MAC Fix+ · Cosmetic Color Products
Mac Cosmetics Makeup | Mac Nail Lacquer Polish Over-Accessorized (Pink Gold Glitter ) Boxed | Color: Gold/Pink | Size: 0
Nail polish: lower PFAS concern. No waterproofing claims.
MAC nail lacquer is a standard cosmetic polish without water-resistant or stain-resistant treatments that typically require PFAS. No public PFAS disclosure from brand.
Shop MAC Fix+ on Amazon →Material
nitrocellulose, plasticizers, pigments, resins
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
MAC Nail Lacquer is a solvent-based formula built on nitrocellulose film-former, plasticizers (likely dibutyl phthalate or modern alternatives), and synthetic/mica pigments for color and glitter effect. The glitter component in this specific shade introduces fine particles that pose inhalation risk during application if ventilation is poor. Nitrocellulose itself is not toxic when cured; hazard comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during application and from potential contaminants in pigment batches.
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (Estee Lauder subsidiary) does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing, heavy metal testing limits, or formaldehyde-releaser content for nail lacquers, though the brand is regulated under FDA cosmetics rules. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to MAC nail lacquer have been established in public records. The brand markets 'professional' positioning but provides minimal transparency on solvent safety or phthalate replacement strategies compared to competitors like Zoya or Ella+Mila.
How it compares in its category
Standard three-component nail lacquer formulas (solvent, film-former, colorant) carry consistent low-to-moderate risk across mass-market brands. MAC sits mid-range: more rigorously manufactured than budget brands but less transparent and less reformulated away from classic solvents than premium indie or 'clean' lines. Glitter nail polishes across all brands pose slightly higher VOC and particulate exposure than solid colors due to suspension agents and particle load.
If you buy it
Apply in well-ventilated spaces (open window or fan) to minimize solvent vapor inhalation. Wear it for 7-14 days before removal; extended wear increases solvent absorption through the nail bed. Remove with acetone or non-acetone remover in ventilation; never use in enclosed bathrooms. Replace if formula thickens, separates, or smells rancid (sign of solvent degradation), typically after 2-3 years of storage. Pregnant individuals should consult their provider about exposure frequency.
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.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent inhalation
Nitrocellulose lacquers release toluene, xylene, and other VOCs during and shortly after application. Glitter formulas may require additional solvents for particle suspension, increasing cumulative VOC load. Exposure is acute during application and dissipates with ventilation but is not eliminated.
Phthalate plasticizers
MAC does not disclose whether this formula uses dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or newer alternatives. Industry trend is replacement, but without MAC's explicit statement, older formulations may still contain DBP, which is a reproductive health concern with chronic low-dose dermal exposure.
Heavy metals in synthetic pigments and mica
Gold and pink glitter pigments (likely iron oxides, titanium dioxide, or synthetic colorants) can carry trace lead or cadmium if sourcing is not rigorous. MAC does not publish heavy metal limits for nail lacquer. Risk is inhalation during application and absorption through abraded skin, not ingestion.
Formaldehyde-releaser resins
Some lacquer resins (tosylamide/formaldehyde resin) release low levels of formaldehyde during cure and wear. MAC's formula disclosure does not confirm or exclude these; they are legal but a known contact allergen concern for frequent users and nail technicians.
Microinhalation of glitter particles
Sparkle and glitter polishes shed fine particles during application, wear, and removal. While not classified as a major toxin, chronic inhalation of mica and synthetic particles may irritate respiratory tissue, especially for professional nail technicians with daily exposure.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
Safer alternatives in Cosmetic Color Products
MAC Fix+
MAC Studio Matte Overlacquer
liquid cosmetic spray, alcohol and resin based
Lower concern cosmetic spray.
⚠Risky category by default
More cosmetic color products 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.