MAC · Lipstick & Lip Products
MAC Locked Kiss 24HR Lipstick
24HR waterproof claim raises concern; brand silent on PFAS.
MAC's long-wear lipstick likely uses waterproofing agents and film formers to achieve its 24-hour promise, materials often associated with PFAS. Brand discloses nothing about PFAS content or testing.
The safe swap
Revlon
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Pigments, waxes, film-forming polymers, waterproof binders
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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 Locked Kiss 24HR uses a waterproof film-forming polymer system with synthetic waxes and pigments designed to resist water and maintain color payoff for extended wear. The '24HR waterproof' claim typically requires either silicone-based polymers or fluorinated binders (PFAS-class compounds) to achieve water repellency on lips; MAC does not publicly disclose which system is used here. The product contains synthetic colorants and iron oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499) which are standard and regulated, but the absence of a full ingredient breakdown from MAC limits evaluation of specific pigment sourcing and potential heavy metal contamination risks.
The brand's record and disclosure
MAC (owned by Estée Lauder Companies) does not publicly commit to PFAS phase-out or disclosure practices in cosmetics, remaining silent on whether waterproof formulations contain per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances. The brand has not published ingredient transparency reports specific to this product and does not hold third-party certifications (such as Clean Beauty or PFOA-free labeling). No major safety recalls or contamination incidents on record for Locked Kiss lipstick specifically, but the broader cosmetics industry's opacity around PFAS in waterproof products reflects a sector-wide disclosure gap.
How it compares in its category
Long-wear and waterproof lipsticks across all price points typically carry unresolved PFAS uncertainty due to lack of mandatory disclosure; MAC's tier does not differ meaningfully from competitors like Urban Decay, NARS, or drugstore alternatives in this regard. Brands with explicit PFAS avoidance claims (e.g., some indie or 'clean' lines) are rare and often unverified. In terms of non-PFAS cosmetic safety, Locked Kiss carries standard cosmetic-grade pigment and wax risks no higher than conventionally formulated long-wear lipsticks, but the waterproof positioning amplifies the PFAS concern relative to non-waterproof formulas.
If you buy it
Apply with clean applicators to avoid bacterial contamination; lipstick does not present thermal degradation risk under normal lip temperature conditions. Replace if product develops rancid odor, discoloration, or changes in texture, typically within 12-24 months depending on storage and frequency of use. Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight to preserve binder integrity. If you have known fragrance sensitivities or reactive skin, patch test on inner lip first, as cosmetic-grade dyes and fragrance compounds (not fully itemized on packaging) can trigger contact dermatitis.
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.”
PFAS in waterproof binders
Waterproof '24HR' claim likely depends on fluorinated or silicone polymers; MAC provides no public disclosure of PFAS presence or absence. Industry standard for waterproof lip color often involves per- or polyfluoroalkyl compounds, but MAC has not independently verified or ruled this out.
Heavy metals in synthetic pigments (lead, cadmium, nickel)
Cosmetic-grade synthetic iron oxides and CI pigments used in this product are regulated in most markets, and no recalls or contamination reports exist for this specific lipstick. Risk is inherent to all synthetic colorants but typically low under normal cosmetic regulations; however, MAC does not publish third-party heavy metal testing data.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
Product contains fragrance listed generically on packaging; individual components not disclosed. Potential for contact dermatitis or sensitization in consumers with fragrance sensitivities, though serious reactions to lip color are uncommon.
Formaldehyde releasers in film-forming resins
No evidence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in this product line; modern cosmetic resins typically do not rely on this class. Not a documented concern for MAC formulations, but full ingredient transparency from the brand would confirm.
Microplastic particles in wax matrix
Locked Kiss does not advertise synthetic microbeads or exfoliating particles. Risk of microplastic shedding is negligible for this product type, though wax particles may shed during removal.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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 Lipstick & Lip Products
Revlon
Super Lustrous Lipstick
wax, oils, pigments, emollients
Lower PFAS risk likely, but no brand transparency or testing.
⚠Risky category by default
Revlon
Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick
wax, oils, pigments, emollients
Typical lipstick with no known PFAS risk markers.
⚠Risky category by default
Covergirl
Continuous Color Lipstick
Wax, oils, pigments, standard cosmetic bases
Lower concern lipstick, but no PFAS transparency from brand.
⚠Risky category by default
More lipstick & lip 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.