In this post, we'll provide you with a list of the top 8 most toxic eyeshadow ingredients to avoid and introduce you to 8 fantastic all-natural alternatives to try instead.
- Many conventional eyeshadows contain concerning ingredients like parabens, phthalates, PEGs, and talc that can irritate eyes and increase cancer risk.
- Safer alternatives exist - look for natural, non-toxic eyeshadow made with plant extracts, minerals, and other gentle ingredients.
- Brands like Honest Beauty, Pacifica, RMS Beauty, ILIA offer clean eyeshadow options free of hazardous chemicals.
Did you know that the skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on our faces? That's why it's prone to developing wrinkles and fine lines and showing other signs of premature aging most quickly.
And the main culprit behind these signs of early again? Free radicals. Not to get overly scientific, but free radicals are basically unstable atoms that bounce around in our bodies and cause damage to our healthy cells.
This leads to various health issues, including skin aging and allergic reactions. While free radicals are naturally produced by our bodies as we get older, exposure to pollutants, UV radiation, and toxic chemicals increases their production.
While we can’t do much about our exposure to the sun and pollution, we can control the toxic chemicals we put on our skin, especially around the eye.
Because the skin around our eyes contains a lot of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, it can absorb harmful chemicals from the products we use. That's why it's essential to be mindful of the ingredients in your eyeshadows and other beauty products.
We'll dive deeper into the most toxic ingredients to avoid and provide you with fantastic all-natural alternatives. We hope this information will help you make more informed decisions about your products, keeping them healthy, youthful, and beautiful.
The Dirty 8: Toxic Eyeshadow Ingredients to Avoid at All Costs
Avoid these harmful chemicals that cause health problems and skin irritation
1. PARABENS
Parabens are industrial chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics to increase their shelf-life, but they can also cause harm. They decrease the amount of oil released from your eyelid glands, leading to dry eye or worsening symptoms for people who already have this condition.
Look out for ingredients like Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben on the ingredient list. Parabens may also be found in some hair straightening products, facial cleansers, shower gels, shaving creams, makeup remover, and lip balms.
2. PEGS
PEGS function as penetration enhancers, allowing greater absorption of other ingredients, including toxic ingredients. This means any toxins are absorbed deeper into the skin thanks to this ingredient.
PEGs also interfere with the skin’s moisture balance, making wrinkles and fine lines appear more prominent. Watch out for ingredients like POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, LAURETH-7, POLYSORBATE-20, STEARETH-20.
Apart from eye shadows, PEGs are often found in hair products, facial cleansers, and shaving creams.
3. CARBON BLACK
Carbon Black has been squarely classified as a known human carcinogen and is especially linked to cancer in the respiratory system. Even though the FDA has banned Carbon Black from use in cosmetics, it is still used in many mascaras, eyeliners, brow products, eyeshadows, eyelash glue, and nail polish. Carbon black contributes to free-radical damage and aging, in addition to lung cancer.
Keep an eye out for ingredients like C1 77266 OR BLACK NO.2 D&C.
4. PARAFFIN WAX OR MINERAL OIL
Paraffin wax or mineral oil is derived from petroleum (which is derived from crude oil) and will clog pores, disrupting your natural skin barrier. They will also seal in other toxins absorbed by your skin, not allowing your body to release the toxins naturally.
Paraffin wax and mineral oil can irritate and inflame the skin, which, over time, can slow the skin’s ability to heal. Avoid products that contain ingredients like Isoparaffin or Liquide Paraffin (Mineral Oil). These toxic makeup products are also often found in lip balms and hair products.
5. POLYACRYLAMIDE
Polyacrylamide is used in some eyeshadows, other cosmetic products, and nail treatments as a binding agent and film-former to improve application and wear. This ingredient has raised concerns because polyacrylamide can contain residual traces of acrylamide, which is known to cause brain damage and a potential human carcinogen.
Besides the potential free-radical damage from this toxin, the loss of moisture can enhance the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
6. TALC
Talc is often used in eyeshadows and some mineral makeup to absorb moisture, create a smooth texture and to make powder products more opaque. However, talc is often contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Since cosmetic brands are not required to test for asbestos or other heavy metals, some talc-based products have been found to contain asbestos. Talc has also been linked with reproductive toxins that cause cancer.
Talc can dry out the skin, making wrinkles/fine lines look more noticeable. Not to mention the damaging effects of talc or asbestos entering your skin’s barrier.
7. ALUMINUM POWDER
Aluminum powder is used in eye makeup primarily as a colorant and is exempt from certification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Even though it is derived from "natural" aluminum, there are concerns about the potential health effects of aluminum powder.
Some studies have suggested a possible link between aluminum exposure and Alzheimer's disease, although the evidence is not conclusive. A 2005 study found that constant application of products containing aluminum could be related to an increase in breast cancer cells because of the compounds' ability to mimic estrogen in the body.
Aluminum powder can also cause skin and eye irritation. Inhaling aluminum powder can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, and repeated exposure can lead to lung damage. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has also raised concerns about the use of aluminum powder in inhalable products, such as sprays and powders, due to respiratory concerns.
8. PTFE
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is used in some mineral powder eyeshadows to improve the application and wear time. Worryingly, it is also the main ingredient used to create problematic TEFLON-coated pans. Teflon can be contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an endocrine disruptor and possible carcinogen
PTFE can be absorbed through the skin through nano-sized particles and accumulate in the body over time. Animal studies show PFOA and PFOS may have toxic effects like cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues.
How to Choose Safe and Healthy Eyeshadow Products Without Toxic Chemicals
- Check the ingredients list and avoid eye makeup containing parabens, phthalates, PEGs, and other chemicals of concern. Seek out eyeshadow labeled paraben-free, phthalate-free, non-toxic, or chemical-free, and free of petroleum-based compounds.
- Seek third-party certification from organizations like EWG Verified that validate safe cosmetics are made without harmful ingredients. Symbols like the Leaping Bunny logo identify cruelty-free brands.
- Purchase eyeshadow and other cosmetics from clean beauty brands like the ones we've included below dedicated to using fewer products and avoiding toxic chemicals in their formulations.
8 Eye-Catching Non-Toxic Eyeshadows to Elevate Your Look
Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette
If you're looking for an eyeshadow palette that not only looks great but is also good for your skin, the Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette is an excellent choice.
The Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette features a range of all-natural ingredients that work together to create a stunning look that enhances your natural beauty. Additionally, the gentle formula is perfect for those with sensitive skin, so you don't have to worry about any harsh chemicals causing irritation. With a variety of shades to choose from, you can create endless looks for any occasion.
Pacifica Beauty 10 Well Eye Shadow
This pinky-nude Pacifica Beauty eyeshadow palette is our go-to for creating that perfect “no-makeup” fresh look.
The colors are even more beautiful in person than they are in the pictures. Pacifica makes all its products vegan and all-natural, so you don't have to worry about nasty chemicals harming your skin. These shadows are smooth and easy to apply, and the colors blend flawlessly. A must-have if you’re going for that all-natural sunk-kissed look.
RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow
This is a new must-have in our makeup bags. The RMS Beauty Eye Polish is seriously next level. It no only doubles as a bronzer in a pinch, but you can also use it as a highlighter depending on which shades you get.
As with all RMS products, it’s only made with the best organic ingredients, so you know it’s good for you and your skin. Plus, we love all of the gorgeous shades to choose from.
ILIA - Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint
This eyeshadow is seriously amazing. Not only does it wear beautifully, we found it to be really hydrating and nourishing.
The best part? It stays put all day long, so no need to worry about touch-ups. Because it is so hydrating we did find some creasing throughout the day. But nothing a little touchup with a tissue couldn’t fix. You can layer the liquid powder to create a subtle glow or dramatic look, depending on your mood.
Lily Lolo Laid Bare Eye Palette
The Lily Lolo Laid Bare Eye Palette is a stunning collection. We liked that the eight shades allowed us to mix and match to create different looks to easily take our look from day to night.
The formula goes on flawlessly (no fallout or raccoon eyes- yay!) though some of the shadows are more pigmented than others.
WELL PEOPLE - Power Palette Eyeshadow
Call us seriously impressed- the WELL PEOPLE Power Palette Eyeshadow will be a new staple in our makeup arsenal. We especially loved using the darker shades as a powder liner for a bit of daytime drama, but natural enough to wear to the office.
The pinky-nudes added nice rosy glow and are flattering on a wide-range of skin tones. We know you’ll be reaching for this palette again and again.
ATHR Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstone Palette
Looking to add a touch of luxury and elegance to your beauty routine? Then the ATHR Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstone Palette has exactly what you’re looking for!
This high-end palette features 12 stunning shades inspired by the natural beauty of rose quartz crystals. Each shade is carefully crafted with natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin.
The shades blend beautifully and stay on all day, so I don't have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day. The packaging is also a showstopper - the rose quartz crystal design is absolutely gorgeous.
Suggested Reading: The 5 Best Sustainable Makeup Brands for Every Skin Tone
Kjaer Weis Cream Eyeshadow
If you’re looking to treat yourself then the Kjaer Weis Cream Eyeshadow is a fantastic splurge for any makeup collection. At this price point, the Kjaer Weis Cream Eyeshadow checked all of our boxes, all-natural ingredients, gentle on our skin, flawless finish, and long-lasting.
While expensive, the packaging is sustainable and refillable, and the eye-shadow refills are a little less expensive. With so many other great affordable options, we probably wouldn’t purchase this eyeshadow again, but it would make a great gift!
The Link Between Toxic Eyeshadow Ingredients and Breast Cancer
Hazardous chemicals found in certain cosmetics can increase your estrogen exposure, which also increases your risk of breast cancer. Parabens and phthalates are two ingredients commonly found in cosmetic products and are linked to increased estrogen exposure.
Phthalates are compounds that help make plastics more flexible and are common in beauty products. Studies classify phthalates as endocrine disruptors and actively promote breast tumor growth. Like parabens, phthalates may exert estrogen-like effects on the body that could potentially promote tumor growth.
Many conventional eyeshadow products contain concerning ingredients like parabens, phthalates, PEGs, and talc that can pose health risks. Repeated use of these toxic chemicals, especially around the delicate eye area, may lead to irritation, inflammation, and even increased cancer risk over time.
The key takeaway is to read ingredient lists carefully, do your own research, and avoid eyeshadows with hazardous additives. Seek out natural, non-toxic alternatives made with plant extracts, minerals, and other gentler ingredients instead. Brands like Honest Beauty, Pacifica, RMS Beauty, ILIA, and others now offer clean eyeshadow options free of toxic chemicals.
Choosing safer makeup is an easy way to reduce exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Your eyes will thank you! Share this article to spread awareness about toxic eyeshadow ingredients and better choices for healthy, vibrant eyes. What steps will you take to switch to non-toxic makeup? Let us know in the comments!
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