones (cyclomethicone, dimethicone) as the base, mineral powders for coverage and shine control, and synthetic pigments for color. Silicones are stable polymers that do not degrade under normal skin temperature or storage conditions, making them unlikely to leach harmful compounds during use. The 12-hour wear claim relies on silicone's film-forming properties rather than reactive binders, which reduces exposure to formaldehyde releasers or cross-linking resins.
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.
Fragrance allergens
MAC lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient but does not disclose specific fragrance components. Common fragrance allergens such as limonene, linalool, or geraniol may be present and could trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended before full face application.
1,4-dioxane (solvent contaminant)
1,4-dioxane is a manufacturing byproduct that may be present in trace amounts in ethoxylated ingredients used as emulsifiers or surfactants. MAC does not disclose testing for this contaminant; a full ingredient list review would be needed to assess risk, and independent cosmetic databases do not flag this product specifically.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No recalls or regulatory findings of lead, cadmium, or arsenic contamination in MAC Studio Fix or comparable silicone primers are on record. FDA-approved color additives (CI numbers) used in cosmetics are subject to batch testing, though independent third-party verification is not disclosed by the brand.
Source, FDA ↗Talc contamination
This primer is silicone-based and does not list talc as an ingredient. No inhalation or respiratory risk is associated with its formulation or known use.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Silicone primers do not rely on formaldehyde-releasing preservatives or cross-linking resins typical of water-based or latex foundations. No formaldehyde releasers (e.g., diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea) are listed on the product label.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (owned by Estee Lauder Companies) does not publicly disclose PFAS-specific data or pursue fragrance-allergen transparency labeling, but the brand maintains FDA compliance and conducts routine safety testing on color additives. No recalls or regulatory actions specific to this primer are on record. MAC does not claim certification by third-party bodies such as Leaping Bunny or EWG Verified, so independent vetting is limited to ingredient lists and user reports.
How it compares in its category
Silicone-based primers dominate the professional makeup market; this formulation is typical for long-wear, shine-control products. Compared to talc-based powders or primers with bismuth oxychloride, silicone formulas carry no talc inhalation risk or bismuth absorption concern. Water-based or oil-free alternatives may offer lower overall chemical load but often require more frequent reapplication, offsetting ingredient volume over time.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent silicone separation or color pigment settling. Shelf life after opening is typically 12 months; discard if odor, texture, or color changes. Apply sparingly to clean skin and avoid contact with eyes; silicones are occlusive and may clog pores in acne-prone individuals. Patch test if you have sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, as the product contains fragrance compounds that are not itemized on the label.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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 Studio Fix Mattifine 12HR Shine-Control Primer?
- mineral powder, silicones, mica
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- Fragrance allergen sensitization
- mineral powder, silica, mica, talc
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- Talc inhalation
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- mineral pigments, glycerin, plant extracts, silicones
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More foundation & primer 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.