The Apple One free trial includes only services that you are not currently using through a free trial or a subscription. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply. $4.99/month after free trial. One subscription per Family Sharing group. Offer good for 3 months after eligible device activation. Sep 29, 2021 Sarah Rose on YouTube does yearly sunscreen reviews. This year she did separate videos for mineral and chemical varieties. I'm not sure if 100% of them are cruelty-free (there was a Garnier one in there; I don't recall if they are). She reviewed a total of 21 sunscreens in those 2 videos posted in June of this year. For MAC makeup lovers, there are several other companies whose products may be comparable in quality and color selection (and are also vegan). These include: Urban Decay: A cruelty-free cosmetic company with a certified vegan product list. Free shipping & returns on women's makeup, plus free samples & free advice. Shop foundation, mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, nail polish & more.
Who has not heard of MAC Cosmetics?
Pretty sure everyone has heard of it. And why would they not? I personally have grown up watching my mother use MAC products. And that means that MAC has been here for a while.
Considering how widely popular it is, you would expect MAC to be more on the affordable side. Since it is not, and yet it has such a huge consumer base, tells you a lot about its quality.
But quality and popularity are not all that matters. What about MAC’s ethical stance? Is MAC cruelty-free and vegan in 2021? That is the important question.
Is it not time you found about it? so, keep reading!
Is MAC Cruelty-Free?
No. MAC Cosmetics is not a cruelty-free brand. It is because they chose to profit off markets that conduct animal testing. That means MAC allows its products to be tested on animals if it is required by the local law.
We all know what that means. It is difficult to call MAC Cosmetics cruelty-free. Because it allows its products to be tested on animals under certain circumstances. And we also know that it is not that hard to avoid animal testing as many brands are cruelty-free.
About MAC
MAC, an acronym for Make-Up Art Cosmetics, was founded in Toronto, Canada in 1984. The founders were Frank Angelo and Frank Toskan. There is a fun story behind MAC’s inception. Makeup artist Angelo and Toskan were both frustrated seeing how bad the makeup on models looked in pictures.
The duo then literally created MAC Cosmetics products in their kitchens! Initially, the products were targeted towards professionals in the makeup industry. However, for years now, MAC Cosmetics has been available to consumers worldwide.
MAC Cosmetics mainly stole the show with its base products. But with time, it expanded its product lines and developed and improved existing ones. Within a decade, MAC had started a revolution in the beauty industry that we are still in awe of.
Currently, MAC Cosmetics is a brand recognized and loved globally. It is a giant in the global beauty network. Although founded in Canada, it now has its headquarters in New York, United States.
Is MAC Owned by a Parent Company?
Yes. MAC Cosmetics is owned by Estee Lauder Companies. Estee Lauder Companies gained rights to 51 percent of MAC’s shares in 1994. But it completed the acquisition in 1998.
Estee Lauder Companies is a great entity in the beauty industry as well. Besides MAC Cosmetics, it owns a lot of other brands, including Tom Ford, Smashbox, La Mer, Jo Malone London, etc.
Testing Policy: Does MAC Test on Animals?
MAC Cosmetics personally does not conduct any animal testing. However, they do allow third parties to conduct animal testing on their products. This is only applicable in the cases where the law of the local market requires so.
This means, that we cannot say MAC is not cruelty-free just because it claims not to test on animals. It is aware that at some places where it sells, animal testing is done on its products.
Does MAC Sell in China?
Yes! MAC Cosmetics sells in China. In fact, Mac Cosmetics is quite popular in Mainland China.
MAC says that it does not want to exclude any of its consumers, as you can say. But we cannot ignore that it is being done at the cost of innocent animals being harmed.
Is MAC Certified by PETA?
No! MAC Cosmetics is not certified by PETA. Nor is it certified by Leaping Bunny or other organizations that believe in the same cause. Look up MAC on PETA’s website. You will see that PETA categorizes it as a brand that tests on animals.
In fact, PETA speaks up quite often about MAC’s business in China. It addresses MAC Cosmetics as a brand that is not cruelty-free at all.
Is MAC Vegan?
No. MAC Cosmetics is not 100 percent vegan. That means that most of its products contain ingredients derived from animals or animal by-products. Carmine and beeswax are two of the common ingredients found in most of its products.
This means that as a vegan, you ought to be careful while buying MAC products. Some of their vegan products are:
- MAC Pro Lash Mascara
- Brow Finisher (Certain Colors)
- Synthetic Makeup Brushes
- Brow Pencils (Certain Colors)
Is MAC Gluten-Free?
No. MAC Cosmetics is not gluten-free. The brand addresses the fact that regardless of a product not containing gluten, the products cannot be claimed to be gluten-free. This is because the manufacturing process may not always be in a gluten-free environment.
It is always wise to reach out to the brand to know more, if you are allergic!
Is MAC Paraben-Free?
Nope! MAC is not completely free of parabens! That means that many of its products contain parabens.
This is why I would suggest one to carefully check the label while making a purchase!
Is MAC Hypoallergenic?
No. The brand is not entirely hypoallergenic.
By that, I mean you will find some hypoallergenic products offered by MAC. But not all of their products are hypoallergenic.
Alternative Brands to MAC
I know that finding alternatives to MAC Cosmetics can seem difficult. But it is not impossible!
I have already found a few alternatives that you should definitely check out!
- RMS Beauty: This brand is an ethical alternative to MAC Cosmetics. It is cruelty-free as well as vegan. Moreover, its products are in the same price range as those of MAC! If you love organic makeup products, you would be a fan of this brand on the first try!
- Anastasia Beverly Hills: This brands’ products are amazing enough to give MAC Cosmetics a run for its money! ABH is an extremely popular brand for all the right reasons. Additionally, you will find great vegan options too in this brand.
Fact Check
Let us now do the final fact check!
MAC Cosmetics is:
- Not cruelty-free.
- It allows animal testing when the law requires it.
- MAC is owned by Estee Lauder Companies.
- This brand sells in China.
- Most of its products are not vegan.
- It is not completely free of parabens or gluten.
- Some of its products are hypoallergenic.
Conclusion
Hope you enjoyed this article! It is really heartbreaking to find out that MAC is not cruelty-free. But as I keep saying, it is not very hard to find ethical options! You just need to be open to alternatives!
I am Farhin Raisa, looking forward to creating a community that supports ethical, cruelty-free, and vegan beauty. As I review and find brands that make this community a better one, I hope to aid your process of picking the best products for yourself!
Last Updated on 07/05/2021
MAC Cosmetics needs no introduction. A well known name in the contemporary cosmetics world. Beauty enthusiasts have MAC in their kitty or bucket list! Today, let’s have a look at MAC’s cruelty-free status!
This Canada based makeup brand has now spread its wings all around the globe. MAC’s Ruby Woo is ‘the’ lipstick for all red lip lovers for a couple of decades now. You can’t ‘un-see’ the mesmerizing effects of Studio Fix Powder Compact, Fluid Foundation or Fix+ as well.
However, MAC has been criticized time and again for its shady cruelty policies. Should you buy a MAC product as a cruelty-free supporter or leave it for good? These are the facts to consider.
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Is MAC Cosmetics Cruelty Free? Is it Vegan?
MAC – Past & Present
1984 –Makeup Art Cosmetics Inc is popularly known as MAC Cosmetics. It was founded in 1984 by two photographers turned makeup artists. They’re Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo.
This Toronto based makeup brand wanted to fill up the ridge. This gap existed between long stay and photo-friendly makeup.
Initially, MAC was popular among focused audience of fashion & makeup world. Within a few years, its popularity reached to mass beauty users.
The brand started its journey with lip colors. Later, they ventured into face makeup.
1994 –In 1994, beauty giant Estee Lauder bought major stakes of this brand.
1998 – In 1998, there was a demise of one of the founder member. As a result, Estee Lauder became the sole owner of MAC.
MAC holds its position among top 3 makeup brands in world ranking. MAC has collaborated with several huge artists. For instance, Sia, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, & Elle Goulding.
What MAC Says about their Cruelty Free Outlook?
Here’s something interesting from MAC’s official website. It is under the tag of ‘Working Toward a Cruelty-free World”.
“M·A·C does not test on animals. We do not own any animal testing facilities and we never ask others to test on animals for us. While some governments conduct animal testing to prove safety before they will allow us to sell our products, M·A·C has never tested on animals and we continue to be a leader in the movement to end animal testing globally. To this end, we are proud to partner with IIVS (INSTITUTE FOR IN VITRO SCIENCES) to expand the use and acceptance of non-animal testing methods worldwide.”
This is the same old ambiguous statement. You can find it in every subsidiary of non-cruelty free Estee Lauder conglomerate.
The statement tries to convince you how animal-friendly MAC’s policies are. Sadly, the mention of exception breaks all the illusions MAC was trying to create.
Moreover, they do not share clear data about their ingredient testing policy. The above statement does not confirm how the suppliers treat the product ingredients.
PS: In cosmetic industry, animal testing is majorly performed at the ingredients level, not in the complete product level. Here is a detailed Cruelty Free Guide.
Cruelty free timeline
MAC used to be a biggest promoter of cruelty-free in cosmetic industry. They used to promote their products as ‘tested on models not on animals’.
But then the merger of MAC with Estee Lauder occured. (tragic!) As a result, this brought a huge change in their original policies.
Hence, MAC broke all their ethics promises towards their loyal cruelty-free consumers. And guess what?
2005 –MAC got launched in China in 2005.
They even brought changes in their testing policy. All done to entertain the mandatory animal testing practices by Chinese government.
2012 – In 2012, it was disclosed that MAC runs animal testing on their own. This news created lots of buzz among the users and beauty community.
There were urges and protests by various animal welfare organisations. For example, PETA’s youth chapter. However, MAC did not budge. No changes in any of its policies.
Is MAC Cruelty Free?
No. Nope. Nada. Nah. MAC is not a cruelty-free brand.
In fact, MAC’s parent brand is also an animal cruelty brand.
2005 – MAC used to be a cruelty free brand until 2005. In 2005 MAC started selling their products in mainland China.
Currently, they are in compliance to Chinese policies. Accordingly, all imported products have to go through mandatory animal testing step. This is the cosmetic product safety guideline over there.
2012 – MAC chose monetary gain over customer loyalty & animal welfare. Additionally, they started animal testing on their own since 2012.
Till this date, MAC funds the Chinese government to run cruelty test on their products.
Is MAC manufactured in China?
Not known. Majority of MAC’s color products are manufactured in US and Canada. Not adequate information is available to tell if MAC makes products in mainland China or not.
Is MAC currently being sold in China?
Yes. MAC has several standalone stores in China. Also, they sell their products through their own China website & Sephora.
MAC products are widely available both online and offline in mainland China. In fact, China is currently one of the major consumers of MAC.
Is it vegan?
No. MAC products are definitely not vegan.
MAC uses animal derived ingredients like carmine and beeswax to make their world famous makeup range.
Do we recommend MAC?
Not at all.
Sorry folks! We can’t recommend a shady brand like MAC.
MAC is neither cruelty free nor vegan. They aren’t even clean & green. Just like many other non-cruelty free brands MAC tries fool customers. They market their products as ‘never tested’ on animals.
On contrary, they allow and obviously ‘pay’ governing bodies to perform animal testing on their products.
PETA has even included MAC in their ‘brands to avoid’ list for this contrasting duality.
Is Mac Cruelty Free In India
Alternatives to 5 Highly Recommended Products from MAC
Here are some cruelty free dupes of MAC.
- MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Ruby Woo
You saw this one coming. Obviously! This is one of the bestseller worldwide. A beautiful red lipstick with ultra matte finish. This blue toned red color never goes wrong with anyone. Perhaps the reason why so many celebrities swear by it?
The best cruelty free dupe of Ruby Woo is Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in Creeper. Affordable & cruelty free, give me one please! (I am on a lookout for a better dupe though!)
- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer is another star product from MAC. The wide shade range, blendable formula and superb staying power are some USP. Covergirl TrueBlend Concealer is the best cruelty free dupe of this amazing concealer. Find the list of the best cruelty free concealer here.
- MAC Prep+Prime Fix+
Fix+ is MAC’s all in one prep+set product. This watery liquid is originally a fixing spray but it doubles up as primer water. You can even use it as a base for eye shadows and shimmers. NYX Dewy Setting Spray is a good dupe for this.
- MAC Eyeshadow
Mac Cruelty Free Beauty
Rich pigment, color variety & lasting power makes MAC Eye Shadows superior. You can get dupes of the cult favorite shades from this range (Carbon, Amber lights, etc.) in Colourpop cruelty-free eyeshadow collection.
- MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish
One of the favorite strobe highlighter for many. ELF Baked Blush is an awesome substitute that comes with the same healthy glow and flawless finish.
PS:Before you go, do share any MAC dupes you’re found of in the comments below!
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