5 Makeup Ingredients That Dry Out Your Skin (and What We Use Instead)

Makeup is meant to bring out your best and not leave your skin dry and uncomfortable. The reality of the industry means a lot of conventional products rely on cheap fillers or waxes that can mess up your skin. At best, they sit on the surface or at worst, they can dry you out and cause irritation.

The good news? You don’t actually need them. At River Organics, every ingredient we use is chosen to nourish your skin, not work against it. Let’s look at 5 common ingredients you’ll often see in blush, concealer, brow wax, lip balms, and highlighter and what we use instead to debunk the myth that clean beauty isn't functional or high-performance.

1. Talc

Where it’s found: blush, concealer, highlighter.
Why avoid it: Talc is used to give powders a smooth feel, but it can also dry out the skin and irritate sensitive complexions.
What we use instead: Mica and natural clays, they give that same silky texture while letting your skin breathe and stay comfortable. 

2. Petrolatum

Where it’s found: lip balms, concealer, brow products
Why avoid it: Petrolatum (a by-product of petroleum) coats your skin instead of helping it. It locks in moisture but doesn’t actually feed or soften your skin.
What we use instead: Mango butter and cocoa butter that are rich, plant-based butters that melt right in, keeping lips and skin soft and nourished.

3. Paraffin Wax

Where it’s found: brow wax, lip balms.
Why avoid it: Paraffin wax is another petroleum-derived ingredient. It gives hold, but it can feel heavy and doesn’t offer any nutrients.
What we use instead: Candelilla wax which is a plant wax that gives natural hold and structure, while staying light and skin-friendly.

4. Silicones (like Dimethicone)

Where it’s found: concealer, highlighter.
Why avoid it: Silicones make products feel smooth at first, but they don’t let skin breathe. They can trap debris underneath and leave skin feeling dry once they’re gone.
What we use instead: Jojoba oil: a plant oil that’s almost identical to your skin’s natural sebum. It balances, hydrates, and gives a smooth finish without the drawbacks.

5. Synthetic Dyes (FD&C colors)

Where it’s found: blush, lip balm, highlighter
Why avoid it: Synthetic dyes are petroleum-based and can irritate sensitive skin. They add color, but nothing nourishing.
What we use instead: Iron oxides and natural pigments that are safe, mineral-based colors that give beautiful shades without harsh side effects.

The Bottom Line

Makeup should look good and feel good. That’s why every River Organics product is made with plant oils, butters, and mineral pigments that support your skin’s health while giving you natural, buildable color.

So next time you reach for a lip balm, blush, or highlighter, remember you don’t need drying fillers to get results and your skin always deserves better. The EWG is always a great resource to check the safety of ingredients.