Non-Toxic Halloween Guide: Face Paints, Costumes, and Treats

Family joyfully dressed in spooky Halloween costumes indoors, celebrating the holiday together.

Halloween should be spooky fun – not scary for our health. Yet many costumes, face paints, and candies hide some truly frightful toxins. In this non-toxic Halloween guide, we’ll show you how to avoid those “tricks” and choose healthier treats instead.

From safe face paints that won’t harm your child’s skin to non-toxic costumes free of lead and phthalates, we’ve got you covered. We’ll even share yummy organic candy swaps and creative non-candy goodies to make your Halloween as healthy as it is happy. Let’s make this Halloween safe, fun, and frighteningly toxin-free!

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Why Go Non-Toxic for Halloween? 🎃

Halloween is a time of imaginative play and indulgence, but unfortunately this playful holiday often comes with the year’s heaviest chemical exposure.. Consider this:

🎃 Face Paint Scares: An alarming 100% of face paints tested in one report contained lead – a neurotoxin with no safe level for kids. Many also contain other heavy metals like cadmium and chromium, plus parabens and allergens hidden under terms like “fragrance”. These chemicals can irritate skin and even disrupt hormones.
🎃 Costume Chemicals: Cheap costumes often use PVC (“vinyl”) plastic, which can contain lead and hormone-disrupting phthalates. A 2015 study found a large percentage of Halloween costumes and accessories contained heavy metals, flame retardants, and other toxins. Those “flame-resistant” costumes? They’re usually doused in chemical flame retardants linked to developmental issues.
🎃 Treat Troubles: Conventional candies are loaded with artificial dyes, flavors, and preservatives. Ingredients like Red 40 dye (derived from petroleum) are linked to hyperactivity in children, and even formerly common additives like titanium dioxide have been deemed unsafe for food by European regulators.

Just because these exposures happen “one day a year” doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body, and even small doses can affect children’s developing brains.

Plus, when we “vote with our dollars” and choose safer products, we encourage companies to make more non-toxic options. The good news is, a non-toxic Halloween is easier than you think – and just as much fun!

Below, we’ll break down safer choices for costumes, face paints, and treats, with specific product recommendations to make your Halloween planning a breeze.

Before We Get Started…

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Non-Toxic Halloween Costumes 👻

Store-bought costumes can be a toxic trap. Many are made of synthetic materials and plastic parts that hide dangerous chemicals. Let’s unmask the costume toxins and find safe alternatives:

Toxic Costume Ingredients to Avoid:

👻 PVC/Vinyl: Often used in shiny costumes, capes, and masks. PVC is dubbed the “poison plastic” – it can contain lead and phthalates that leach out. If a costume smells like plastic or chemicals, that’s a red flag (trust your nose!). Skip anything made of PVC or labeled “vinyl.”
👻 Flame Retardants: If a costume is labeled “flame-resistant,” it likely has chemical flame retardants on it. These can rub off on skin and have been linked to thyroid issues, hormone disruption, and even lowered IQ. Opt for costumes made of natural materials (which are naturally less flammable) and avoid specifically flame-treated outfits.
👻 Heavy Metals in Accessories: Metallic costumes and toy jewelry may contain lead or cadmium. In fact, some Halloween costume shipments have been found with high lead levels. Avoid cheap metal tiaras, swords, and costume jewelry unless you know they’re lead-free. Also check labels: a tag saying “Not for children under 14” can be a sneaky sign that it contains hazardous levels of heavy metals.

Safe Costume tips…

Choose Natural Fabrics

Dress up in outfits made from cotton, silk, wool, or linen instead of plastics. These breathe better and contain far fewer chemicals. For example, soft cotton pajamas can double as a costume base (think skeleton PJs or animal print jammies). Brands like Hanna Andersson offer organic cotton Halloween pajamas that are perfect for this. Simply add a few accessories to turn PJs into a costume.

DIY & Upcycle

Get creative and make your own costume pieces! You don’t need to be a master crafter – a simple cape or tutu is easy to DIY. Repurpose clothes from your closet or thrift store finds. Not only do you avoid toxins this way, you’ll also have a one-of-a-kind costume.

Second-Hand Costumes

Borrowing or thrifting costumes is a smart move. Older costumes have likely off-gassed some of their chemicals over time. Plus, you’ll save money and reduce waste. Just give them a good wash and air-out before wearing.

Layer Up

Have your child wear a full layer of regular clothing under their costume. This creates a barrier between skin and any residue on the fabric. And be sure to wash skin and hands after trick-or-treating, to rinse off any dust or residues from costumes.

Non-Toxic Costume Ideas & Brands:

🧚 Sarah’s Silks (Fairy Wings & More)

Dress-up accessories made from 100% real silk and non-toxic dyes. These play silks and wings let kids become fairies, butterflies, or princes/princesses with no harmful coatings. They’re beautiful, reusable year-round, and completely PVC-free (unlike typical plastic wings).

$Sarah\\\'s Silks Blossom Fairy Wings | Butterfly Costume for Kids, Real Natural Silk Montessori Waldorf Toys Dress Up for Pretend Play | Hand Dyed Toy for Girls Ages 3-8$

Sarah\\\'s Silks Blossom Fairy Wings | Butterfly Costume for Kids, Real Natural Silk Montessori Waldorf Toys Dress Up for Pretend Play | Hand Dyed Toy for Girls Ages 3-8

4.8 / 5 (83 ratings)

$38.00

🦸 Great Pretenders Costumes

Great Pretenders offers a huge range of costumes (from superheroes to princess gowns) made with safer polyester and tested for heavy metals. They avoid PVC materials and meet strict safety standards in the US, Canada, and EU. If your child must have that Disney princess or superhero look, this brand is a good bet for a less-toxic version. Many of their costumes are machine-washable and durable for years of play.

Great Pretenders Silver Knight Tunic Cape & Crown 5/6 Years Dress Up Play

4.6 / 5 (41 ratings)

$38.98

🤖 DIY Costume Kits

Instead of those one-and-done costumes from big box stores, consider DIY kits or patterns. For example, Primary.com shares easy ideas to turn solid-colored basics into costumes (like a black hoodie + felt ears for a cat 🐱). Or pick up some organic fabric and wool felt to craft capes, crowns, and masks yourself. It can be a fun project with the kids!

By being a bit choosy with costumes, you can ensure your little monsters only pretend to be toxic zombies – not wear toxic chemicals in real life. 😜

Next up, let’s talk face paint – because no costume is complete without those finishing touches on the face!

Safe & Spooky Face Paints 🎨

Face paints and play make-up can transform your child into a tiger, witch, or superhero for the night. Unfortunately, many store-bought face painting kits hide a scary truth: they’re full of things you wouldn’t want on your child’s skin (or anywhere near their mouth and eyes!).

In fact, one investigation found lead in all mainstream Halloween face paints tested, and another found nearly half had at least one hormone-disrupting ingredient. Yikes!

But don’t worry – you don’t have to send your kid out with a bare face. With a little savvy, you can find non-toxic face paints that are just as vibrant and much safer.

Frightful Ingredients to Avoid in Face Paint:

❌ Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, nickel, and chromium commonly contaminate cheap face paints. These metals can cause rashes and more serious effects with repeated exposure. They’re not usually listed on labels (they sneak in as impurities), so it’s hard to know what’s safe just by reading the package. That’s why choosing brands with confirmed safety testing is key.
❌ Parabens & Formaldehyde Releasers: Used as preservatives in some makeup, parabens can act as endocrine disruptors. Other preservatives (like DMDM hydantoin or urea compounds) can release formaldehyde – a known carcinogen – over time. Many children’s face paints are poorly regulated and include these kinds of chemicals without disclosure (often hidden under generic terms like “fragrance” or preservatives).
❌ Petroleum-Based Dyes: Those super-bright neon colors? Often made with petroleum or coal tar dyes. They may contain impurities (like benzene) and can be harsh on sensitive skin. Tip: If a face paint has an artificial fragrance or a long list of chemical names, that’s a red flag.

Now for the good news. There are several kid-safe face paint brands that deliver awesome color without the toxins. Here are some top picks:

Recommended Non-Toxic Face Paints:

🌿 Natural Earth Paint Face Paint Kit

A truly non-toxic, mineral-based face paint made in the USA. The creamy formula uses fair-trade shea butter, castor seed oil, and beeswax, and it’s free of nanoparticles, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, and petroleum dyes. Third-party lab tested for safety, it goes on opaque and smooth, lasts through the night, and washes off easily with water. The kit includes 6 core colors (red, yellow, green, blue, black, white) and 3 bamboo applicators, packaged in eco-conscious, post-consumer recycled jars—perfect for kids, cosplay, and Halloween.

Natural Earth Paint Face Paint Kit – Non-Toxic, Mineral Makeup for Kids & Adults – Organic, Long-Lasting, Easy to Wash Off – 6 Colors & 3 Bamboo Applicators – Made in USA

4.3 / 5 (311 ratings)

$23.95

🤹 Elegant Minerals All-Natural Face Paint

Elegant Minerals offers a larger “Party” palette with 15 creamy colors that you can mix. It’s lead-free, dye-free, paraben-free, and uses natural mineral pigments for color. This kit is a great option if you’re hosting a Halloween party or have multiple kids who all want different designs – there’s plenty of safe paint to go around!

Face Paint - Party Animal Kit - all Natural Non Toxic

4.3 / 5 (4 ratings)

$24.80

DIY Face Paint Option: If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own face paint with simple kitchen ingredients! For a quick DIY: mix 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp all-natural diaper cream or face lotion, and a few drops of natural food coloring. This creates a base you can thicken with a bit of flour or brighten with a pinch of turmeric (for yellow) or beet juice (for red). DIY paint won’t be as vivid as store-bought, but it’s a fun project and completely edible (in case little ones lick it 😋). And for removing face paint – coconut oil works wonders as a gentle cleanser (just massage it on and wipe with a warm cloth).

Face Paint Do’s & Don’ts:

Do This

Test any face paint on a small patch of skin (like the inner arm) a day or two before Halloween to check for any allergic reactions. Also, set the face paint with a dusting of cornstarch or setting powder once it’s dry – this helps it stay put during sweaty trick-or-treating rounds.

Not that

Avoid applying paint too close to the eyes and lips, even if it’s “non-toxic.” It’s best to use a safe lip balm or a natural lipstick on lips instead of face paint, and keep face paint a half-inch away from the eyes. Also, don’t let kids sleep in face paint – always wash it off before bed to prevent skin irritation.

By choosing non-toxic face paints, you’ll ensure the only things turning green on Halloween are cute little witches and goblins – not your kids from nasty chemical exposure! Now that costumes and makeup are sorted, let’s tackle the treats in our non-toxic Halloween guide.

Treats and Sweets Without the Toxic Tricks 🍬

Halloween treats might be the toughest area to go non-toxic – after all, candy is candy, right? But there are actually two big issues to consider with traditional trick-or-treat goodies:

❌ Junkie Ingredients: Most mass-market candies are full of artificial additives (we’re looking at you, neon candy corn and rainbow gummies). We’re talking synthetic food dyes, artificial flavors, high-fructose corn syrup, and preservatives. These have been linked to everything from hyperactivity in kids to potential long-term health risks.
❌ Sugar Overload: Let’s not forget, a night of collecting candy can equate to a mountain of sugar for your child. While sugar itself isn’t a “toxin” in the chemical sense, too much can wreak havoc on mood, behavior, and immune function.

Healthier Halloween Candy Options 🎃🍫

You don’t have to cancel candy to have a non-toxic Halloween. Simply look for candies made with cleaner ingredients. While these treats aren’t perfect, they skip the worst offenders and are definitely better than the standard choices:

🍭 YumEarth Organic Candies

YumEarth makes Halloween-themed variety packs of lollipops, gummy fruits, and “giggles” (their dye-free version of Skittles). They are certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, and free of the top 9 allergens. Importantly, they use real fruit and veggie juices for color – so no Red 40 or Blue 1 in sight. These candies taste delicious (fruity flavors like pomegranate, mango, etc.) and kids love them. You can hand out YumEarth lollipops or fruit snacks and know you’re not giving the neighborhood kids a dose of petroleum dye with their sugar.

YumEarth Organic Halloween Variety Box - Allergy Friendly (Top 9 Free), No Artificial Dyes or Flavors, Non GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan Candy Snacks, Individually Wrapped (Pack of 50)

4.7 / 5 (1,197 ratings)

$28.99

🍫 UNREAL Chocolates

If chocolate is a must (and let’s face it, for many of us it is!), UNREAL brand has you covered. They make fair-trade, non-GMO candies that mimic favorites like peanut M&Ms and peanut butter cups, but with natural ingredients. For example, UNREAL Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems use beetroot and turmeric for coloring instead of artificial dyes, and they contain way less sugar than the mainstream version. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.

UNREAL Complete Variety Pack (6 Bag Sampler) | Less Sugar, Fair Trade, Non-GMO Ingredients with no Corn Syrup or Sugar Alcohols, No Soy

4.5 / 5 (1,110 ratings)

$40.99

🍬 Black Forest Organic Gummies

Black Forest offers organic gummi bears and worms made with real fruit juice and natural colors. They’re a step up from the usual gummy candies which often have synthetic dyes and flavors. These still have sugar, but at least they avoid corn syrup and artificial stuff. Plus, they are USDA organic. You can find snack-pack sizes perfect for trick-or-treat handouts.

Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears Candy, 0.8 Ounce Pouches (65 Count)

4.7 / 5 (9,229 ratings)

$27.40

🥜 Justin’s Mini Organic Peanut Butter Cups

Instead of Reese’s, try Justin’s organic mini peanut butter cups (available in dark or milk chocolate, individually wrapped). These are free of hydrogenated oils and artificial flavors. Kids get the same indulgent treat, but you get peace of mind that the ingredients list is short and recognizable.

$Justin\\\'s, Mini Peanut Butter Cups, Milk Chocolate, 4.7 oz$

Justin\\\'s, Mini Peanut Butter Cups, Milk Chocolate, 4.7 oz

4.7 / 5 (1,345 ratings)

$6.99 with 53 percent savings

Remember, even organic candy is still candy – sugar is sugar, so moderation is key. One strategy some parents use is the “Switch Witch” or candy buy-back: let your kids pick a bunch of their favorite pieces on Halloween night, then “swap” the rest for a special toy or book the next day.

This way they enjoy some treats, but don’t overdo it for weeks on end. You can supply the swapped treats with healthier versions like the above so they don’t feel deprived.

Non-Candy Treat Alternatives (Teal Pumpkin Project) 🎨🕷️

One of the coolest trends in recent years is the Teal Pumpkin Project. If you haven’t heard of it, here’s the deal: households put a teal-colored pumpkin on their porch to signal they have non-food treats available.

This is a godsend for kids with food allergies, diabetes, or parents who just don’t want so much candy around. And guess what – many kids love the novelty of toys and fun items even more than candy!

Consider offering non-toxic, non-candy goodies to trick-or-treaters. You can still provide a few candy options, but adding these into the mix makes your house the most interesting stop on the block (trust me, kids remember the house that gave out slime or stickers 😁).

Here are some hit ideas for Halloween handouts that won’t cause sugar rushes or cavities:

🖍️ Mini Coloring Books

Hand out mini Halloween coloring books. This gives kids an activity to enjoy after Halloween. Parents appreciate this thoughtful alternative, and it’s completely sugar-free.

Cholemy 100 Pcs Halloween Mini Coloring Books Bulk Halloween Holiday Coloring Book for Kids Trick or Treat Small Bulk Items Party Favors Supplies Goodie Bags Stuffer Birthday Fillers Gifts

4.2 / 5 (35 ratings)

$26.99

🎉 Stickers & Temporary Tattoos

What kid doesn’t love stickers? Grab some Halloween-themed sticker sheets or temporary tattoo packs (ensure they are non-toxic prints, which most temporary tattoos are). Slap a pumpkin sticker on each kid’s hand as they come, or drop a sticker sheet in their bag. They’ll have fun with them the next day.

300 PCS Halloween Pumpkin Stickers, Vinyl Waterproof Stickers for Water Bottles Laptop Skateboard Computer, Halloween Party Favors Gifts Funny for Kids Teens Adults

4.7 / 5 (194 ratings)

$8.99 with 10 percent savings

When offering non-candy items, just be sure to keep edible and non-edible treats separate (you can have two bowls) and signal your home with a teal pumpkin or a sign so families know. You can even let kids choose: “Candy or Prize?” – you’d be surprised how many eagerly pick the prize.

By joining the Teal Pumpkin Project (learn more on the official FARE website), you’re making Halloween inclusive for kids with allergies and creating a healthier balance for all kids. It feels good seeing a child’s face light up when they realize they can actually enjoy what you’re giving out because it won’t make them sick. Plus, these trinkets last longer than a candy bar that’s devoured in 10 seconds.

Your Non-Toxic Halloween questions

We get it – Halloween comes once a year, and some might argue that a little face paint and candy won’t do much harm. While it’s true that a single exposure is unlikely to cause severe damage, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, some of these chemicals (like lead) can accumulate in the body over time – so why add even a tiny amount if you don’t have to. Second, supporting safer products with your purchase sends a message to manufacturers that we demand better. Lastly, going non-toxic doesn’t mean going without the fun – as we’ve shown above, there are alternatives that let you celebrate just as enthusiastically. So yes, even for one night, it’s worth making some healthier swaps. Your kids can have a blast and you won’t have that nagging worry in the back of your mind. That peace of mind is priceless!

Sometimes our kids have their hearts set on that one costume – we’ve been there. If you can’t find a non-toxic version of it, there are still steps to reduce potential harm. When you get the costume, air it out thoroughly – take it out of the plastic and let it hang outdoors or in a garage for a few days to off-gas chemical fumes. If it’s washable, wash it with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent before wearing. Have your child wear a long-sleeve shirt and leggings underneath to minimize direct contact with their skin. For face masks (like those plastic character masks), consider having them wear it over a cotton balaclava or face cloth, or drill a few extra holes for ventilation to reduce inhaling fumes. And for makeup, if they insist on a certain look, see if you can recreate it with a safer brand of face paint (match the colors). It’s all about being creative and making the best of the situation.

Great question! Marketing can be misleading – a package might say “non-toxic” but still contain nasties. Here are a few tips: Look for face paints that specifically say “ASTM D-4236 compliant” – this means they’ve been reviewed by a toxicologist and deemed safe for cosmetic use. Check the ingredient list; shorter is generally better. Avoid anything with parabens, talc, polyethylene glycol, or fragrance listed. Lastly, do that patch test on your child’s arm ahead of time. If any redness or irritation occurs, skip it. When in doubt, opting for organic certified face paint kits (like Natural Earth Paint) is a safe bet because they undergo more scrutiny.

Very true – you can’t easily tell neighbors to hand out only organic candy (though wouldn’t that be nice?). What you can do is have a plan for managing the haul. Some tips: Before trick-or-treating, set expectations with your kids about how much candy they can eat that night (say, 2–5 pieces, depending on age). After the fun, sort through the candy together. Remove anything you consider absolutely off-limits or dangerous for your child (for example, choking hazards for little ones, or specific allergens). Then, consider the “Great Trade” – trade out a portion of the junky candy for better treats or a small toy. You could have a bowl of the healthier candies we mentioned and let them swap, or use the “Switch Witch” approach where overnight a witch swaps their excess candy for a gift. Some dentists’ offices do candy buy-back programs where kids turn in candy for rewards – a nifty idea. Also, don’t be afraid to toss out some candy. Kids get so much; they honestly won’t miss the 50 lollipops that never would’ve been eaten. For the candy they do keep, consider rationing it out over days rather than one big binge. A piece or two in the lunchbox over the next week will be more appreciated than a pile in one evening that just makes them feel sick. And finally, maybe have a candy-free celebration tradition too – like a special Halloween story time or a game night – so the focus isn’t 100% on candy loot.

This guide is mainly about costumes, paints, and treats, but we’ll touch on decor briefly. Most Halloween decorations (fake cobwebs, plastic pumpkins, inflatables, etc.) are made of synthetic materials – some could be PVC or have lead-based paints (especially string lights). If you have toddlers who might mouth decorations, be extra cautious. Opt for decorations made of wood, paper, or cloth when possible (e.g., a fabric banner instead of vinyl). Use real pumpkins and natural elements like hay bales, corn stalks, and gourds for an authentically festive and non-toxic touch. If you use fog machines or scented candles, choose water-based fog juice and 100% beeswax or soy candles with essential oil scents to avoid breathing in weird chemicals. And of course, keep all those potentially toxic decor items out of reach of little hands. Overall, decorations are a smaller concern than costumes and candy, since kids don’t usually have prolonged contact with them – so don’t stress too much, just use common sense (and maybe air out the costume props or plastic decor same as you would costumes).

Happy & Healthy Halloween! 🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 By taking these steps to plan a non-toxic Halloween, you’re ensuring that your family’s spooky celebrations are truly all treats and no tricks.

With safe costumes, face paints, and treat alternatives in your arsenal, you can let your kids immerse themselves in the magic of dress-up and make-believe without worry.

This Non-Toxic Halloween Guide has shown that you don’t need to sacrifice fun to keep things safe. From twirling in a chemical-free costume cape to munching on organic gummies, your kiddos can enjoy the best of Halloween with better, healthier products.

Here’s to making new traditions that prioritize our children’s well-being. Have a blast carving those organic pumpkins, whipping up natural face paint, and handing out goodies that make everyone smile.

Stay safe, have fun, and have a happy non-toxic Halloween! 🧡🕸️

Lastly, remember to share these tips with other parents – a healthier Halloween is something we can all celebrate together. After all, the only things that should be truly scary on Halloween are the ghosts and goblins at your door – not the hidden ingredients in their costumes and candy. Boo to toxins, yay to a healthy Halloween! 🎃👍