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In recent years and now more than ever, savvy consumers like you and I are shifting towards clean beauty and are learning how to find clean beauty products as more of us recognize the importance of choosing makeup that’s not only effective but also safe for our health. Let’s be real. Clean beauty is having a major moment and we LOVE to see it, right?!?! I’m pretty sure you’re not looking for a tinted moisturizer with a side of phthalates (THAL-ates) that are going to mess with your hormones and reproductive organs.
Yowzahs! No, thank you. This is why it is so important to know how to find clean beauty products without becoming totally overwhelmed and annoyed by the process. Spoiler alert: It’s easier than you think to find better products!
If you are reading this and thinking “oh boy, I’ve used a questionable brand before or I am currently using one”, please know that we ALL have! There’s no shame or judgment allowed here. In fact, I always recommend starting small and switching out one product at a time like a moisturizer to start because there is no need to drive yourself crazy over this. New information and research is becoming available all of the time so once we know better, we can do better.
For anyone who is looking to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful and toxic ingredients, learning how to find clean beauty products and how to find clean makeup is essential. You might be wondering but with so many brands and labels, where do you start?
Unlike “natural” or “organic,” which often focus on ingredient sourcing, a clean makeup brand centers around using non-toxic ingredients and full transparency. Clean brands are going the extra mile to ditch the shady ingredients and they are very upfront about it because they want you to know exactly what you are purchasing from them.
Keep reading to learn all the things you need to know to identify clean, non toxic makeup brands that align with your values and skincare goals while prioritizing your health!
What is A Clean Makeup Brand?
Also known as is this safe for my skin? Before diving into product labels and specific products, it is important to clarify what is a clean makeup brand. In general, clean beauty brands are committed to avoiding potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, heavy metals and any other ingredient you’d rather not put near your pores!
These clean makeup brands often emphasize ingredient transparency (my FAVORITE thing about clean makeup brands), ensuring we know exactly what we are applying to our skin. Think of it as the difference between a fast food burger and a farm-to-table meal. One is a little questionable and the other can’t wait to brag about every delicious ingredient you are about to enjoy!
Clean makeup brands often will get certifications from trusted third-party organizations, such as EWG Verified, MADE SAFE, or Leaping Bunny for cruelty free. These certifications can give you confidence that a brand’s products meet higher safety and ethics standards. It is not easy to get these certifications without rigorous testing and proof of high safety standards.
I do want to note though that if these brands don’t have a third-party certification, that doesn’t automatically mean that they aren’t clean, it just means you’ll probably have to do a little more digging to vet them. Look for brands that list full ingredient details on their packaging and website as well as brands that emphasize both ethical and sustainable practices, since clean beauty is about more than what’s in the product – it’s also about the brand’s values and commitment to safety.
Key Ingredients to Avoid in Makeup
One of the best ways to ensure you’re buying clean makeup is to check ingredient lists. By learning how to find clean beauty products, you’ll also discover which ingredients to avoid. A few common ones to keep on your radar include:
- Parabens: These preservatives have been linked to hormone disruption. Not exactly what you want when you’re just trying to look cute for girls night out!
- Phthalates: Often found in fragrances, phthalates are notorious for causing reproductive issues. Bottom line? Give ’em the boot!
- Synthetic Fragrances: They may smell nice, but synthetic fragrances can hide a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals and allergens.
- Formaldehyde-releasing agents: Yep, known carcinogens found in some makeup products. Definitely not welcome in your daily routine.
Avoiding these ingredients not only benefits your skin but also supports your long-term health. For those looking to be extra thorough in learning how to find clean beauty products, using an ingredient checking app like EWG’s Skin Deep can help ensure you’re aware of the potential risks associated with specific makeup products. Finding clean beauty products that prioritize safe ingredients are better for you and will also make a noticeable difference in your skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Once you find clean makeup that you love, you’ll truly be hooked on having that peace of mind!
How to Find Clean Beauty Products
With the rise in popularity of clean beauty, it’s easier than ever to find resources that help you verify clean makeup brands. So, how can you find clean makeup that meets strict safety standards? Here’s a solid plan for vetting skincare and makeup brands.
Start by checking for certifications, as mentioned above, which indicate that products have met specific safety and transparency criteria. Next, read up on brand mission statements as many clean brands share their ingredient philosophy and testing protocols openly as they are proud to share their safer products with you.
Additionally, as mentioned, tools like the EWG’s Skin Deep database make it super easy to research specific products and check for these red flag ingredients, too. Lastly, reviews from clean beauty enthusiasts (like me!) can give you an inside look at the efficacy and feel of different products.
I am committed to doing the hard work for you because I love to find fully vetted, safer options for everyone.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be equipped to verify what is a clean makeup brand and what is not pretty quickly. I know sometimes it can feel like finding clean makeup is way too much detective work but it’s worth the effort to find brands that you can rely on and that truly have your back.
Here’s to soon feeling more confident in your choices! High five, my friend.
How to Find Clean Makeup
Unfortunately, not all brands that claim to be “clean” actually meet the highest standards. This is one of the major downsides of the popularity of the clean beauty movement. Brands sometimes use misleading terms like “natural,” “pure,” or “organic” to look cleaner and safer than they really are.
The truth? Those words aren’t regulated and don’t mean much without actual ingredient transparency. This is called greenwashing. If you’re learning how to find clean makeup products, it’s super important to recognize these tactics and keep your spidey senses about you.
To spot greenwashing, look past the front labels and focus on the ingredient list and certifications. Terms like “natural” may sound good but don’t always guarantee that a product is free from synthetic chemicals or safe for use.
Trustworthy brands disclose their ingredients and manufacturing practices clearly. When in doubt, you can also check third-party apps and databases such as Think Dirty or EWG Skin Deep for your makeup, too! These databases can provide a transparent view of whether a product is genuinely clean or just marketed as such. When you know how to find clean beauty products, greenwashing will stick out like a sore thumb.
What Are The Best Non Toxic Makeup Brands?
If you’re just beginning your journey into clean beauty, you might wonder, what are the best non toxic makeup brands that provide quality results without questionable ingredients? Here are a few standout clean makeup brands that I’ve personally used, love, and they all prioritize safe, high-quality ingredients, of course! 😉
ILIA Beauty
A few of my favorite products from ILIA Beauty are:
- Super Serum Skin Tint
- Limitless Lash Mascara
- Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
- The ILIA Nightlite Bronzing Powder is great, too!
Kosas Beauty
Kosas offers a range of multi-functional products with non-toxic formulas that feel lightweight and buildable on the skin while banning over 2,700 ingredients and adhering to European Union standards.
A few must tries from Kosas:
- Kosas Plump and Juicy Lip Booster
- Kosas BB Burst Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream
- Blush is Life Baked Dimensional + Brightening Blush
Crunchi
This is another trusted brand that goes the extra mile in ingredient transparency, focusing on makeup that’s effective, cruelty-free, and every ingredient undergoes a 30 step screening process!
A few products to try from Crunchi:
- Hydrogloss Lip Oil
- Eye Shadow Bar Enhanced Neutrals
- Cheekmate Liquid Blush
Whew! Now that you are super duper informed (and maybe a little overwhelmed) with all of this info, you’re ready to conquer the world of clean beauty with confidence! Whether you’re checking ingredients, comparing brands, or spotting greenwashing from a mile away, your beauty routine is officially smarter, safer, and cleaner.
Now that you understand how to find clean makeup and identify what is a clean makeup brand, you’re equipped to make informed choices. If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that clean beauty is a journey, and each small step can positively impact your skin, health, and the environment. You do not have to swap out your entire makeup bag overnight to make a difference in your routine. Start small.
Remember: choosing clean beauty isn’t just about looking good! It’s about feeling good too, while knowing you’re supporting brands that care about your health and well-being. If you’re ever in doubt, come back to this guide, dive into the best non toxic makeup brands mentioned here, and give yourself a pat on the back for making mindful choices! Happy (safer) shopping!
