Best Clean Non-Toxic Makeup Products for Natural Glowy Skin
I tested hundreds of clean beauty non-toxic makeup products over the years and found that there are clear winners.
Millions of people are unknowingly using products every single day that may be harmful to their health. Since 2009, 595 cosmetics manufacturers have reported using 88 chemicals, in more than 73,000 products, that have been linked to cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm; many can cause neurological problems. More companies are now offering “clean beauty” products, a term that is used widely and might be confusing. Clean beauty is a label for cosmetics and skincare products that are free from harmful chemicals and are considered non-toxic or carcinogenic. These products are supposed to be made without ingredients that can damage health or the environment, such as: parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, talc, hydroquinone, and refined petroleum. Clean beauty products are not necessarily chemical-free, all natural, or organic. And it is important to note that U.S. law does not require personal care, cosmetic products and ingredients, except for color additives, to be approved by FDA before they go on the market.
Although some states are now passing their own laws, the U.S. laws governing beauty and skincare products are so limited and lagging behind other countries that known cancer-causing chemicals, or carcinogens, are legally allowed in personal care products. Some carcinogens, such as formaldehyde, are widely present in these products.
Toxic Chemicals Used Daily Cause Serious Harm, Even Cancer, Reproductive, and Brain Problems
The list of toxic chemicals legally allowed in beauty products is so vast and mind-boggling that it is hard to know how to keep yourself safe as a consumer; it’s nearly impossible. Over the years I have tested hundreds of makeup products because I want to protect my own health. My favorite way to look for clean makeup products is by using the “Clean at Sephora” filter. There are also many good skincare products that are non-toxic, which I wrote about in this article.
The one area I still have a hard time finding clean usable options in are hair products, especially at the salon; that research is still ongoing for me. I often forget about the toxins in the hair products because it’s so much work researching the other beauty products!
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a database of products and a mobile app rated by toxic chemical concerns; this is one place to start but is so vast that it can be overwhelming and hard to navigate, in my opinion.
Another friendly reminder: many people who advocate for clean beauty still use injectable neurotoxins. If the word “toxin” is in the product name, and it is not intended to be in a human body, it can cause serious life-threatening health problems, anxiety, fatigue, or allergic reactions, even if you are told it is “probably fine;” especially for people with autoimmune issues (I learned this the hard way.)
According to the EWG, every day, consumers in the U.S. are exposed to an average of two ingredients linked to cancer and two linked to chemicals that can harm the reproductive and development systems. Commonly used chemicals like parabens mimic estrogen and can lead to hormonal balances and breast cancer. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, phthalates are still widely used and linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption, although phthalates are banned in the European Union.
The EWG states that no category of consumer products is subject to less government oversight than cosmetics and other personal care products. Per the MD Anderson Cancer, “Even a low dose should cause concern, especially if you use the product every day.” Some states have passed laws limiting toxic product chemicals, but they are still not banned entirely.
Among the toxic chemicals that should be banned, and have been banned in Europe and other countries, include:
Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Paraformaldehyde, a type of formaldehyde.
Methylene glycol, a type of formaldehyde.
Quaternium 15, which releases formaldehyde.
Mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system.
Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens, which disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.
The long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, which have been linked to cancer.
M- and o-phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, which irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA and can cause cancer.
Always be careful with labels that say “natural” or “organic” as these products can still potentially be harmful. Also, be mindful of what you let your kids use: A study by scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Earthjustice found that most children in the United States use makeup and body products that may contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals. The affordable brand e.l.f. is a great safe option for kids.
My Top Non-Toxic Makeup Products and Brands
These are my top non-toxic makeup picks. Safe clean beauty brands for sensitive skin include Saie, ILIA, e.l.f, Milk Makeup, Tarte, and Drunk Elephant. Check out my list of my favorite safe skincare products here (Farmacy is a fave).
Below are my top clean beauty makeup picks for glowy, lit from within skin after years of personal research on my dry, sensitive skin and easily inflamed body.
This is my favorite makeup and clean beauty product! It’s a tinted face moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, and mineral zinc oxide that provides sheer, dewy coverage and SPF 35 protection. I use it almost every single day layered with concealer, face glow drops, highlighter, and face powder. I add the Ilia skin tint (below) on top of it for more coverage. I like to mix the two products together because the Ilia skin tint is kind of drying and does not blend well on its own. I only use heavy foundation if there is going to be a camera zoomed in on my face. Per the manufacturer, this tinted moisturizer and suncreen has no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, talc, mineral oil, GMOs, synthetic fragrance, or BHA. It can be easily mixed with moisturizer or drops. I like it because it is not as drying as other similar products and it blends easier and can be layered.
This is a great clean product for sensitive skin that is free of chemical screens, silicone, oxybenzone, oil, fragrance, and parabens, and includes skincare ingredients to help improve skin. The ILIA Skin Tint has the trending skincare ingredients niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to help with tone and texture. This is a highly concentrated serum that is better mixed with another, more hydrating product, because I do not find it moisturizing whatsoever on its own. Used alone it is very hard to blend and is actually drying, in my opinion. I love this product mixed with SAIE tinted moisturizer and Drunk Elephant face glow drops. You can also mix it with foundation for more coverage. Ilia is a safe clean beauty brand bet in my book.
This popular cult classic concealer with hyaluronic acid and seaberry is a favorite among makeup artists and beauty influencers for a reason. This is a medium coverage, non-cakey concealer that works well layered with other products like tinted moisturizer or foundation. This is the only concealer I use and it’s been that way for years. I will say that if you have strong dark eye circles, you should use a “corrector” with this (I am still trying to find a good “clean” corrector to suggest, I use Bobbi Brown once in a blue moon because I can’t find anything else that works, but that brand is not the safest clean beauty bet…..).
This hydrating loose powder formula includes hydrating squalane, ethically-sourced Mica and no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, talc, mineral oil, GMOs, synthetic fragrance, or BHA. It comes in three translucent shades and is my favorite face powder. However, one important note about this product is that the lid ALWAYS gets stuck and cannot be opened, even with the jaws of life. I have had so many containers get stuck never to be opened again that I just permanently leave the lid off. If I didn’t like the product so much, I would have stopped buying it a long time ago because of this issue. You can also put it in a small bag, too, if you leave it unopened (don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
This is a more affordable clean beauty lightweight semi-matte face powder option. It can be layered on top of any beauty product and helps reduce shine. It’s a safe bet if you are looking for a budget-friendly non-toxic face powder to help set your makeup. At $8 and with a 4.5- star review on Amazon, you might as well try it! However, if you are looking for a noticeable “glow,” it’s better to use one of the highlighters or face glow drops I include in this article below, and not rely on this powder.
I LOVE this. It is affordable, blendable, and makes you look super glowy. It has squalane and is non-drying and good for sensitive skin. It comes in three shades; my favorite is Rose Quartz.
Buy e.l.f Halo Glow Rose Quartz Highlighting Wand on Amazon.
Made with niacinamide and bakuchiol (plant retinol alternative) to help minimize the look of pores, smooth skin texture, and even skin tone, this translucent setting powder is another clean beauty powder option that I like a lot and comes in four different shade options. It’s a bit heavier than the other powders on this list, in my opinion, but still relatively lightweight.
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
This multi-use highlighter with hyaluronic acid and squalane is moisturizing is a great way to get glowing, dewy clean girl skin. It’s easy to layer, blendable, and affordable. Some people use it on its own but I like to mix it with tinted moisturizer and concealer for a natural glowy makeup vibe.
I love these bronzing drops, which can be mixed into any liquid beauty product for a bronze glow without looking orange and unnatural and claim to provide antioxidant pollution protection.
These non-toxic face glow drops brighten your look and I am obsessed. The Drunk Elephant B-Goldi drops are amazing for getting that lit, glow natural makeup look without the skin irritation. Highly recommend!
This multi-purpose lip and face color stick can be used as a highlighter, blush or lipstick and contains avocado oil, shea butter, and orange peel wax.
Many lipsticks contain sketchy harmful toxic ingredients like parabens that go straight into your mouth. Oops! This soft matte lip crayon does not and includes skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil to moisturize lips. ILIA makes my favorite clean beauty lip products without question: they are all stellar! Many influencers and celebs also rave about this lipstick pencil. I find lip crayons like this one easier to apply and less messy, which is a bonus. You cannot go wrong here!
This popular non-toxic makeup remover is the best there is when it comes to getting all kinds of sh*t off your face and eyes. It is so gentle, non-irritating, and gets the job done! This is the only makeup remover I will use until the end of time. I actually do not like to wear mascara because I always get dark circles no matter what when I do, but if you do wear waterproof or regular mascara, this will get it off for sure and does not clog pores or cause irritation.
Buy Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Remover on Amazon.
*Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
About Kaci
Kaci has more than twenty years of proven communications experience across sectors, including in health, science, and research communications at renowned nonprofits and universities.