MAC
MAC (Make-Up Art Cosmetics) was founded in 1984 by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo in Toronto, Canada, originally creating products for professional makeup artists. The brand was acquired by Estée Lauder Companies in 1998 and has since become one of the world's leading prestige cosmetics brands. MAC is renowned for its extensive shade range and professional-quality formulas, particularly its lipsticks. However, MAC lip products typically contain synthetic dyes, petroleum-derived ingredients, BHA, parabens, and fragrance compounds. The brand's professional credibility and cult following mean consumers often trust MAC's ingredient choices without scrutiny, despite the conventional chemical formulations.
Products Analyzed
Flagged Ingredients Found
Who Owns MAC?
Big Corp SubsidiaryParent Company
The Estee Lauder Companies(EL)
Parent Industry
Prestige Beauty
Parent Revenue
Approximately $15.9 billion (2024)
Acquired
1998
Also Makes
Estee Lauder acquired the remaining shares of MAC in 1998. The Estee Lauder Companies is one of the world's largest prestige beauty conglomerates, still controlled by the Lauder family.
Corporate ownership does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. It means ingredient and sourcing decisions are influenced by a parent company whose primary business is prestige beauty. Consumers deserve to know who profits from their purchases.
Products by MAC
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick
MAC
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Organic Lip Balm
MAC Lustreglass Lipstick
MAC
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Organic Lip Balm
MAC Lipglass
MAC
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Organic Lip Balm
MAC Matte Lipstick (Russian Red)
MAC
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Organic Lip Balm
MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick
MAC
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Organic Lip Balm
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Flagged Ingredients in MAC Products
We found 6 different ingredients of concern across MAC's product line. Each one links to a full safety analysis with details on health risks, regulatory status, and which other brands use the same ingredient.
Artificial Colors
Synthetic dyes derived from petroleum or coal tar, used to give cosmetics vivid colors. Many are contaminated with heavy metals and have been linked to behavioral issues, allergies, and potential carcinogenicity.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers. PEGs themselves are relatively low-toxicity, but they are frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane.
Bismuth Oxychloride
A synthetic inorganic pigment used in mineral makeup, eyeshadows, and face powders to create a pearlescent, luminous finish. While generally considered low-toxicity, bismuth oxychloride is a common cause of skin irritation and itching, particularly in mineral makeup users.
Phenoxyethanol
A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens. At regulated concentrations (up to 1%), it is generally well tolerated, but higher concentrations can cause irritation and are toxic to infants.
Dimethicone
A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties. Not toxic in itself, but creates a synthetic barrier that can trap impurities, clog pores, and is not biodegradable.
Polybutene
A synthetic polymer derived from petroleum, used as a thickener, binder, and viscosity-increasing agent in lip glosses, lipsticks, and other cosmetics. Polybutene has low direct toxicity but is a petroleum-derived synthetic with environmental persistence concerns.
