It's rare that I go a day without makeup. But when I got more informed recently about the potentially harmful chemicals [1] that go into personal care products, I decided to rethink my go-tos.
Dr. Kim Harley studies hormone disrupting chemicals at UC Berkeley. She told me scientists like her believe existing evidence warrants concern about specific ingredients, like parabens or phthalates. Harley says more research is necessary, explaining, "there is a lot we don't know about the long-term health effects. But we do know that if they're in our products, they're getting into our bodies." So if you'd rather be safe than sorry, the best thing to do is avoid potentially toxic ingredients. In fact, a recent study lead by Harley found that when teenage girls stopped using makeup with worrisome chemicals for three days they saw a drop in those chemical levels [2] in their bodies.
"If they're in our products, they're getting into our bodies."
To help make a "starter kit" of safe cosmetics, I turned to the Skin Deep database [3] created by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. EWG catalogs over 60,000 products and gives each a "hazard" score from 1-10, based on the ingredients. They screen for potential hormone disrupting chemicals, as well as ingredients that might cause allergies or irritation.
Armed with this tool, I added these 22 products to my daily routine. All of them have a "safe" hazard score of 1 or 2. And they work, too! The RMS UN cover-up ($36) provided silky coverage that lasted all day. And I loved blending the shades in the e.l.f. Flawless Eye Shadow, Golden Goddess [4] ($2) for a more (or less) dramatic effect. After using them for a few months, I can confidently say you don't have to sacrifice quality makeup for peace of mind.
Ilia Femme Fatale ($26) [5]
EWG Rating: 2 [6]
The matte texture paired with a deep color provide the perfect amount of drama.
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek Beloved ($36) [7]
EWG Rating: 2 [8]
The creamy red pigment can double as lip and cheek color.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm, Beeswax ($3) [9]
EWG Rating: 1 [10]
A familiar go-to for chapped lips.
Pacifica Natural CC Cream ($18) [11]
EWG Rating: 2 [12]
When you need sheer and even coverage, this CC cream does the trick.
Juice Beauty Tinted Mineral Moisturizer, Ivory, SPF 30 ($29) [13]
EWG Rating: 1 [14]
This will even out your skin and provide coverage from the sun.
Beautycounter Tint Skin Complexion Coverage ($41) [15]
EWG Rating: 2 [16]
A lightweight foundation that can be layered for increasing coverage.
RMS Beauty UN Cover-up ($36) [17]
EWG Rating: 1 [18]
This creamy concealer offers a smooth, satiny finish.
e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder, Shimmer ($6) [19]
EWG Rating: 2 [20]
On days when you want a more polished finish, try this loose powder.
Beautycounter Color Shade Eye Duo, Shell/Malt ($24) [21]
EWG Rating: 1 [22]
This color combo works for day and night.
e.l.f. Flawless Eyeshadow, Golden Goddess ($2) [23]
EWG Rating: 1 [24]
Mix and match these shades for day-to-night looks.
RMS Beauty Eye Polish ($28) [25]
EWG Rating: 1 [26]
A creamy eye shadow that gives a dewy glow.
e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner ($3) [27]
EWG Rating: 1 [28]
This inky black eyeliner does the trick when you want a clean cat eye.
bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara ($18) [29]
EWG Rating: 2 [30]
The thin brush helps you hit even your baby lashes.
John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair ($16) [31]
EWG Rating: 2 [32]
The rosemary scent will wake you up first thing in the morning.
John Maters Organics Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler ($16) [33]
EWG Rating: 2 [34]
This conditioner won't weigh your hair down.
Antioxidant Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Oil-Free Face Lotion ($20) [35]
EWG Rating: 1 [36]
This sunscreen won't clog your pores.
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap Lavender ($11) [37]
EWG Rating: 1 [38]
A shower gel that you can use as a shaving cream replacement, too.
Spectrum Natural Pressed Refined Almond Oil ($7) [39]
EWG Rating: 1 [40]
Almond oil is less greasy than other natural oils.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($30) [41]
EWG Rating: 1 [42]
When your skin is super dry, this cream comes to the rescue.
Yes to Carrots Fragrance Free Daily Facial Moisturizer, SPF 15 ($10) [43]
EWG Rating: 2 [44]
The scent of this moisturizer will make you want to use it every day.
Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Hydrating Cream ($44) [45]
EWG Rating: 2 [46]
When you need a heavy cream, perhaps at night, grab this.
BeautyCounter Nourishing Cream Cleanser ($32) [47]
EWG Rating: 2 [48]
This cream-based cleanser is gentle to your skin.