When we start our journey to a more conscious lifestyle, one of the first things we consider is the food that we eat and the household products we use daily.
But have you ever thought about your makeup products? Many of the products that we have in our makeup bag could be full of harmful chemicals, and we put that stuff on some of the most sensitive parts of our body – eyelids, lips, and neck.
If you would like to consider a clean alternative for these sensitive areas, check out our post for the best non toxic eyeshadow palettes here, and our review of the GOOP Lip Balm.
It’s scary to think about, isn’t it? The products we use to enhance natural beauty could actually be compromising our health.
The good news is that there has been a huge shift towards clean beauty, and there are so many brands out there creating amazing products using natural and organic ingredients.
Read on for everything you need to know about non toxic makeup, including how to choose safer, natural products and how to switch to a healthier makeup routine.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
5 Top Non Toxic Makeup Brands
1. Thrive Causemetics
Standout Products | Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, Sheer Strength Hydrating Lip Tint, Infinity Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick, Triple Threat Color Stick
Natural Ingredients | Plant extracts, botanical oils and butters, Vitamins
Price Range | $22 to $76
Thrive Causemetics is more than just a makeup brand; it’s all about clean and safe ingredients. This non toxic beauty brand started with a goal: to make beauty products that are great for you and do good things for the community too. They focus on creating formulations that are not only good for the skin but also ethical and environmentally friendly. They use ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring their products are suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive ones. Plus, everything they make is cruelty-free and vegan.
Thrive Causemetics Review | “When I turned 65, I looked for tips on “appropriate” make-up for older skin. This stick-style came highly recommended at a very high price. Thrive cosmetics offered stick-style at a reasonable price AND with the added bonus of part of the profit helping women with unimaginable life challenges.!so I tried it, and I’ve been using Thrive cosmetics for the last 6 years. This cheek color goes on smoothly, blends easily with my foundation and lasts! I like to pair this pink color with the lighter, slightly shimmering lighter color. The blend is lively. I’m happy to find a product that’s great and be able to help other women in the process. 5-Stars, ladies.” – Deborah O. (See all reviews)
2. Well People
Best Sellers | Bio Correct Concealer, Supernatural Face Trio, Lush Lip Tinted Oil, Power Palette Eyeshadow
Natural Ingredients | Botanical Ingredients – broccoli seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, mango seed oil, algae
Price Range | $12 to $66
Well People prioritize non-toxic, plant-based ingredients in their makeup, to make sure everything they produce is both safe and effective. This brand’s ethos is all about using plant-powered, ethically sourced ingredients and they hold themselves to the highest ingredient, health and safety standards. While all of their products are completely cruelty-free, they are not all vegan. They make a concerted effort to minimize their environmental impact, using recycled materials wherever possible, as well as working with Fair Trade facilities to source their ingredients.
Well People Review | “Saw this product in Magnolia magazine as a pick of must haves for the summer by Joanna Gains. I couldn’t agree more, every women needs this, love, love, love this product. Especially the blush which I also use as lipstick. My skin has never looked or felt better, and being over 55, it is hard to find good makeup.” – T Nelson. (See all reviews)
3. Juice Beauty
Best Sellers | Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer, Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation, Phyto-Pigments Last Looks Cream Blush
Natural and Organic Ingredients | Plant extracts, botanical oils, vitamins, phyto-pigments, herbs, fruit stem cells
Price Range | $19 to $155
Juice Beauty was founded by wellness entrepreneur Karen Behnke with the aim of revolutionizing the beauty industry with high performing, organic formulations. In collaboration with scientists, Juice Beauty has created unique formulas using antioxidant-rich organic botanical juices instead of common synthetics. This brand is a must if you are looking for luxurious, organic makeup that is beautiful on the skin without compromising ethical values. The products are vegan and cruelty-free. I don’t know if you can get more natural, sustainable, and eco friendly than this brand.
Juice Beauty Review | “Have had a lot of good comments on my skin, but it can only be the serum, because my skin is sun damaged.” – Jan S. (See all reviews)
4. Kjaer Weis
Best Sellers | Cream Blush Blossoming, Im-Possible Mascara Black, Cream Foundation F140/Paper Thin, Lipstick Blossoming
Natural and Organic Ingredients | Botanical extracts and oils, vitamins and minerals
Price Range | $27 to $298
Kjaer Weis, founded by Kirsten Kjaer Weis, is a pioneer in the organic luxury beauty world, drawing on Kirsten’s unique upbringing on a Danish farm and her high-fashion makeup artistry in cities like Paris and New York. Frustrated with the harsh chemicals in conventional makeup and the underperformance of natural products, Kirsten saw a gap in the market. She envisioned a brand that marries organic integrity with luxury and efficacy, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for safety.
Kjaer Weis stands out not just for its organic and clean ingredients but also for its innovative and sustainable packaging design, developed in collaboration with designer Marc Atlan. The brand’s packaging shows that luxury and sustainability can coexist. It features a refill system that reduces waste without compromising the product’s elegance and tactile experience.
These products are cruelty free, not all of them are vegan.
Kjaer Weis Review | “Gorgeous creamy formula! Blends so well, lovely texture and looks natural on the skin. Colour is beautiful too.” – Melissa T. (See all reviews)
5. Alima Pure
Best Sellers | Satin Matte Foundation, Pressed Foundation with Rosehip Antioxidant Complex, Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadows, Velvet Lipstick
Natural and Organic Ingredients | Plant extracts, botanical oils, vitamins, phyto-pigments, herbs, fruit stem cells
Price Range | $31 to $117
Alima Pure, located in Portland, Oregon, is a gem in the natural cosmetics world. This brand is known for its clean, non-toxic ingredients and commitment to ethical practices.
Alima Pure is commited to creating multifunctional makeup that celebrates rather than conceals your true self. Their makeup products are luxurious yet practical, and are high performance without harmful additives like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, ensuring safety for your skin and the environment.
As the first color cosmetics company to become a certified B Corporation, Alima Pure is at the forefront of ethical business, prioritizing the planet and people over profit. A look on their website shows their commitment to sustainability through actions like donating 1% of annual gross revenue to environmental causes, maintaining carbon neutrality, and using 100% renewable energy.
They also have refillable compacts for some of their products. All products are cruelty free, but not all of them are vegan.
If you’re serious about introducing clean makeup into your life, this is one brand you will want to try.
Alima Pure Review | “I’ve used Satin Matte Foundation for years. It’s a great product – all natural, no chemicals, lots of colors. I generally apply it with a brush, but occasionally blend it in with some moisturizer. It works great either way.” – Madeline M. (See all reviews)
What Exactly is Clean Makeup?
Clean makeup is free from potentially harmful chemicals and ingredients, focusing instead on safer, more natural formulations.
These products come from clean makeup brands committed to making beauty items that are good for your health and have ingredients that benefit your skin.
There is also usually a focus on ethical and sustainable business practices that give back to the planet.
The clean beauty movement is gaining traction as people become more aware of the harsh chemicals in products and seek high-quality options that are also safe for the skin.
Clean, Natural, and Organic Beauty Makeup – What’s The Difference?
When we talk about beauty products, we often hear words like “clean,” “natural,” and “organic.”
But what do these terms actually mean? They tell us about the ingredients, how the products are made, and their effects on our health and the planet.
Let’s look at what makes each of these types of makeup unique.
Clean
Manufacturers consciously formulate clean beauty products without potentially harmful ingredients, designing them to be safe for your skin and the environment while avoiding chemicals or additives linked to health concerns.
While wearing makeup free of toxic chemicals is beneficial, it’s also important to verify that the makeup is ethically produced.
Natural
Natural cosmetics are all about harnessing the power of nature.
These products are made from natural ingredients, which are derived directly from plants, minerals, and other earth-sourced materials.
The magic of natural cosmetics is the simplicity of their ingredients. Humans have been using the elements of nature for centuries, long before ingredients were developed in labs.
Organic
Organic makeup is made with ingredients that are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and are not genetically modified. The should also be free from petrochemical ingredients such as parabens and synthetic dyes.
To be considered organic, the product should have at least 95% of certified organic ingredients that meet strict standards.
Achieving 100% organic makeup is very difficult because organic certification mainly covers farm-grown ingredients like oils and waxes, while makeup often needs non-growable elements like minerals and water that can’t be organic.
Also, to get the right color, wear, and texture, makeup makers sometimes use non-organic stuff like preservatives and pigments.
Organic standards vary, so often products are labeled organic if they have a high percentage of organic materials, but not everything.
So, while many makeup products have lots of organic ingredients and are labeled as such, finding one that’s completely organic is pretty rare.
Are Cruelty Free and Vegan The Same Thing?
Thankfully we’re in a world where many people are buying products that are made without causing harm to animals.
Vegan and cruelty free are two terms regularly applied to beauty products, but what exactly do they mean?
Cruelty Free
Cruelty-free cosmetics mean that no animal testing was used in their development or production.
When you choose cruelty-free cosmetics, you’re supporting a movement that advocates for animal welfare and challenges the beauty industry to find humane alternatives to traditional testing methods.
Vegan
Vegan cosmetics go a step further in ethical practices by excluding all animal-derived ingredients in their products.
Products are made using only plant-based or synthetic components. When you choose vegan cosmetics, you’re not just making a choice that’s better for animals; you’re also embracing a lifestyle that considers the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants and is a kinder and more ethical approach to beauty and personal care.
Why We Should Ditch Conventional Makeup
As consumers, we speak with our money.
We can help build and sustain an ethical beauty industry by ditching conventional makeup and only buying from brands that prioritize eliminating harmful chemicals and have eco friendly business models.
By only purchasing products that are free from these toxic ingredients, we contribute to a market demand that encourages beauty brands to adopt more responsible practices.
Buying clean makeup doesn’t mean we’re sacrificing quality. Many clean makeup brands put a lot of money into research and development to ensure they are producing effective and high performance makeup. Not only that, they add natural ingredients that nourish and enhance our skin’s health.
Benefits of Non-Toxic Makeup
If you’ve decided to live a more conscious lifestyle, adding non toxic makeup to your makeup bag is just another way to align your daily routines with your values.
It’s a meaningful step towards protecting the environment while supporting ethical business practices in the beauty industry.
Clean makeup brands usually commit to ethical manufacturing practices, including fair labor, cruelty-free testing, and sustainable resource use.
How to Choose Makeup That is Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly
The most important thing to learn is how to understand product labels and certifications.
The world of marketing aims to hook you into buying products, but learning what to look out for can prevent you from purchasing products with false marketing claims.
Not all products labeled as “natural” or “organic” are genuinely non-toxic or environmentally friendly.
Labels and Certifications
Look for Specific Certifications: Search for products with reputable certifications like USDA Organic, Ecocert, or the Leaping Bunny Program. These labels indicate that the product meets strict standards for organic ingredients, sustainable practices, and cruelty-free testing.
Understand Ingredient Lists: Learn to read ingredient lists and recognize harmful chemicals. Avoid products containing parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
Check for Transparency: Choose brands that are transparent about their ingredients and manufacturing processes. Companies that provide detailed information about their sourcing and production are often more trustworthy.
Beware of Greenwashing: Be cautious of marketing terms like “natural” or “green” that are not regulated and can be misleading. These claims do not necessarily mean the product is non-toxic or eco-friendly.
Tips for Recognizing Truly Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Makeup
Research the Brand: Look into the company’s history and values. Brands genuinely committed to non-toxic and eco-friendly practices will often share their journey and goals on their websites.
Consider Packaging: Opt for products with minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. This reduces waste and supports environmental sustainability.
Use Online Resources: Use databases and websites that rate the safety and environmental impact of cosmetic products, such as the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database.
Follow Trusted Bloggers and Influencers: Many beauty bloggers and influencers specialize in non-toxic and eco-friendly beauty and can provide recommendations and reviews based on their experiences.
Ingredients To Avoid
Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl):
- Use: Used as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
- Concerns: Parabens can mimic estrogen and have been linked to reproductive issues.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others):
- Use: Used to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics, and also in cosmetics as solvents.
- Concerns: Linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer.
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, urea):
- Use: Used to extend shelf life by preventing the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Concerns: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Synthetic fragrances:
- Use: Used to give a pleasant scent to products.
- Concerns: Can cause allergies, dermatitis, respiratory issues, and potential effects on the reproductive system.
Lead and other heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, zinc, selenium, cadmium):
- Use: Contaminants that can be found in colored cosmetics like lipstick, eye shadow and eyeliner.
- Concerns: Linked to neurological problems, reproductive issues, and toxicity to organs.
Propylene glycol:
- Use: A skin-conditioning agent.
- Concerns: Can cause dermatitis and hives in people with sensitive skin.
Siloxanes (cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane):
- Use: Used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth, and moisten.
- Concerns: Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant that can harm the environment.
Petroleum
- Use: Often listed as petrolatum, it is commonly used in cosmetics like lip balms, moisturizers, and hair products for its barrier-forming and moisturizing properties. It helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from external elements.
- Concerns: The main issue with petroleum in cosmetics is the risk of contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are potential carcinogens. Like untreated or mildly treated mineral oils, petroleum needs to be properly refined to remove these harmful impurities. If not fully refined, these ingredients can pose health risks and contribute to skin irritation or clogged pores.
- Relation to Mineral Oils: Petroleum is closely related to mineral oils as both are byproducts of the refining process of crude oil. Mineral oils are liquid at room temperature, while petroleum is a semi-solid form. Both share similar concerns regarding the need for thorough refining to ensure safety for cosmetic use.
- Recommendation: Consumers should look for products where the petroleum or mineral oil has been fully refined and is certified as safe for cosmetic use. Checking for terms like ‘white petrolatum’ can indicate that the petrolatum has been purified and deemed safe for skin application.
Transitioning to Non-Toxic Makeup
The first thing to do is to gather all of your existing makeup products and read the labels.
Check the list above for any ingredients you should avoid and decide if you really want to apply them to your skin.
Start by phasing out old products that contain harmful chemicals and replace them one at a time with natural makeup products.
Focus first on the items you use most frequently, like foundation or moisturizer, to make the biggest impact on your skin’s health.
Choose replacements that have nourishing vitamins, organic oils and non-toxic ingredients that benefit your skin.
The amazing thing about some consumers becoming more intentional about the products they use is that is making clean beauty accessible for all of us.
And there are products available in every price range. So you can start on the cheap, and look into the more high-end brands further down the track.
The Future of Non-Toxic Makeup
The clean beauty movement is all about boosting skin health with natural and organic ingredients.
These brands are combining innovative science with natural beauty principles to create non toxic makeup that is not only safe but also highly effective.
Looking ahead, I see clean beauty getting even bigger, with clearer info on where ingredients come from, eco friendly packaging, and products designed using more and more natural plant-based elements as science catches up to nature.
Conclusion
Wrapping things up, introducing natural and organic makeup brands into our beauty routine is a win for our health, as well as for the health of the planet.
Gone are the days that that clean makeup was for just a select few. We now all have access to products that benefit our skin, rather than harming it.
So let’s keep making smart beauty choices, for the love of our own wellbeing and for beautiful Mother Earth.
