What Ingredients Should You Avoid in Makeup? Our Full List
Quick answer: The main ingredients to avoid in makeup are parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, silicones, petroleum-derived ingredients like mineral oil and paraffin, synthetic FD&C and D&C dyes, talc, and plastic glitter. Below we explain why each one is a concern and what we use instead.
At a Glance: What We Avoid and What We Use Instead
- Silicones → plant oils and butters
- Mineral oil and paraffin wax → candelilla wax and plant oils
- Synthetic FD&C and D&C dyes → iron oxides and mica
- Talc → rice starch and clays
- Plastic glitter → ethically sourced mica
- Parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrance → none at all
The products we use daily have a profound impact—not just on our skin but on our overall health and the environment. Many cosmetics on the market today rely on synthetic chemicals to achieve certain textures, colors, or shelf stability. While these ingredients are often deemed "safe" in small amounts, their cumulative impact on our bodies and the planet is a growing concern. We believe in doing better. That’s why we carefully select every ingredient that goes into our products and, just as importantly, avoid certain chemicals altogether.
Take parabens, for example. These preservatives are commonly found in cosmetics to prevent bacteria growth and extend shelf life. Yet, studies have shown that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormone function. Similarly, phthalates—often used to make fragrances last longer—are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with reproductive health. These chemicals may enter our bodies in small doses, but their persistent presence in everything from cosmetics to household products means that they add up over time, creating a burden on our health.
Silicones, another frequent ingredient in beauty products, are prized for their ability to create a silky, smooth texture. However, they are non-biodegradable, meaning they accumulate in the environment, contributing to long-term ecological damage. On the skin, silicones can act as a barrier that prevents it from breathing and functioning naturally. Likewise, petroleum-derived ingredients like mineral oil and paraffin wax—used to create glossy finishes or smooth application—come from non-renewable fossil fuels and can clog pores, leaving the skin unable to perform its natural detoxifying processes.
Even seemingly innocuous ingredients like synthetic dyes and fragrances pose risks. Synthetic dyes, labeled as FD&C or D&C colors, are often derived from petroleum or coal tar and may contain heavy metal contaminants. The FDA allows these dyes in cosmetics, but their safety is questioned by studies linking them to allergic reactions. Similarly, synthetic fragrances often include a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals, some of which have been linked to skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Consider this: The average woman uses about 12 personal care products daily, exposing herself to 168 different chemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). While regulatory agencies claim these chemicals are safe in small doses, the long-term effects of this daily exposure remain largely unstudied. When you combine this with the environmental toll—non-biodegradable silicones, microplastics from glitters, and petroleum-derived ingredients polluting waterways—the cost of these beauty products extends far beyond what’s visible.
Rather than relying on these common fillers and synthetic chemicals, we formulate our products with plant-based oils, butters, and waxes. For example, instead of petroleum-derived waxes in our eyebrow products, we use natural alternatives like candelilla wax. Our lip balms and stains skip the synthetic dyes and alcohols, opting instead for iron oxides. And in place of talc, often linked to contamination concerns, in our products such as blushes, brow wax, mascara and more, we use rice starch and clays for a velvety finish.
Choosing natural, clean ingredients isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about offering something better. Oils like jojoba and plum nourish the skin while enhancing the performance of the product. Ethically-sourced mica in our highlighters provides a subtle, natural glow without resorting to synthetic glitters or harmful mining practices. Every ingredient is chosen with care, not just to perform well but to respect your health and the environment.
It’s worth asking: If the beauty industry relies so heavily on chemicals to improve texture, color, or longevity, what is the true cost to us and to the planet? By choosing products free from harmful chemicals, you’re reducing the burden on your body and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world. What’s not in your makeup truly matters.
Makeup Made Without These Ingredients
- Shop the Color Sets by Tone: blush, highlighter and two lip products matched to your skin tone
- Shop cream blush sticks: made with rice starch instead of talc
- Shop lip balms and stains: coloured with iron oxides, not synthetic dyes
Ingredients to Avoid in Makeup: FAQs
How do I check the ingredients in my makeup?
Read the full ingredient list on the packaging or the brand's website. Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest amount, and free tools like EWG's Skin Deep database and INCIDecoder explain what each one is.
Is "clean beauty" regulated?
No. There is no legal definition of "clean" in the US or EU, so each brand and retailer sets its own rules. That's why reading the ingredient list matters more than the label.
Are natural ingredients always safer?
Not always. Natural ingredients can still cause allergies in some people, so patch test any new product on your inner arm first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
What should I look for instead?
Short ingredient lists built on plant oils, butters and waxes, mineral pigments like iron oxides and mica, and starches or clays in place of talc.