ou might be curious about what's in your foundation beyond its shade and coverage. Perhaps you're interested in exploring makeup options that enhance your appearance and also align with your skin care needs and sustainability values.
Your foundation choice might serve multiple purposes in your life, adapting to your unique needs. Whether you're looking to even out your skin tone, prepare for a performance, or simply feel your best, foundation can be a versatile tool in your beauty routine.
With an eco-friendly foundation, you’ll be looking in the mirror and seeing not just a flawless complexion, but a reflection of the change you want to see in the world.
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Good Non-Toxic and Natural Foundation
Choosing a foundation that’s right for you, non-toxic, and natural can be challenging. But here, we will highlight some key factors you can consider to make the process easier.
1. Recommended Ingredients
When looking for a non-toxic foundation, the first thing to consider is its ingredients. Plant-based oils like jojoba, argan, or coconut oils are some of the natural oils you should look for in a non-toxic and natural foundation. The natural oils help keep your skin hydrated while also improving the skin health.
You can also look for antioxidants such as vitamin E, green tea extract, or CoQ10 in a non-toxic foundation. They neutralize free radicals which are unstable molecules that could cause harm to your skin cells and accelerate premature aging.
Further, you could also find mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The FDA states that their concentrations should be 25% or less. They help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays but a foundation with SPF should not be used as a substitute for a dedicated sunscreen. Mineral-based ingredients also have anti-inflammatory properties that are a benefit for those with sensitive skin.
Another great ingredient to consider is hyaluronic acid. which has a humectant property. This property allows the acid to absorb and retain a large amount of water(up to 1000 times its volume) which results in deeply hydrated skin.
2. Ingredients to Avoid
Several foundations include harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates. These are best avoided since they are known hormone disruptors.
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are potential carcinogens that can cause skin irritation. These chemicals also contribute to air pollution and are harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
- Consider avoiding foundations with silicone. Silicones can clog pores and prevent your skin from breathing. They're also non-biodegradable, remaining in the soil or seas for years.
- Petrochemicals are another type of ingredients that you should be aware of. They are derived from unsustainable fossil fuels, contribute to climate change, and can be irritating to sensitive skin.
- Microplastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene are next on the avoid list. They are too small (less than 5mm in size) to be filtered out by water treatment plants, leading to their accumulation in oceans and waterways.
- Then, be wary of “fragrance” or “parfum” on ingredient lists. These terms can mask a variety of potentially harmful chemicals.
- Talc, another ingredient to look out for, can sometimes be contaminated with asbestos, which can lead to ovarian and other types of cancer. Talc mining also destroys natural habitats and causes water pollution.
- Explore foundations that don't include ingredients like poly-fluoroalkyl or perfluorononyl dimethicone. PFAS are "forever chemicals" which have been linked to various health issues such as thyroid disease and environmental issues.
Ethical sourcing of ingredients is an evolving topic in the beauty industry. If you're interested in this aspect, you could explore foundations that use synthetic mica or have transparent sourcing policies for natural mica.
3. Consider Your Skin Type
Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or natural nourishing oils are recommended for dry skin. Matte finishes can highlight dry patches, so avoid them and consider dewy, or satin finishes that will lead to a healthy skin glow.
Oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas, such as water-based foundations and mineral powder foundations, can be a good option for oily skin. If you have combination skin use different products or techniques for different areas of your face; balanced formulas that aren't too drying or too oily. Buildable coverage can also be great for combination skin as you can apply more where needed.
Hypoallergenic formulas with no fragrances and common irritants are a good choice for sensitive skin. Another interesting fact is that mineral foundations typically have fewer ingredients, making ingredient tracking easier, and lowering the chances of unnecessary, harmful chemicals making it to the list of ingredients.
As your skin ages, it typically becomes drier and develops fine lines and wrinkles. But foundations with anti-aging ingredients, like hydrating formulas with a dewy finish, can help give mature skin a youthful glow.
If you have specific skin concerns like acne or rosacea, look for foundations with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. For acne-prone skin, ensure your foundation is non-comedogenic; this will help minimize the risk of pore blockage and therefore reduce acne breakouts.
4. Consider the Occasion and Wear
Different occasions call for different applications of the right foundation to maintain a constant, healthy glow. For everyday wear, light to medium coverage foundation with a natural finish is ideal. Consider a long-wearing foundation for work that won't need you to take regular breaks for touch-ups throughout the day.
For high fashion or glamor shoots, use full coverage foundation, while for natural light portraits or lifestyle shoots consider sheer to medium coverage. For outdoor or active shoots opt for lighter, sweat-resistant formulas.
Your work-from-home routine might also allow for flexibility in your makeup choices. On days when you don’t need full coverage, consider tinted moisturizers or Beauty Balm(BB) creams that combine skincare with light coverage.
Tips on Selecting the Right Shade and Consistency
Selecting the perfect shade and consistency for your foundation is about understanding your undertone, knowing how to properly test shades, and choosing the right formula and finish for your skin type and desired look.
1. Your Undertone
Your undertone is the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin. Unlike your skin color, which can change due to sun exposure or other factors, your undertone remains constant. There are three main categories of undertones:
- Cool undertones: Your skin has a pink, red, or blue hue.
- Warm undertones: Your skin has a golden, yellow, or peach hue.
- Neutral undertones: Your skin has a mix of warm and cool hues or no obvious hue at all.
The vein test is a popular method that you can use to determine your skin tone. You can try it by looking at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If they look green, you probably have warm undertones. If you can't tell or they look both blue and green, you might have neutral undertones. Other methods you can use to confirm your undertone are:
2. Shade Matching Techniques
Once you understand your undertone, there are several tests you can carry out to help you find your perfect shade match. You can test the foundation in natural light or on your jawline. Try and test more than one shade to see which one works best for you.
After applying the foundation, you can wait for about 10 minutes before making a decision. This allows the foundation to settle into your skin and gives you a better idea of how it will look throughout the day.
3. The Right Formula and Finish
The formula and finish of your foundation affect how the foundation applies, how long it lasts, and how it looks on your skin. Oily skin options include oil-free liquid foundations or powder foundations with a matte or natural finish.
For dry skin consider hydrating liquid or cream foundations with a dewy or radiant finish. Foundations with a satin finish are another great option. For combination skin, try to use different formulas on different parts of your face or a product designed for this skin type.
For mature skin try hydrating, luminous formulas. If you have acne-prone skin, consider non-comedogenic formulas, often with a natural or matte finish.
Our Criteria for Best Non-Toxic and Natural Foundations
We consider several key factors to ensure we're recommending products that are safe, environmentally friendly, and also effective, and inclusive when evaluating the best non-toxic and natural foundations. Let's delve into each of these criteria in detail.
1. Clean, Non-Toxic Ingredients
The first thing to check on any non-toxic and natural foundation is, of course, its ingredient list. We opt for foundations that incorporate beneficial, natural ingredients such as plant-based oils, antioxidants, mineral-based sun protection, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and botanical extracts.
2. Performance and Effectiveness
We evaluate performance and effectiveness based on the good non-toxic and natural foundation’s coverage, texture and feel, finish, longevity, skin benefits, and suitability for different skin types. To assess these factors, we rely on a combination of brand claims, ingredient analysis, and user reviews.
3. Shade Range
Our choice of good non-toxic and natural foundation for you should incorporate several shades, depth of range, undertone variety, consistency across shades, descriptive shade names, shade matching tools, and shade adaptability.
4. Sustainability Efforts
We assess a brand's sustainability efforts through its sustainable packaging, refillable options, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, cruelty-free and vegan initiatives, and ethical corporate responsibility.
We believe that beauty shouldn't come at the cost of the planet but we also understand that change takes time and effort. Brands that make genuine efforts towards sustainability, even if they're not perfect, are viewed favorably in our assessments.
Our Selection: 15 of The Best Non-Toxic and Natural Foundations Out There
Here are our 15 best non-toxic and natural foundations that will help you achieve flawless, healthy-looking skin without compromising on safety or ethics:
1. ĀTHR Beauty Crystal Charged Cheek Palette
It’s a brand founded on ethical beauty, sustainability, and innovative and high-performing vegan formulas. Tilla Abbitt, the founder is proud to have created the first zero-waste eyeshadow palette in 2018.
- Pricing: $30 - $50.
- Available Shades: This palette includes 3 shades designed to enhance different skin tones with a radiant glow.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a natural, radiant glow with a blend of highlighters and blushes infused with crystal energy.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types.
- Skincare Benefits: Helps to restore skin elasticity and even out dark spots over time.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Infused with amber, ruby, and diamond powders, along with organic botanical extracts.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, highlighting the natural glow and blendability.
- Sustainability: ĀTHR Beauty is committed to using organic, fair-trade, non-GMO ingredients, and offers zero-waste, recyclable packaging.
2. Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation
Since its conception in 2010, Kjaer Weis has been on the sustainable front in the beauty industry. Its ingredients are curated to ensure that your skin health doesn’t take a hit for the sake of beauty.
- Pricing: $68 - $78.
- Available Shades: Available in 16 shades ranging from light to deep, designed to match a wide variety of skin tones.
- Good For: Recommended for those seeking a luxurious, creamy texture that provides a flawless finish, particularly beneficial for dry or mature skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and mature skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Hydrating and nourishing, with anti-aging properties.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Certified organic ingredients, including sweet almond seed oil and coconut oil.
- Customer Reviews: Highly positive, praising the luxurious feel and flawless finish.
- Sustainability: Kjaer Weis uses refillable packaging and certified organic ingredients.
3. Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation
This is a brand that’s built on wellness, skincare, and environmentalism. It sources its ingredients from its own sustainable farm in Sonoma Wine Country in Healdsburg, California.
- Pricing: $40 - $45
- Available Shades: Available in 11 shades, from light to deep, to suit various skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those looking for a lightweight, serum-infused formula that provides a natural, dewy finish, especially beneficial for normal to dry skin types.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially normal to dry skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Age-defying serum technology with resveratrol-rich grapeseed and fruit stem cells.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Organic botanical juices, coconut alkanes, and sunflower seed oil.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, highlighting the lightweight feel and skin benefits.
- Sustainability: Juice Beauty uses certified organic ingredients and sustainable packaging.
4. RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up
It’s a brand founded by Rose-Marie Swift, a master makeup artist for over 30 years, to clean up the industry using better and safer ingredients. Since 2009, the brand has been on a journey to set a higher standard of beauty.
- Pricing: $30 - $40
- Available Shades: Available in 16 shades, from very fair to deep, to match a wide range of skin tones.
- Good For: Recommended for those seeking a lightweight, natural finish that enhances the skin’s natural beauty, particularly good for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Hydrating and nourishing, with a natural finish.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, and castor seed oil.
- Customer Reviews: Highly positive, praising the natural finish and clean ingredients.
- Sustainability: RMS Beauty uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
5. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
This non-toxic brand is on a mission to protect and revive your skin. It has partnered with Pact Collective to reduce beauty packaging waste and also practice sustainable packaging.
- Pricing: Priced around $48.
- Available Shades: Available in 30 shades, from very fair to deep, to suit a diverse range of skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those looking for a multi-tasking product that combines skincare, makeup, and sun protection, particularly beneficial for normal to dry skin types.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially normal to dry skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Hydrating, anti-aging, and sun protection with SPF 40.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
- Customer Reviews: Positive, highlighting the skin benefits and clean formulation.
- Sustainability: ILIA uses clean, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
6. Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation
Life is short but beautiful, a fact that Ere Perez clearly understands. This brand’s focus is on things that matter; innovative skin care for those who seek minimal, ethical, and healthy beauty.
- Pricing: Priced around $37.
- Available Shades: Available in 12 shades, from light to deep, designed to match various skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a dewy, medium coverage that is long-lasting, and particularly beneficial for sensitive skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Soothing and hydrating, with a dewy finish.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Oat milk and other natural ingredients.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, highlighting the gentle formulation and natural finish.
- Sustainability: Ere Perez uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
7. Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation
Built on the belief that your makeup should do more than just amplify your beauty, Alima Pure also believes that makeup should leave less mess, and minimal waste to our planet. “Sleek, stowable, and sustainable.”
- Pricing: Priced around $28.
- Available Shades: Available in 45 shades, from very light to very deep, to match a wide range of skin tones.
- Good For: Recommended for those seeking a natural, matte finish that minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, particularly good for oily or combination skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially oily and combination skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Mica and titanium dioxide.
- Customer Reviews: Highly positive, praising the natural finish and clean ingredients.
- Sustainability: Alima Pure uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
8. Au Naturale Zero Gravity C2P Foundation
This is a brand that began with Asley Prange, a former nuclear analyst, who felt that there was something crucial that needed her attention; healthy, natural, vegan, and non-toxic cosmetic products.
- Pricing: Priced around $38.
- Available Shades: Available in 15 shades, from very fair to deep, to suit various skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a lightweight, natural finish that provides buildable coverage, particularly beneficial for normal to combination skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially normal to combination skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Lightweight and buildable coverage.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Natural pigments and botanical extracts.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, highlighting the lightweight feel and buildable coverage.
- Sustainability: Au Naturale uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
9. Elate Refresh Foundation
“Intention makes for elation” is a slogan the Elate brand goes by and does so by using ethical ingredients that are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, 75% reusable, recyclable, or plantable packaging, and also practices responsible marketing.
- Pricing: Priced around $32.
- Available Shades: Available in 10 shades, from light to deep, designed to match different skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a natural, radiant finish with buildable coverage, particularly beneficial for sensitive and mature skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and mature skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Hydrating and anti-aging.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Organic botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, praising the natural finish and skin benefits.
- Sustainability: Elate Cosmetics uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
10. Gressa Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation
Born from a rich heritage of herbalism and a passion for purity, Gressa prides itself on luxurious beauty. It offers avant-garde formulations crafted from the finest cold-pressed oils, minerals, and wild plants.
- Pricing: Priced around $62.
- Available Shades: Available in 22 shades, from light to deep, to suit a variety of skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a lightweight, serum-infused foundation that provides a natural finish, particularly beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Lightweight and serum-infused for a natural finish.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Organic botanical extracts
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, highlighting the lightweight feel and skin benefits.
- Sustainability: Gressa uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
11. Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
With vibrant colors inspired by art and formulations designed for sensitive skin, Kosas is all about feeling comfortable and looking your best, effortlessly. It’s on a mission to redefine beauty with products that are not only easy to use but also clinically proven to improve your skin.
- Pricing: Priced around $42.
- Available Shades: Available in 36 shades, from very fair to deep, to match a wide range of skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a lightweight, oil-based foundation that provides a natural, dewy finish, particularly beneficial for dry and combination skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and combination skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Hydrating and dewy finish.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Squalane and other natural oils.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, highlighting the lightweight feel and dewy finish.
- Sustainability: Kosas uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
12. Fitglow Beauty Foundation +
Inspired by a journey to heal sensitive skin, this brand uses plant-based and ethically sourced ingredients that work in harmony with your skin to restore its natural glow.
- Pricing: Priced around $55.
- Available Shades: Available in 18 shades, from light to deep, designed to match various skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a medium to full coverage foundation with skincare benefits, particularly beneficial for sensitive and mature skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and mature skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Medium to full coverage with skincare benefits.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Organic botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, praising the coverage and skin benefits.
- Sustainability: Fitglow Beauty uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
13. Well People Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer
This is a brand with a belief in the power of plants. Well People has award-winning beauty products that are crafted from premium, plant-derived ingredients, ensuring high performance without compromising on purity.
- Pricing: Priced around $29.
- Available Shades: Available in 14 shades, from fair to deep, to suit different skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a multi-tasking product that combines skincare, makeup, and sun protection, particularly beneficial for normal to dry skin types.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially normal to dry skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Hydrating, anti-aging, and sun protection with SPF 30.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Organic botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, highlighting the natural finish and skin benefits.
- Sustainability: Well People uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and are recyclable.
14. Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation
Founded in London, Lily Lolo is a non-toxic and sustainable brand that focus on creating products that give you a flawless, airbrushed complexion. The brand emphasizes using ingredients that they consider gentler alternatives to conventional makeup solutions.
- Pricing: Priced around $22.
- Available Shades: Available in 20 shades, from very light to deep, to match a wide range of skin tones.
- Good For: Recommended for those seeking a natural, matte finish with buildable coverage, particularly good for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Natural, matte finish with buildable coverage.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Mica and zinc dioxide.
- Customer Reviews: Highly positive, praising the natural finish and clean ingredients.
- Sustainability: Lily Lolo uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
15. Inika Organic Liquid Foundation
As a certified organic makeup brand, Inika Organic is dedicated to creating high-performance products that are 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.
- Pricing: Priced around $55.
- Available Shades: Available in 6 shades, from very fair to deep, designed to match various skin tones.
- Good For: Ideal for those seeking a lightweight, hydrating foundation with buildable coverage, particularly beneficial for sensitive and mature skin.
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and mature skin.
- Skincare Benefits: Hydrating and buildable coverage.
- Noteworthy Natural/Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
- Customer Reviews: Generally positive, highlighting the natural finish and clean formulation.
- Sustainability: Inika uses organic, non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging.
Start With A Green Foundation
As we wrap up our exploration of good non-toxic and natural foundation, we hope you're feeling inspired, informed, and ready to embark or continue on a cleaner, greener beauty journey. We've covered everything from identifying clean ingredients to understanding how different formulas work for various skin types and occasions, ensuring you have all the tools to make an informed decision, minus any stress. Choose wisely, choose naturally, and watch your inner glow become an unstoppable radiance.
