MAC · Eyeliner
Chromaline Gel - Hi-Def Cyan
Lower concern, but cosmetic formulation opacity limits certainty.
MAC Chromaline Gel is a cosmetic colorant with no public PFAS disclosures or third-party verification. Gel cosmetics rarely require PFAS, but MAC does not publish full ingredient transparency.
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gel pigment formulation (primary ingredients not publicly disclosed for proprietary reasons)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Chromaline Gel is a proprietary pigmented gel formulation; MAC does not publicly disclose the full ingredient list beyond standard cosmetic labeling. Gel eyeliners typically contain water, film-forming polymers (acrylates or silicones), pigments, and preservatives. The opacity of the formulation means independent verification of specific constituents is limited, but gel eyeliners are among the lower-risk makeup categories because they do not aerosolize like powders and sit on the eyelid in minimal quantities.
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (Estée Lauder-owned) does not maintain a public PFAS stance for cosmetics and has not disclosed PFAS levels in individual products. The brand complies with FDA cosmetic regulations and EU cosmetic directives in relevant markets. No recalls or safety warnings specific to Chromaline Gel or MAC eyeliners are on record. MAC publishes basic ingredient lists but not full chemical safety data sheets for consumers.
How it compares in its category
Gel eyeliners as a category carry fewer documented hazards than cream or liquid liners because they are more stable and less prone to separation or microbial growth if used cleanly. Chromaline Gel is positioned as a premium product with higher pigment concentration; this does not inherently increase toxicity but may concentrate trace metals from pigments. Comparable brands (Bobbi Brown, Clinique, drugstore alternatives) face similar formulation opacity and PFAS uncertainty.
If you buy it
Store the product with the lid tightly closed to prevent drying and contamination. Replace after 6-8 months of regular use or if you notice hardening, separation, or odor changes, as gel formulations can degrade and lose preservative efficacy. Avoid applying to the waterline if you have sensitive eyes; the eyelid skin is thin and permeable. Do not share applicators or allow the product to contact mucous membranes beyond intended use.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Heavy metals in colorants (iron oxides, titanium dioxide, mica)
Cyan gel eyeliners rely on synthetic or mineral pigments; MAC does not publicly certify heavy metal testing. Iron oxides and titanium dioxide are regulated but trace lead or cadmium is possible in lower-quality pigment batches. Eyelid exposure is minimal due to small application volume.
Formaldehyde releasers (preservative system)
Gel eyeliners commonly use imidazolidinyl urea or dmdm hydantoin as preservatives, which slowly release formaldehyde. MAC does not disclose which preservatives are used in Chromaline Gel. Direct eyelid exposure carries low risk because contact area is small and duration is brief, but sensitized individuals may react.
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in polyethylene glycol or emulsifiers)
Gel formulations often contain PEG-derived ingredients or ethoxylated emulsifiers that may carry 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing residue. MAC does not publish 1,4-dioxane testing or removal data. Regulatory limits in the US are absent, but the EU allows trace amounts in cosmetics.
Eye irritation from film formers or fragrance compounds
Consumer reviews occasionally cite redness or stinging with gel eyeliners in sensitive eyes; this is typically due to polymers, emulsifiers, or preservatives rather than acute toxins. Chromaline Gel is not fragrance-free, so fragrance allergens (eugenol, limonene) are possible in the formulation.
Microplastic shedding from polymeric coating
No specific recalls or studies document microplastic shedding from MAC gel eyeliners. The product is intended for short-term eyelid use and is removed daily, minimizing environmental or bioaccumulative concern, though all synthetic gel eyeliners carry theoretical microplastic risk during application and removal.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 65% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More eyeliner grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.