Is MAC cruelty-free? MAC animal testing status and alternatives

Does MAC test on animals?

MAC does not test on animals itself, according to its own policy, but it is not cruelty-free. PETA lists MAC among the companies that test on animals, and MAC acknowledges that some governments test on animals before they allow it to sell its products.

MAC states: “M·A·C does not test on animals. We do not own any animal testing facilities and we never ask others to test on animals for us.”

Is MAC sold in mainland China?

Yes, MAC is sold in mainland China. MAC states that China tests on animals as part of its safety assessment of cosmetic products and that MAC does not want to exclude its fans anywhere.

What is MAC’s parent company?

MAC’s parent company is The Estée Lauder Companies. The Estée Lauder Companies is not cruelty-free: it acknowledges that its brands are sold in countries where animal testing on cosmetics is required by law.

What are cruelty-free alternatives to MAC?

The cruelty-free alternatives to MAC are brands certified by Leaping Bunny, Cruelty Free International or PETA. At prestige prices, e.l.f., essence, CoverGirl and Milani are certified; at prestige prices, Tarte and Benefit are.

• Certified alternatives to MAC makeup are on our list of cruelty-free drugstore makeup products.

How do you check whether MAC is cruelty-free?

You check whether MAC is cruelty-free by searching the brand on the Leaping Bunny, Cruelty Free International and PETA lists, because a brand’s own policy is an unregulated claim in the US. Cruelty-Free Check last verified MAC on October 2, 2026.

• MAC has not signed PETA's statement of assurance, so PETA does not list it as cruelty-free.