YOUR EYEBALLS.
They are so important. We must protect them. Letting makeup filled with coal tar and petroleum that’s contaminated with carcinogens, parabens that promote aging and sagging skin, and acne causing ingredients found in airplane deicing liquid drip into your eyeballs is not the answer!
I have to be honest though, I LOVE the way my eyes look when I have makeup on, but I hate the act of putting on makeup, so I do it, grudgingly… And once I found out all the crazy toxic ingredients the makeup industry uses in many conventional products my entire perspective changed. I go days without a lot of makeup on my face unless I’m on camera or have an event. Don’t get me wrong, being on camera has its perks and its disadvantages. It allows me to spread the message of organic, real and non-GMO food living to so many more people, but it also requires heavier makeup at times – those camera lights can be harsh let me tell ya!
When I’m behind the scenes blogging or living my day to day life I wear the least amount of makeup possible – maybe a little blush and lipstain and that’s it. But when I go on camera – it’s eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara. Mascara was the first makeup product I changed out of my makeup bag, but it took me a long time to figure it out which brands actually work.
Here’s how to find the best natural mascara that actually works.
First, let’s talk about the ingredients in mascara you want to avoid:
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PARABENS – Used as a preservative and is an endocrine disrupter that messes with your hormones. (Top Offenders: L’Oreal, Cover Girl, Avon, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Revlon, Chanel, Lancome)
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PARFUM (a.k.a. fragrance) – Why do you need parfum on your eyes – that’s crazy. Oh it’s to cover up the smell of coal tar! This is even in some products marketed as “unscented.” Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies, asthma and acne, linked to cancer and neurotoxicity, and are harmful to fish and other wildlife. (Top Offenders: Neutrogena, Lavera, Milani)
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ALUMINUM POWDER – Considered a neurotoxin and linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other cancers. (Top Offenders: Cover Girl, Estee Lauder)
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BHA and BHT: Used as a preservatives and is an endocrine disruptor and may cause cancer (BHA). Harmful to fish and other wildlife. (Top Offenders: Maybelline, Rimmel)
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PROPYLENE GLYCOL: Linked to acne, eczema, and other skin allergies. (Top Offenders: L’Oreal, Mineral Fusion, Rimmel, Avon, Maybelline)
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COAL TAR DYES: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as “CI” followed by a five digit number. The U.S. colour name may also be listed (e.g. “FD&C Blue No. 1″ or “Blue 1″). Potential to cause cancer and may be contaminated with heavy metals toxic to the brain. (Top Offender: Maybelline)
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FORMALDEHYDE RELEASING PRESERVATIVES – Look for DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15. Used in a variety of cosmetics. Slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer. (Top Offender: Almay)
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RETINYL ACETATE (VITAMIN A ACETATE) – Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) (Top Offenders: Elizabeth Arden, Almay, Revlon)
*Ingredient research provided by The Environmental Working Group and David Suzuki Foundation*
I am a firm believer that if I eat the way I do, I can avoid the impact of most of the chemicals in my surroundings, but I also want to vote with my dollars and I refuse to buy products from companies that continue to pollute the environment and our bodies with loads of toxic substances. I also don’t like the idea that something I put on my eyes can potentially cause cancer over time, cause acne, aging or disrupt my hormonal balance. That’s why I went on a search to find a clean mascara – here are the ones that make the cut that I’ve personally tried… I know there may be some other ones available, but these actually work based on my experience.
Food Babe’s Favorites
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100% PURE Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara (Available for $26) – This is my new favorite mascara. It doesn’t flake or clump and is pigmented naturally with black tea, berries, and cocoa! Save 15% with the code FOODBABE through Friday 9/7/18. Plus, if you spend $70 they will send you this free Super Gift while supplies last!
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Tarte “Lights Camera Lashes” Natural Mascara (Available for $14.99 at Amazon) – This doesn’t clump or flake over time and it’s easy to wash off with any kind of facial cleanser – especially coconut oil. They also make a waterproof version called “Lights Camera Splashes” (Available for $19.00 at Amazon).
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Josie Maran (Available for $22.00 at Sephora) – This one feels very luxurious with big volume, especially if you add another coat.
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Physicians Formula Organic Wear (Available for $11.60 on Amazon) – I like this one because it is available at most drug stores. One time I forgot my makeup bag while I was traveling and found this one at Walgreens – it totally did the trick considering all the other toxic alternatives that were available.
In the end – If you want to know if your makeup is safe and not toxic – check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, they have thousands of your favorite brands listed with their safety ratings for you to investigate yourself…
Please share this post with all your lady friends – I’m sure they will be very appreciative.
Curl Those Lashes!
Food Babe
P.S. This is my FAVORITE eyelash curler in the whole wide world (I’ve tried them all and this is the best BY FAR!)… and remember to add carrot juice to your green juice, it’s amazing for those eyelashes. When I started doing this, my eyes got brighter and lashes got longer – it’s no joke!
Editorial note: Updated on 9/5/18 to include my current favorite mascara.
Love your blog. Thanks for sharing such great information with us.
I am a rep for a new naturally based cosmetics company called Younique that has the MOST AMAZING 3D fiber lashes made of collagen and green tea fibers. We have fewer and less harmful ingredients than ANY of the products that were listed on the “Best natural mascaras that work” list. I would love for Food Babe to review these. They will blow your mind. Food Babe or Food Babe assistants, take a look at our link and ingredients list.
https://www.youniqueproducts.com/products/view/US-1017-00#.UlS7d1BOPZE
Ooooh, just checked out this site 🙂 Yes, please Food Babe, please do a review on this mascara ~ it looks awesome! I hope it gets your approval!
I ordered this and I love the look it gives..BUT I have very very sensitive eyes..there was no burning or anything, but after using twice, my whole eyelids started getting red and raw, and they hurt. I can’t even put on eyeshadow..I am putting a cream on to heal them. Has anyone else had this issue..I’m so upset, because it really does look great. It is worth a try. I just can’t use it anymore because of my lids.. 🙁
You should read your labels. This mascara contains Propelyne Glycol! They are claiming all their products are ALL natural. But they are not! Read closely.
Here is why Younique is considered natural…
The National Ingredient Resource Center considers a product “all natural” if it contains at least 95% of ingredients that fit their criteria for natural ingredients. The other 5% may come from ingredients that do not meet their criteria for natural, but do not contain synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, or harmful fillers. Younique uses mostly natural and/or organic ingredients, as well as also using some synthetic ingredients. Sometimes is necessary to use a non toxic synthetic ingredient(s) when no equivalent can be found in nature. Not all “natural” substances are safe either. (info taken from Younique training material” – Allana
Maybe you should send Food Babe your mascara so we can get her reviews.
Thanks
I’ve offered to send her a kit for review. Just waiting to hear back. They are $29 (will last 8-12 weeks with daily use), so I don’t want to just send it without her expecting it 🙂
http://www.youniqueproducts.com/youniquelynicole
Here is the ingredient list of our 3D fiber lashes. Also, there was someone looking for a liner. I take our mineral pigments (talc/paraben free) and wet it for a liner. The only one i have EVER used that didn’t smudge.
(3D Fiber lashes)
Transplating Gel Ingredients: collagen, water, natural Propolis, Brazilian palm glue, Black iron oxide, Acrylic Copolymer, Nylon 12, Stearic acid, propylene glycol/emulsifier. Net: 12ml
Natural fibers Ingredients: 100% natural fibers taken from the campanulaceae of green tea. Net: 3g
Propylene Glycol is NOT natural and is on the toxin list! Go ahead and review it….I would like to hear what she has to say.
Propylene glycol & “nylon 12” ?!? Umm… how is that NATURAL?
Hey Food Babe,
I am a makeup artist trying to use healthier products on myself and my clients. What do you think of Jane Iredale makeup and Origins? They look like better options to me but I’m not sure if I’m missing something? I LOVE Tarte. Do you like all of their products or just the mascara? Thanks!!
I’ve been using Bare Minerals for a while. I have a lot of allergies to makeup & especially eye makeup, but I’ve not had problems with this brand. What do you think about this makeup? Thank you for your help.
I have used nothing but Bare Minerals for almost 15 years now. It was also the makeup both of my daughters started out wearing as teens. The all-natural claim was what drew my interest, it’s natural feel and look have kept me as a customer. I would hate to find out that it doesn’t live up to the all-natural claim. :-/
To Renee, thank you for your reply to my question on Bare Minerals make up. I was hoping to learn it had good reports!
If you read more about Bare Minerals, it’s not natural, it also has toxins in it. I’ve been using Bare Minerals for almost 6 months now and I just read more about the brand and it’s parabens and other weird stuff in it. I was pretty shocked, so I’m changing brand now, as it also made me get bad skin.
It was also an ingredient in the veil that was a blend of copper and iron or smt (I don’t remember the name of the ingredient) However it could have big effect on your skin, and make you get irritations. The ingredient is to make your skin shine.
I’m sorry for my bad english. 🙂
I have been using Lemongrass Spa Sheer mineral makeup for awhile now and all their other personal care products and just LOVE them! Take a look at what they have http://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/3588/. Plus all the products are made in the US, a small company in Colorado and now Florida. Products are made fresh within 2 weeks of ordering. 🙂 Take a peek.
Bare minerals may not directly test on animals and is made up of “minerals” but they are owned by Shiseido which is a China owned company. I wouldn’t trust anything from that brand.
I recently bought physicians formula and found that it flakes off very easily. I really want to try the others and don’t mind spending the money if they really work. I wish there was a way to get samples for very cheap or free.
I tried this one too because it was so readily available. Didn’t like it at all.
I think it makes a difference when you have blonde eyelashes. Food Babe probably has dark ones.
Dear Food Babe,
Thank you for the informative posts as always!! I have a follow up question. How long can I keep my mascara? I have heard conflicting answers and was wondering your opinion on this matter. I am someone who does not use mascara daily and so throwing away a pretty much full tube after 2 months seems wasteful to me. Thank you!!!
I use 100% pure cosmetics and they are ALL ORGANIC AND NATURAL!!! This stuff is amazing and good prices!!
Love 100% Pure’s mascaras and cosmetics! Especially their coloured mascaras. I’ve tried Josie Maran’s mascara, and while I loved the colour and effect it gave my lashes, it also stung my eyes – sephora reviewers seem to have the same problem.
This is so funny – I was applying makeup the other day, thinking about all the chemicals in it – I know they are there, I have just never really done the research – and I thought, “FoodBabe should totally review makeup products.” I know that you ultimately want US to get off our butts and do the research, but it’s so cool to have a starting place, at least some suggestions of “good ones” for when it’s time to make the decision about what products to buy. There are so many options out there and even the “Natural” makeups are deceiving. Thanks for helping me to sort some of this out!
I use another natural mascara by Arbonne called It’s a Long Story, Love it!!
So glad you shared this article! Love what you do!
I also use the Arbonne mascara “Its a Long Story” and I love it! I have used so many types of mascarss (all the brands listed above too, including Jose Maran and Tarte) and have not been happy with the results as they don’t really do much but coat my lashes. After two tubes of Arbonne, my lashes are honestly longer and curlier. Its a little pricey – but worth every long lash!
I use arbonne as well! Wouldn’t use anything else! Love the article and love how many people are becoming aware of what they put in and on their bodies! http://www.melissaking.myarbonne.com
I have used Real Purity’s mascara for years, and I love it! It is rated a “2” at ewg.org/skindeep.
I noticed your strawberry hair. Do you have blonde eyelashes? or know of someone that does and this mascara works on them?
Yes, I have very pale lashes and I buy the Sable Brown color. It looks more natural than the black.
Not sure my reply went through, so I’m trying again. My lashes are very pale and I use the Sable Brown. It looks more natural than the black.
I have blonde eyelashes & they are becoming somewhat gray with age, so I usually use a brown mascara. My bottom lashes are long, but I can hardly tell I have any. It’s very hard to use mascara on them. Any suggestions? Black is just too stark with very my fair skin as well. Thank you!
I love Real Purity Mascara and been using it for years. Its the best and has the least ingredients of any natural mascara I have tried. I actually use ALL real purity products for my face.
I love Melaleuca’s cosmetics, they are all paraben free & nontoxic. The mascara is $12.50, great deal too! 🙂 formaldehyde free nail polish is $8.50. Best deals I’ve found on good quality products.
Thank you so much for this. Sometimes I almost don’t even want to look into the article, and would rather not know how terrible these products are. But I am always glad once I have looked. Knowledge is definitely power. And considering this is a product that I use almost everyday, I would rather not be using something that could be causing damage to my body. Thank you for bringing light to these issues.
There are lots of great clean mascara options—Mineral Fusion, Zuzu, Honeybee Gardens, Dr. Hauschka, to name just a few of my favorites. I’m a bit skeptical about the CDB, though. I’ve seen them rate many products as safe that I wouldn’t use EVER, and I have serious questions about some of the criteria they use.
Food Babe! You have got to discover Arbonne! You would be so in line with our policies, ethics and tradition. Not to mention, our ‘It’s a long story’ mascara is the best mascara I’ve ever used (toxins or no) it’s as life changing as mascara can be. You should definitely check it out, because I’m surprised and sad to see it’s not on your list 😉
No reviews on this $39.99 Arbonne (Long Story) mascara on Amazon or anywhere.
It is one of our newest products. But we are vegan certified and you can read our strict ingredient policy and full product ingredient list on our website 🙂
Can you please post their list of ingredients – last time I checked it had some of the toxins I mention above in the post. Thanks.
Thank you food babe for having a place for us to discuss GMO free cosmetics! Especially ones that go on our eyes 🙂 You are APPRECIATED beyond words. Mahalo!
Hey Food Babe! Sorry for the delay, from what I can tell none of your listed ingredients are in this mascara, however you are more of an expert than me on that type of thing, so here you go! (formatting is lost so I apologize if it’s perhaps confusing or hard to read)
INGREDIENT SOURCE FUNCTION
Aqua/Water/Eau Solvent
Iron Oxides (CI 77499) Mineral Colorant
Glyceryl Stearate Science Emulsifier
Glycerin Science Hair-conditioning agent
C18-36 Acid Triglyceride Science Skin-conditioning agent — occlusive
Synthetic Beeswax Science Binder
Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/
Cire de Carnauba
Plant Emulsifier
Stearic Acid Science Emulsifier
Silica Mineral Bulking agent
VP/VA Copolymer Science Film former
Acacia Senegal Gum Science Emulsifier
Butylene Glycol Science Solvent
Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate Science Emulsifier
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Plant Emulsifier
✶ Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract Plant Skin-conditioning agent
✶ Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf/Stem Extract Plant Skin-conditioning agent
Xanthan Gum Plant Viscosity agent
Caprylyl Glycol Science Hair-conditioning agent
Glyceryl Caprylate Science Skin-conditioning agent
Sodium Hyaluronate Science Skin-conditioning agent
✶ Panthenol (Vitamin B5) Science Hair-conditioning agent
Ethylhexylglycerin Science Skin-conditioning agent
PPG-26-Buteth-26 Science Hair-conditioning agent
✶ Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 (Polypeptide) Science Skin-conditioning agent
✶ Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (Polypeptide) Science Hair-conditioning agent
Oleanolic Acid Science Skin-conditioning agent
✶ Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) Science Antioxidant
✶ Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) Science Antioxidant; skin-conditioning agent
Apigenin Science Antioxidant; hair-conditioning agent
Aminomethyl Propanol Science pH adjuster
Phenethyl Alcohol Science Preservative
Glucosamine HCl Plant pH adjuster
Full toxic ingredient list from arbonne. Note sources of ingredients: http://www.arbonnemarketing.com/PK/dl/pk/7904_us_eng.pdf
Hi there Food Babe! I was really excited to read about the Tarte mascara since it’s your favorite, but became concerned about the rating on EWG (4). There appear to be lots of different parabens in this mascara (namely propylparaben which has a score of 10 on EWG). Have they recently been removed ? (maybe the EWG is not updated). Thanks!
Sorry Jane, Arbonne is totally toxic, I dont understand why or how Arbonne reps dont see that even though you post and see the ingredients. Its one company of people I just dont get. Denial or what is it? I believe I know why, I was confused myself when Arbonne has huge thousand people conventions and claim and have the vegan facade, organic, cruelty free etc greenwashing galore. It really does throw people off how a such HUGE co can claim such and not be true. It is the biggest deception I have seen because I was there. Then seeing the ingredients vs arbonnes claims was a huge eye opening that made me look into the issue, so I can understand a bit of the seeing the fire yet not running cause no one else in arbonne is running. Its psychological but if you keep learning from FB I think you may just see the light of the toxic movement.
I got an arbonne baby kit “abc kit”, and was disgusted upon receiving it that it had MANY very toxic substances (especially the sunscreen). I would not use it on myself – so heck NO I wouldn’t put it on an infant. TO THE TRASH! IT WENT! Please post the ingredient list of the arbonne mascara that you speak so highly of. I would like to see what I’m considering purchasing this time please.
What MANY toxic ingredients are you referring to? I’m always looking to enhance my knowledge base. It’s unfortunate you threw it away, because it is certainly (at worst) MUCH LESS toxic than what most people put on their infants and selves, even if what you say is true. In fact many of my loved ones have had incredible testimonial in curing their children’s’ eczema and rosacea along with other irritating and painful skin conditions using this line. And I stand behind my products and company, I do apologize you were dissatisfied. I hope you would be willing to try our other amazing products in the future and I’d be happy to supply you with ingredient lists as needed. I’d say disgusted is a bit harsh 🙂
WOW! Wake up & Smell the science! Here is a FULL list of toxic chemicals in Arbonne mascara since the reps don’t have the courage to print the m here. Half of the ingredients are not plant based, but rather SYNTHETIC toxins from a “science” based origin. Also, Arbonne has refused repeatedly to answer the GMO question. Would YOU wear GMO ingredients on your skin? Would you ingest them as a “supplement” as Arbonne suggests? I’m NOT putting their crap on my face, thanks!!
FOOD BABAE – KEEP Kickin butt & sharing successes please 🙂 will let you know how the new mascara I just ordered turns out. It’s not on the list, but hopefully have found a winner!
My daughter as well as myself, are Arbonne reps..She swears by the ABC baby line. It is the only thing (including a prescription) that has helped my grandson’s eczema ..I love everything I have tried. I really LOVE the mascara , Its a long story..it is amazing..
Is propylene glycol or nylon in Arbonne?
Arbonne is not “all natural” unless you consider polyester, PVP, acrylates copolymer, and propylene glycol natural. Better options for mascara is Gabriel, Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques, and Earth’s Beauty. Those are the ones I use and sell based on years of researching cosmetic ingredients. Always read the ingredient lists and be leary of companies or websites that don’t tell you ALL of the ingredients or make it difficult to locate/find them.
Lol, Arbonne & “natural”.
Nope!
Sorry Jane, Arbonne is totally toxic, I dont understand why or how Arbonne reps dont see that even though you post and see the ingredients. Its one company of people I just dont get. Denial or what is it? I believe I know why, I was confused myself when Arbonne has huge thousand people conventions and claim and have the vegan facade, organic, cruelty free etc greenwashing galore. It really does throw people off how a such HUGE co can claim such and not be true. It is the biggest deception I have seen because I was there. Then seeing the ingredients vs arbonnes claims was a huge eye opening that made me look into the issue, so I can understand a bit of the seeing the fire yet not running cause no one else in arbonne is running. Its psychological but if you keep learning from FB I think you may just see the light of the toxic movement.
Arbonne doesn’t claim to be “all natural” and natural means nothing anyway nor does claim to be “organic.” And furthermore, the products are manufactured on the US but if ingredients need to be sourced from outside of the US for safety, then that’s what I choose. “Plutonium” is natural! Let’s stop making condescending remarks on here and just state the facts if you indeed know what these are when it comes to a company.
Sorry Jane, Arbonne is totally toxic, I dont understand why or how Arbonne reps dont see it even though you post and read the ingredients. Its one company of people I just dont get. Denial or what is it? I believe I know why, I was confused myself when Arbonne has huge thousand people conventions with major eco claims and have the vegan facade, organic, cruelty free etc greenwashing galore. It really does throw people off how such HUGE co can claim such and not be true. It is the biggest deception I have seen because I was there. Then seeing the ingredients myself vs Arbonnes claims was huge eye opening that made me look more into the issue, so I can understand a bit of the seeing the fire yet not running cause no one else in arbonne is running. Its psychological but if you keep learning from FB I think you may just see the light of the toxic truth if you look beyond the claims, pay attention to the ingredients and why food babe does what she does. Let the truth come out even if its hard, you will be set free and enjoy it!
Are all the mascara’s being discussed cruelty-free? Because being good for humans is great but I also need one that doesn’t kill my furry friends! Thanks, H.
Arbonne is never tested on animals and there is no animal by-products in any of our formulations!
Sad to see that the Tarte mascara on Amazon has been jacked up to $27 now! 🙁
Any eye liners that can be recommended?
I would love to see you do a review of Bare Minerals make-up – I use their make-up because it is supposed to be…well, “bare minerals” I use it because I was hoping it was a complete like of “safe” make-up which makes life a bit easier. Do you know anything about bare minerals? I love reading your stuff – it keeps me motivated – keep up the good work and thanks!!
Bare Minerals has parabens in their makeup. I discovered this after I began to “Arbonnize” our home and clean out any skincare with harmful toxins.
I have looked at several of Bare Minerals products and did not see parabens listed. Can you mention which ones you are referring to?
Seriously Julie, another victim, how? See above Arbonne discussions and ingredients, hellooo. FoodBabe and the like know that Arbonne is totally toxic and because thousands dont see it is cause Arbonne is the biggest greenwashing co I have experienced, its insane, plus I prefer to support an American company in this case. Sorry you arbonnized before deeply looking into them, I sure did, it took me weeks to unconfuse myself from the greenwashing which I didnt know what that was til later. Hope FB helps!
Bare Minerals has mica
I just clicked on your link for “Lights Camera Splashes” on Amazon and it’s actually $27.00, not $17 – yikes! I will buy it thought because I am slowly changing over all my make-up as my products run out. It is such a fine line between finances and healthy living, although I know in the long run it will save me money oif I am not sick! I have lots of cnacer in my family, and I have also had difficulty getting pregnant over the last year…now is as good a time as any to try to reverse the last 30+ years of toxicity that I was not even aware of! Thanks for all you do!
I just bought “Lights Camera Splashes” on Amazon for $19.
Thank you SO much for posting this and getting your readers to think about what ingredients are in their beauty products!! I wanted to let your readers know about a brand new non toxic, cruelty free, stylish and effective products for your skin and hair called BeautyCounter works with world famous professional make up artists and with the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) to make all products with the safest ingredients out there! Check them out at http://www.jpohl.beautycounter.com
DO YOU KNOW WHAT CHEMICALS HIDE IN YOUR COSMETICS??
*Did you know that 1938 was the last year Federal Law was passed to govern cosmetic safety and protect the people who use them?
*1300 chemical cosmetics ingredients are banned in the European Union. A mere 11 are banned in the US!!!!! BeautyCounter bans 1500 ingredients!
This post is so timely & providential! I’ve been needing to buy some new mascara & knew I needed to research an alternative to the toxic brands, just hadn’t had time to do so. Thank you so much for writing this & helping guide women in the right path to a more healthy lifestyle! BLESSINGS!!!
So I bought the organic mascara but do u have suggestions for organic under eye concealer or shampoo??? Thanks!
I would like to recommend a really fantastic under eye concealer from Vapor Organics. http://www.vapourbeauty.com/ I thought I would never switch foundations/concealer after years of using Bare Minerals, but I stumbled across this company one very late night and was really curious. They offer a free color consultation and a sample kit for $15 with five samples that you choose. The samples include enough product to really get a feel for it. I switched to Vapour Organics and wont go back to Bare Minerals, products I used and loved for years. I am about to order my fourth under eye concealer and I use both types of foundation they offer. I just like them both and use them for different moods. And you can’t ask for better ingredients 70% organic and 30% natural. They do not offer a mascara yet, but I would try it in a heart beat. Seriously, you have to try it.
Howdy Food Babe!
I enjoyed reading ur post :@)
As with the food industry, consumers should also be aware of the ingredients that make up our cosmetics, personal care products as well as household items. The FDA regulates the cosmetic industry but it is the companies that are responsible for the safety of their products. At the end of the day, it is really up to the consumer to become better informed and advocate for him or herself if it impacts health. ..in this case mascara. Other ingredients to look out for in mascara include nickel, lead, cadmium and mercury.
Is no one actually READING this?
“Food Babe” suggests a mascara by Tarte, Lights, Camera, Lashes!
Then she suggests that you check with EWG beauty guide.
Has anyone else done that??
‘um yeah, Tarte was NOT a safe product according to them!
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/232265/tarte_lights%2C_camera%2C_lashes%21_mascara%2C_Black/
Check things out of yourself ya’ll!
& Food Babe, maybe your getting paid by Tarte, but I for one am disappointed in this review.
Lisa – before you go running into the deep end. Check the back of the package of Tarte and you’ll see they have changed their ingredients, since EWG cataloged them. Unfortunately, the best source is the back of the package and then EWG. And no, I’m not getting paid by Tarte.
Also – here are the current ingredients in Tarte (notice the packaging is even updated from the EWG photo). http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lights-camera-lashes-mascara
Also – here are the current ingredients in Tarte (notice the packaging is even updated from the EWG photo). http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lights-camera-lashes-mascara
Lisa, I’m glad you asked that question. I couldn’t find any of her recommended mascaras in the zero or one of Skin Deep’s recommendations. So now I don’t know how to choose a safe one.
Replying to myself! I hadn’t seen Food Babe’s reply when I posted my comment! So I guess I will look at the ingredients on the package as Food Babe suggested rather than relying on out of date info on Skin Deep. Sorry Food Babe.
Sorry Food Babe, I had not read your reply to Lisa before making my comment.
vani, what do you think of ZuZu or Gabriel Cosmetics?
Hi Girls,
I have been using Cherry Blooms brush on fiber mascara for over a year now and its great for sensitive eyes! The only ingredients in it are water, beeswax (help with promotion of lash growth and make it super easy to come off with warm water, but strong enough to wear all day), carnuba wax, black iron oxide, nylon 12, stearic acid and natural emulsify agent lanolin. There is no propylene glycol or any other nasty ingredients. It is so nourishing on my lashes the beeswax has definitely made my lashes grow! Worth trying and did I mention how long your lashes get?? 300% longer. yay!
Huh? I dont get it, is about about how many ingredients now? But what is nylon 12, Stearic acid?
I was considering switching to one of these mascara’s at Food Babe’s suggestion. However, after some research I found that both the Tarte mascara and Josie Maran’s contain ingredients that are still hazardous. Josie Maran’s mascara contains Phenoxyethanol. Although it’s been a widely used ingredient, according to several websites, “studies have shown that Phenoxyethanol can be an extreme irritant to the eyes and skin, and can even cause blistering; it is hazardous in the case of ingestion and inhalation as well. The Cosmetic Database rates it as a moderate hazard and notes cancer, allergic reactions, skin, eye and lung irritation, organ and neurotoxicity as possible effects of using products containing Phenoxyethanol. It has shown effects on sensory organs even at low doses, and brain and nervous systems at moderate doses in animals, and causes cell mutation.”
Tarte’s mascara contains Triethanolamine which “is considered a moderate hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, which notes as concerns. According to Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, and the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there is strong evidence that Triethanolamine is a human skin, immune system and respiratory toxicant. One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses, especially when used around the mouth, eyes and lips, and one or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results. It has been shown to cause bladder and liver cancer, as well as changes in testicles.
According to OrganicConsumers.org, Triethanolamine can cause allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. It can cause itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin, all symptoms which may increase with higher concentrations (The Green Beauty Guide).”
According to research, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) data sheets show “chromosomal changes and genetic mutation effects in testing as well as testicular atrophy and reproductive damage in mice.”
The search continues…
I read your search. I too was verifying since I just found this article. Did you ever find one? Cause I noticed you only mentioned 2 but FB’s pic there’s 4 but only talks about 3 o them.
Hi, can you tell me some eye makeup products (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow) which does not contain nickel/ iron oxides? I am allergic to nickel and my eyelids get swollen and can’t find makeup products without these ingredients. Thanks!
I’m surprised tarte is your first choice when that mascara ranks pretty high in hazards on the skin deep site. I recommend people check the ratings on all of these before buying. Anyway thank you for posting the skin deep site it’s a very useful tool!
hey there! I had the same concern, but just noticed that Food Babe already responded to this above. The ingredients have been changed (parabens removed). Hope this helps!
There is an amazing line of organic make up products called 100% Pure. http://www.100percentpure.com/
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Thank you
hi there! I received my order of Tarte mascara from amazon today. It is very dry and the consistency is like a clumpy powder. If this is the consistency, it won’t work for me. Please let us know other mascara’s you think are safe that are a little “wetter”, and can be applied with just a few strokes . Thanks!
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NYR Organic has released it’s mascara – It sold out in the US in less than 24, but the supply will be restocked in February! I was luck enough to order mine and I love it! It smells like cake batter, doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes, easy to remove, lasts the day and applies easy. I’m a huge mascara skeptic, and even was skeptical of this one, but it had too many rave reviews out of the UK to ignore. The best part is that the mascara is formulated to actually strengthen your natural lashes as you wear it! I’ve never paid $25 for a mascara in my life – but I will never buy a different one after this! http://www.us.nyrorganic.com/shop/kimmers308 It’s not back up on the website yet, but will be back up soon!
Juice Beauty & Suzanne Somers cosmetic lines are both fabulous!
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Ecco Bella also has a very nice and safe mascara as well.
Wow! After reading these comments I am completely shocked at the number of people who still don’t get it. Just because the company tells you that they are safe or harmless or vegan or whatever marketing words you want to put in there, does not mean anything! I am especially disappointed by the arbonne supporters who clearly don’t get it. It really is about the ingredients and I rarely can even get those disclosed by them.
As far as mascara goes, The only one I’ve tried on this list is Ava Anderson’s and I truly love it! Now that’s a company who really has your best interest at the forefront and the ingredients tells you that. Her mascara is soft but doesn’t flake. I’ve never had problems with irritated eyes like I use to. In fact I feel like they are healthier and longer than ever. Thanks Food Babe for including it in your list and keep up the good work!
I found this info about Josie Maran mascara
http://www.thesmartmama.com/june-junk-claim-1-josie-maran-mascara-and-petrochemical-free
Mascaras to check out are Earth’s Beauty, Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques and Gabriel. They are some of the cleanest I’ve seen ingredient wise and what I’ve chosen to use personally and sell. The Ava Anderson also looks good though I’ve not tried it.
Hey Babe!
Have you tried any LUSH products?! I absolutely love the company and everything they do! http://www.lushusa.com
I found this information about choosing the right mascara, thought it may be useful for you.
http://www.womentips.co/how-to-choose-the-right-mascara-for-your-eyes/
I have found a great company called Pure Anada. I have enjoyed their mascara. Here’s the ingredients: Natural Mascara: Aqua (Water), Oryza Sativa Wax (Rice Bran Wax), Olea Europea fruit oil (Olive Oil), Vegetable Source Cetyl Alcohol (Coconut), Coernica Cerifera (Carnauba Wax), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Wax), Vegetable Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Acacia Gum, Black Iron oxide (CI 77499), Aminomethyl Popandiol (Ph Adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative).
Great post! What do you think about Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara?
http://www.bareescentuals.com/bareMinerals-Flawless-Definition-Mascara—Black/USmasterflawless,default,pd.html
Ladies, Have any of you tried any of the Mary Kay Mascaras? They DO NOT contain any of these harsh chemicals. Check them out!
Check out NYR Organic – they have a certified organic mascara. No nasties!
Tarte is my all time favorite mascara. I can make my lashes touch my brows. I have very short lashes and this is AMAZING. I won’t use anything else.
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Use the Somaluxe Face Wash – thats the only thing that is able to remove mascara without having to be rough on my eyes. I have been using Somaluxe for 2 months now, and my skin is the happiest in years. . .