Last Updated on 07/05/2021

1. Which Lipsticks Are Gluten Free
2. Are Mac Lipsticks Gluten Free Good

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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It took me well over a month to get a response from them. However, I got a nicely detailed response today (04/12/07) regarding their products. Here you go: Thank you for taking the time to contact M.A.C. We now consider wheat, barley, oat, rye, corn, rice and soy.While a formulation may contain. Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek. This two-in-one formula can be applied on the cheeks for a natural-looking flush or on the lips for a buildable tint. In addition to being soy- and gluten-free, the product is cruelty-free and vegan. 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. Nivea: Gluten-free status not confirmed. “It’s nice to know I can always trust Red Apple Lipstick to provide not only safe gluten-free makeup and lipsticks, but also high-quality cosmetics that help me look and feel my best. I’m totally addicted to the company’s soothing lip balm, and never leave home without my trusty Red Apple lipstick or lip gloss to finish my look.”. Say goodbye to.MAC cosmetics. I usually talk about things that ARE gluten-free, but it can be equally useful in knowing what ISN'T gluten-free. Before I realized that eyeshadows and mascara could contain gluten, I used MAC. After contacting the company and receiving a response MUCH later, I learned that the following products contained gluten.

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.

Alternatives to 5 Highly Recommended Products from MAC

Here are some cruelty free dupes of MAC.

1. 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!)

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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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Say Goodbye To Your Gluten Filled Makeup Bag

Do you really need to worry about health and beauty products such as shampoo and hair spray? How about mascara and eyeshadow? Do these products even contain wheat, barley, rye or oatmeal?

The simple answer is ‘yes’ most cosmetic products do contain some form of gluten and can cause symptoms, especially for people that are exquisitely sensitive or have the rash DH.

People with gluten intolerance, celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis ARE sensitive to gluten in their personal care products. Everything that is placed on your skin has the potential to enter in your bloodstream. Accidental ingestion can also happen if any gluten containing ingredients are on your skin, hands or around your mouth. Although you might not eat your eye shadow or mascara it does have the potential to get on your hands, and then into your mouth, eyes or nose.

The Gluten Free RN has set out on a mission to find gluten free beauty products. We have formed a list of companies that claim to have gluten free cosmetics and beauty products.

Please use this list of companies as a resource guide for finding products. With the following precautions in mind:

• We have not tested every product from every company and therefore cannot guarantee that every product is 100% free from gluten.

Which Lipsticks Are Gluten Free

• Companies change formulas and ingredients in their products often. When ordering a product we recommend checking the ingredients, and emailing the company for verification.

• Everyone has different skin. While one product may work for me it might not work for you. We recommend testing products on your skin before purchasing them. Many companies will give away or sell samples that can be used as a tester before you decide to make a purchase.

The Hidden Ingredients

Gluten can be very sneaky and as many of you know appears in all different places. Below is a list of the many ingredients gluten can hide in your beauty products:

• Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
• Cyclodextrin
• Dextrin
• Dextrin Palmitate
• Hydrolyzed Malt Extract
• Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch
• Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Flour
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Gluten
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch
• Wheat Amino Acids
• Wheat Germ Glycerides
• Wheat Germamidopropalkonium Chloride
• Wheat Protein
• Wheatgermamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
• Yeast Extract

Gluten Free Cosmetics Companies

Below is a list of companies that claim to have mostly or all gluten free products. As a reminder: We have not tested all of the products or companies on this list. If you have highly sensitive skin we suggest contacting the company for a list of ingredients and testing their product on your skin. The Gluten Free RN can also test any product for the presence of gluten under 10ppm at our downtown office.

Everyday Minerals
(Email from the company:)
Hello Sam,
Thank you for contacting us. The Tocopherol (Vitamin E) used in our Lip Balms and Glosses is derived from Soy. Other products that do contain the Tocopherol are the Pressed Powders. Our products are vegan based, free of carmine, nuts, lake dyes, fragrance, bismuth oxychloride and parabens. Our powders consist of: mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and iron oxides. Our finishing powders vary and some consist of kaolin powder.

All of these products should work well for you, but you may also want to check a gluten list of ingredients to avoid, since everyone’s skin is different. We do recommend doing a skin patch test when trying a new product to see if your skin is happy with the product. If your skin is sensitive to a product then wash your skin with water and discontinue use.

The Product Page does have a tab with the list of ingredients, which you can use for reference before making a purchase. Simply select the product of your choice and then select the Ingredients tab at the bottom of the page to view the ingredients for that product (there will also be a Details and Usage Tips tab).

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Cristy,
Everyday Minerals

100% Pure
Direct from their website:

Are Mac Lipsticks Gluten Free Good

Are your products gluten free? If so, where does the Vitamin E come from?

Most of our products are gluten free. We are sensitive to this since we know many people suffer from gluten allergies. One common ingredient that contains gluten is Vitamin E. But the Vitamin E we use is gluten free because it’s derived from cold pressing rice bran.