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In recent years, natural makeup has become all the rage. People are caring more about what they put on their face and body. They're studying labels, researching brands, and learning about potentially harmful substances found in traditional makeup.
Consequently, people are turning toward more natural makeup like lipstick colored with fruit pigment. It's also known as clean, green, or nontoxic makeup.
In this article, we'll explore the differences between natural and regular makeup along with recommendations for the best products.
The main difference between natural and regular makeup is the ingredients.
Generally, makeup is called natural if it contains ingredients from natural sources. It usually has a minimal amount of altered or synthetic substances.
Here are some ingredients you probably won't find in natural makeup:
Typically, natural makeup costs more than regular makeup from a drugstore. That's because natural cosmetics are often made with high-quality ingredients and no cheap fillers. Plus, they're usually manufactured in smaller batches rather than mass-produced.
No makeup, including natural makeup, is strictly regulated. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't require companies to include specific ingredients or meet detailed standards. It's the manufacturer's responsibility to make sure their products are safe.
The word 'natural' also doesn't have a legal definition, so a brand can call their products this based on their own definition. This means something marketed as 'natural' or 'clean' can have a small amount of synthetic or potentially harmful ingredients.
It's super important to do your own research and read labels when buying makeup.
While all clean makeup isn't created equal, there are some general benefits to using them.
Many people like natural makeup because it has fewer potentially harmful synthetic ingredients.
For example, parabens are synthetic preservatives often found in regular cosmetics. The body absorbs parabens from the skin and excretes them in the urine. High paraben exposure leads to high levels in urine.
A 2016 study in Environmental Research compared the urinary paraben levels of 106 pregnant women to their blood levels of reproductive and thyroid hormones.
After analyzing the data, the researchers found a link between parabens and hormone disruption during pregnancy, which may increase the risk for adverse birth effects.
While more research is necessary, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests avoiding parabens.
The EWG also recommends skipping cosmetics with potentially toxic ingredients, including:
By using natural makeup, you can minimize your exposure to these ingredients.
Some companies scent their makeup with artificial fragrances. Usually, this is done to mask other ingredients or enhance the branding of the product.
But according to a 2014 article, odors can trigger headaches in people who are prone to migraine. For some, this may include fragrances used in scented makeup.
Since natural makeup is usually fragrance-free, it might be an ideal alternative if you're sensitive to strong odors.
The preservatives, dyes, and fragrances in regular makeup can cause contact dermatitis. This involves an itchy red rash due to skin sensitivity or an allergic reaction.
In fact, cosmetics are the most common cause of fragrance-related contact dermatitis, according to a 2018 article.
Another 2018 study in Dermatitis examined the risk of skin sensitivity of various products with fragrances. Compared to rinse-off products like shampoo and cleanser, items like lipstick and eye shadow are more likely to cause skin issues because they're worn for a long period.
Using natural makeup without preservatives, dyes, and fragrances can limit your risk of skin irritation.
Natural products are generally well tolerated by people with sensitive skin. Regular cosmetics, on the other hand, often trigger flare-ups and increase irritation.
For instance, people with eczema are encouraged to use products without synthetic dyes. Makeup with plant-based ingredients are also recommended.
Unlike traditional makeup, natural products are more likely to check these boxes.
In addition to enhancing your features, natural makeup can give your skin a healthy boost. Clean beauty products contain plant ingredients that could benefit your skin. Examples include:
These oils have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-repairing properties, according to a 2017 article in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Natural makeup is also colored with plant pigments like fruit extracts. While there isn't hard evidence on the skin benefits of plant pigments, it's thought these ingredients nourish the skin with vitamins and antioxidants.
With so many companies to choose from, shopping for the best natural makeup can be overwhelming. We asked Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, to share her recommendations for natural brands:
It's also a good idea to buy products based on your specific skin needs. Here are tips for buying makeup for different skin types and needs.
While everyone should prioritize sun protection, it's even more important if you have fair skin. Look for natural makeup with SPF. Products like lip gloss or eye shadow with SPF can protect parts of your face that normally aren't covered with sunscreen.
Asian skin is prone to hyperpigmentation, especially after injury or inflammation. Color-correcting concealers are designed to minimize these pigmented areas. Use purple concealer to reduce dullness, yellow concealer for purple spots, and green concealer for redness.
Look for brands with a wide selection of color options to match your skin tone.
It's also recommended to use makeup with moisturizing ingredients. Keeping your skin hydrated can minimize dryness.
To safely remove your makeup, look for gentle makeup removers without alcohol and fragrance. Makeup removers with natural oils will also dissolve the oil in makeup. If you have sensitive skin, use a soothing cleansing milk or micellar water.
Since natural makeup varies from brand to brand, it's important to check the packaging. Look for these labels to find the best natural product for your needs.
If you need help finding natural cosmetics, the following resources rate products based on their ingredients and safety:
With clean beauty on the rise, it's becoming easier to buy natural makeup. Here are several stores that specialize in clean products:
Some retailers, like Nordstrom and Sephora, have sections dedicated to natural makeup. Sephora displays a green leaf logo next to these products.
If you'd like to 'clean up' your beauty routine, consider using natural makeup. Clean beauty products are typically free of harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. They're also safer for sensitive skin.
Remember, makeup isn't strictly regulated. Brands can call their cosmetics 'natural' or 'clean' based on their own definitions. To find the best products, always research brands and read labels before purchasing.