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Non Toxic Cosmetics - 20 Brands for a Clean Makeup Routine
Updated: Feb 26
Step into the radiant world of clean beauty, where the pursuit of flawless skin and vibrant self-expression meets a commitment to health and sustainability. In today's beauty landscape, the demand for non-toxic cosmetics is more than just a trend; it's a movement towards a safer, more mindful approach to personal care. As we navigate through aisles filled with products promising miracles in a bottle, the quest for ingredients that nurture rather than harm has become paramount. Join us on a journey into the realm of non-toxic cosmetics, where beauty is not only skin-deep but also a reflection of conscientious choices and empowered self-care.
What to look for in Non-Toxic Makeup?
When searching for non toxic makeup, there are a few key things to look for to ensure that you're making a truly sustainable choice.
Refillable Options:
Look for brands that offer refillable containers to save money and reduce carbon footprint.
Refillable options require less energy for manufacturing and shipping, and minimize waste in landfills.
Packaging:
Choose brands with packaging made from easily recyclable or compostable materials like metal, glass, or cardboard.
Check if the brand accepts returns of used containers for recycling or reuse.
Ingredients:
Prioritize cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and non-GMO ingredients.
Opt for brands that source ingredients ethically from suppliers committed to sustainability.
Brand's Commitment to Sustainability:
Investigate if the brand uses recycled and recyclable packaging.
Look for brands that support local communities and charities and have environmentally conscious practices.
Evaluate the brand's overall commitment to sustainability in their operations.
By considering these factors when choosing non-toxic makeup brands, you can align your beauty routine with your values, reduce waste, and minimize your carbon footprint.
Ingredients to Avoid in Non Toxic Makeup
Although the EU has taken a stringent stance by prohibiting 1,300 substances in cosmetic products, the US lags far behind, with only 11 banned ingredients, leaving a concerning array of potentially harmful substances lurking in your makeup arsenal. Among these chemicals are culprits linked to grave health risks, such as asthma, cancer, and fertility issues, presenting significant threats to personal well-being. Furthermore, their detrimental effects extend beyond human health, jeopardizing natural ecosystems and marine life as they infiltrate waterways. Thus, the responsibility falls on each individual to don their metaphorical chemistry hat, discerning what is both beneficial for personal health and mindful of the planet's well-being.
In the pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable beauty routine, understanding what ingredients to avoid in non-toxic cosmetics is essential.
Parabens: Linked to hormone disruption.
Phthalates: Known to disrupt the endocrine system and potentially harm reproductive health.
Formaldehyde: A preservative that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, classified as a carcinogen.
Triclosan: Found in antibacterial products, it may contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt hormone function.
Synthetic Fragrances: Often contain undisclosed chemicals linked to allergies, respiratory issues, and skin irritation.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Harsh detergent that can strip the skin's natural oils and cause irritation.
Talc: Associated with respiratory issues and potential contamination with asbestos fibers.
By avoiding these harmful ingredients and choosing non-toxic cosmetics with natural, safe alternatives, you can prioritize both your health and the environment in your beauty routine.
20 Non Toxic Cosmetic Brands
Elate Cosmetics
Products: Face, Lip, Eye & Tools
Packaging: Bamboo
Refillable: Yes
At Elate, they believe that true beauty comes from within and it should never be tarnished by the cruel tactics of the beauty industry. Unfortunately, many companies resort to making consumers feel insecure to drive sales. But, Elate Cosmetics believes in kindness and that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful just as they are. By promoting diversity and sustainability in the beauty industry, they not only boost self-esteem but also reduce waste and make a positive impact on the world. They advocate for a minimalistic approach when it comes to your beauty bag. With 30% of all waste attributed to cosmetics, curating a collection of reusable and recyclable products can not only simplify your routine but also benefit the environment. At Elate, they believe that intention is key to true happiness and that less is definitely more.
Kjaer Weis
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recycled Materials
Refillable: Yes
Indulge in the exquisite world of Kjaer Weis, where makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis orchestrates a symphony of versatility, allure, and performance. Drawing inspiration from her Danish roots and the vibrant energy of New York City, Kirsten crafts a beauty ritual that transcends boundaries. Each product in her meticulously curated collection is a masterpiece, boasting impeccable color and an unwavering dedication to sustainability. From multi-purpose formulas that effortlessly enhance your natural beauty to elegantly designed compacts that double as works of contemporary art, Kjaer Weis invites you to elevate your beauty routine with certified organic ingredients and timeless elegance.
River Organics
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Compostable Paper
Refillable: No
River Organics is a unique beauty brand with a focus on skincare and a love for organic and natural ingredients, they created a range of makeup products that cater to all skin types. The masterminds behind River Organics are a husband and wife team, Corinne and Fabien, who bring together their diverse backgrounds to create the perfect blend of beauty and science. Corinne, an Art Historian, and Fabien, a natural product chemist, have a combined eight years of experience living in France, which has influenced their approach to skincare. At River Organics, the emphasis is on creating eco-friendly and sustainable products, which is why all their ingredients are 100% vegan and their packaging is fully compostable. They believe in being transparent with their customers and publish a full list of ingredients for each product. Additionally, their shipping process is eco-friendly and plastic-free, which makes River Organics a non-toxic cosmetic brand.
Westman Atelier
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recyclable
Refillable: Yes
Renowned as one of the globe's most coveted editorial makeup artists, Gucci Westman unveils her transformative "second skin" philosophy through Westman Atelier. This luxurious cosmetics line intertwines cutting-edge high-performance pigments, enriching skincare components, and meticulously crafted formulations, all infused with an unparalleled sense of color mastery. The outcome? A meticulously curated collection designed to bestow a luminous, healthy glow that epitomizes effortlessness, never veering into excess. As a mother, makeup virtuoso, and fervent advocate for holistic living, Gucci fervently champions the notion that luxury, efficacy, and cleanliness need not be at odds in the realm of exceptional makeup.
Trestique
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recyclable
Refillable: Yes
Six years ago, Jenn Kapahi and Jack Bensason set out on a mission to revolutionize the beauty industry. With their expert knowledge and a focus on quality, they launched Trestique, a high-performance makeup line delivered in 2-in-1 makeup crayons with built-in application tools. But the brand's journey didn't stop there. With every iteration, Jenn and Jack relentlessly improved the formulas and packaging, making them cleaner and more sustainable. But what really sets Trestique apart is its commitment to sustainability. Listening to their customers, who love their makeup but hate throwing away packaging, Jenn and Jack decided to take things a step further. Today, Trestique leads the way with 100% reusable and refillable packaging made from post-consumer recycled materials. Jenn and Jack have created a brand that not only delivers exceptional quality but also embraces sustainability at its core. Trestique truly is beauty with a conscience.
MOB Beauty
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recycled Materials
Refillable: Yes
Join MOB in revolutionizing beauty with their high-performance, cruelty-free, and vegan products. With their own labs driving innovation, they're committed to sustainability, offering refillable, recyclable packaging made from 50-100% post-consumer recycled materials. In July 2023, they launched a biodegradable packaging system, setting new standards for eco-conscious beauty brands. MOB isn't just redefining beauty; they're leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Ilia
Products: Face, Eye, Lip & Tools
Packaging: Recyclable
Refillable: No
At the core of their beliefs lies skin that radiates natural beauty and a commitment to transparency. They challenge the traditional norms of clean beauty and introduce a revolutionary approach through our safe and potent formulas. Their products are designed to protect and revive your skin, blending the line between skincare and makeup. Their goal is to provide you with effortless, fuss-free daily essentials that instantly revive your look and provide vivid washes of color. Their multi-use products are made for on-the-go application and simplicity. Since 2011, we have been pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, using recycled materials for packaging and ensuring our products have a responsible end-of-life to minimize their impact on the environment.
Ere Perez
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recycled Plastic
Refillable: Yes
Step into the world of this Australian-owned company, where the mantra is "natural makeup for clean, conscious living." Here, beauty isn't just about looking good—it's about feeling good from the inside out. With a commitment to using only the finest ingredients like nourishing oils, potent plant extracts, and skin-loving minerals, they've created makeup that not only enhances your natural beauty but also cares for your skin. Each product is meticulously crafted to be gentle yet highly effective, allowing your skin to breathe freely. From versatile color palettes to a diverse range of shades, they celebrate the unique beauty in everyone. Whether you're looking to achieve a natural glow or make a bold statement, this brand is your partner in achieving healthy skin confidence. Welcome to a world where beauty and wellness go hand in hand.
DAB Herb Makeup
Products: Face, Eye, Lip & Tools
Packaging: Recyclable
Refillable: Yes
Looking for a way to make a positive impact on both your skin and the environment? Look no further than Dab Herb Makeup. This eco-friendly brand offers a diverse selection of non-toxic cosmetics that are not only good for you, but also for the planet. With products for eyes, face, lips, and makeup tools, all made from food-grade, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients, you'll find everything you need to enhance your natural beauty. Their commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging, with most products available in glass or tin containers, and the option to purchase refills at a discounted price. Plus, as a company that operates on the principle of "Nature to Nurture", Dab Herb supports fair trade and organic agriculture, and even ships its plastic-free makeup products in reused materials. Switch to Dab Herb for a beauty routine that truly does more good than harm.
Sweet Leilani
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recycled Plastic & Sugarcane
Refillable: No
Imagine a skincare and cosmetics brand that not only enhances your beauty but also serves as a lifeline for concealing medical conditions and skin imperfections, supporting pre and post-surgical procedures, and addressing dermatological concerns. Enter Sweet LeiLani—a revolutionary brand that goes beyond mere beautification to become a trusted ally in your skincare journey. With Sweet LeiLani, you don't just apply makeup; you empower yourself with products that prioritize both aesthetics and wellness, ensuring that your skin looks and feels its best every step of the way.
Willow Tree Minerals
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recyclable
Refillable: Yes
At Willow Tree Minerals, they believe in the power of pure and natural ingredients. As a family-owned company, they take pride in crafting mineral makeup and body care products that are not only indulgent but also accessible. They are steadfast in their commitment to cruelty-free practices and refuse to use any synthetic preservatives, chemicals, dyes, fragrances, parabens, bismuth, or other toxic additives. With Willow Tree Minerals, what you see is what you get. They believe in transparency and only offer products that are 100% natural, truly good for you, and guaranteed to deliver results. Say goodbye to hidden ingredients and hello to radiant, healthy skin with Willow Tree Minerals.
Borne Cosmetics
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recyclable
Refillable: Some
Indulge in the luxurious experience of Borne Cosmetics, where beauty meets nature. Our cosmetic line is expertly crafted with the finest organic ingredients, including silk, crushed pearl, and vitamin E oil derived from sunflower oil. With nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and green tea, your skin will be left glowing with health and vitality. Their commitment to purity means they never use harsh chemicals like bismuth oxychloride, boron nitride, or talc in any of our products. We also reject the use of harmful fragrances and preservatives, ensuring that our cosmetics are safe and gentle for even the most sensitive skin. So, give yourself the gift of pure, organic beauty with Borne Cosmetics.
Alima Pure
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recycled Material
Refillable: Yes
Step into the world of Alima Pure, where the passion for clean beauty meets the vision of a mother and kindergarten teacher turned entrepreneur, Kate O'Brian. With a belief that makeup should celebrate rather than conceal one's natural beauty, Alima Pure has become a trailblazer in the cosmetics industry. As a certified B Corporation, they stand as a beacon of integrity, committed to crafting beauty products using only the purest, non-toxic ingredients. From their inception, Alima Pure has set the standard for transparency and quality, paving the way for a healthier and more conscious approach to beauty.
Moonrise Creek
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recyclable
Refillable: No
Moonrise Creek is a family that is passionate about crafting artisan goods that are not only of the highest quality but also in harmony with Mother Earth. In their shop, you'll find a range of botanical treasures, handcrafted with love and care. From plant-based skin care, mineral cosmetics, and aromatic essential oils, to healing herbal remedies and grooming essentials for men, they have everything you need to embrace a more natural, wholesome lifestyle. Their commitment to environmental sustainability means that we use low-impact, animal-friendly methods in everything we do, so you can feel good about the products you buy and the impact you have on the world.
RMS Beauty
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recycled Paper & Plastic
Refillable: Yes
Rose-Marie Swift, a pioneer of clean beauty, founded RMS in 2009 to revolutionize the industry. Known for its cult-favorite makeup and skincare, RMS Beauty offers multitasking, skin-nourishing products loved by supermodels and loyal fans worldwide. With a focus on purity and performance, RMS sets the standard for effortless beauty.
Exa Beauty
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recycled Plastic
Refillable: No
Introducing EXA Beauty, the vibrant brainchild born from the innovative minds behind Credo Beauty. With a mission to infuse the realm of clean beauty with vivid hues and forward-thinking concepts, EXA Beauty sets out to push boundaries while upholding Credo's unwavering commitment to clean ingredients. This dynamic collaboration promises to revolutionize the way we perceive clean beauty, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and cutting-edge formulations that inspire confidence and creativity without ever compromising on purity. Welcome to a new era of clean beauty, where innovation meets integrity, courtesy of EXA Beauty and Credo Beauty's shared vision for a brighter, more beautiful future.
Izzy Zero Waste Beauty
Products: Eye
Packaging: Recyclable
Refillable: Yes
At Izzy Beauty, they believe in beauty that is both sustainable and effective. That's why we have revolutionized the way products are packaged and delivered to our customers. With no outer packaging and shipping in reusable mailers made from upcycled materials, they are making a conscious effort to reduce waste. Their medical-grade, American-made stainless steel tubes are designed to last, with the capability to be cleaned and refilled over 10,000 times. This means you can enjoy our products for a long time without having to contribute to the growing pile of waste in landfills. Their products contain 94% less plastic than leading brands and what little plastic we use is reground and recycled within our facility. All of their manufacturing takes place within a 400-mile radius, reducing their carbon emissions from transportation and ensuring a smaller carbon footprint.
Tower 28
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Recycled Plastic
Refillable:
At Tower 28, we live by the mantra #ItsOkayToBeSensitive, and we're proud to embody it in everything we do. Our commitment goes beyond just creating cosmetics; we've crafted a line of products that are not only non-toxic but also free from any sensitizing irritants. Packed with calming, nourishing ingredients, our formulations prioritize your skin's health and happiness. And the best part? We infuse every product with a whole lot of fun! Plus, we're proud to say that all of our offerings are vegan and cruelty-free, because looking and feeling good shouldn't come at the expense of our furry friends. Join us in embracing sensitivity and celebrate your skin with Tower 28.
BeautyCounter
Products: Face, Eye & Lip
Packaging: Glass & Recycled Plastic
Refillable: No
Step into the world of Beauty Counter, where clean beauty isn't just a trend but a revolutionary standard. With an in-house team of dedicated scientists meticulously screening every ingredient and package, Beauty Counter ensures not only clinically proven results but also unmatched safety in every product. Their commitment extends beyond skincare, advocating tirelessly for health-protective legislation. Beauty Counter sets the bar high, offering sustainably designed products that not only enhance your beauty but also safeguard your well-being and the planet.
As we conclude this journey into the realm of non-toxic cosmetics, let's celebrate the power we hold as consumers to make informed choices that prioritize our health and the well-being of our planet. By embracing clean beauty, we not only nourish our skin with safer alternatives but also contribute to a larger movement towards transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices in the beauty industry. Let's continue to advocate for change, support brands that share our values, and inspire others to join us on this empowering path towards a healthier, more radiant future. Together, we can redefine beauty standards and create a world where wellness and self-care go hand in hand with integrity and responsibility.
