Are Mac Cosmetics Paraben Free

Afterglow Cosmetics is among the cleanest makeup brands on the market, featuring an entire catalog of not only paraben-free products, but gluten-free, soy-free, fragrance-free, bismuth-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. They also feature a number of organic ingredients in their mineral makeup line. Juice Beauty focuses not only on natural. One thing MAC has got going for them is yes, MAC is paraben-free! Parabens are used as preservatives to further the shelf life in beauty products. MAC still contains preservatives, just not parabens and it’s a great decision by them! Is MAC Gluten-Free? Overall, MAC is not the greatest option if you need cruelty-free makeup because they all. Personally, I choose makeup without parabens, as makeup does absorb into the skin. Today there are many paraben-free options out there. For instance Sephora, Shoppers Drugmart and Well.ca have many natural products. I don't know if Mac is made without parabens but if it is, I'm sure they'll advertise it.

Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics. Here are answers to questions that consumers often ask about the safety and use of these ingredients.

What are parabens, and why are they used in cosmetics?

Parabens are a family of related chemicals that are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products. Preservatives may be used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, in order to protect both the products and consumers.

The parabens used most commonly in cosmetics are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben.

ParabenAre Mac Cosmetics Paraben Free

Product ingredient labels typically list more than one paraben in a product, and parabens are often used in combination with other types of preservatives to better protect against a broad range of microorganisms.

What kinds of products contain parabens?

Parabens are used in a wide variety of cosmetics, as well as in foods and drugs. Cosmetics that may contain parabens include makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products, among others. Many major brands of deodorants do not currently contain parabens, although some may.

Cosmetics sold to consumers in stores or online must have a list of ingredients, each listed by its common or usual name. This is important information for consumers who want to find out whether a product contains an ingredient they wish to avoid. Parabens are usually easy to identify by their name, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben.

Does FDA regulate the use of preservatives in cosmetics?

FDA doesn’t have special rules that apply only to preservatives in cosmetics. The law treats preservatives in cosmetics the same as other cosmetic ingredients.

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market.

However, it is against the law to market a cosmetic in interstate commerce if it is adulterated or misbranded. This means, for example, that cosmetics must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label or in the customary way, and they must be properly labeled.

FDA can take action against a cosmetic on the market that does not comply with the laws we enforce. However, to take action against a cosmetic for safety reasons, we must have reliable scientific information showing that the product is harmful when consumers use it according to directions on the label or in the customary way.

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Are parabens safe as they’re used in cosmetics? Are they linked to breast cancer or other health problems?

FDA scientists continue to review published studies on the safety of parabens. At this time, we do not have information showing that parabens as they are used in cosmetics have an effect on human health. Here are some of the questions we are considering:

  • What do published studies show about the possible hazards of parabens, and on the effects of parabens on human health? For example, do experimental findings with various parabens also happen in real life?
  • What are the hazards and risks of not using parabens? If we stop using parabens to protect cosmetics and consumers from harmful bacteria, are there safer alternatives for preservatives?
  • If there are paraben-related health effects that are scientifically supported and documented, how do these effects relate to the use of parabens in cosmetics?
  • Do the different kinds of parabens act the same or differently in our bodies?

FDA will continue to evaluate new data in this area. If we determine that a health hazard exists, we will advise the industry and the public, and will consider the agency’s legal options under the authority of the FD&C Act to protect the health and welfare of consumers.

Additional Resources

Makeup products are using a variety of chemical additives in order to achieve their effects permanently. However, these ingredients are often problematic for the human body and the environment. Three of these ingredients in makeup are parabens, phthalates and silicones.

Many consumers are looking now for products that do not use these substances. But it is difficult, regardless of the price range, to find appropriate products. In this article we provide you a list of brands that offer makeup without parabens, phthalates and silicones.

What do Parabens do in makeup?

Parabens are used primarily as a preservative. They are added to water-containing cosmetics in order to avoid the development of bacteria in the contained water. The parabens, however, are highly controversial because of their impact on the human hormonal balance. More and more countries around the globe are imposing strict maximum limits for the use of parabens on the human skin. Some countries, such as Denmark, have already banned them from cosmetic products, all together.

The function of parabens can already be replaced by plant based ingredients such as essential oils or various harmless acids in order to prevent impurities and to combat the formation of germs, bacteria and fungi.

Why are Phthalates used in make-up?

Phthalates are used to plasticize the products, making them more flexible or better able to hold in color and scent. From nail polish to scented lip stick these chemicals are used in a variety of makeup products, usually listed as “fragrance.”

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are suspected to be disruptive to the endocrine system, which is responsible for the hormone production. The effects of phthalates are related to their ability to mimic human hormones. A study by the University of Maryland reported that exposure to phthalates could cause reproductive abnormalities and decreased production of testosterone in males, as well as decreased male fertility. Other studies show a link between phthalates and premature delivery and endometriosis in females.

Why are silicones used in makeup?

Silicones make sure that makeup, foundation, eye shadows or lipsticks can be applied smoothly and keep the colors for hours. As soon as the silicones react with the heat of the skin the moisture evaporates and solid particles remain, make them feel powdery and hold the color pigments.

Silicones are especially controversial because of their effect on the environment. In particular, the silicones that are used in large quantities in hair care products. Via the sewage and sludge they are included in fertilizers and get washed into rivers, lakes and groundwater.

Silicones can be easily detected on the list of ingredients on the product packaging. They usually end with “-cone” such as “Dimethicone”, “Cyclomethicone”, “Amodimethicone” or “Dimethicone copolyol”. The natural cosmetics manufacturers use more costly ingredients such as almond oil, avocado oil or other natural fatty oils in order to replace silicones. These substances are biodegradable.

In order to avoid these negative effects it is a good idea to ĺook at makeup brands that use formulations that avoid these chemicals and offer makeup, foundations, lipsticks or eyeshadows without Parabens, Phthalates and Silicones; by the way, at reasonable prices.

Paraben, Silicone and Phthalate free makeup Brands

Eco Bella

  • from New Jersey
  • Lipsticks, Lipsmoothers, Lipliners, Lipgloss, Color Blushes, Bronzing Powders, Face Powders, Liquid Foundation, Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Mascara
  • with formulas of vegetable waxes, oils, and mineral pigments
  • all natural

Real Purity

  • from Evansville, IN
  • Mascara, Lipsticks, Cream Foundation, Eye Shadow, Pressed Powder, Lip Balm, Makeup Remover, Powder Blush, Concealer, Perfume, Lip Gloss and Cream Blush
  • 100% natural and organic
  • Rated one of the purest health and beauty brands on the market today by the Environmental Working Group
  • no artificial preservative, coloring or additives
  • no petrochemical or synthetic substances.
  • Cruelty free

100% Pure

  • from Silicon Valley, California
  • Foundations, BB Cream, Face Primer, Concealer, Blush, Bronzer, Highlighter Makeup Remover, Eyeshadow, Palettes, Mascara, Eyeliner, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Lip Stain, Lip Gloss, Lip Balm
  • 100% natural and 100% cruelty-free
  • all products are free of artificial colors, artificial fragrances, synthetic chemical preservatives and all other toxins

RMS Beauty

  • from New York City
  • by Makeup Artist Rose-Marie Swift
  • Makeup, Luminizers, Bronzers, Powder, Lip balm, Lip shine, Eye shadows, Eye Polish, Mascara.
  • only Minerals (no Nanoparticles) and organic or wildcrafted natural ingredients
  • Gluten free, GMO free, Soy free, Nano free, not tested on animals

Affordable Mineral Makeup

  • Mineral Makeup, Base Minerals, Blushes, Eyeshadows, Finishers, Foundations
  • No micronized minerals/nano-particles, no talc, no coated minerals, no Bismuth Oxychloride, no Synthetic dyes, no parabens
  • No carmine, no fragrances, no artificial preservatives, no Petrochemicals
  • Cruelty Free – No Animal Testing
  • Non-comedogenic – Will not clog pores

Vapour Organic Beauty

  • from Taos, NM
  • Foundations, Concealers, Primers, Makeup Removers, Organic Nail & Cuticle Oil, Eye Colors, Eyeliners, Highlighters, Bronzers, Lipsticks and Lip Conditioners
  • only natural, healthy, minimally processed ingredients with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients and the remaining 30% comprised of mineral pigments and essential oils.
  • Clarity Organic Make Up Remover, Replenish Organic Nail and Cuticle Oil, and Lux Organic Lip Conditioner are USDA certified organic.
  • All other Vapour products contain a minimum of 70% organic ingredients and 30% minerals and pure essential oils but are not certified due to their mineral pigment content.
  • cruelty free
  • All Vapour products are made in the USA.

Kjaer Weis

Mac Cosmetics Canada

  • from New York, NY
  • developed by Danish Makeup Artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis
  • Cream Blushes, Highlighters, Bronzers, Foundations, Lip Sticks, Lip Tint, Eye Shadows, Mascara
  • raw substances and natural preservatives extracted from minerals, plants and wildflowers
  • made in Italy
  • almost all of the makeup has been approved as “Certified Organic” .
  • Cream Blush, Lip Tint and Mascara are Certified Organic (95% of ingredients organic) or “Certified Natural” by the Italian organic inspection body, CCPB (Controllo e Certificazione Prodotti Biologici)
  • Eye Shadows are Certified Natural.
  • no parabens, no silicone, no petrochemical emulsifiers, no synthetic fragrances.

Pacifica

  • from Portland, Oregon
  • Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Mascara, Under Eye Brightener, Primers, Concealers, BB Cream, CC Cream Foundations, Powder Cheek, Lipsticks, Lip Gloss, Lip Butter, Lip Tint, Nail Top coat, Nail Polish
  • gluten free, 100% vegan, 100% cruelty free
  • no phthalates, no parabens, no sulfates, no propylene glycol, no mineral oil, no petroleum, no peanut oil, no triclosan
Are Mac Cosmetics Paraben Free

Axiology

  • Lipsticks from Bend, Oregon, USA
  • No harsh chemicals. No animal testing. No toxins.

Axiology uses Mineral Powder Pigments, natural ingredients such as Organic Avocado Oil, Avocado Butter, Organic Castor Seed Oil and Organic Grapeseed Oil

Cate McNabb

  • from Chicago, IL
  • Foundations, Pressed Powders, Concealers, Blushes, Illuminizers, Makeup Primers, Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Mascara, Eye Primers, Lip sticks, Lip gloss, Lip tints
  • No Parabens, no Phthalates, no Triclosan, no Vitamin A, no Aluminum, no formaldehyde releasers

Lavera

  • Eyes, Lips and Teint all-natural cosmetics from Germany
  • 100% natural ingredients, NATRUE-certified
  • no animal testing
  • made in Germany

Logona

Paraben And Phthalate Free Makeup

  • Complexion, Eyes, Lips and Nails
  • 100% natural ingredients, NATRUE-certified
  • made in Germany
  • Free from synthetic colours, fragrances and preservatives, paraffin oils or any other raw materials from petroleum chemistry
  • Made with plant oils and extracts from organic cultivation Dermatologically tested
  • Developed and produced without animal testing

ILIA

  • Lip Sticks, Lip gloss, Lip care, Mascara, Eyeliner, Eyeshadows, Foundations, Powder, Concealers
  • with certified organic bio-active botanicals.

Sheer Miracle

Mac Cosmetics India

  • from Saint Charles, IL
  • Mineral Makeup: Foundation, Finishing Powder, Concealer, Bronzer, Blush, Eyeshadow, Eye Liner
  • truly natural ingredients that are organic, fair trade or locally sourced
  • hypoallergenic, non-irritating

Rituel de Fille

Bare Minerals Equivalent

  • from Los Angeles, CA
  • Lipsticks, Eye Soot and Lip Sheer
  • All Rituel de Fille products are 99% natural
  • handcrafted without parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes or synthetic fragrances
  • never tested on animals
  • raw materials from companies that are 100% cruelty free

Conclusion

When it comes to makeup, you should be aware what you put on your skin. There are already a lot of brands on the market that do offer makeup products without parabens, silicones, phthalates and other chemicals. They make an effort to reduce the effects of those chemicals on our bodies and on the environment. Consider this next time you buy a lipstick or a foundation.
Image Source: Pixabay CC0 Public Domain

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