Try makeup online in the comfort of your own home with MAC Cosmetics. Our virtual try-on lets you see yourself in 800+ products. MAC Select shoppers can use the Back to MAC Tracker, which tallies every item they return. They can bring a single empty eye shadow pot one day, three dry primer bottles the next time. Once they hit six, they score the free reward. It’s just slightly discounted, to a lipstick, gloss, or eye shadow that’s $17 in value.

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MAC Cosmetics are one of the most popular makeup brands around. A dupe of their famous lipsticks is still one of the most requested things on my local cruelty free Facebook groups! Unfortunately, MAC Cosmetics are not cruelty free – they allow animal testing to occur on their products, and they are owned by a non-cruelty free parent company.

Are MAC Cosmetics Cruelty Free?

Mac Cosmetics are not cruelty free. MAC Cosmetics state on their website:

Along with many other popular brands, although MAC Cosmetics state that they have never tested on animals, you can see from the quote that they allow their products to be tested on animals by ‘some governments’. As we all know, true cruelty free brands do not sell their products under governments that conduct animal testing.

In addition to this, MAC Cosmetics are owned by Estée Lauder. This leads to a fairly complicated debate on whether or not an animal testing parent company can own a cruelty free brand. (Get more info here). I always say that it’s up to an individual to decide whether or not they want to buy from brands with animal testing parent companies, but either way it’s worth noting.

Do MAC Cosmetics have Vegan Products?

No MAC products can be classed as vegan because they are all subject to animal testing. Makeup Academy (MUA) is a great alternative brand that is 100% cruelty free and vegan.

Are MAC Cosmetics a Sustainable Brand?

Hidden away on their website is a link to MAC Cosmetics’ “Back to MAC” scheme, which gives you a free lipstick for every six empty MAC containers returned to store for recycling. This can only be done in-store and doesn’t seem to be particularly well advertised on their website, but at least it’s something.

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Talc’s everywhere in the press lately. In 2017 and 2019, Claire’s recalled several talc-based makeups marketed to kids and teens that tested positive for asbestos — a known carcinogen. While not every makeup product sold today contains talc, many powder-based ones do. In fact, talc is usually the number-one ingredient in eyeshadows! And it’s difficult to find talc-free makeup brands that don’t use it in a single product they sell. So if you’re looking to clean up your makeup routine, look no further. (I mean, who wants to apply a known carcinogen on their face every day?) Just use our handy list below to find a new brand you’re sure to love!

Our Top 10 Talc-Free Makeup Brands & Product Picks

These 10 brands carry the most talc-free makeup products (and several avoid using other controversial ingredients). Of course, always check the label when you buy or visit their website to double-check if you’re unsure.

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #1: Smashbox

Most Smashbox eyeshadow trios are talc-free (but check the ingredients on their palettes just in case). They run about $22 each and come in many different colors. Plus, Smashbox’s website lists their ingredients for each product on the individual item’s page. In bold at the top of their ingredients list it reads, “Formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, fragrance & talc.” Their O-Glow blush is also talc-free and goes on in a silky clear gel form that flatters nearly every skin tone.

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #2: Honest Beauty

Jessica Alba’s cult beauty products are the purest ones we’ve found — thanks to the company’s Honest Standard transparency. They even explain that they don’t use talc due to its link to asbestos. “Regardless of the fact that we could technically source pure talc, evidence of the safety of talc (even asbestos-free) is fuzzy.” We recommend their luminizing glow powder as well as their eyeshadow palette, priced at just $19.99.

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #3: IT Cosmetics

It’s almost impossible to find an eyeshadow palette that doesn’t include talc — unless you’re shopping at IT Cosmetics. The description on most palette packaging reads, “each talc-free shadow glides on beautifully.” But it’s not just their eyeshadows that are talc-free. IT Cosmetics uses talc-free makeup for all its powder-based products — including blush, setting powder and foundation. We love the Matte Luxe Transforming Eyeshadow Palette and their Bye Bye Pores Bronzer.

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #4: Bare Minerals

Bare Minerals is one of those rare beauty companies that lists all their product’s ingredients. Their Original Foundation boasts simplicity, is a bargain and contains just five all-natural ingredients. It also comes in 30 (30?!) shades, and includes SPF15 to help prevent sun damage. We’re not biased when we say this product is safe and provides great coverage, yet still looks natural. Oh, and it’s completely free of asbestos — so we’re pretty into that, too.

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #5: Josie Maran Cosmetics

Known for her Argan oil-based beauty line, Josie Maran Cosmetics also offers a great talc-free makeup line. Most items are oil-based, but they do have some talc-free makeup that’s powder-based, too. Their Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation is a best-seller, and great for summer-tanned skin. But Maran has taken it a step farther: She now sells gluten-free products! If you have Celiac disease, rejoice: Nearly all Josie Maran products are gluten-free to prevent inflammation. Just look for the ingredients list right below each product’s description.

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #6: Omiana

Omiana is an up-and-coming brand that only sells talc-free makeup. “What goes on the face certainly can get absorbed through the skin,” their site reads. Plus, most of their products don’t contain mica or titanium dioxide. You can even shop by omitting certain minerals that most “natural” makeups use. We recommend their Mineral Veil Finishing Powder or Long-Lasting Healthy Glow Pressed Mineral Blush, since both work on all skin types. They also offer free shipping on refunds and exchanges, so you can try any product risk-free!

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #7: Afterglow Cosmetics

Afterglow has certified organic-free ingredients, and describe what their products do (and don’t have). Their no-go list in particular is a favorite of ours. It details a list of harmful ingredients found in most traditional makeups (like talc!). They explain each forbidden ingredient, why they don’t use it, and where it’s typically used (hint: most makeup). They also offer a great organic vegan makeup line. It’s certified cruelty, gluten, and talc-free! We recommend their Infused Glow Bronzer and Infused Eco Eyeshadow. They guarantee their products are talc-free, and thanks to their no-go list, we’re sold.

Mac Cosmetics Free Samples

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #8: Juice Beauty

Juice Beauty is an all organic, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup line. Their ingredients are certified organic, and their unacceptable ingredients list is encouraging for those seeking safer makeup options. (Bonus: Talc is on it!) They say, “Since our skin can absorb up to 60% of what is placed on it, we take every precaution necessary to reduce the risk that toxins from pesticides might contaminate our bodies, our children’s bodies, and ocean habitats.” Our favorite product is their Blemish Clearing Powder, which is talc-free and clears skin as it conceals.

Does Mac Have Oil Free Makeup

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #9: Pacifica

Pacifica is a great option for people seeking budget-friendly, talc-free products. However, they don’t guarantee that every product is talc-free, so check the ingredients! Their eyeshadow palettes are a steal and contain coconut water and mineral colors. We also love their Neutralizing Mattifier powder as a budget, talc-free option.

Talc-Free Makeup Brand #10: Makeup Geek

Makeup Geek makes highly pigmented, yet talc-free products. Dozens of highly pigmented eye shadows and this Kathleen Lights highlighter palette show the kind of talc-free options they have. Plus, all their products are also cruelty-free. (And very affordable!)

Find Talc-Free Makeup Brands On-the-Go: Download the Think Dirty App

Do you have a favorite makeup product or line, but aren’t sure if it’s talc-free? If so, download the Think Dirty app (currently available for iPhones only). Think Dirty lets you quickly scan any makeup product without an ingredients list while you’re right there in the store. It then shows you what’s actually in each product — so you can make a more informed purchase.

How to Qualify for Compensation Due to Talc Injuries

If you or someone you love developed cancer after talc use, you may qualify for a cash settlement. To check your eligibility for compensation, fill out your free online claim evaluation today. It takes less than two minutes to confirm your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma claim’s eligibility. Once you’ve submitted your information, an experienced lawyer will call to discuss your case.