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As a woman, you are naturally beautiful in every way.
Makeup is just a tool to emphasize that beauty, and non toxic eyeliner is a fun option.
Why do I say non toxic?
Because typical eyeliner is loaded with hidden toxins that would make you cringe if you only knew about them.
Let’s discuss those, then present the ingredients you should look for in healthier, more natural eyeliner options.
Quick Comparison: Our Top Picks for Natural Eyeliner
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Use the chart above to check the latest prices or continue reading our in-depth non toxic eye pencil review below!
Why You Need to Switch to an All-Natural Non-Toxic Eyeliner
Playing around with long eyelashes, rosy red lips, perfectly-shaped eyebrows, and smoky eyes is fun.
I totally get it.
But what if your favorite makeup contains harmful substances that can ruin your face?
It sounds far-fetched, but it’s not.
In fact, there are thousands of chemicals (many of them toxins) used to formulate cosmetics today, and of those thousands, only 10% have been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA has complete authority to require specific tests from cosmetic companies in order to protect the public from unwanted toxins.
Nonetheless, MOST products come to the market WITHOUT the FDA’s approval because it’s not required by law.
But that’s not even the worst part:
The FDA has an entire database of cosmetic ingredients that they have approved, yet have been shown to have toxic side effects – ingredients like parabens, artificial colors, talc, phthalates, and more.
The other problem?
The fact that eyeliner is applied right beside the eye, and even directly on the eyelid, should make you take a closer look at the ingredients list.
Your eyes are a gateway to the bloodstream, and what you put on them will be absorbed directly into your body – toxins and all.
Toxins Found in Conventional Eye Liner
Although the usual is just black, brown, and dark brown, finding the best type of eyeliner can get a little complicated.
Throw the “non toxic” requirement in there, and shopping for natural eyeliner can really be time consuming.
To help you make the best decision as fast as possible, I put together this little guide of ingredients to avoid and ingredients to look for.
Plus, stick around because I’ll also share my 4 favorite non-toxic eyeliner brands!
Here are some of the most common toxins lurking in eyeliners today. These are the ones you’ll want to avoid like the plague:
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (FRPs)
Sounds scary, right? But what’s terrifying is that it’s a strong-smelling, colorless gas commonly used in building furniture, walls, plywood, fabrics, and in other insulation materials.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Researchers, and The International Agency for Research on Cancer states that this is a known human carcinogen — aka it promotes carcinogenesis, which is acknowledged as the formation of cancer cells.
Sound like something you want near your eyes?
Parabens
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in makeup today. It is used to prevent mold and bacteria. However, it can also be absorbed by your skin, which can lead to health problems like early puberty, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and even breast cancer.
Just like pesticides, it targets pests but also targets your body when exposed. Parabens might be a hinder for bacterial growth, but they can also be a hindrance to your health.
Carbon Black
Carbon black is frequently used as a pigment in beauty products such as eyeliners. Although the name sounds cool, carbon black has been linked to cancer and organ toxicity.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
BHA and BHT are preservatives used in food packaging and animal feed. To store your eyeliner for a long time, cosmetic manufacturers include these toxins to make their eyeliner shelf stable.
These chemicals are linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, and endocrine disruption. They can also encourage allergic reactions in the skin.
Research shows that BHA is a possible human carcinogen (leads to cancer) and states that it interferes with hormone function. On the other hand, long-term exposure to BHT has been shown to cause liver problems, kidney malfunction, and thyroid issues.
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK)
In eyeliner, benzalkonium chloride is used to inhibit the reproduction of microorganisms. Interestingly enough, it is also found in household cleaning products. Can you imagine your eyeliner containing the same chemicals you scrub your floors with?
This toxin brings danger to your skin and your eyes’ epithelial cells (skin cells). These cells protect your eyes from dust, water, and bacteria.
Ethanolamine Compounds
Linked to cancer and organ system toxicity.
Titanium Dioxide
Shown to play a role in developing lung cancer.
Aluminum Powder
Plays a role in the formation of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Retinyl Acetate or Retinyl Palmitate
A high hazard chemical that contributes to Hypervitaminosis A, which leads to hair loss, liver damage, reproductive and nonreproductive toxicity, and osteoporosis.
The list goes on, but I won’t. I know you have other things to do today 🙂
Let’s switch gears and discuss the ingredients you DO want in a clean and natural eyeliner.
Healthy Ingredients Found in Non-Toxic Eye Liner
Let me ask you a question, how do you feel right now?
Worried? Scared? Disgusted?
Well, that’s normal.
Realizing you’ve been tricked into applying chemicals to one of the most sensitive areas of your body is a hard pill to swallow.
So what’s a girl to do?
Switch to non-toxic eyeliners!
I admit it can be a big transition, but YOU are worth it.
Here are some of the healthier ingredients you should look for when shopping for non-toxic eyeliner.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an overall ingredient and is well-suited to all skin types. It can be found not only in eyeliner but also in most other non-toxic cosmetic products. Aloe Vera is known to be lightweight and non-greasy while having an actual soothing and healing effect on the skin.
Oregano
Oregano helps soothe and treat skin conditions. It is known to be an anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant, and a powerful agent to prevent signs of aging. Oregano also aids in new cell growth for younger, fresher skin.
Black Tea
Black Tea makes your skin clearer and helps you fight free radical damage. It also helps prevent acne and other skin problems.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Cacao seed butter is an antioxidant and one of the most effective skin healers. It contains saturated fatty acids which are essential for healing dry skin. Cacao seed butter is used in eyeliners because it forms a barrier on the skin’s surface in order to slow the loss of water from the skin.
Thyme
Thyme helps improve your skin tone. It has antibacterial properties that help eliminate bacteria that cause skin problems. It is used in eyeliners to prevent the growth of bacteria naturally.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is one of the best ingredients in non-toxic eyeliners. It deeply moisturizes your skin and reduces any kind of inflammation. Shea butter is a perfect aid in your skin’s natural collagen production. It is also proven to be one of the best anti-aging ingredients for your skin.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a magical ingredient in treating those under-eye dark circles and most natural eyeliners include jojoba oil as one of their base ingredients. Bonus points that it’s rich in vitamin E – a powerful anti-aging nutrient.
A few other natural ingredients found in a non-toxic eyeliner include:
- Sunflower Seed Oil
- Rosemary
- Honeysuckle Flower
- Turmeric
- Marula Oil
- Mango Seed Oil
- Carnauba Wax
To read more about natural ingredients, you can read our article about why it is important to use natural cosmetics.
Best Non-Toxic Eye Liners Reviewed
1. 100% PURE – Creamy Long Last Liner: Blackest
“Fruit Pigmented, Natural, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Gluten Free”
These are the words that best describe 100% PURE’s Creamy Long Last Liner: Blackest. This creamy natural eyeliner is perfect for all skin types.
It’s a perfect pencil made of the purest ingredients possible. Enriched with Vitamin E, I am pretty sure you’ll feel comfortable with the ingredients list – things like jojoba oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, vegetable oil, candelilla wax, and more.
- GORGEOUS SHADES FROM FRUITS - Luscious long-lasting eyeliner pencils glide easily onto lids to line...
- STAY ALL DAY LINER - Jojoba, chamomile, vitamin E, and mango seed oil moisturize and nourish the...
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
About the Company: 100% PURE
The name explains it all. 100% PURE offers everything that women need, from natural skin care to organic products. The products are hued with fruit and vegetable pigments, which is excellent for your skin!
All of their products are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
2. W3LL PEOPLE – Natural Eyeliner: Black
“Professional Performance In A Natural Eyeliner!”
That’s how people describe this gorgeous eye pencil. Using this liner lets you experience a smooth and precise line for great detail. It blends easily and is great for creating a soft, smoky eye.
Its ingredient label is pretty clean, consisting of items like vegetabal oils, jojoba oil, caprylic triglyceride, rhus verniciflua peel wax, and more.
No products found.
About the Company: W3LL PEOPLE
W3LL PEOPLE offers excellent quality, all-natural cosmetics. They ensure that there are NO harsh chemicals, not even a little bit. Their products are made of organic aloe, organic chamomile, and organic green tea. Their main ingredient go-to is the organic Aloe Vera.
3. Ecco Bella – Natural Soft Eyeliner
This vibrant natural eyeliner makes flawless lines and is specially made for gliding smoothly and evenly. It is made from vegetable waxes with no synthetic petroleum oils and is free of talc, fragrance, dyes, and gluten.
Ingredients feature palm kernel glycerides, coconut oil, and Japan wax.
No products found.
About the Company: Ecco Bella
The company was founded in 1992 and consistently stands out in the cosmetic industry. Ecco Bella aims to offer an alternative source for consumers so that animal testing in labs won’t be encouraged.
Ecco Bella not only thinks of people but also considers animals and the environment.
4. Jane Iredale Eye Pencil
This creamy, long-lasting eye pencil dyed with natural pigments is perfect for your eyelid’s delicate skin. It is made with moisturizing shea butter, macadamia oil, and vitamin E which moisturizes, protects, and nourishes the skin.
This non toxic eye liner is also vegan, paraben-free, certified cruelty-free, and crafted of all-natural ingredients like jojoba oil, mango seed oil, candelilla wax, shea butter, and manganese violet.
- Formulated with botanical oils, waxes and butters
- Nourishing and comfortable to wear
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
About the Company: Jane Iredale
Jane Iredale is one of the prominent mineral makeup companies that provide clean, green cosmetics worldwide. Their products contain no oil to avoid pore-clogging and no talc to prevent drying the skin.
Editor and researcher at Detox & Prosper. With years of experience creating a healthy home for my family, I now help others eliminate toxins from theirs! Read my story here.
Wendy
What is the best eyeliner that is waterproof for sensitive eyes?