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Jump To: Beauty Swaps | Skincare Swaps

This comprehensive guide to non-toxic & low-toxic beauty swaps will help you transform your makeup routine with safer, toxin-free products that deliver beautiful results while protecting your skin from harmful ingredients. 

Text reading "best non-toxic beauty swaps", featuring toxic beauty and skincare products, with arrows pointing to safer non-toxic alternatives.

As a beauty enthusiast, I love perusing social media to see what’s new and trending in the beauty world. But when I see what products are going viral, it makes me cringe a little. The sleek packaging is so enticing, and celebrity promises of “your best-looking skin ever” can easily draw you in. 

As we become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, claims that products are “green” and “clean” have become trendy, with major corporations taking advantage and jumping on the bandwagon.

However, having researched what’s really in most beauty products for almost a decade now, I know the reality is that 99% of the time, these claims are just empty promises. 

Why are non-toxic beauty products so hard to find?

The problem? Most of the beauty products available in the US are owned by just a handful of huge corporations. Recognizable names like L’Oreal, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and Estée Lauder.

Unfortunately, these companies are largely unregulated and are more interested in profits than watching out for us, the consumers, and our health. Need proof? Just look at these recent lawsuits:

  • In 2018, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $4.7 billion to women who developed ovarian cancer after using their talc-based baby powder. Evidence suggested the company had known for decades about potential asbestos contamination in their talc.
  • Major haircare brand Wen settled a $26 million class-action lawsuit in 2016 after receiving over 21,000 complaints about severe hair loss and scalp irritation.

And these aren’t just isolated incidents—they represent a systemic problem within an industry that largely regulates itself. 

With minimal government oversight, these corporations essentially decide what’s “safe” for consumers, often hiding behind marketing terms that have no legal definition.

The Fragrance Loophole & The Rise of “Greenwashing”

The “fragrance” loophole perfectly illustrates this problem. Under current regulations, companies can conceal over 3,000 potentially harmful chemicals under this single term, claiming protection of trade secrets. 

This means that when you see “fragrance” or “parfum” on an ingredient list, you have no way of knowing what you’re really putting on your skin.

Even more troubling is the rise of “clean-washing”—the practice of marketing products as “natural” or “clean” without substantive changes to formulations. 

A 2021 study revealed that 65% of cosmetics marketed as “green” contained PFAS “forever chemicals,” substances linked to various health concerns including immune dysfunction and cancer.

Toxic Ingredients Hiding In Beauty Products

  • Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen linked to cancer formation in both animals and humans. Formaldehyde is commonly found in makeup removers, eyelash glue, eyeliners, and mascara. 
  • Phthalates: Endocrine disruptors linked to breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. You can often find phthalates in foundations, concealers, blushes, eyeshadows, and lipsticks.
  • Parabens: Endocrine disruptors associated with breast cancer. Parabens are often hidden in moisturizers, body washes, and sunscreens. 
  • Talc: Linked to respiratory issues and potentially to ovarian cancer, as evidenced by legal rulings. Talc can still be found in some eyeshadows and blush. 
  • Carbon Black: Found in eyeliners and linked to cancer and organ toxicity.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. The list is longer, MUCH longer. Toxic chemicals like zirconium-containing complexes, benzophenone, and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) are found in most popular cosmetic brands these days. 

What’s a conscious consumer to do?

This lack of transparency creates a challenging landscape for those of us seeking truly safe beauty products. Understanding this industry context is important because it explains why finding genuinely non-toxic beauty products is so difficult these days. 

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to cut through the greenwashing and share my secrets for finding genuinely non-toxic and low-toxic beauty swaps for today’s most sought-after products.

In this guide, I’ll expose the beauty industry’s dirty secrets and teach you how to spot the red flags when it comes to finding toxic makeup products. 

More importantly, I’ll introduce you to my curated list of truly clean beauty swaps that don’t compromise performance or safety.

It’s time to take control of what you put on your skin and demand better from the brands you trust. Are you ready to detox your beauty routine? Let’s dive in!

The Best Way To Spot Non-Toxic Beauty Swaps

The best thing to do is to read through each ingredient on every product you buy and to research each ingredient so that you know what you’re putting on your skin is safe.

But that’s time-consuming and not always realistic. You can also look for third-party certifications from reputable organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or MADE SAFE.

These seals indicate that a product has undergone rigorous screening for hazardous ingredients and meets strict purity standards.

Or you can just read our list right here of all of the best non-toxic and low-toxic beauty swaps for all of your cosmetic needs!

Best Non-Toxic & Low-Toxic Beauty Swaps

Text reading "best non-toxic beauty swaps", featuring toxic beauty products, with arrows pointing to safer non-toxic alternatives.

1. Foundation

Instead of Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drop Stick Blur + Smooth Tint Stick Foundation Try →

  • Araza All-In-One Coconut Cream Foundation ($48): Discover radiant skin with this innovative foundation featuring coconut post-biotics. The unique formula works to enhance your skin’s natural microbiome while delivering deep hydration for a luminous, healthy glow that lasts all day.
  • Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques’ Cream Foundation ($34.50): Transform your complexion with this nutrient-rich foundation crafted from more than 100 food-grade organic ingredients. Experience the perfect balance of coverage and care as it creates a naturally dewy finish while supporting your skin’s health.
  • Piper Blue’s 100% Natural Vitamins, Minerals & Pigments Foundation ($16): Elevate your beauty routine with this mineral-rich foundation that combines vitamins and natural pigments. The age-defying formula helps minimize fine lines while enhancing your skin’s natural radiance, offering both coverage and skincare benefits in one. (Use code TFC10 for 10% off!)

2. Concealer

Instead of NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Try→

  • 100% Pure’s Fruit Pigmented Concealer ($30): Experience the innovation of nature with this luxuriously smooth concealer. Naturally derived fruit pigments blend seamlessly with olive squalane to create a formula that both conceals and nourishes your skin.
  • Well People Bio Correct Concealer ($22): Meet your new favorite concealer that feels weightless yet delivers impressive coverage. This botanical-powered formula effortlessly melts into skin, diminishing imperfections while feeding your complexion with plant-based nutrients.

Low Tox

  • Crunchi My Alibi Liquid Concealer ($34): Embrace the power of superfruits and pure earth pigments in this innovative concealer. While it contains minimal amounts of silica and mica, it excels at instantly camouflaging under-eye circles while improving skin appearance over time. Questionable ingredients include silica and mica.

3. Face Primer

Instead of Charlotte Tilbury’s Face Primer Try → 

  • MG Naturals Skin Guardian ($33): Unlock your skin’s potential with this concentrated blend of 11 cold-pressed organic oils and extracts. This multitasking primer doesn’t just prep your skin—it actively works to heal, hydrate, and restore your natural radiance.

Low Tox

  • Toups & Co. Organics Primer ($46): Revolutionize your makeup routine with this antioxidant-rich serum primer. A single pump delivers optimal skin preparation while providing essential moisture and nutrients. Contains minimal silica for enhanced texture. Questionable ingredients include silica.
  • OGEE’s Activated Botanical Primer ($86): Indulge in this innovative whipped jojoba oil cream enriched with micro hyaluronic acid and sugarcane-derived squalane. While it contains small amounts of carrageenan and potassium sorbate, it effectively reduces aging signs and enhances skin elasticity. Questionable ingredients carrageenan, carrageenan, and potassium sorbate.

4. Setting Powder

Instead of Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Setting Powder Try → 

  • Illia Beauty Soft Focus Setting Powder ($36): Experience the magic of this ultra-fine setting powder that disappears into your skin like morning mist. The botanical-infused formula locks in makeup while providing continuous nourishment throughout the day.
  • Omiana Mineral Loose Powder ($34): Simplicity meets effectiveness with this pure mineral powder foundation. Crafted with just four hypoallergenic ingredients, it delivers flawless coverage without compromising skin health.
  • Olga Organics Loose Organic Face Powder ($38): A pioneer in the future of clean beauty, the world’s first USDA Certified organic face powder free from titanium dioxide and mica. Experience peace of mind knowing you’re using truly pure, certified organic ingredients.

5. Setting Spray

Instead of Urban Decay Setting Spray Try →

  • EvanHealy Rose Geranium HydroSoul ($31.99): Embrace simplicity with this single-ingredient wonder. Pure organic rose geranium hydrosoul refreshes and sets your makeup while providing aromatherapeutic benefits.
  • Cocokind Rosewater Facial Toner ($18): Sometimes less is more—this minimalist formula combines just two powerful ingredients: pure rosewater and radish root ferment. Perfect for setting makeup while maintaining skin balance.
  • Primally Pure Everything Face Spray ($24): You’re going to love this multitasking marvel. Packed with aloe vera, magnesium, and apple cider vinegar, it sets makeup while actively supporting skin healing and detoxification.

6. Bronzer

Instead of Drunk Elephant Bronzer Drops Try→

  • Piper Blue Organics Bronzer ($16.50): Achieve that perfect sun-kissed glow with this antioxidant-rich bronzer. The innovative formula doesn’t just add warmth to your complexion—it actively works to enhance skin tone and reduce fine lines. (Use code TFC10 for 10% off!)
  • Omiana Loose Powder Mineral Bronzer ($34): Free from common irritants like mica, titanium dioxide, talc, and bismuth, this weightless bronzer delivers natural-looking warmth without compromising skin health.
  • Poofy Organics Browning Lotion ($22): Discover a unique approach to bronzing with this botanical-enriched formula. Unlike traditional self-tanners, this innovative lotion works with your skin’s natural chemistry to develop a gradual, authentic-looking tan.

7. Blush

Instead of Dior Rosy Glow Try → 

  • 100% Pure Lip & Cheek Tints ($30): Maximize your makeup routine with this versatile double-duty product. Infused with vibrant fruit pigments and nourishing butter, it creates a natural flush on both cheeks and lips.
  • SANRE Cheeky Lips ($29.99): This creamy, multipurpose color balm moisturizes while enhancing your natural glow to create a seamless, natural-looking flush that enhances your features.
  • Axiology Color Cream Multi-Stick ($28): Crafted with just 10 natural ingredients, these color cream multi-sticks deliver creamy, hydrating colors for eyes, lips, and cheeks.

8. Mascara

Instead of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Try →  

  • River Organics Mascara ($19.99): Strengthen and lengthen your lashes with this organic castor oil-infused formula. Plant-based waxes ensure smooth application and lasting wear while supporting natural lash growth.
  • MG Naturals Organic Mascara ($18): Skip the titanium dioxide, mica, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate with luscious, all-natural mascara.

Low-Tox

  • 100% Pure Maracuja Mascara ($28): Achieve voluminous lashes with this passion fruit oil-enriched formula. Though it contains minimal amounts of preservatives, it delivers clump-free, flake-free wear all day. Questionable ingredients include potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.

9. Lipstick

Instead of Charlotte Tilbury Luxury & Luscious Lipsticks Try →

  • Omania Creamy Mineral Lipstick ($31): We love these mineral-enriched, hydrating lipsticks from Omania. Natural waxes and organic oils work together to create younger-looking, moisturized lips in shades ranging from subtle to bold.
  • INIKA Organic Lipstick ($29): These 100% vegan lipsticks have a creamy formula that glides on effortlessly, while natural plant oils provide continuous nourishment throughout wear.
  • Tata Harper Lip Crème – Juicy ($42): The perfect fusion of treatment and color, this plumping formula creates a cushiony, soft-shine finish while actively rejuvenating the lip contour.

10. Lip Oil

Instead of DIOR Addict Lip Glow Try →

  • Saie Glossy Bounce Lip Oil ($22): The perfect fusion of treatment and color with this anti-aging lip crème. The plumping formula creates a cushiony, soft-shine finish while actively rejuvenating the lip contour.
  • Well People Lip Oil ($12): Nourish your lips with this vitamin-rich tinted oil that delivers the perfect combination of sheer color and glossy shine.

Low-Tox

  • Henne Organics Luxury Lip Tint ($23): Experience the luxury of this melting balm-oil hybrid that provides lasting hydration and beautiful color. Questionable ingredients include titanium dioxide.

11. Lip Mask

Instead of Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask Try → 

  • Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Lip Mask ($28): Transform your lips overnight with this silky treatment mask. Hyaluronic acid, white willow bark, and wild chokecherry work together to create fuller, softer, more supple lips.
  • Henne Organics Lip Mask ($37): Treat your lips to this rejuvenating mask enhanced with a light citrus scent. The deeply nourishing formula restores and soothes while delighting your senses.
  • True Botanicals Moisture Lock Glossy Lip Balm ($24): Give your lips comprehensive care with this anti-aging balm treatment. Dual-molecular hyaluronic acid combines with botanical butters and oils, while Spilanthes extract helps firm and strengthen lip contours.

Best Non-Toxic Skincare Swaps

Text reading "best non-toxic skincare swaps", featuring toxic skincare products, with arrows pointing to safer non-toxic alternatives.

12. Cleanser

Instead of CeraVe Foam Facial Cleanser Try → 

13. Moisturizer

Instead of Tatcha’s The Water Cream Try  → 

  • Butter Me Up Organics Clear Facial Moisturizer ($32.95): Address multiple skin concerns with this versatile moisturizer. The combination of soothing aloe gel and regenerative rosehip seed oil makes it perfect for various skin conditions.
  • Honey Girl Organics Face & Eye Crème ($44.95): Discover the power of honey combined with organic botanicals in this fragrance-free formula. Ideal for those with sensitivities to essential oils.
  • Poofy Organics Flawless Face Moisturizer ($39): This moisturizer packs the nourishing punch with ingredients like unrefined shea butter and organic apricot kernel oil known for replenishing and brightening the skin.

14. Toner 

Instead of the Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner Try → 

  • Primally Pure Everything Spray ($24): Simplify your routine with this multitasking spray that combines aloe vera, magnesium, and apple cider vinegar to support overall skin health.
  • Made Simple Face Toner ($15): Return to basics with this three-ingredient organic toner. The chamomile and lime combination gently balances and hydrates while supporting your skin’s microbiome.
  • Rowe Cases Organics Anti-Aging Face Toner ($17): Combat signs of aging with this refreshing blend of rose water, witch hazel, and essential oils, designed to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

15. Sunscreen

Instead of Supergoop Sunscreen Try → 

  • Butter Me Up Organics Sunscreen ($11.95): Protect your family with this zinc oxide-based formula that provides SPF 45+ protection using non-nano particles for optimal safety.
  • Cocokind Daily SPF ($25): Shield your skin with this gentle mineral sunscreen featuring SPF 32. The combination of non-nano zinc oxide with blue phytoplankton and microalgae provides comprehensive protection against environmental stressors.
  • AnnMarie Every Day Sheer Sunscreen ($50): Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, this lightweight daily sunscreen infuses your skin with antioxidant-rich buriti fruit, pumpkin seed, and hemp seed oil to nourish and visibly enhance your glow.

Detoxifying Your Beauty Routine- Where To Start

I know that cost is a factor for most of us and clean beauty products often come with a higher price tag. This is mostly due to the fact that sourcing high-quality, safe ingredients costs more money. 

But investing in your health is always worth it in the long run. If a complete overhaul isn’t in your budget, try this gradual transition strategy.

Start by focusing on the products you use most frequently and those that cover a lot of surface area, like body lotion or foundation. These high-risk items should be your first priority when making the switch to non-toxic alternatives.

Then swap out one conventional product at a time as you run out. This approach is easier on your wallet and helps you slowly adjust to new formulas and brands.

Another money-saving tip? Look for multi-tasking products that can streamline your routine. A tinted moisturizer with SPF, for example, can replace your traditional foundation, sunscreen, and day cream. 

Simplifying your regimen not only saves cash but also reduces your overall exposure to potentially harmful ingredients.

Shopping For Non-Toxic Beauty Swaps – Quick Tips

Once you’re ready to start replacing your conventional cosmetics, the real work begins. Navigating the world of clean beauty can be overwhelming, but with a few key strategies, you’ll be able to find safe, effective products that meet your needs.

  1. Become an ingredient list detective. Don’t just scan for buzzwords like “paraben-free” or “natural.” Read the full list and watch out for red flags like “fragrance,” which can mask a multitude of sins. 
  2. If you spot an unfamiliar ingredient, look it up in the EWG’s Skin Deep database to check its safety rating.
  3. Seek out third-party certifications from organizations like MADE SAFE, EWG VERIFIED, or NSF Organic. These seals indicate that a product has undergone rigorous testing and met strict purity standards. While not a perfect guarantee, they can help guide you towards safer options.
  4. Get to know a few reliable brands that prioritize non-toxic, transparent formulations. Azara Beauty, MG Naturals, and Lauren Brooke Organic Cosmetiques are always great go-tos. These retailers carefully vet their offerings and provide extensive information on ingredient safety and sourcing.

There’s no rush! Making the switch to clean cosmetics is a process, not an overnight transformation. Be patient with yourself as you learn and experiment. The most important step is simply getting started.

This has been your guide to the best non-toxic & low-toxic beauty swaps for 2025. 

I know switching to making non-toxic beauty swaps can feel about as overwhelming as trying to explain TikTok to your grandma. 

You’re standing there in the beauty aisle, squinting at ingredient labels that might as well be written in ancient Sanskrit, wondering if you need a chemistry degree just to buy lipstick.

But here’s the thing, you’ve already done the hardest part by deciding to care about what goes on your skin. And honestly, isn’t it kind of empowering to know you’re no longer falling for those sleek packaging tricks and empty “clean beauty” promises?

So take it one product at a time, keep this guide handy (bookmark it, screenshot it, add it to your notes app – whatever works), and remember: your future self will thank you for making the switch. Looking gorgeous shouldn’t come with a side of questionable chemicals, right?

Check out our other amazing Non-Toxic Health & Beauty articles:

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References

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). FDA Authority Over Cosmetics: How Cosmetics Are Not FDA Approved Are FDA Regulated. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated
  2. BBC News. (n.d.). Business Article. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-44816805
  3. Ars Technica. (2017). WEN Hair Loss Scandal. https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/06/wen-hair-loss-scandal-cracked-open-dirty-underbelly-of-personal-care-products/
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Trade Secret Ingredients. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/trade-secret-ingredients
  5. Mamavation. (n.d.). Green Beauty Cosmetic Makeup Guide: PFAS Forever Chemicals. https://www.mamavation.com/beauty/green-beauty-cosmetic-makeup-guide-pfas-forever-chemicals.html
  6. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. (n.d.). Phthalates. https://www.bcpp.org/resource/phthalates/
  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Parabens in Cosmetics. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics
  8. Asbestos.com. (n.d.). Talcum Powder. https://www.asbestos.com/products/talcum-powder/
  9. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Research Article. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10048826/
  10. New Jersey Department of Health. (n.d.). Chemical Fact Sheet. https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/2047.pdf
  11. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Benzophenone Ultraviolet Light Filters Research. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10757257/
  12. PubChem. (n.d.). Methylisothiazolinone Compound. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methylisothiazolinone

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