Non-Toxic Brow Product Swaps + 8 Popular Brands to Avoid

Last Updated on July 18, 2026 by NonToxicSwaps

Brow products are designed to fill in or add color to brows. Brow pencils and powders can contain dyes and other toxins to effectively provide the look of fuller brows. However, many conventional options contain ingredients linked to hormone disruption, respiratory irritation, and skin sensitivities that build up with daily use.

Brow products sit right near our eyes and absorb into delicate skin. But there are beautiful, effective clean alternatives that perform just as well (or better) without the hidden load.

By switching to a non toxic brow product, you can still get a fuller look without adding toxins to your makeup routine.

DISCLAIMERS:

As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Information provided in this post is updated as of the date of the post. Brands may reformulate products after the date of this post. Check back for updates.

Ingredients to Avoid in Brow Pencils & Powders

Dyes: can be carcinogenic, genotoxic and offer no benefit to the product other than color (example: FD&C dyes, Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5)
Ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs, PPGs, polysorbates, ceteareth, phenoxyethanol): ethoxylation process produces ethylene oxide, (carcinogen and developmental toxin) and 1,4-dioxane (a suspected carcinogen).
Phenoxyethanol: deemed generally safe at a 1% concentration, however it’s production process, ethoxylation, can potentially contaminate phenoxyethanol with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide (see above for ethoxylated ingredient description)
Parabens: preservatives linked to endocrine disruption, known to be carcinogenic due to endocrine disruption. Parabens may be listed as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben.
Phthalates (often hidden in “fragrance”): Endocrine disruptors that can affect reproductive health and development. Many brow products use synthetic fragrance or masking agents.
Fragrance/Parfum: umbrella term including hundreds of toxins, including hormone disrupting phthalates, as well as skin irritants and allergens. Chemicals that are hidden behind this term can be carcinogenic, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxins, neurotoxins, and more.
Talc and fillers: Sometimes contaminated with asbestos (though regulated, quality varies). Can irritate lungs when particles become airborne.
Microplastics or petroleum-derived waxes (like paraffin): Contribute to environmental buildup and can feel heavy or comedogenic.

Instead, look for: Plant-based waxes (candellila, carnauba, jojoba) and mineral pigments (iron oxides, mica).

Popular Brow Product Brands to Avoid

Daily exposure adds up, especially with products that flake or require frequent touch-ups. Here are some popular ones with common red flags:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz / Dipbrow: Often contains synthetic polymers, phenoxyethanol, and potential fragrance masking. Very pigmented but loaded with conventional stabilizers.
Benefit Gimme Brow+: Features microfibers (polypropylene), PEGs, and phenoxyethanol. The volumizing fibers are effective but not the cleanest for breathability.
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Brow Pencil: Contains paraffin and synthetic emollients common in traditional formulas.
Glossier Boy Brow: While minimalist in vibe, it includes conventional preservatives and synthetic thickeners.
Maybelline Brow Precise or similar drugstore pencils: Talc, synthetic dyes, and fragrance—budget-friendly but high in irritants.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil: Affordable but typically packed with PEGs, parabens, and artificial colors.
Dior or high-end department store brow gels: Often include alcohol, strong fragrances, and film-forming agents that can feel drying.
e.l.f. or other mass-market gels/powders: Frequently use cheap fillers, synthetic fragrances, and dyes.

Best Non Toxic Brow Pencils

Well People Expressionist Brow Pencil
Araza Avocado Butter Brow Pencil (Code NONTOXICSWAPS for 15% off)
Toups & Co Organics Brow Pencil (Code NONTOXICSWAPS for 15% off)
RMS Brow Pencil
Alima Pure Brow Pencil
Ere Perez Almond Brow Pencil

Best Non Toxic Brow Powders & Gels

100% Pure Brow Powder
100% Pure Brow Builder
Well People Expression Brow Gel
RMS Brow Powder
Lauren Brooke Pressed Brow Powder
MG Naturals Brow Powder

Final Thoughts

Switching brow products is a small change that leads to less stuff absorbing near your eyes every day. Your brows (and lungs and hormones) will thank you for choosing cleaner options.

Ready for more swaps? Grab my free Non-Toxic Swaps Product Checklist with direct links to my favorite finds (including my Amazon storefront for easy one-stop shopping). It covers everything from skincare to home to baby care to makeup.

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