Makeup's Dirty Dozen: How to Find Low-Toxin Options

Marketing labels like “clean” or “natural” mean little when determining what makeup is actually safe to use. It is becoming harder and harder to navigate all the greenwashing in an industry that is so poorly regulated. But it is important to take the time to be mindful of what we apply to our skin since it can end up in our bodies. Let's take the difficulty out of navigating this overwhelming area and cover what toxic ingredients to avoid and how to make your makeup routine as sustainable and clean as possible!

Twelve Toxic Ingredients

There are thousands of ingredients used in makeup! In fact, the average woman uses 168 chemical ingredients daily! Sadly, many are unaware that they are using makeup that is toxic to their health!

Here are some toxic chemicals commonly found in makeup:

1. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Derived from petroleum, PEG is used as a moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics. It is produced through a reaction between ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen when inhaled) and other less harmful substances. Unfortunately, this reaction can create by-products such as 1,4-dioxane (a probable human carcinogen). While manufacturers have the option to remove these by-products, many do not.
2. BHA/BHT: These preservatives, commonly used in beauty products, have been associated with endocrine disruption and toxicity to organ systems.
3. Parabens: Used as preservatives in beauty products and fragrances, parabens have been linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, and developmental and reproductive toxicity. When checking the ingredient list, parabens are identified by names such as ethyl-, butyl-, methyl-, followed by "-paraben."
4. Ethanolamines: Found in cosmetics as pH adjusters, fragrance components, or emulsifying agents, ethanolamines have been linked to cancer, environmental concerns regarding bioaccumulation, and toxicity to organ systems. Look for ingredients labeled as MEA, DEA, or TEA.
5. Fragrance/Parfum: This term represents a mixture of chemicals responsible for the scent of a product. Thousands of different chemicals can be included under the broad term "fragrance," which is not required to be disclosed to protect trade secrets. Some of these fragrance ingredients have been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities.
6. Lead/Heavy Metals: While some products explicitly list lead or heavy metals as ingredients, others may be contaminated with these substances. Health concerns associated with lead and heavy metals include cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, toxicity to organ systems, and environmental concerns regarding bioaccumulation.
7. Carbon Black: Used as a pigment in cosmetics like eyeliner and lipstick, carbon black is produced through the incomplete combustion of carbon-based products and has been linked to increased cancer incidence and negative effects on organs.
8. Phthalates: These chemicals, linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are still prevalent in U.S. products despite being banned in the European Union. Look for ingredients labeled Phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP, and Fragrance. It is important to note that companies will often group them under the ingredient fragrances because they do not declare them as they are “trade secret.”
9. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: These chemicals, used to prevent microbial growth, can be absorbed through the skin and are linked to cancer and allergic reactions. They are commonly found in mascara, press powders, and eyeliners. Look for ingredients named Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Polyoxymethylene urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol), Glyoxal, and methenamine.
10. Octinoxate: Found in foundations, lipstick, and sunscreens, this unstable chemical is linked with endocrine disruption and thyroid disorders. Look for ingredients called octinoxate, octyl-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate, avobenzone (Parsol, Escalol), and Neo Heliopan.
11. Talc: Commonly used in face powders and eye shadows, talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen.
12. Siloxanes: Used in makeup to improve texture and spreadability. They also help soften and moisturize the skin. They can be found in various cosmetic products, such as foundations, primers, and moisturizers. Look for ingredients that end in -siloxane or -methicone and avoid these products!

If you are into the details, you can check out a table below that goes more in-depth about each ingredient and others, their uses, risks, and what to look out for!

Choosing a Low-Toxin Makeup

Here are three top tips on how to find lower toxin makeup.

Read Ingredient Labels Carefully

The smaller the ingredient list, the better! However, even cleaner brands may contain lengthy and complex ingredient lists. Consider using resources like the Think Dirty app (has a subscription cost) or the free option, EWG Skin Deep website, to assess the risk of the ingredients present in a product. Unfortunately, some apps may not be available in certain regions, such as NZ.

Look for Certifications

Look for certifications like MADE SAFE®, USDA Organic, COSMOS Organic, and EWG VERIFIED™, as they indicate a commitment to low-toxin ingredients.

Prioritise Transparent Brands

If a brand isn't fully transparent about its ingredient list, it's best to avoid their products. Safe-to-use brands should have nothing to hide.

Non-toxic Makeup Recommendations

Navigating the vast array of brands offering non-toxic makeup can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, here are some of my top recommendations for better, lower toxin foundation:

1. MG Naturals (bonus: titanium dioxide-free) (use LOWTOXINRABBIT for 10% off)
2. Blac Cosmetics - (Organic Foundation and Primer)
3. Kylie's Professional
4. Aleph
5. Ere Perez

Keep an eye out over the coming weeks as I will share more low toxin beauty favourites.

What's next…

Choosing safe makeup products can be challenging, but armed with knowledge, you can make informed decisions and opt for truly low-toxin options. Prioritise understanding the ingredients, seek certifications, and support transparent brands to ensure a cleaner and healthier makeup routine.

References:

Personal Care Products Safety Act Would Improve Cosmetics Safety | Environmental Working Group (ewg.org)

Chemicals of Concern - Safe Cosmetics

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products (europa.eu)

Multifaceted effects of aluminium in neurodegenerative diseases: A review

Toxicity of the cosmetic preservatives parabens, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin on human meibomian gland epithelial cells