The Best Non Toxic Makeup: A Guide To Clean Beauty

6 Jan

Recently in my toxic free journey I have decided to make the switch non-toxic makeup and skin care. But what does "non-toxic" really mean, and why should you care? Simply put, non-toxic makeup refers to products that are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and heavy metals. These ingredients are commonly found in conventional makeup, but they’ve been linked to potential health risks over time. I have tried out many of the apps including Onskin which is a great starter to see which products remove the most harmful ingredients, endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. However I have found that it will say some ingredients like fragrance are not harmful when they can definitely be harmful. My list today is provided from Safe Cosmetics Australia where they have a certified toxic free certification and list of cosmetics. I have also looked on the American EWG skin deep cosmetics database. These resources are both a lot more rigorous and strict than the Onskin app. Please let me know if you find any others that are certified non-toxic!

Below I have provided the list of all the great international brands I have found that are certified non-toxic. Not all of the products from every brand are toxic-free, because if I listed them all the list would be far too long. But make sure to check each product individually for the non-toxic or EWG verified stamp.

What Makes Makeup "Toxic"?

When we talk about toxic makeup, we refer to products that contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact our health. These toxic ingredients can be absorbed into the skin and even enter the bloodstream. Over time, repeated exposure to these chemicals can cause both short-term skin reactions and long-term health issues.

Some common toxic ingredients found in conventional makeup include:

Parabens (used as preservatives)
Phthalates (used to make fragrances last longer)
Formaldehyde (a preservative and known carcinogen)
Toluene (found in nail products)
Synthetic fragrances (often containing harmful chemicals)

Now, let's dive deeper into why these ingredients and other toxic chemicals can be harmful.

1. Hormone Disruption and Endocrine Issues

Many toxic makeup products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, leading to potential hormonal imbalances.

Why does this matter? Hormone disruption can have serious health consequences, including:

Reproductive issues: Chemicals like phthalates have been linked to reduced fertility and altered menstrual cycles.
Early puberty: Exposure to certain chemicals can trigger early puberty in children.
Thyroid problems: Some endocrine disruptors can impact thyroid function, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and other issues.

Choosing non-toxic makeup free from these chemicals helps avoid unnecessary hormonal interference.

2. Skin Irritation and Sensitivity

Toxic makeup products often contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harsh preservatives that can irritate the skin. This is especially problematic for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Some common skin reactions caused by toxic makeup include:

Redness and inflammation: Chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, leading to itchy or swollen skin.
Breakouts and acne: Ingredients like mineral oils and silicones can clog pores and cause acne flare-ups.
Dryness and irritation: Parabens and alcohol-based ingredients can dry out the skin, making it more vulnerable to irritation and damage.

Non-toxic makeup, on the other hand, uses natural, gentle ingredients that are less likely to irritate the skin or cause breakouts. Look for makeup products that are hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and free of artificial fragrances.

3. Carcinogenic Risks from Harmful Chemicals

Certain chemicals found in makeup, such as formaldehyde and toluene, are known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). These substances can accumulate in your body over time, increasing the risk of developing serious health conditions.

While the levels of exposure to these chemicals in makeup are often low, cumulative exposure over years of daily use can contribute to an increased risk of:

Skin cancer: Some toxic ingredients can increase the skin’s vulnerability to UV damage, leading to a higher risk of skin cancer.
Breast cancer: Some endocrine disruptors, like parabens, have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer due to their ability to mimic estrogen.

Switching to clean beauty products that are free of carcinogenic ingredients can help lower these risks.

4. Heavy Metal Contamination

Another dangerous aspect of conventional makeup is the potential for heavy metal contamination. Some makeup products, particularly eyeshadows, lipsticks, and foundations, contain toxic metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic.

These metals can accumulate in the body over time, leading to:

Neurological damage: Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children and can result in cognitive issues and developmental delays.
Kidney damage: Long-term exposure to heavy metals can lead to kidney dysfunction and other organ damage.
Toxicity: Heavy metals in the body can affect various systems, leading to fatigue, headaches, and even more serious conditions.

Using non-toxic makeup from trusted brands that undergo rigorous testing ensures that you’re avoiding products contaminated with harmful metals.

5. Premature Skin Aging

The chemicals in toxic makeup can contribute to premature aging of the skin. Harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and silicones can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to damage.

Some effects of long-term use of toxic makeup include:

Fine lines and wrinkles: Chemicals can damage collagen and elastin, leading to the formation of wrinkles.
Loss of elasticity: Makeup with synthetic chemicals can reduce the skin’s ability to bounce back, leading to sagging skin.

Switching to natural, non-toxic makeup products can help protect your skin’s elasticity and promote a healthier, more youthful appearance.

6. Eye Health Concerns

Toxic makeup, especially products used near the eyes, can cause irritation and damage to your delicate eye area. Formaldehyde and certain synthetic dyes used in eyeshadows, mascaras, and eyeliners can lead to:

Eye irritation: Redness, itching, and swelling are common reactions to harsh chemicals in makeup.
Infections: Bacteria in contaminated makeup products can lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye) or more severe eye infections.

Non-toxic eye makeup options are made with safe, natural ingredients that are gentle on the eyes, reducing the risk of irritation and infection.

7. Environmental Impact of Toxic Makeup

Toxic ingredients in makeup don’t just harm your body—they can also harm the environment. Many synthetic chemicals and microplastics used in beauty products are non-biodegradable and can pollute oceans and waterways, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.

Choosing eco-friendly and non-toxic makeup brands ensures that you’re supporting products that are better for the planet as well as your health.

Now that we’ve covered the "why," let’s explore the best non-toxic makeup options available today.

Adorn Cosmetics

Location: Based in Australia
Delivers: Internationally
Certifications and Specialisations:

Refillable Beauty
Cruelty-Free
Australian Made and Owned
Vegan Certified
Sensitive Skin Friendly

Alit Cosmetics

Location: Australia
Delivers: Australia and New Zealand
Certifications and Specialisations:

Australian Made and Owned
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Australian Certified Toxic-Free
Made Safe Certified

Attitude

Location: US
Delivers: US and Canada
Certifications and Specialisations:

EWG Certified (some products)
Vegan and Cruelty-Free

Bella Vi

Location: Based in NZ
Delivers: Internationally
Certifications and Specialisations:

Australian Certified Toxic-Free
Made Safe Toxic Certified
Australian Allergy Certified
Made in Italy
Organic Beauty Award 2019

Coastal Classic Creations

Location: US
Delivers: US
Certifications and Specialisations:

EWG Verified
Cruelty-Free