Did you know that your makeup products may be laden with toxic ingredients and be harmful to your skin and overall health?  

It's not easy to hear this because we expect the makeup brands to ensure our safety. However, even with some regulation, many products such as lipsticks, foundation or mascara you buy online and in drugstores can cause allergies and irritations and lead to even more severe conditions like hormonal disruptions or cancer. 

Switching to natural and organic makeup is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the environment, and we're lucky that in 2022 we have an array of impressive choices for all our needs and concerns.  

If you're still on the fence about the switch, which admittedly may take some time, keep reading because we have 8 reasons it's worth it.

Natural and organic makeup 

What is natural and organic makeup, though? In short, it's makeup products free from synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, parabens and other toxic ingredients. Instead of the traditionally used harmful chemicals, natural and organic makeup products contain healthy alternatives such as natural pigments, herbal extracts, etc.  

Natural and organic makeup brands care for your skin. Their products are usually vegan (plant-based), cruelty-free, non-toxic, and deliver a healthy, glowing complexion and a long-lasting look.  

Mineral makeup is one of the best alternatives for your traditional powders, foundations, eye shadows and bronzers as it does not contain nasty fillers and is entirely natural.  

The best way to ensure that you get the real deal and not just a marketing trick is to learn more about the Australian makeup brands you're interested in and read the labels carefully. Most Australian makeup brands that truly deliver natural, organic and effective products also have transparent information on their websites, including certifications.

8 reasons why natural makeup is better for you 

#1 Doesn't contain toxic chemicals 

The first reason why switching to natural makeup is worth it is that it doesn't contain hazardous ingredients such as parabens or phthalates linked to cancer, skin allergies, infertility and other issues. 

Traditional makeup brands have been using these ingredients and artificial colours and fragrances for decades with too little and too lax regulation. All the chemicals have damaging long-term and short-term effects.  

Using natural cosmetics ensures you're not applying those to your skin and avoid harmful side effects. 

#2 Protects the hormonal system 

All these toxic ingredients in your lipstick, foundation, mascara etc., often mimic hormones like oestrogen in the body and throw the hormones out of balance affecting your overall well being. 

Using natural, non-toxic, chemical-free makeup helps keep our hormonal system healthy.

#3 Doesn’t cause cancer 

The chemicals mentioned above, as well as commonly used lead, aluminium, propanol, coal tar and formaldehyde, are also linked to various cancers, which is extremely scary.  

Switching to natural makeup helps you eliminate these carcinogens and reduce cancer risk. 

#4 Causes fewer allergies and irritations 

Traditional makeup products often contain fake fragrances that cause headaches, asthma and various allergies. You may experience your face puffing up, itching, or breakouts and rashes, which can take a long time to heal. 

Natural and organic makeup is either fragrance-free or uses only natural fragrances from herbs, fruits, vegetables and essential oils that rarely cause allergies.

#5 Cruelty-free  

Natural makeup is not only good for you but also for the animals. Why? Because it's cruelty-free! Unfortunately, many traditional cosmetics brands are still testing the terrible chemicals and toxins on animals which is simply wrong.   

#6 Sustainable 

Natural cosmetics are also more sustainable. Toxic chemicals that are bad for you end up in our waterways and forests and affect the entire planet's health as well.  

Makeup industries contribute to deforestation, soil depletion, and pollution and affect our wildlife and atmosphere. Most natural cosmetics brands use responsibly-sourced, non-toxic ingredients that are sustainable, with low-waste packaging, and made using energy-efficient manufacturing methods. 

#7 Healing 

There's something special about using natural makeup because we feel more at one with our incredible nature. Using the powerful ingredients helps us heal and remedy the possible damage traditional cosmetics may have wrecked.

#8 Just as effective 

One of the reasons many people vary about using natural makeup is that they worry it will not be as effective. Well, don't. The industry has developed so much since the DIY days, and now you can achieve excellent results without compromising your health and wellbeing. 

The brands combine herbs, minerals and oils with advanced science to harness the healing powers of nature without harming you or our planet.

Toxic ingredients to avoid  

Here are the ingredients you should always avoid.   

• * Parabens (e.g. Propylparaben and Isobutylparaben)

• * Polyethylene (PEGs) 

• * Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

• * Phthalates 

• * Sodium Laureth sulphate (SLS)

• * Formaldehyde

• * Fragrance

• * Chemical UV filters Octinoxate and Oxybenzone

• * Diethanolamine (DEA)

• * Triclosan 

Most problematic products 

The most problematic and harmful traditional makeup products are:  

• Foundation. Propylene glycol, methylparaben, and propylparaben may affect the endocrine system and fertility. 

• Mascara. It can cause allergies, disrupt hormone function, and lead to fertility issues and breast cancer.

• Nail polish. It's linked to skin irritation, may affect the central nervous system, cause depression, headache, and fatigue.

• Lipstick. Many lipsticks contain methylparaben and propylparaben that can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions and are linked to cancer.

How to transition 

We agree that switching to a clean beauty routine can be overwhelming or daunting. Take your time, and don't do a complete overhaul. It will be expensive to get all new products at once, so change things as you run out of certain products.  

Ran out of mascara? Get a natural and organic product to replace it. This will make it easier and give you time to do your research and try some things before committing. Many brands offer smaller sizes or samples so you can see if it works or not and whether you may experience a reaction. 

Lastly, taking things slow gives you a chance to reconsider the products you need. Keeping your beauty routine simple and minimal will deliver the best results!