Who Owns MAC Cosmetics?
MAC Cosmetics is owned by The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL), a publicly traded American beauty corporation headquartered in New York. Estee Lauder acquired MAC in 1998 from founders Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo, who launched the brand in Toronto in 1984. Estee Lauder reported $14.3 billion in net sales for fiscal year 2025, with MAC contributing to the makeup segment alongside Clinique and Tom Ford Beauty. CEO Stephane de La Faverie took leadership on January 1, 2025.
Parent Company
Acquired
1998
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
MAC Cosmetics Timeline
Who Owns MAC Cosmetics?
- Parent Company: The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1998
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: EL
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| MAC Cosmetics | The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. | Wholly owned |
Where to Buy
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MAC Cosmetics on AmazonHistory of MAC Cosmetics
- Founded: 1984
- Founders: Frank Toskan, Frank Angelo
- Acquired by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.: 1998
Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo founded MAC (originally "Makeup Art Cosmetics") in 1984 in Toronto, Canada. Toskan was a photographer and makeup artist who could not find makeup that performed well under studio lighting. He developed formulas in his kitchen, initially for professional use on photo shoots and film sets. Angelo, a businessman, helped fund and scale the operation. The two sold their first products from a counter in a Toronto department store.
The brand's early reputation came from professional makeup artists who used MAC on film and fashion shoots. MAC's high-pigment formulas, wide shade range, and matte finishes filled a gap in a market dominated by sheer, consumer-oriented cosmetics. The brand's tagline, "All Ages, All Races, All Sexes," was adopted early and became central to MAC's identity. This positioning was unusual in the 1980s cosmetics industry, which typically targeted specific demographics.
MAC expanded beyond Canada in the late 1980s and early 1990s, entering the United States and international markets. The brand opened freestanding stores and counters in department stores. By the mid-1990s, MAC was sold in multiple countries and had built a consumer following beyond its professional base. The brand became known for limited-edition collections and celebrity collaborations, which created regular product launch cycles and drove retail traffic.
The VIVA GLAM campaign launched in 1994. MAC created a lipstick line where 100% of the selling price is donated to organizations supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS. The campaign featured celebrity spokespeople including RuPaul, who appeared in the first VIVA GLAM campaign. As of 2025, VIVA GLAM has raised over $540 million and supported more than 60 million people across 92 countries, making it the largest corporate charitable initiative in the beauty industry, according to MAC's own reporting.
Estee Lauder acquired a controlling interest in MAC in 1998. Frank Angelo had died in 1997, and Frank Toskan sold his remaining shares to Estee Lauder by 2000. The acquisition gave MAC access to Estee Lauder's global distribution, manufacturing, and R&D infrastructure. MAC retained its brand identity, including the VIVA GLAM program and its professional artistry positioning. Under Estee Lauder ownership, MAC expanded to approximately 150 countries and became one of the company's largest brands by revenue.
In the 2000s and 2010s, MAC continued launching new products and collections. Studio Fix Fluid, introduced in 1991 and reformulated multiple times, became one of the brand's best-selling foundations. Ruby Woo, a matte red lipstick, became a signature product and is frequently cited as one of the best-selling lipstick shades globally. The Back-to-MAC recycling program, which offers a free lipstick in exchange for six empty containers, launched as a sustainability and loyalty initiative.
In 2025, MAC reformulated its Studio Fix Powder + Foundation for the first time in three decades, removing talc and expanding the shade range. The reformulation generated mixed reactions from long-time users, with some praising the expanded shades and others criticizing changes to the formula's texture and coverage. The reformulation was part of a broader industry shift away from talc in cosmetics following lawsuits linking talc-containing products to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
As of 2025, MAC faces declining sales. Estee Lauder's fiscal 2025 earnings report specifically cited MAC's "retail softness" and "elevated inventory levels" as factors in the makeup segment's 5% revenue decline. New product launches including the MAC Nudes Collection and MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick partially offset these declines. The brand continues to invest in creator-driven marketing, with 2025 campaigns featuring Chappell Roan, Gabbriette, and Quen Blackwell.
About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Who owns The Estée Lauder Companies?
The Estée Lauder Companies is publicly traded on the NYSE under EL, but the Lauder family retains majority voting control through Class B shares, which carry ten votes per share compared to one vote per share for Class A shares. William P. Lauder, grandson of founders Estée and Joseph Lauder, serves as Executive Chairman.
Is Estee Lauder publicly traded?
Yes. The Estée Lauder Companies trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol EL. The company went public in 1995 while the Lauder family retained majority voting control through a dual-class share structure.
What brands does Estee Lauder own?
The Estée Lauder Companies owns more than 25 brands including Estée Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, Tom Ford, Jo Malone London, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Origins, Le Labo, The Ordinary, Dr.Jart+, KILIAN PARIS, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, Too Faced, Bumble and bumble, Smashbox, GLAMGLOW, Darphin Paris, Lab Series, AERIN Beauty, Aramis, BALMAIN Beauty, and NIOD.
What is the Beauty Reimagined strategy?
Beauty Reimagined is the strategic vision launched by CEO Stéphane de La Faverie in February 2025 to restore sustainable sales growth and achieve stronger profitability. The strategy has five action plan priorities: expand consumer coverage, create transformative innovation, increase consumer-facing investments, reimagine the way the company works through the One ELC operating model, and deliver operational excellence. The strategy is showing momentum, with FY2026 returning to organic sales growth and adjusted operating margin expansion for the first time in four years.
Why did Estee Lauder's sales decline?
The primary driver of Estée Lauder's sales decline from FY2023 to FY2025 was weakness in mainland China travel retail, where Chinese consumers significantly reduced duty-free beauty purchases. The company also faced broader prestige beauty market headwinds, including moderating consumer spending on discretionary beauty products in key markets. FY2025 net sales declined 8% to $14.3 billion, but the company returned to growth in FY2026.
Who is Estee Lauder's CEO?
Stéphane de La Faverie became President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies in January 2025, succeeding Fabrizio Freda who had served as CEO since 2009. De La Faverie has more than 25 years of experience in prestige beauty and is a member of the company's Board of Directors.
What is Estee Lauder's revenue?
Estée Lauder reported FY2025 net sales of $14,326 million (down 8% year over year). In FY2026, the company returned to growth with Q1 net sales of $3,481 million (up 4%), Q2 of $4,229 million (up 6%), and Q3 of approximately $3.7 billion (up 5%). The company's FY2026 outlook targets organic sales growth at the high end of its prior range with adjusted operating margin expansion approaching 300 basis points.
Did Estee Lauder acquire Tom Ford?
Yes. In April 2023, The Estée Lauder Companies completed its acquisition of the Tom Ford brand for a total enterprise value of $2.8 billion, making ELC the sole owner of all Tom Ford intellectual property. ELC paid approximately $2.25 billion at closing, with $250 million received from Marcolin for the eyewear license and $300 million in deferred payments beginning July 2025. The Tom Ford fashion business was acquired separately by Zegna Group.
- Founded: 1946
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: EL
- Revenue: $14.3 billion (FY2025)
- Employees: Approximately 57,000
Where Is MAC Cosmetics Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Manufacturing / Operations: Canada, United States, Belgium, China
MAC Cosmetics Categories & Tags
MAC Cosmetics Sustainability & Ethics
MAC's sustainability and ethics profile is mixed. The brand has notable strengths in charitable giving and inclusivity, but faces significant challenges regarding animal testing certification and environmental impact.
VIVA GLAM: MAC's VIVA GLAM program, launched in 1994, donates 100% of the selling price of VIVA GLAM lipsticks to nonprofit organizations. As of 2025, the program has raised over $540 million and supported more than 60 million people across 92 countries. In FY25, VIVA GLAM donated $4.5 million in grants to 64 organizations focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, LGBTQIA+ youth support, maternal health, racial justice, and environmental sustainability. MAC states this is the largest charitable initiative in the beauty industry. In December 2025, VIVA GLAM donated $1.3 million to HIV/AIDS organizations for World AIDS Day, bringing total 2025 HIV/AIDS support to over $3 million.
Animal testing: MAC states on its website that it does not test on animals and does not own animal testing facilities. However, MAC is not certified by Leaping Bunny, the gold standard for cruelty-free certification, because the brand sells products in mainland China, where animal testing has historically been required for certain imported cosmetics. PETA lists MAC on its "Companies That DO Test on Animals" list. MAC partners with the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) to promote alternative testing methods globally. The brand's parent company, Estee Lauder, also does not hold cruelty-free certification. Consumers who require strict cruelty-free certification should note this limitation.
Back-to-MAC recycling: The Back-to-MAC program accepts empty MAC containers for recycling. Customers who return six empty containers receive a free lipstick. This program reduces packaging waste and builds brand loyalty. However, MAC does not publish data on the volume of containers recycled or the program's environmental impact.
Talc removal: In 2025, MAC reformulated Studio Fix Powder + Foundation to remove talc, following industry-wide concerns about asbestos contamination in talc-based cosmetics. The Guardian reported in June 2024 that multiple cosmetic companies, including Estee Lauder brands, face lawsuits from women claiming talc-based makeup caused mesothelioma. Estee Lauder stated that it only uses talc "tested and certified as asbestos free." The reformulation addresses this concern proactively.
B Corp and certifications: MAC is not a certified B Corporation. The brand does not carry organic, Fair Trade, or vegan certification for its full product line, though some individual MAC products are vegan. MAC's sustainability claims are based on Estee Lauder's corporate-level programs rather than brand-level independent certification.
Awards & Recognition
MAC's VIVA GLAM program has raised over $540 million since 1994, making it the largest corporate charitable initiative in the beauty industry by total funds raised, according to MAC's own reporting. The program has been recognized by nonprofit organizations and industry publications for its sustained commitment to HIV/AIDS causes.
MAC's Studio Fix Fluid foundation and Ruby Woo lipstick are frequently cited in beauty publications as industry-standard products. Both products have appeared on "best of" lists in Allure, Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar over multiple years. These are editorial recommendations rather than formal awards, and specific award names and years from independent judging bodies are not consistently documented in public records.
MAC ranked sixth in earned media value among beauty brands in 2024, generating $45.4 million in EMV across 13,000 influencer posts, according to Tribe Dynamics data reported by WWD. The brand ranked third in the Cosmetify Index of most popular beauty brands for the first half of 2026, based on social media followers, search volume, and engagement rates.
Estee Lauder as a corporation has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies and has appeared on Fortune's Best Companies to Work For lists. These recognitions apply to the parent corporation rather than MAC specifically.
MAC Cosmetics Recalls & Controversies
MAC has been involved in several controversies and legal proceedings. No major product safety recalls have been issued.
Animal testing and China market (ongoing): MAC sells products in mainland China, where animal testing has historically been required for certain imported cosmetics. This creates a conflict with MAC's stated cruelty-free position. PETA lists MAC on its "Companies That DO Test on Animals" list. MAC is not Leaping Bunny certified. The brand states it does not conduct animal testing itself and partners with IIVS to promote alternative testing methods, but acknowledges that "some governments conduct animal testing to prove safety before they will allow us to sell our products." This controversy has generated sustained consumer criticism, particularly from cruelty-free advocacy groups. China has relaxed some animal testing requirements in recent years, but the regulatory situation remains complex.
Talc litigation (ongoing): Estee Lauder, MAC's parent company, faces lawsuits alleging that talc-based cosmetics contained asbestos and caused mesothelioma in users. The Guardian reported in June 2024 that multiple British women are suing cosmetic companies in U.S. courts, claiming talc-based makeup gave them asbestos-related mesothelioma. Estee Lauder stated it only uses talc "tested and certified as asbestos free." In 2025, MAC reformulated Studio Fix Powder + Foundation to remove talc entirely. The outcome of pending talc litigation against Estee Lauder has not been determined as of August 2025. Estee Lauder recorded $159 million in aggregate charges in fiscal 2025 associated with talcum litigation settlement agreements, according to its fiscal 2025 earnings report.
BIPA class action lawsuit (2025): In August 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed against MAC Cosmetics in Illinois alleging that the brand's virtual try-on technology illegally collects customers' biometric data without informed written consent, violating the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The lawsuit, Javid v. MAC Cosmetics, Inc., claims MAC's in-store and online virtual try-on tools scan facial geometry without required consent. The case is pending as of August 2025.
Wage and hour class action (2024 to 2025): MAC Cosmetics workers filed a class action lawsuit in California federal court alleging the company underpaid retail employees. The parties reached a $12 million settlement, which was submitted for court approval in 2025. The settlement covers workers at MAC retail stores in California. A hearing for preliminary approval was scheduled for June 2025.
Studio Fix reformulation backlash (2025): MAC's reformulation of Studio Fix Powder + Foundation, which removed talc and expanded the shade range, generated mixed reactions from consumers. Some long-time users criticized changes to the formula's texture and coverage. The controversy was primarily a consumer response rather than a legal or regulatory matter. MAC addressed the feedback through social media and product communications.
Brands Owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
MAC Cosmetics Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Access to Estee Lauder's global distribution network across 150 countries
- +R&D infrastructure shared with other Estee Lauder prestige brands
- +VIVA GLAM charitable program with 30-year track record and $540 million raised
- +Professional artistry credibility built over 40 years since founding
- +Strong social media presence with 24.7 million combined followers
Considerations
- -MAC sales declining, with Estee Lauder citing "retail softness" and "retailer destocking" in fiscal 2025
- -Not Leaping Bunny certified due to sales in China; listed on PETA's animal testing list
- -Active lawsuits including BIPA biometric data class action and talc litigation at parent level
- -Increasing competition from indie and clean beauty brands challenging MAC's market position
- -Dependency on Estee Lauder corporate strategy with no independent operational control
Frequently Asked Questions About MAC Cosmetics
Sources & Further Reading
- Estee Lauder Fiscal 2025 Earnings Report (August 2025):
- Estee Lauder Companies Investor Relations:
- MAC Cosmetics Official Website:
- MAC VIVA GLAM Campaign:
- MAC VIVA GLAM Impact Report FY25 (February 2026):
- MAC Animal Testing Policy:
- MAC Back-to-MAC Recycling Program:
- WWD: Estee Lauder Q4 2025 Earnings:
- Vogue: Estee Lauder sales drop 8% in fiscal 2025:
- The Guardian: Talc in cosmetics lawsuits (June 2024):
- Class Action: MAC BIPA Lawsuit (August 2025):
- Bloomberg Law: MAC Cosmetics $12 Million Wage Settlement:
- Cosmetify Index 2026:
- NYSE: Estee Lauder Companies (EL):
- Estee Lauder Sustainability Report:
Competitors to MAC Cosmetics
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lvmh | United States | 2017 | Premium | Global | Womens |
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: MAC Cosmetics competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
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