Best Makeup

Check the ingredient list for most makeup, from blush to lip plumper, and you’ll find “fragrance”, a trade-secret blend of chemical ingredients that often conceals strong toxins like phthalates and is often associated with allergies and immune system toxicity. You’ll also sometimes find the immune and organ system toxin, wildlife toxin, and possible carcinogen BHA, a masking agent found in lipstick, lip gloss, eye shadows and eyeliners. (BHA is banned for cosmetics use in the European Union due to health concerns.) Foundations, concealers, mascara and other eye makeup often contain micronized titanium dioxide, a colorant, sunscreen agent, and possible carcinogen that opens up your skin to allow other chemicals to get in better and, because of its small size, is an inhalation risk. (more)

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Highest-Rated Makeup

Dr. Bronner's Orange Ginger Organic Lip Balm
Dr. Bronner's Orange Ginger Organic Lip Balm
  • $2.99
  • User Rating:
    Star_full_small Star_full_small Star_full_small Star_full_small Star_half_small
8.6
Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick
Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick
  • $13.95
8.6
Burt's Bees Medicated Lip Balm
Burt's Bees Medicated Lip Balm
  • $4.00
8.6
Miessence Shimmer Creme - Berry
Miessence Shimmer Creme - Berry
  • $21.77
8.6
Gourmet Body Treats Translucent Finishing Powder
Gourmet Body Treats Translucent Finishing Powder
  • $15.00
8.5
Nurture My Body Cream Cleanser
Nurture My Body Cream Cleanser
  • $25.17
8.3
The Body Shop Matte It Face & Lips
The Body Shop Matte It Face & Lips
  • $14.00
8.3
Badger Lip Balm Tins - Ginger & Lemon
Badger Lip Balm Tins - Ginger & Lemon
  • $5.50
  • User Rating:
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8.3
Dropwise Essentials Aromatherapy Lip Balm, Licorice Mint
Dropwise Essentials Aromatherapy Lip Balm, Licorice ...
  • $6.50
8.3
Aubrey Organics Herbessence Makeup Remover
Aubrey Organics Herbessence Makeup Remover
  • $6.95
8.3
Weleda Everon Lip Balm
Weleda Everon Lip Balm
  • $5.00
  • User Rating:
    Star_full_small Star_full_small Star_full_small Star_full_small Star_full_small
8.1
Terressentials 100% Organic White Chocolate Lip Protector
Terressentials 100% Organic White Chocolate Lip Prot...
  • $3.75 ea.
8.0
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The ingredient list for most makeups is long, and you may not want many of those chemicals having enhanced absorption ability, particularly when those ingredients include things like DMDM hydantoin (a preservative that releases trace amounts of formaldehyde that's also a potential skin irritant and immune system toxin), aluminum starch octenylsuccinate (an anti-caking agent and thickener that could be contaminated with heavy metals like lead or arsenic), and triethanolamine (a pH adjuster that's an immune system toxin and possible skin irritant).

Lipstick and moisturizers also sometimes contain triclosan, an anti-bacterial chemical that accumulates in wildlife and could lead to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. Another ingredient to watch out for in moisturizers is oxybenzone, a sunscreen agent that’s banned for cosmetics use in Japan because of concerns about possible carcinogenic properties and because of the way it enhances skin absorption.

Reading makeup ingredient lists takes a lot of work, and it’s not easy to find makeups without any of these chemicals. But they are out there, and you can browse for them in GoodGuide, using both our ingredient listings and our makeup ratings. Products with high health and environmental ratings include few or none of the chemicals of concern, while PETA or Leaping Bunny certified makeups are not tested on animals.

Highest-Rated makeup, buy green makeup, buy safe makeup

Highest-Rated Makeup | Reviews and Ingredients

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