4 months ago
29
Learn how and why you should shop for clean makeup products.
Find out more about my clean makeup products! They’re the only 6 products you need for an effortless, toxic-free full-face look.
Are you following our Clean Series? Head over to our clean natural products post to discover more toxic-free swaps!
*I’m neither a scientist nor a doctor. This information is based on my personal experience, research, and opinion. You should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen or if you have questions.
Why skip traditional makeup products?
Many cosmetic brands you see on store shelves and even makeup kits targeted to children can contain extremely harmful chemicals that are linked to cancer and other serious health concerns. A few are listed below.
Here are just some of the chemicals found in many cosmetics:
- 🛑 Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) – Can disrupt hormones and is linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Butyl, propyl, and ethyl parabens – Can disrupt hormones and are linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Dibutyl & Diethylhexyl phthalates – Can disrupt hormones and may cause damage to reproductive systems.
- 🛑 Ethanolamines (AKA: DEA, NDEA, TEA, & MEA) – May damage reproductive systems and are linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Formaldehyde – Known to cause cancer with repeated exposure.
- 🛑 Isobutyl & Isopropyl parabens – Can disrupt hormones and cause damage to reproductive systems.
- 🛑 M- and o-phenylenediamine – Causes skin irritations, can damage DNA, and is linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Mercury – Risk of damage to kidney and nervous system.
- 🛑 Methylene glycol – A type of formaldehyde; linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Paraformaldehyde – A type of formaldehyde; linked to cancer.
- 🛑 PEG-10 Laurate – A possible carcinogen that enhances the absorption of other chemicals into the skin.
- 🛑 Petrolatum (or anything petroleum-based) – Long-term exposure can lead to clogged pores, pneumonia, allergies, and infections.
- 🛑 PFAs (long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl) – Linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Phthalates – Can impact your natural hormones and lead to health issues such as lower fertility, development issues, and a higher risk of cancer.
- 🛑 Quaternium 15 – Releases formaldehyde
- 🛑 Synthetic Fragrances, “Parfum”, or “Fragrance” – May cause headaches, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems, mucosal irritation, and contact dermatitis.
So how do you find clean makeup brands in a world of dirty ones?
In an extremely underregulated industry “clean beauty” can have vastly different meanings. However, one of the strictest standards a clean beauty brand can meet is Credo’s Clean Standard because they’re proud to be a reliable voice of truly clean and toxin-free cosmetics. They also uphold the strictest standards in the industry.
Here are the core values & standards Credo’s Clean Standard products must meet:
- They must contain the best & safest ingredients. They have their own science-based hazard assessments and partnerships with industry experts to study and understand what shouldn’t be in cosmetics. The Dirty List™ is the foundation of the Credo Clean Standard and contains over 2,700 chemicals that are prohibited and restricted from their approved products due to safety and/or sustainability concerns.
- Sustainable packaging & impactful post-consumer ethics. They require their brands to adhere to their Sustainable Packaging Guidelines which use the best practices for packaging, and end-of-life management, eliminate the use of single-use items, and reduce the use of virgin plastic and non-recyclable materials.
- Positive environment & community impacts. From manufacturing workers to the communities near manufacturing facilities or sourcing locations is a critical part of Credo’s clean beauty mission. They believe people and the planet are just as important as the ingredients you put on your skin.
Below are my top picks for the best clean makeup products that really work and are Credo-approved:
- ✅ Foundation – ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
- ✅ Bronzer – LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick
- ✅ Concealer – Kosas Revealer Concealer
- ✅ Eyebrow Pencil – ILIA In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil
- ✅ Lip Color – exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner
- ✅ Mascara – DIME Beauty Lash Duo
1. Best Foundation: ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick $48 shipped
How to save: Score 10% off when you Subscribe & Save directly with ILIA.
This ILIA foundation stick just came out last year, so isn’t on Credo’s site just yet. However, ILIA already has an existing presence on Credo for all of their other cosmetics, so I think it’s safe to assume it’ll be available in a matter of time. ILIA is known for its makeup that acts like skincare because it’s formulated with thoughtful skin-nourishing ingredients that are organic and ethically sourced. Some of the highlight ingredients in this stick are Winged Kelp Extract (restores luminosity), Ceramide-Peptide Complex (visibility firms & strengthens skin barrier), and Butterfly Lavender Extract (smooths fine lines and wrinkles). 🤩
I believe this foundation stick is for youthful and mature skin types across the board. It has a medium coverage so it doesn’t feel like your makeup is caked on, and hides all redness and breakouts. As a bonus, it can also be used as a contour if you get 1-2 shades darker.
*I am wearing the color “9N – Tupelo”.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to ILIA’s Complextion Stick:
- ✅ Credo-approved brand
- ✅ Clinically proven to improve the look of skin
- ✅ Buildable, medium coverage
- ✅ For all skin ages in 40+ shades
- ✅ Travel friendly
2. Best bronzer: LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick
LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick $20 shipped
How to save: Keep an eye out for Sephora sale dates to possibly score this on sale or score 10% OFF your first Credo order when you sign up for emails.
The LYS Cream Bronzer Stick is so popular and finally back in stock. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to getting a darker ILIA stick shade that I shared above. This cream bronzer can be used in multiple ways, such as bronzing, contouring, and even as a cream eyeshadow or blush, providing versatility in makeup application.
LYS is committed to using safe & toxic-free ingredients, hence their Credo Clean certifications. Their bronzer’s key ingredients are Rosehip Oil (helps reduce the look of dark spots and improves moisture), Green Tea Extract (soothes and replenishes skin), and Sodium Hyaluronate which helps skin retain moisture and visibly plumps to improve the look of fine lines.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick:
- ✅ Credo Clean
- ✅ Versatile for many uses
- ✅ Easy to build and blend
- ✅ Improves overall skin with nourishing ingredients
- ✅ Natural, glowy finish
3. Best Concealer: Kosas Revealer Concealer
Kosas Revealer Concealer $32 shipped
How to save: Try the travel size for $16 and score free shipping with your free Sephora Rewards membership.
As a previous avid user of the Tarte Shape Tape, I cannot rave about Kosas Revealer Concealer enough! 🤩 Just like ILIA, Kosas also packs their formulas with skin-loving ingredients. It’s also a Credo-approved product so you can be sure the ingredients and manufacturing are of the highest standard.
Some of the highlight ingredients in this clean makeup concealer are Caffeine and Pink Algae Extract (fights dark circles, puffiness, and dullness), Hyaluronic Acid & Peptides (hydrates and visibly plumps skin), and Arnica and Panthenol (calms blemishes and redness). This concealer is easy to blend and it melts into your skin. And since the formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic it doesn’t clog pores, is suitable for spot treatment on acne, and overall the ideal choice for even those with sensitive skin.
*I am wearing the color “0.5 N”.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Kosas Revealer Concealer:
- ✅ Credo Clean
- ✅ Doesn’t crease in fine lines
- ✅ Clinically proven to improve bare skin
- ✅ Skin-like appearance with buildable, medium coverage
- ✅ Safe for all skin types
4. Best Eyebrow Pencil: ILIA In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil
ILIA In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil $24
How to save: Get 10% OFF and free shipping from ILIA.com when you Subscribe & Save.
For me, this ILIA eyebrow pencil performs just the same as the super popular Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. It features an ultra-fine tip that never needs sharpening allowing for precise application and the creation of hair-like strokes to fill in sparse areas. Everyone always asks who does my eyebrows and they’re amazed when I say “I DO!”. 👏🏻 The formula lasts all day and is buildable, providing versatility to create both subtle and more defined brow looks.
To follow suit, this clean makeup eyebrow pencil contains nourishing ingredients to help care for your brows, such as jojoba oil and shea butter, yet it’s not oily whatsoever.
*I am wearing the color “Soft Brown”.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to ILIA In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil:
- ✅ Credo Clean
- ✅ Nourishing brow ingredients
- ✅ Never needs to be sharpened
- ✅ Has a hair-like appearance
- ✅ Versatile for looks and color shades
5. Best Lip Color: exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner
exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner from $13.99
How to save: Get 10% OFF and free shipping from Credo.com when you Subscribe & Save.
The most frequently asked question I get on Instagram is what I am wearing on my lips and I’m thrilled to have found the cleanest option on the market to share with you! The exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner is a matte lip liner that complements a wide range of lip colors and skin tones. It features a smooth, creamy texture that allows for precise application and definition. Plus it’s waterproof!
Some of the highlight ingredients in their nourishing ingredients are Mango Seed Oil and Shea Butter to help hydrate and condition the lips while providing long-lasting wear. Just keep in mind this non-toxic lip liner may need to be reapplied throughout the day.
*I am wearing the color “Bare Your Hopes”.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner:
- ✅ Credo Clean
- ✅ Long-lasting
- ✅ Hydrating from rich plant oils
- ✅ 7 nude shades designed for all skin tones
- ✅ Waterproof
6. Best Mascara: DIME Beauty Lash Duo
DIME Beauty Mascara $28 (reg. $32)
How to save: Opt for the auto-renew to score 20% off + FREE shipping when you order through Dime.com.
Though DIME isn’t currently available on Credo’s website, it still matches up well with other Credo-approved brands, such as ILIA’s clean mascara, when comparing ingredient for ingredient. Moreover, DIME also has its own DIME Clean Promise, which encompasses its commitment to ingredient transparency, manufacturing sustainable, USA-made products, and staying wellness-focused, among many other admirable attributes.
I also recommend the lash-nourishing primer with amino acids and peptides that actively nourish your lashes and improve their appearance with consistency. Not only does it help separate my lashes perfectly before applying mascara, but it also truly excels at zero clumping or flaking. Furthermore, the DIME mascara itself is just as impressive as the coordinating primer, and it even boasts beneficial ingredients like Squalene to help prevent lash breakage, Theobroma Cacao Extract, which adds moisture, shine, and volume, and Pantothenic Acid, which helps rebuild hair shafts.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to DIME Mascara:
- ✅ DIME Clean™ Promise
- ✅ Lash nourishing ingredients
- ✅ No flaking or clumping
- ✅ Option to add beneficial primer
- ✅ Many Certifications including EWG Partner and Leaping Bunny Certified
