There is a lot of controversy surrounding skincare and makeup product safety these days. Manufacturers of conventional items in this industry site experts who believe that trace amounts of chemicals are not harmful to humans. Healthy living advocates say that all chemicals are bad, and the cumulative effect of using various contaminated products has never been studied. Today, I’m going to err on the side of caution and give you three reasons you should use natural makeup. You’ll find that it’s all about being proactive about your health as well as the environment.
1.) Natural Makeup Products Should Not Contain Chemicals
Most traditional cosmetics contain large amounts of harmful chemical ingredients, many of which are banned in other countries. Considering that what we put on our skin is absorbed into the body, this is a major health concern.
Unfortunately, U.S. laws regarding cosmetics and personal care products are “so limited that known cancer-causing chemicals, or carcinogens, are legally allowed in them.” (Source) So, what can you do to protect yourself? Look at the ingredients in your makeup products just like you do for your food!
SafeCosmetics.org lists these compounds as ones to avoid: formaldehyde, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), carbon black, quaternium-15, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol, phenacetin, coal tar, benzene, untreated or mildly treated mineral oils, ethylene oxide, chromium, cadmium and its compounds, arsenic and crystalline silica (or quartz). See more here.
These ingredients are linked to health concerns that include cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity. Also beware of phthalates, fragrance, parabens, and contaminant metals like lead and mercury.
Check the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetics database to learn more about cosmetic safety and to see how your current makeup products rank.
2.) Natural Makeup Products Are More Ecologically Friendly
Manufacturing cosmetic products in a traditional manner causes damage to the environment, as can the product itself. It can be as innocent as this: chemicals in makeup/personal care items contain toxins that can be released into our water resources each time we wash our faces, take showers, brush our teeth or even bathe our dogs. This contamination can flow into our lakes and rivers where animals that live in or off of them can be affected.
Many companies that make natural makeup goods have made a commitment to a healthier planet. They produce in ways that are not harmful to our encircling environment, including animal and plant life. They utilize research, methods and processes that focus on eco-friendly business. This includes using natural-sourced energy, recycled materials, plant-based sources, reduced waste and more. Imagine a world in which all businesses worked toward becoming less damaging to our planet!
Most natural makeup producers frown upon animal testing, which has been a common and accepted practice by many cosmetics manufacturers. Researchers use them to test for safety by observing effects caused by their products like skin irritation, oral toxicity, etc.
So many companies that produce natural cosmetics have made that commitment to protect animals, the environment and human rights.
If you value eco-friendly products, look for these seals: Cradle to Cradle Certified, Leaping Bunny logo, Fair Trade Certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Green Good Housekeeping, Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Organic, EWG Verified and Green Seal (not all-inclusive). There are also symbols for recycled packaging, for paper packaging that did not harm the forest (FSC) and many others.
3.) Natural Makeup Products Contain Beneficial Nutrients
Just as your skin can absorb chemicals, it can also suck in nutrients.
The Global Healing Center applauds a leading natural moisturizer called cocoa butter for delivering essential fatty acids that seek to promote hydrated, healthy-looking skin. There are other natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like:
- Coconut oil: contains antioxidants and emollients
- Avocado oil: contains lecithin, fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E
- Sunflower oil: contains vitamin E, a fat soluble nutrient, along with antioxidants
- Borage seed oil: contains gamma linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, and antioxidants
- Bamboo powder: contains silica and flavanones
- Aloe extract: contains vitamins A, B, C and E, and lipids
- Plankton extract: contains amino acids, essential fatty acids and plant minerals
The organization also credits other natural extracts, such as those from white tea, apricots, grapes and pomegranate, for their antioxidant properties and for possibly promoting the integrity and elasticity of the skin.
You want products that nourish your skin, not poison it.
Natural Makeup Options
FOUNDATION
Health Glow Foundation by Real Purity
Health Glow Foundation was one of the first natural makeup products on the market. Customers appreciate that it provides an even tone and healthy glow without clogging pores. Real Purity uses the highest quality botanicals and plant-derived ingredients to make cosmetic products that are naturally good for you – that means no parabens, sulfates or other toxic chemicals. Cruelty free. Made in the USA.
FACE POWDER
Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder by Jane Iredale
Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder provides a creamy, luminous look with SPF 20. It is free of synthetic chemicals, wheat and oil. Jane Iredale is a mineral makeup line that is designed to look good, feel good and be good for the skin, and to enhance your natural beauty. Cruelty free. Hypoallergenic. Vegan.
BRONZER
Glow Bronzer is an all-natural general bronzer with a soft, subtle sparkle. This translucent powder provides a natural, sun-kissed look for a variety of skin types. Erth Minerals pledges to make its products as natural as they can possibly be by using worry-free, skin-loving ingredients – no additives, fillers or chemicals – in all of its makeup, gloss and skincare products. Cruelty free. Vegan. Made in the USA.
BLUSH
Mineral Blush Powder by Miessence
Mineral Blush Powder is made using pure, refined minerals that provide a natural color for your cheeks. A certified organic rose essential oil gives it a nice, delicate scent. Miessence offers a range of certified organic skin, hair, body, cosmetic, oral and nutritional products. It is based on the values of sustainability and integrity with nature and the human spirit.
EYESHADOW
Natural Eyeshadow by Real Purity
Natural Eyeshadow is a natural, nonirritating, long-lasting formula that delivers a beautiful, vibrant pigment with UV protection. Its particles contain vitamin E and pycnogenol, which provide nourishment and protection for your skin. Real Purity only uses high-quality botanicals and plant-derived ingredients in its natural cosmetic and skincare products.
EYELINER
Natural Liquid Eyeliner by Suncoat
Natural Liquid Eyeliner stays on all day without smearing or smudging. It is colored with earth pigments and contains sugar-based biodegradable polymers, not synthetic plastics. Suncoat operates with a commitment to manufacturing high-quality products from the best natural ingredients while maintaining the highest environmental integrity. Cruelty free.
MASCARA
PureLash Mascara by Jane Iredale
PureLash Mascara is a mild formula that was developed for sensitive eyes. It produces a full, feathery look and soft, conditioned feel. Customers appreciate how it nourishes lashes naturally, and resists smearing and flaking. The Jane Iredale brand provides mineral makeup based on high integrity and a pledge to women’s health. Cruelty free. Vegan.
LIPSTICK
Color Intense Lipstick by Lavera
Color Intense Lipstick is a natural, highly pigmented lip color with staying power. It is made with only all-natural ingredients – no synthetic chemicals or heavy metals. Lavera has been creating innovative, all-natural cosmetics for over 25 years. The company uses effective plant-based ingredients and pure minerals in all of its products.
MAKEUP REMOVER
Makeup Remover is a light, gentle, fragrance-free formula that safely removes all types of makeup. Derma e provides natural skincare solutions that work. The company strives to produce products that are as pure as possible, so they are free of harmful parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, petroleum, mineral oil and artificial colors. Gluten free. Cruelty free. Vegan.
To learn more about a wide range of natural health topics, check out our Health & Nutrition Resources page.
To have posts like this one delivered directly to your inbox, enter your email here.
