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!
Cruelty Free Logo
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.
Aug 12, 2020 No, MAC is not a cruelty-free beauty brand. Even though they claim to not test on animals, they choose to sell in a country that requires imported cosmetics to be tested. Therefore, MAC is not considered to be cruelty-free. They will be added to my list of brands that test on animals. Install web components visual studio 2010 sp1. While Arm & Hammer is known for their baking soda, they also offer baking soda.
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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. Fps monitor crack.
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.
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
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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Is MAC Cosmetics Cruelty-Free?
MAC is NOT cruelty-free. MAC sells products in China where animal testing is required by law.
Is MAC Cosmetics PETA Certified?
Do Mac Makeup Test On Animals
No, MAC is not PETA Certified. PETA also lists MAC as a company that tests on animals.
Is MAC Cosmetics Leaping Bunny Certified?
No, MAC is not Leaping Bunny Certified.
Animal Testing in China
Animal Testing is required by law in China for all foreign cosmetics companies. All American and European cosmetic brands that are sold in China must undergo animal testing.
Any brand that chooses to sell their products in China cannot be considered cruelty-free. Even products that can bypass mandatory tests may still be pulled from the shelves by Chinese authorities to be tested on animals.
This does NOT include products that are made in China, only if they are sold in China.
The only way to know if a brand sells products in China is to ask them directly. Make sure to note that Hong Kong is not included in this policy, and neither are products only sold online to Chinese consumers.
You can see from the image below that MAC sells products in stores in China. MAC states on their website that MAC products are sold in China because “we love our fans, and we never want to exclude them anywhere.” More like they don’t want to miss out on the massive financial opportunity of having their products sold in stores in China. Chinese consumers could still buy MAC products online if MAC decided not to sell them in stores.
Is MAC Cosmetics Vegan?
MAC didn’t directly answer my question as to if any of their products are vegan or not. However, I do not consider any of their products vegan since they test on animals.
Cruelty-Free and Vegan Alternatives to MAC Cosmetics
Urban Decay
Abc flowcharter 4.0 free download. Urban Decay is a 100% cruelty-free and vegan brand. Urban Decay was born in Southern California in 1996 to disrupt the industry’s sea of pink-dominated counters.
RMS Beauty
RMS Beauty is 100% cruelty-free, but not all products are vegan. RMS Beauty was created by celebrity make-up artist, Rose Marie Swift. RMS Beauty is a mid-range brand that sells makeup and skincare. The products are formulated with raw, organic ingredients. RMS Beauty products are non-GMO, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, soy-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. RMS Beauty products are formulated using raw, food-grade, organic, wildcrafted, and natural ingredients that are as close to their natural state as possible.
Bite Beauty
Bite Beauty is 100% cruelty-free and vegan. Bite Beauty is a Canadian-based makeup brand, mostly known for its lip products, but they have expanded their product line to include other makeup products.
Email to the Company
Before classifying any brand as cruelty-free and vegan, I send them an email with the following questions:
- Are your products vegan? If only some are vegan, which ones?
- Are any of your products or ingredients tested on animals?
- Do you have a Leaping Bunny or PETA certification?
- Do your suppliers or any third parties test animals on your behalf?
- Does your company sell products in mainland China (except Hong Kong)?
- Are you owned by a parent company that tests on animals?
This is how MAC responded to my email:
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. More info here: bit.ly/1RPhyXe
Additionally, while we don’t maintain comprehensive lists of products that do or do not contain certain ingredients, you can find full ingredient listings right on www.maccosmetics.com! Simply navigate to the product page of interest until you locate “Ingredients” in the Full Description area.