The Rise of Natural Beauty: A New Era of Makeup
From Niche to Mainstream
Gone are the days of searching high and low for paraben-free makeup. The past decade has seen an explosion of new beauty brands, transforming the makeup shopping experience into a stroll through aisles of natural beauty products, hypoallergenic mascaras, and organic lippies.
What’s the Big Deal About Parabens?
Parabens are a type of chemical preservative commonly used in beauty and personal care products. They prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, allowing products to sit on store shelves or in your bathroom cabinet for longer periods. However, some people are wary of parabens due to concerns about their potential impact on hormone balance and skin health.
The Alternative: Gentler Preservatives
“Clean” beauty brands are opting for gentler preservatives like caprylyl glycol and rosemary extract, which may result in a shorter shelf life. While some parabens have been shown to mimic estrogen, potentially disrupting hormone balance, researchers argue that most cosmetics do not contain these specific parabens.
Our Top Picks: Paraben-Free Makeup Brands
We’ve curated a list of our favorite paraben-free makeup brands, each meeting our strict criteria: products must be free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, with a 4-star rating (or higher) and at least 100 reviews on Sephora, Credo Beauty, or the brand’s website.
What About Sulfates and Phthalates?
Sulfates are a type of salt that helps products foam up and lather, but can irritate or dry out skin. Phthalates, on the other hand, help dissolve and stabilize fragrances, but their potential impact on the body is still a topic of debate.
Our Top 9 Paraben-, Sulfate-, and Phthalate-Free Makeup Brands
1. Burt’s Bees
This OG clean beauty brand has expanded its range to include all areas of cosmetics. Bonus: they’re cruelty-free and use recyclable packaging.
2. Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty sources ingredients directly from organic farmers, packing skin care benefits into their makeup products.
3. 100% Pure
This brand uses organic ingredients, never tests on animals, and offers a transparent website with a glossary of ingredients.
4. Ilia Beauty
Ilia’s sleek packaging and gluten-free products make it a standout. Their products are also infused with skin care benefits.
5. RMS Beauty
RMS Beauty offers luxurious, department-store-quality products with recyclable, reusable packaging.
6. Alima Pure
Alima Pure is carbon neutral and offers refillable packaging to minimize waste. Their Satin Matte Foundation comes in 45 evenly distributed shades.
7. Kosas
Kosas packs a vibrant punch with its ultra-juicy lip gloss, one-and-done sparkly eyeshadow, and glowing cheeks.
8. Tower 28 Beauty
Tower 28 Beauty’s clear packaging, bright lettering, and shimmering products give it a fun, summer vibe.
9. PYT Beauty
PYT Beauty’s formulations cover your basics and offer glimmer and gleam for a night out.
Pricing Guide
$ = under $10
$$ = $10–$30
$$$ = over $30
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