The Truth About Mainstream Cosmetics
Updated: Mar 20
Do you know what's truly lurking in the cosmetics you're buying for yourself? Yes, they make you feel as beautiful as you naturally look but many of those ingredients can contribute to skin care conditions despite being advertised as "hypoallergenic."
I wrote this article because I was sick of seeing greenwashed products being promoted in the natural health community. As someone with an allergy to some of the most common toxins in cosmetics, this was a post I felt obligated to write.
Did you see Elle's article 38 Makeup Essentials That Have Changed Our Lives published in 2021? This article featured 38, mainly mainstream makeup products ranging between $3 and $100, but do you know what's really in these top products? What about the dangers associated with those ingredients? We are going to take a closer look into each of these specific products and their ingredients. Then we will take an even closer look at why these ingredients are toxic to us.
38 Makeup Essentials That Have Changed Our Lives
Toxic Ingredients Found in Mainstream Cosmetics
Natural Cosmetic Brand Recommendations
"38 Makeup Essentials That Have Changed Our Lives"
1. Hello FAB Triple Protection Skin Tint with Goji Berry SPF 30
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (OTC), Goji Berry, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Aqua (Water, Eau), Polymethyl Methacrylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Propylene Carbonate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hexylene Glycol, Sucrose Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Lecithin, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491/77492/77499 (Iron Oxides).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
2. Pai's Light Work
Ingredients: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil* (Olive Oil), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil* (Sunflower Oil), Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil* (Castor Oil), Rosa Canina Fruit Extract* (Rosehip Fruit Extract), Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract* (Jasmine Oil), Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Oil* (Lime Oil), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil* (Orange Oil), Pelargonium Graveolens Oil* (Geranium Oil), Ocimum Basilicum Oil* (Basil Oil), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract* (Rosemary Extract), Squalene, Beta-Sitosterol, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool.
*Organic
My Overall Rating: 5/10; not the absolute worst ingredients, but it still includes unnecessary fillers.
3. Sephora's Ultra Shine Lip Gel
Ingredients: Polybutene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Triisodecyl Trimellitate, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Dextrin Palmitate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Saccharin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), BHT, CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 75470 (Carmine).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
4. CoverGirl's Perfect Point Plus Liner
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Alcohol Denat., Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Polymethacrylate, Silica, Sorbitol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Alumina, Ammonium Hydroxide, Tocopherol.
MAY CONTAIN: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)].
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
5. Danessa Myricks Beauty's Twin Flames
Ingredients: Isododecane, Silica, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Triacontanyl PVP, Ozokerite, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire microcristalline, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate.
MAY CONTAIN: Iron Oxides (CI77491), Titanium Dioxide (CI77891).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
6. Sephora's KUSH Fiber Eyebrow Gel
Ingredients: Tinted Heart-Shaped Fibers, Hemp-Derived Cannabis Seed Oil, Water (Aqua, Eau), Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PVP, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Polyacrylamide, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Nylon-6, Potassium Sorbate, Galactoarabinan, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Laureth-7, Panthenol, Silica.
MAY CONTAIN: Mica, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)].
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
7. Kevyn Aucoin's The Etherealist Super Natural Concealer
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/EAU, Dimethicone, Ethyl Trisiloxane, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Propanediol, Talc, Caprylyl Methicone, Sodium Chloride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl, Caprylate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrolyzed Manihot Esculenta Tuber Extract, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Glycerin, Perfluorodecalin, Phenoxyethanol, Glycosphingolipids, yeast extract/faex/extrait De Levure, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract, Sucrose Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
8. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Ingredients: Film-Forming Polymer, Acacia Senegal Tree Extract, Collagen, Water, Synthetic Beeswax, Paraffin, Glyceryl Stearate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax/Oryza Sativa Bran Cera, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Polybutene, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire De Carnauba, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycerin, PVP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Polyester-11, Cellulose, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Sodium Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Dextran, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Black 2 (CI 77266).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
9. Charlotte Tilbury's Wonderglow Primer
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/EAU, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Silica, Mica, Squalane, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77691), Nylon-12, Isononyl Isononanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isohexadecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 40, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Caramel, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Nylon-12 Fluorescent Brightener 230 Salt, Sodium Hydroxide, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Coco-Glucpside, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Parfum (Fragrance), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Polyvinyl Alcohol Crosspolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, tin Oxide, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Tocopherol, Plumeria Rubra FLower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
10. Carmex Classic Medicated Lip Balm Tube
Active Ingredients: Camphor (1.70 %), White Petrolatum (45.30 %).
Inactive Ingredients: Lanolin, Cetyl Esters, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Paraffinum Liquidum, Beeswax, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, Vanillin, Flavor.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
11. Maybelline New York's Superstay 14-Hour Lipstick in Endless Raisin
Ingredients: Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Stearyl Heptanoate, Ozokerite, Hydrogenated Styrene/Methyl Styrene/Indene Copolymer, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Alumina, Parfum/Fragrance, Cyclomethicone, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Benzyl Alcohol, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Tin Oxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Acrylates Copolymer, Paraffin, Dimethicone.
MAY CONTAIN: Mica, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, CiI77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/Iron Oxides, CI 15850/Red 7, CI 45410/Red 28 Lake, CI 45380/Red 22 Lake, CI 15985/Yellow 6 Lake, CI 19140/Yellow 5 Lake, CI 42090/Blue 1 Lake, CI 75470/Carmine.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
12. MAKE's Bronzing Bricks
Ingredients: Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Dimethiconol, Isostearyl Alcohol, Calcium Silicate, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Malic Acid, Water (Aqua), Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Silica, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Acrylates Copolymer, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 40 Lake (CI 16035), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
13. BareMinerals' BarePro Performance Wear Powder Foundation
Ingredients: Talc, Silica, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Lauroyl Lysine, Magnesium Stearate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methicone, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Pyridoxine Cyclic Phosphate, Chlorphenesin.
MAY CONTAIN: Mica, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
14. Westman Atelier's Super Loaded Multi-Use Cream
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Mica, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Silica, Beeswax [Cera Alba], Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax [Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax], Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Flavor (Aroma), Octyldodecyl Myristate, Capparis Spinosa Fruit Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Trihydroxystearin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tin Oxide.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
15. About-Face's Paint-It Matte Lip Color in Slumber
Ingredients: Isododecane, Mica, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polybutene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Octyldodecanol, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylene Carbonate, Aroma/Flavor, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Silica, Limonene, Linalool.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 21 (CI 45380), Yellow 5 (CI 19140).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
16. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-21, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, PPG-2-Deceth-30, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Black 2 (CI 77266)[NANO].
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
17. Chanel's Rouge Hydrating Lip Colour
Ingredients: Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, C20-24 Alkyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Bis-Behenyl,/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Jojoba Esters, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyglycerin-3, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Propylene Carbonate, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Helianthus Annuus Cera Seed (Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax), Silica, Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-8, Alumina, Tocopherol, tin Oxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid.
MAY CONTAIN: CI 12085 (Red 36), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), CI 15985 (Yellow 6 Lake), CI 17200 (Red 33 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 45380 (Red 22 Lake), CI 45410 (Red 28 Lake), CI 73360 (Red 30 Lake), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Mica, IL74A-III.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
18. M.A.C.'s Red Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Isoeicosane, Kaolin, Ceresin, Paraffin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Silica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Vanillin, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Pvp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.
MAY CONTAIN: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Carmine (CI 75470), Orange 5 Lake (CI 45370), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Red 33 Lake (CI 17200), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Yellow 10 Lake (CI 47005).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
19. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original
Active Ingredient: White Petrolatum, Usp (100%).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredient!.
20. HUDA BEAUTY's Life Liner Double-Ended Eyeliner Liquid & Pencil
Very Vanta (Liquid):
Ingredients: Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Tristearate, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hexylene Glycol, Bht, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Black 2 (CI 77266)(Nano).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
Very Vanta (Pencil):
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disiloxane, Caprylyl Trimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Black 2 (CI 77266)(Nano).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
21. PÜR's Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara
Ingredients: Aqua, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Cyclopentasiloxane, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Alcohol Denat., Palmitic Acid, Nylon-12, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Glycerin, Polybutene, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Panthenol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Polyquaternium-10, Polyvinyl Alcohol, VP/VA Copolymer, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
22. KKW Beauty's Powder Contour & Highlight Palette
Ingredients: Nylon-12, Magnesium Stearate, Boron Nitride, Bismuth Oxychloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Carmine, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Mica, Tin Oxide, Iron Oxides, Dimethicone, Talc, Phenoxyethanol, PTFE, Silica, Titanium Dioxide.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
23. Honest Beauty Cream Blush
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethyl Citrate, Alcohol, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract.
MAY CONTAIN: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
24. Joey Healy's Brow Structure Clear Set
Ingredients: Water, IPA, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Propylene, Glycol, Methylparaben.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
25. Sigma Beauty's F80 Flat Kabuki Brush
Synthetic antimicrobial fiber bristles with a solid polymer-based handle.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; made from synthetic materials.
26. Morphe's M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush
Ingredients: Synthetic bristles.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; made from synthetic materials.
27. NARS' Lipstick
Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyethylene, Triisostearin, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Aminobutyric Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Flavor, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Limonene, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
28. Joey Healy's Brow Architect Stylo
Ingredients: Paraffin, Cocoa Seed Oil, Mineral Fat, Carnauba Wax, Isopropyl Cardamate, Cocoa Butter, CI 77497.
My Overall Rating: 5/10; not the absolute worst ingredients, but it still includes unnecessary fillers.
29. Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultra Customer Highlighting Drops
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol Denat., Phenyl Trimethicone, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Bis-peg/ppg-14/14 Dimethicone, Tin Oxide, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Silica, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol.
MAY CONTAIN: CI 19140/Yellow 5 Lake, CI 42090/Blue 1 Lake, CI 75470/Carmine, CI 77163/Bismuth Oxychloride, CI 77400/Copper Powder, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/Iron Oxides, CI 77742/Manganese Violet, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Mica.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
30. Benefit Cosmetics' The POREfessional Face Primer
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Cyclohexasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance (Parfum), Mica, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Limonene, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, BHT.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
31. Charlotte Tilbury's Instant Look in a Palette
Prime
Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Dimethiconol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tin Oxide.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
Enhance
Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Zinc Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Tin Oxide.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
Smoke
Ingredients: Talc, Zinc Stearate, Mica, Dimethicone, Zea MAys (Corn) Starch, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tin Oxide.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
Swish
Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Isononyl Isononanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Dimethicone, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethiconol, Hexylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Tin Oxide.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
Pop Bronzer
Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethiconol, Hexylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Tin Oxide.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
Highlight
Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Isononyl Isononanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Dimethicone, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethiconol, Hexylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Tin Oxide.
MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
32. Benefit Cosmetics' They're Real! Lengthening Mascara
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Paraffin, Polybutene, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Acacia Senegal Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sericin, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract, Citric Acid, BHT, Sorbic Acid.
MAY CONTAIN: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
33. L'Oréal Paris' Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara, Carbon Black
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/EAU, Paraffin, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire D'Abeille, Stearic Acid, Cera Carnauba/Carnauba Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Acacia Senegal/Acacia Senegal Gum, Palmitic Acid, Triethanolamine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Aminomethyl, Propaned.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
34. EYEKO Skinny Mini Liquid Black Eyeliner
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol.
MAY CONTAIN: CI 77499 (Iron Oxide Black), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77492, CI 77491(Iron Oxides), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), CI 19140 (FD&C Yellow 5), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
35. EYEKO Lash Alert Mascara
Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Acrylates / Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Microcrystalline Wax, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Carnauba) Wax, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Polyvinyl Alcohol,Triethanolamine, Isobutylene / Sodium Maleate Copolymer, Silica, Phenoxyethanol,Phenyl Trimethicone,Simethicone, Nylon-6, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Laureth-21,Alcohol, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Arginine, Caffeine, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Apigenin, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Atractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract, Biotin, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Butylene Glycol, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Cnidium Of cinale Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), D&C Black No. 2 (CI 77266).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
36. Fiona Stiles' Brow Sculpting Wax
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polyisobutene, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Silica, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ozokerite, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Microcrystalline Wax, Lauroyl Lysine, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Propylene Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide.
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
37. Stila Cosmetics' Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Ammonium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Beheneth-30, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Propylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate.
MAY CONTAIN: Black 2 (CI 77266)(Nano).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
38. L'Oreal Paris' Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Cocoglucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tetrasodium Edta, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.
MAY CONTAIN: Black 2 (CI 77266).
My Overall Rating: 1/10; horrible ingredients, brimming with toxins and unnecessary fillers.
Toxic Ingredients Found in Mainstream Cosmetics
Parabens often listed on ingredient lists as Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, and Propylparaben. These ingredients were found in the breast tissues of 19 out of 20 women with breast cancer in a 2004 study (1). This doesn't necessarily mean parabens cause cancer, but they penetrate the skin, so its other harmful effects may be doing even more than studies have learned so far. The main concern with this chemical is that studies have suggested that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body, harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes and increase the risk of cancer (2).
Fragrances are derived from petrochemicals. These chemicals include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, and many other known toxins capable of causing cancer, congenital disabilities, nervous-system disorders, and allergies. To learn more regarding The Truth About Fragrance, click here.
In its natural form, Talc often contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancers in and around the lungs when inhaled (3). In 1976, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA), now known as the Personal Care Products Council, which is the trade association representing the cosmetic and personal care products industry, issued voluntary guidelines stating that all Talc used in cosmetic products in the United States should be free from detectable amounts of asbestos according to their standards. This doesn’t mean that asbestos-free talc is safe, though! Studies that exposed lab animals (rats, mice, and hamsters) to asbestos-free Talc in various ways have had mixed results, with some showing tumor formation and others not finding any (4).
Silicones are often listed as Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Amodimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone Copolymer, amongst many other names. Silicones do not belong on your skin. Silicones trap debris in your pores, cause acne and congestion, dull and dehydrate your skin, interfere with cell renewal, block other ingredients from absorbing, are difficult to remove, and deliver nothing beneficial to your skin (5).
Sulfates such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Taurate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, and Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate are aggressive detergents or surfactants made of sulfur-containing mineral salts that do not belong on your skin. Sulfates cause varying levels of skin and eye irritation, drying out the skin and leading to acne breakouts (6).
Petroleum clogs pores and often causes acne breakouts as well as rashes. Petroleum has also been linked to estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance is a common condition in which sufferers have a high ratio of estrogen, with little to no progesterone to balance its effects on the body (7).
Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from a fatty acid. It is a humectant that pulls water into the skin and helps to hold moisture into the skin. The problem is, that it can irritate some skin types, particularly those that are already sensitized or irritated (8).
Aluminum-containing products are often made with aluminum powder, usually used as a colorant since Aluminum is a metal that can result in the formation of Alzheimer's disease and even organ-system toxicity that may even disrupt hormone balance (9).
Triclosan was banned by the Food and Drug Administration in household soap products after the manufacturers failed to provide the FDA conclusive proof that Triclosan was safe and effective despite research suggesting concern over hormonal effects and potentially causing long-term public health risks (10). So despite knowing this, it's still not banned in cosmetic products.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable chemical used to embalm dead bodies and is often used in household cleaners, glues, fungicides, germicides, disinfectants, and preservatives but is not allowed to be added to our food as a preservative. Short-term, formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, wheezing, skin irritation, and nausea. Long-term, they aren't too sure but believe it may cause an increased risk of cancer (11).
To learn more regarding The Truth About Greenwashing and a longer list of toxins often found in greenwashed products click here.
Natural Cosmetic Brand Recommendations
100% PURE isn’t just their name. Or their ingredient list. 100% PURE is a commitment to producing the purest, healthiest products and educating everyone on why being 100% PURE is so important. They strive to live with compassion, kindness, and empathy, to be environmentally sustainable, and to improve the lives of 6 billion people and animals while also being charitable and giving back to our global community.
Prim And Pure is focused on providing earth-friendly and sustainable products and practices. They source a variety of organic and plant-based ingredients. They promise always to be cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, non-GMO, no synthetic FD&C dyes, non-toxic, gluten-free, no nanoparticles, and made in the USA. Prim & Pure donates a portion of all profits back to various children's causes.
What are your go-to natural cosmetic brands?
