While I haven’t switched over completely to clean beauty, I like to reach for non-toxic formulas as often as possible, especially when it comes to makeup (aka one of those things that has plenty of time to sit and absorb into the skin).
For me, lipstick tops the list of priorities since it enters the body every time you take a sip of coffee or bite to eat. Coincidentally, lipstick is often formulated with some of the most toxic ingredients – from lead (a heavy metal and a neurotoxin that can cause serious developmental problems) to BHA & BHT (potential carcinogens and hormone disruptors), along with parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and even flavor additives.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients labels before purchasing a lipstick – no matter if it’s from the drugstore, or a high-end luxury brand; Cover Girl to Dior – they’ve all been guilty of using harmful chemicals. Alternatively, you could look to trusted clean beauty brands for more ingredient conscious formulations. These brands also tend to use more natural (and often times organic) ingredients, so the formulas double as skincare in a way!
Here are a few of my favorite brands that make non-toxic lipsticks, along with my top color picks from their collections…
Top Clean Beauty Brands & Non-Toxic Lipstick Faves
Red Apple Lipstick
If you’re not a huge lipstick fan, you’ll love Red Apple Lipstick’s lippies. They feel more like a balm (they’re lightweight and hydrating – never heavy or drying), can be applied without a mirror, and add a natural-looking pop of color to the lips that can be built up from sheer to medium coverage. (Read my full reviews here and here.)
“From product quality to safety, and a dedication to gluten, toxin, and cruelty free makeup, we just want you smiling pretty.”
When it comes to shades, you can’t go wrong with Mabel – it’s a shimmer-free, universally-flattering cool-toned pink that will enhance your natural lip color. Meanwhile, Naughty is a great natural-looking nude for all skin tones, while Oh My Guava works especially well for pale to light skin tones. Try out some mini sample pods here!
Clove + Hallow
Clove + Hallow’s Lip Crème lipsticks are the perfect in-between when you want pigmentation, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. The formula is super creamy and hydrating, yet reaches full coverage in just 1-2 swipes. (Read my full review here.)
“We start off with all-natural formulas and supplement with safe synthetics only if needed in order to achieve optimal pigmentation, preservation, or performance.”
My absolute favorite shade for everyday is Desert Rose (shown above) – it’s gorgeous medium nude-rose that would suit both warm and cool skin tones.
Clove + Hallow also makes some of the most hydrating, lightweight, non-sticky lip glosses (aka, their Lip Glazes). My favorite shades are Candied Hearts (top swatch above) and Angelic (bottom swatch above) – they’re the perfect pale pinks for everyday!
Au Naturale
Au Naturale’s Eternity lipsticks tend to range in consistency and intensity, but for the most part, they offer medium to full coverage in a silky smooth, satiny formula. (Read my full review here.)
“…each ingredient has been scrutinized before being included into a formulation, only those who are ethically sound, factually healthy & naturally sourced making the final cut.”
Sangria (swatched on the left above) is my go-to ‘party’ shade – it’s great for an evening out, or whenever you want a vibrant yet sophisticated lip look. Meanwhile, Cora (swatched on the right) is the perfect light peachy-pink for everyday – both have the most gorgeous subtly-iridescent finishes too!
Au Naturale also makes some of the most comfortable and lightweight liquid lipsticks/stains I’ve ever come across (full review here). And the best part? They’re practically foolproof – you can smoosh them all over your lips with your finger and they’ll still look great! They also fade evenly and require very little maintenance.
Purple Reign (swatched on the left) is a very chic, wearable purple, while On Pointe (swatched on the right) is a natural-looking rosy-nude that adds polish and helps balance out a smokey eye without washing out the complexion.
100% Pure
For the most intense, full coverage color, check out 100% Pure’s Cocoa Butter Matte Lipsticks. They have a creamy formula that packs a ton of pigment (all derived from natural fruits!) and they settle to a non-drying, velvety-smooth matte finish. They smell delicious too! You can find out more about how they formulate (and package) their products here!
“…colored from vibrant fruit, vegetable, tea and other plant pigments which contain an exorbitant amount of skin beneficial vitamins, antioxidants and other healthy phyto nutrients that make skin healthier.”
My favorite shade is Prickly Pear (shown above). It looks super bright in the tube, but when dabbed on lightly and blended with your finger, it adds the most gorgeous pop of pink!
If you prefer a more hydrating formula with a satin finish, you’ll likely enjoy their Pomegranate Oil Anti-Aging Lipsticks.
More non-toxic beauty brands to check out:
- RMS Beauty – I love this brand for their all-natural formulations. I’ve tried quite a few products from their range so far (you can check out my reviews here) – their lipsticks are next on my list!
- ILIA – I’m a huge fan of their original lipsticks (reviewed here), but they’re sadly being discontinued. In the plus side, it looks like they’re replacing them with their new Colorblock High Impact Lipsticks, which provide even more coverage.
- W3LL PEOPLE – Another one of my favorite natural beauty brands. I’ve been curious to try out their Optimist Lipsticks, which currently come in six bold colors.
- Alima Pure – I love this brand’s natural mineral makeup and cannot wait to try out their Velvet Lipsticks. In fact, I just placed an order for some samples over at The Detox Market!
Do you know of any other brands that offer clean, non-toxic lipsticks?