As our largest organ, it’s true that our skin is incredibly resilient.
Even so, this should motivate us to cultivate a protective and nourishing environment where our skin doesn’t have to compromise.
Nontoxic and nutrient-dense products give our largest organ the space it needs to operate at its best. They safeguard our hormones, support optimal metabolic function, and connect us with the practices of our ancestors.
These are a few reasons we care so much about what goes into our nontoxic foundation. Since foundation is intended for all-day wear (and is in close contact with the skin) it should…
- Support a healthy skin microbiome
- Contain no chemicals
- Improve skin texture over time
- Provide uncompromising full coverage
Here’s everything you need to know about nontoxic foundation and what to expect during your first few months of wear…
What to Expect from a Nontoxic Foundation
Clean makeup brands have created dozens of nontoxic foundation options. You can opt for something full coverage, like our liquid foundation, or enjoy a more natural look with mineral makeup. There are some important differences between a nontoxic foundation and the average drugstore foundation, but they rarely have to do with performance.
Better Ingredients
Rather than assuming our resilient skin can handle a few chemicals, let’s pause and rethink this. All-day liquid foundation provides a powerful opportunity to nourish our largest organ. Ingredients like aloe vera juice and shea butter can smooth out our complexions while feeding our skin barriers and sebum with essential nutrients.
Improved Skin Texture
Estheticians don’t recommend wearing makeup overnight because it clogs your pores. It’s also said to make your skin age faster. If you’re struggling with frequent breakouts and want to improve your skin texture, nontoxic foundation can help. Pick one with soothing ingredients, like aloe vera, vitamin E, or chamomile. Better foundation ingredients shouldn’t replace your entire skincare routine, but they can help support smooth texture.
Fewer Allergic Reactions
It’s not uncommon to see sensitivities and allergies disappear when the right ingredients are used. A nontoxic foundation typically supports healthy skin and a healthy inflammatory response.
Moisturizing Support
Locking in moisture is one of the best ways to support graceful aging and soothing all-day comfort. Especially when paired with a nourishing face primer, nontoxic foundation is great for soothing sensitive skin and takes some of the heavy lifting away from your nighttime moisturizer.
Uncompromising Full Coverage
Yes, you absolutely should expect full coverage from your foundation—even when it’s made by a clean makeup brand. Nature provides us with tons of resources we can harness for high-quality foundation products. The main reason chemicals are often used is simply because they’re cheap to manufacture.
It Feels Good
There’s a sense of relief that comes with wearing a foundation you know is good for your skin and hormones. If you’ve been using nontoxic products for a while, you know exactly how this sense of relief feels. Your nervous system begins to calm down, you feel more confident, and your skin begins to naturally glow.
How to Use a Nontoxic Foundation
Do yourself a favor and start with a nontoxic face primer. This adds an extra layer of nutrient-dense moisture and improves the application of your liquid foundation. You’ll probably need to use less foundation, too.
- If you’re ordering online, try a liquid foundation sample kit to find your perfect shade match.
- Start with a clean and dry face and apply a generous layer of nontoxic face primer.
- Use a nontoxic concealer under the eyes, around the nose, and for any blemishes.
- Use one pump of liquid foundation and apply it to your face with a soft bristle brush or makeup sponge.
- Let the nontoxic foundation dry and apply another layer if desired.
- Repeat for a few weeks and watch your skin texture improve.
What Makes a Foundation Truly Nontoxic? Top Chemicals to Avoid
Information is power, and it’s one of the best ways to support your skin and overall health. When picking your nontoxic foundation, here are some chemicals you should always avoid (and the reason why):
Parabens
In short, these are preservatives used commonly in foundation and other makeup products. They’re both antibacterial and antifungal, which can disrupt the careful microbiome of your skin barrier.
Fragrance
If you pick up a nontoxic foundation and “fragrance” is one of the first ingredients, it’s almost certainly a greenwashed product. Since fragrances are protected as trade secrets, this can be used as an umbrella term for 3,000+ undisclosed chemicals.
Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Many foundations use water as their base ingredient, and this can lead to added preservatives (especially if the product is meant to last for years). Some common preservatives include formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. As the product ages, formaldehyde is slowly released to preserve the ingredients. But formaldehyde isn’t meant to go on our skin. Check for DMDM hydantoin and methenamine.
Expect Better Things from Your Liquid Foundation
Our takeaway? Raise your standards for makeup and skincare.
Your skin deserves to be nourished, moisturized, and supported as it cares for you.
Nontoxic makeup and skincare is one way to make this happen. Plus, it doesn’t expose you to known hormone disruptors and chemicals that can get into your bloodstream.
Loving your skin is loving your whole body—inside and out.
Keep Your Makeup Routine but Ditch the Chemicals