Last Updated on March 6, 2023 by NonToxicSwaps
Switch to a non toxic foundation to eliminate chemical ingredients from your makeup routine.
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Companies can put their products on the shelves with labels that say “clean”, “Pure”, and “all natural”.
Unfortunately, there is no regulation on these terms. This means these words are worthless when it comes to shopping for a safe product. This practice is known as greenwashing.
Because of greenwashing, buyers are so often deceived into thinking certain products are safe, when they may not be!
Here at NonToxicSwaps.com, every recommendation is the result of careful investigation and research of hundreds of products currently on the market.
So which products make the cut? It all comes down to the ingredients.
Ingredients to Avoid for Non Toxic Foundation
Big brand foundations often include ingredients that can be harmful to your health. Companies use these ingredients because it produces a superior product. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of our health.
These are ingredients commonly found in the average foundation. This list is not conclusive but addresses the “heavy hitters” we should be avoiding in our makeup.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are known to cause endocrine disruption because they can mimic estrogen. Parabens have also shown to have the ability to block testosterone. Studies have also shown that parabens can reduce sperm production and can affect the development of reproductive organs in offspring. Parabens have also been linked to skin cancer.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is another preservative often used in cosmetics, personal care products, and even cleaning products. This is a controversial ingredient in the non toxic living world because it is considered safe at a concentration of 1% or below. However, phenoxyethanol can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, which is a known carcinogen. Additionally, phenoxyethanol is linked to allergic reactions. For these reasons, products with phenoxyethanol are left off the list of recommended products.
Fragrance
Fragrance is not a specific ingredient, but rather a group of ingredients that are used to add a scent to a product. This blanket term can be any one of hundreds of ingredients that are often linked to endocrine disruption, allergic reactions, and reproductive system toxicity.
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
Polyethylene glycol is derived from petroleum and can produce 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide during manufacturing. 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide are both known carcinogens. PEGs are often listed on ingredient labels along with a number, for example, PEG-20.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
BHT is another preservative that has been recognized as a human carcinogen and allergen. Along with many other concerning ingredients, BHT is approved for use in small concentrations in personal care products and food. Research has also found that BHT was linked to thyroid, kidney, and liver toxicity, as well as endocrine disruption.
Talc
Talc has been found to be contaminated with asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. Talc can cause severe lung damage when inhaled. It has also been linked to a higher incidence of ovarian cancer, when used in products like baby powder, baby wipes, baby diapering creams.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is a form of Vitamin A, which alone is not a bad thing! However, retinyl palmitate has been linked to increased tumor growth on the skin. Retinyl palmitate can also lead to an overexposure to Vitamin A, which is known as a human reproductive toxicant, and can lead to DNA damage.
What about titanium dioxide?
Titanium dioxide poses a health threat when inhaled. For foundation makeup, its best to avoid powder foundations that include titanium dioxide, as the loose powder can be inhaled.
What is the safest non toxic foundation?
The safest non toxic foundation is one that is void of all harmful ingredients.
Topically applied products absorb into our skin within 26 seconds. From there, they enter the bloodstream, where they circulate throughout the body and can begin to have an impact on your health.
Toxic chemical ingredients are linked to a variety of imbalances, disorders and illnesses. This can range from skin irritation to hormone imbalances, and even cancer.
PRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS & PREFERENCES
These certifications may or may not be important to you, depending on what you value in your products.
Everyone has a different set of priorities when it comes to their non toxic journey. Some may only use organic ingredients, while the next person is only concerned with the safety of the ingredients.
The following certifications can help you determine which products are right for you. Keep in mind that companies can claim their product is organic or vegan without necessarily holding a certification. This means that certifications shouldn’t be the “end all” for shopping around, however they may help you narrow down if these details are important to you.
USDA ORGANIC
Product that are certified USDA Organic must be made with at least 95% organic ingredients.
LEAPING BUNNY
Leaping Bunny Certified products must be made with ingredients that have not been tested on animals. The product itself is also not tested on animals.
VEGAN CERTIFIED
Tips for a Flawless Non Toxic Foundation Application
Proper skin care and application will help your foundation appear natural and smooth. Follow these tips for a more natural finish to your foundation.
Proper Skin Care
The key to a good makeup application is having a good canvas. The condition of your skin will determine how well your makeup sits on your skin. They key is to keep the skin clean and moisturized. Your morning skin care routine should include using a cleanser and following with a moisturizer. Find non toxic skin care here: Best Non Toxic Face Wash | Best Non Toxic Facial Moisturizer.
You can add a toner in between these two steps, but this is an optional step. It can help remove any lingering impurities and soap residue after using your cleanser. Be mindful when selecting a toner, as many include natural ingredients that can also be too harsh on the skin. This is my favorite toner by far.
AM Skin Care Routine
PM Skin Care Routine
Your nighttime skin care routine is just as important as your daytime routine! This is because your nighttime skin care helps you maintain a better “canvas” for your makeup. Nighttime skin care steps include:
A serum is usually a thicker, moisturizing product. This will condition and moisturize your skin more deeply than your daytime moisturizer.
I personally love this set from DoTerra. While I’m not a fan of all their products, this skin care set includes all 4 skin care steps: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, serum.
Use a Primer
Primer can help your makeup appear smoother and last longer. This is applied directly before applying your foundation. A good non toxic primer is the Juice Beauty Illuminating Primer. You can find it on Amazon here.
Application
Foundation can be applied with a brush, sponge, or your fingers. If using your fingers, be sure they are clean first. Apply with a tapping motion to blend into the skin rather than rubbing it into the skin.
A makeup sponge or blender can be used with a dabbing motion as well. Some swear by wetting the sponge first so it is slightly damp before adding their foundation to the sponge. Makeup sponges are usually recommended for lightweight foundations.
A makeup brush is usually recommended for heavier, creamy foundations.
BEST NON TOXIC FOUNDATION BRANDS
FEATURES
- Coverage: Lightweight Medium Coverage
- Finish: Skin-like finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Recyclable
- Available in multiple shades
- Herbal hyaluronic and Vitamin C formula includes antioxidants.
FEATURES
- Coverage: Full Coverage
- Finish: Satin, light dewy finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Available in multiple shades
- “Sustainable: This company is committed to minimizing their carbon footprint in all areas of their business: product development, packaging & printing, and even how their buildings are designed!
- Fruit Pigmented – pigmented with antioxidant-rich fruits instead of toxic synthetic dyes.
- Moisturizing formula – Minimizes dryness and flakiness because it includes super fruit oils and hydrating aloe vera.
- Antioxidant-Rich – Includes red wine resveratrol and alpha lipoic acid which have anti-aging benefits for skin.”
- Coverage: Medium Coverage
- Finish: Silky, skin-like finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Available in multiple shades
- Non-Comedogenic: Safe for sensitive skin.
- Recyclable Bottle
- Contains Skin Care Ingredients: Niacinamide and allantoin have smoothing and soothing benefits that visibly improve bare skin.
FEATURES
- Coverage: Sheer-to-buildable coverage
- Finish: Airbrushed, dewy finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Organic
- Available in multiple shades
- Hypoallergenic
- Includes organic jojoba oil, organic aloe vera, organic coconut oil and botanical cactus flower, which helps lock in moisture.
- Improves the natural appearance of skin tone and texture, delivering a silky second-skin.
- Lightweight and nourishing to the skin
FEATURES
- Coverage: Light to medium coverage
- Finish: Satin
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Available in multiple shades
- Includes frankincense and myrrh, which are nourishing to the skin.
- Ethically sourced, organically farmed, plant-based, minimally processed, organic ingredients.
- For Balanced Or Dry Skin Pair With Any Vapour Primer
- For oily skin use with Matte Smoothing Primer
- For all day wear set with Perfecting Powder.
FEATURES
- Type: Cream foundation
- Coverage: Medium to full coverage
- Finish: Dewy finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Non-GMO
- Available in multiple shades
- Helps improve skin tone, texture, hydration, and overall radiance with signature blend of oils and herbs.
- Provides powerful skincare benefits.
- Use with the Skin2Skin Foundation Brush and set with RMS Beauty “Un”Powder.
FEATURES
- Coverage: Light Coverage
- Finish: Dewy finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Non-Comedogenic: Safe For Sensitive Skin
- Available in multiple shades
FEATURES
- Finish: Matte finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Non-Comedogenic: Safe For Sensitive Skin
- Available in multiple shades
FEATURES
- Coverage: Medium to Full Coverage
- Finish: Natural finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
FEATURES
- Coverage: Light to Medium Coverage
- Finish: Airbrushed finish
- Made in USA
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Made with Squalane, arnica, and pro-vitamin B5: Helps deeply soothe and condition skin
- Contains Niacinamide and caffeine: Help brighten and balance your complexion
FEATURES
- Coverage: Buildable to Full Coverage
- Finish: Dewey finish
- Made in USA
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Non-comedogenic
FAQs
What is the best non toxic full coverage foundation?
For a non toxic full coverage liquid foundation try the 100% PURE Water Foundation. If you’re looking for a or a non toxic full coverage cream foundation check out the RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation. For a non toxic full coverage powder foundation try the Zuzu Luxe Mineral Powder Foundation.
What is the best non toxic foundation for mature skin?
Liquid foundation with a dewey finish is recommended for mature skin. Matte finish foundations can emphasize wrinkles in aging skin. The best way to achieve a flawless look on mature skin is to focus on skin care, use a primer, and use a dewey finish, liquid foundation. Here are the non toxic foundations that check these boxes:
Find more Non Toxic Makeup Products:
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