Non-Toxic Makeup: Top 3 Non-Toxic Makeup Brands You’ll Love
As a mom, I’ve always got a million things on my plate: baby, work, meals, laundry (seriously, how do little humans create SO much laundry?). The last thing I want to worry about is what’s lurking in my makeup bag. When I actually have time to do my makeup, I want to enjoy it by knowing that my makeup is non-toxic and free from chemicals! But unfortunately, many conventional makeup products are packed with ingredients that I wouldn’t dream of putting on my baby, so why would I put them on my own skin?
Let’s dive into the world of non-toxic makeup and explore how you can clean up your routine without sacrificing beauty. Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or love a full-glam moment, brands like 100% Pure, Omiana, and Araza Beauty are changing the game. Bonus: some are even free from titanium dioxide (yes, even that “natural” ingredient has its issues). Ready to make the switch? Let’s do this!
Why Non-Toxic Makeup Matters
Most of us have been conditioned to think, “If it’s on the shelf, it must be safe,” right? Wrong. The beauty industry isn’t as tightly regulated as you’d hope. Conventional makeup often contains a cocktail of questionable ingredients: parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and even heavy metals. These substances can disrupt hormones, irritate your skin, and, in some cases, are linked to long-term health risks.
One ingredient that often gets overlooked in the “toxic vs. non-toxic” debate is titanium dioxide. While it’s commonly used in makeup for its SPF and whitening properties, titanium dioxide has raised red flags, especially when inhaled in powder form. Studies indicate it can harm lung cells and, in some cases, might even be carcinogenic when inhaled as a fine powder. Yikes, right?
But titanium dioxide is just the tip of the iceberg. Other ingredients like formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, coal tar dyes, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds are also hiding in plain sight. These toxins are linked to everything from cancer to skin irritation, making the case for non-toxic makeup stronger than ever.
The good news? Non-toxic makeup brands are stepping up with safer, titanium dioxide-free options that deliver gorgeous results without the health risks.
The Brands Leading the Non-Toxic Makeup Revolution
At Naturally Non-Toxic, we only recommend products we trust and love. We may receive commissions from affiliate links in this article including Amazon Affiliates.
1. 100% Pure: The OG of Clean Beauty
If you’re new to the non-toxic beauty world, 100% Pure is a perfect place to start. This brand has been pioneering clean makeup for over 20 years. They’ve made it their mission to redefine what “pure” means in skincare and makeup, using fruit pigments, plant-based ingredients, and natural minerals to create products that are safe for your skin. They’re all about natural pigments – absolutely no chemicals, FD&C colorants and heavy metal dyes.
100% Pure was the very first non-toxic makeup brand I that tried, and it’s still my favorite years later. They have a lot of different shades of foundation so it was easy to find my perfect match. And their mascara? No raccoon eyes! If you’ve tried some non-toxic mascaras before, you probably know that’s pretty rare in the non-toxic makeup world!
Beyond amazing products, they’re also deeply committed to sustainability and philanthropy. I love that they use biodegradable packaging and support tons of incredible charities for animals, cancer, children, the environment – you name it. And of course they never test on animals.
Oh, and their customer service is top tier. If you’re not happy with a product, they’ll exchange it and even guide you on how to donate your unused item so it doesn’t go to waste. It’s makeup that feels good inside and out!
My Favorite Products From 100% Pure:
- Fruit Pigmented® Full Coverage Water Foundation: This is the foundation I use if I want full coverage. Unfortunately they are often out of stock with a lot of shades, but they have so many amazing shades that I’ve ordered a few different shades that still worked with my skin tone. It’s very easy to blend.
- Bamboo Blur Powder: Simply a great translucent setting powder! Plus, it’s titanium dioxide free!
- Fruit Pigmented® Ultra Lengthening Mascara: This is the only mascara I like and the only non-toxic mascara I have personally used that doesn’t smudge and give me embarrassing racoon eyes. Plus, the brown shade smells like chocolate (drools every time).
- Fruit Pigmented® Pretty Naked Palette: I love the mauve shades in this palette, but honestly all of their palette are nice. They always last me a really long time.
- Fruit Pigmented® 2nd Skin Foundation: I use this foundation if I want something lighter. It feels glorious to wear a foundation you can’t feel at all. Plus, you can always layer it to get full coverage. It blends so well.
Why I Love 100% Pure:
- Top-tier customer service
- Pure, non-toxic ingredients
- Beautiful, biodegradable packaging
- Amazing list of charities
Shop 100% Pure: Amazon
2. Omiana: Sensitive Skin’s Best Friend
For anyone who struggles with sensitive or reactive skin, Omiana is like a big, comforting hug in makeup form. Their line is specifically crafted to be free from harsh irritants, making it a dream for people with allergies or rosacea. If you’re allergic to titanium dioxide, this should be your go-to makeup brand.
If you have sensitive skin, you know how hard it can be to find makeup that doesn’t cause irritation or flare-ups. For over 10 years, this brand has been a game-changer for people with allergies, and I love how it’s been specifically formulated to be gentle on even the most sensitive skin. But even if you don’t have sensitive skin, you should still be mindful of what you put on your skin, allergies or not!
What I love most about Omiana is their commitment to clean, safe ingredients. They leave out all the harsh chemicals and irritants you typically find in makeup, like titanium dioxide, mica, parabens, talc, gluten, and artificial fragrances. For those of us with sensitivities, this is a huge relief. It’s also reassuring to know that they are fully transparent about what goes into their products. They even have an ingredient glossary, which has helped me learn about what’s in the makeup I’m using.
But they don’t stop at being skin-friendly—they’re also big on being good to the planet. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from GMOs, fillers, and synthetic additives. I love that they’re dedicated to sustainability, and their eco-friendly packaging just adds to the appeal. Plus, as a family-owned business, they bring such a personal touch to everything they do. I’ve had great experiences with their customer service, and it’s clear they genuinely care about their customers and the quality of their products.
They have a great deal going on right now that I personally took advantage of. If you spend more than $100 (me every time I buy makeup) you will get their Vegan Full Face 6-Brush Kit for free! It comes in a soft burlap organizer carrying case that makes me feel fancy every time I use it.
Omiana also has a pretty good loyalty program. You can get free makeup or 15% off your order by saving up your points.
My Favorite Products From Omiana:
- Creamy Baked Mineral Eyeshadow Trios: I love that their eyeshadow comes in convenient little trios. It’s everything you need in one little container, and the color combos are lovely.
- Loose Powder Mineral Blush: I had never tried a loose powder blush before, but I must say I am in love with their blush.
Why I Love Omiana:
- Great for ultra-sensitive skin
- Super transparent about ingredients
- Healthy formulas that perform
Shop Omiana: Visit their website
3. Araza: Farm-to-Face Beauty
Araza is like the farmer’s market of the makeup world. They specialize in Paleo-certified makeup (yep, that’s a thing) that nourishes your skin while enhancing your natural beauty. Every product is crafted with organic, whole-food ingredients—think aloe vera, turmeric, and jojoba oil.
If you’re looking for makeup that actually heals and supports your skin, Araza Beauty is the brand you’ve been waiting for. Their makeup is crafted with organic, plant-based ingredients, healthy fats, and natural minerals that work together to feed and heal your skin, whether you’re dealing with acne, rosacea, or just want makeup that feels as good as it looks.
They’re the first makeup brand to be Paleo Certified, which means every product is free from gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, and anything artificial. If you have allergies or autoimmune conditions, this transparency is a game-changer. But even if you don’t have sensitivities, it’s still reassuring to know that everything in their makeup is nourishing and good for your skin in the long term. Plus, their ingredients are organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced, so you can feel confident in what you’re putting on your face.
Not only are they committed to healthy ingredients, but they’re also focused on sustainability. They use glass and aluminum packaging whenever possible, and they even offer the coolest recycling program. If you send back five full-size containers of specific products, they’ll recycle them and send you a free full-size product in return! It’s a great deal, and it feels good knowing you’re helping the planet while getting some free makeup!
Araza is also a family-owned brand, which adds a personal touch to everything they do. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers and their well-being, which is why I trust them. They also donate 1% of their profits to help victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence, so when you shop Araza, you’re supporting a great cause too.
My Favorite Products From Araza:
- All-In-One Coconut Cream Foundation: This creamy, blendable foundation is free from titanium dioxide and packed with hydrating ingredients. It’s perfect for achieving that dewy, “I woke up like this” look.
- Coconut Corrective Cream Concealer: I am so happy to have this concealer. The dark circles under my eyes only got worse when I had my baby (someday I will sleep again) and this concealer makes me look less tired.
Why I Love Araza:
- Crazy good recycling program
- Supports skin health
- Small-batch, handcrafted vibes
Shop Araza: Visit their website
The Makeup Ingredients to Avoid (and Why)
When shopping for non-toxic makeup, here’s a cheat sheet of ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of:
- Titanium Dioxide: While considered safe in lotions, its powder form raises concerns when inhaled.
- Parabens: Linked to hormone disruption and found in many conventional cosmetics.
- Synthetic Fragrances: These can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are irritants or allergens.
- Bismuth Oxychloride: Often used in mineral makeup but can cause itching and irritation.
- Heavy Metals: Found in some conventional lipsticks and eyeshadows—yes, really!
- Coal Tar Dyes: These petroleum-derived dyes are common in eyeliners and mascaras but are linked to cancer and skin sensitivities.
- Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: Often used to extend shelf life, but at the cost of potential skin and respiratory irritation.
- PEG Compounds: Frequently contaminated with harmful byproducts like 1,4-dioxane.
Switching to non-toxic makeup brands eliminates these risks, leaving you with products that are as kind to your health as they are to your skin.
How to Transition to Non-Toxic Makeup
Switching your entire makeup routine might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips:
- Start Small: Replace one product at a time. Lipstick and foundation are great starting points since they’re often the most-used items.
- Read Ingredients: Look for organic mineral formulas.
- Do a Purge: Toss anything that’s already expired (yes, makeup expires) or with a laundry list of synthetic ingredients you can’t pronounce.
- Prioritize Your Budget: Prioritize products that stay on your skin all day (like foundation) and save less impactful items like mascara for last.
- Get Samples: Many non-toxic brands offer sample sizes so you can test before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Toxic Makeup
Is non-toxic makeup as effective as conventional brands? Absolutely! Non-toxic makeup has come a long way in terms of performance. Brands like 100% Pure, Omiana, and Araza prove that you don’t need to compromise quality for safety.
Does non-toxic makeup expire faster? It can, since it often lacks synthetic preservatives. Keep an eye on expiration dates and store products in a cool, dry place.
Are there any budget-friendly non-toxic makeup options? Yes! While premium non-toxic brands might charge more than the drugstore, they offer great rewards programs. Araza Beauty will literally give you free makeup!
Final Thoughts: Clean Beauty Without Compromise
Switching to non-toxic makeup is more than a trend; it’s a commitment to your health and well-being. By choosing safer products, you’re not only protecting your skin but also reducing your exposure to toxins that could have long-term effects. Brands like 100% Pure, Omiana, and Araza make it easier than ever to ditch harmful ingredients without sacrificing the results you love.
And it’s not just about what you’re avoiding; it’s about what you’re gaining—peace of mind, healthier skin, and the confidence of knowing you’re making choices that align with your values.
So go ahead, give your makeup bag a makeover! Your skin (and your peace of mind) will thank you.
Ready to make the switch? Shop my favorite non-toxic makeup brands today:
