Products containing gluten: tinted lip conditioner amplified creme lipstick day spf 15 light moisture fast response eye cream pre + prime skin I have read on a gluten free blog that mac's paint pots are gluten free but tocopherol is one of the ingredients to I need to confirm that with mac. M&M Lip Smackers. Skittles lip balms. All Starburst Lip Balms. Lip Smackers with SPF. Aveeno: Gluten free: Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner SPF 15. May need to avoid other Aveeno lip products. Chapstick: Their website states that they do not add any gluten to their products, HOWEVER none of their products are certified gluten-free. MAC is a prestige brand of makeup sold in some department stores, their own stores, and online. MAC does not make gluten free makeup, per se, but they do pay enough attention to their products to be able to say which of their products has glutinous ingredients and which don’t. They do acknowledge that even products that don’t contain glutinous ingredients can come in contact with gluten, so gluten free is not.
Clinique is a prestige brand of makeup sold in many department stores and online. Clinique does not make gluten free makeup, per se, but they do pay enough attention to their products to be able to say which of their products has glutinous ingredients and which don’t. They do acknowledge that even products that don’t contain glutinous ingredients can come in contact with gluten, so gluten free is not guaranteed because of shared equipment.
Clinique offer an enormous line of cosmetics, including but not limited to foundation, face washes, eye makeup, lipsticks, moisturizers, makeup removers, and fragrance. Their guarantee is that they do not test on animals and their products are allergy tested and 100% fragrance free (except for their perfume, of course!).
I contacted Clinique to ask generally about whether their makeup is gluten free, but also more specifically about their lip products. Their representative sent me the following information:
– Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm contains corn and soy
– Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm may contain ingredients derived from soy and corn
– Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick contains ingredients derived from soy and corn
– Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick contains triticum vulgare (wheat bran) extract and soy
– Different Lipstick contains ingredients derived from corn and soy
– High Impact Lip Colour contains ingredients derived from soy and corn
– Butter Shine Lipstick contains ingredients derived from soy and corn
– Almost Lipstick may contain ingredients derived from soy
Since I don’t have Celiac, I was glad to hear that my favorite lip products – chubby sticks and different lipstick – don’t have gluten. However, I do use them less often than before I found out they are manufactured on shared equipment, and when they run out, I won’t repurchase so that I can eliminate cross-contamination from my makeup.
It’s up to you whether you’re willing to use a product that is made on shared equipment, but before you purchase their makeup, make sure to contact them and ask whether what you’d like to use has glutinous ingredients.
Products with Gluten Ingredients
Pop Lip Colour + Primer has
- triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract
- triticum vulgare (wheat) bran extract
- hordeum vulgare (barley) extract
Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream has
- triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract
- hordeum vulgare (barley) extract
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion has
- hordeum vulgare (barley) extract
High Impact Mascara has
- hydrolyzed wheat protein
These are only the ones I’ve looked at. I’m sure there are more, so be wary as you look through the ingredients list.
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.
*Contains affiliate link(s)
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’.
Pre created iso for hackintosh high sierra 10.13 no mac. 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. Hill rom compella bed user manual.
Till this date, MAC funds the Chinese government to run cruelty test on their products.
Blackmagic ultrastudio mini recorder manual. 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.
Certified Gluten Free Makeup
- 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 Powder Kiss Lipstick Gluten Free
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!
Share on Pinterest: