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Are you new to the clean beauty game? Or already a fan of non-toxic makeup and searching for the perfect non-toxic foundation for beautifully flawless skin?

You’re in the right place! We’ve put together this list of our 11 favorite non-toxic foundations that we have personally tested and loved and will leave your skin looking and feeling amazing. 

Best Non-Toxic Foundation, in a nutshell…

Finding the perfect foundation—one that applies flawlessly, matches your skin tone perfectly, and makes you feel like a glowy, confident goddess—can feel like the search for the Holy Grail. 

This is especially true when you’re committed to using makeup products without any harmful chemicals, which can limit your options even further. 

Many clean makeup brands can leave your skin looking chalky or dry, making the quest for the perfect non-toxic foundation even more challenging.

But your search ends here! Our team at TFC has tested and reviewed dozens of options to bring you this ultimate guide to the best non-toxic foundations for 2024. 

In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect foundation for your skin type and budget, and we’ll share all our insider tips along the way. 

We’ll dish out the benefits of going non-toxic, the ingredients you need to look for (and the ones you need to avoid!), and how to give your skin the royal treatment with these skin-loving foundations.

Let’s dive in! Your dream skin is just a few scrolls away!

What makes non-toxic foundation different?

The main difference between non-toxic foundations and conventional foundations is the ingredients.

Conventional foundations frequently contain a long list of synthetic chemicals, some of which may be harmful to your health

In contrast, non-toxic foundations prioritize the use of clean, natural, and organic ingredients, aiming to minimize potential health risks.

Key Differences

  • Safer Ingredients: Formulated without harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and heavy metals
  • Natural & Organic Ingredients: Non-toxic foundations emphasize the use of skin-nourishing ingredients derived from nature that work together to improve the health of your skin.
  • Environmental Considerations: Natural and organic ingredients support sustainable and ethical farming practices, reduce your exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals, and minimize your environmental impact.

What toxic ingredients should you avoid in conventional foundations?

IngredientFunction in FoundationAssociated Health RisksHow to Identify on an Ingredient List
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing PreservativesPreservative, prevents bacterial growthCarcinogens, skin irritants, allergies, respiratory problemsFormaldehyde, DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, bronopol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and hydroxymethyl glycinate
Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic)Contaminants may be present in color additivesNeurological damage, reproductive issues, other health problemsColor Additives: Especially those listed as “CI” followed by a five-digit number, or “FD&C” or “D&C” followed by a color and number.
Coal Tar DyesColor additivesPotential carcinogens, heavy metal contamination, allergic reactions, skin sensitivitiesp-phenylenediamine, colors identified by “CI” followed by a 5-digit number, or “FD&C” or “D&C” followed by a color and number
HydroquinoneSkin-lightening agentPotential carcinogen, cytotoxic effectsHydroquinone
PhthalatesFragrance fixative, plasticizerEndocrine disruptor, reproductive and developmental issues, potential cancer risksDibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
BHA and BHTAntioxidant preserves product stabilityPotential endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, skin irritation, allergiesButylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Octinoxate and OxybenzoneChemical UV filters (SPF)Potential endocrine disruptors, allergens, harm to coral reefsOctinoxate, oxybenzone
ParabensPreservativePotential endocrine disruptor, reproductive issues, breast cancer, allergiesMethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben
Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, TEA)Emulsifier, pH adjusterAllergen, potential to form carcinogenic nitrosaminesMonoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA)
Retinyl PalmitateAnti-aging ingredient (Vitamin A)May generate free radicals when exposed to sunlight, causing skin damageRetinyl palmitate
Benzophenone and its derivativesUV filterPotential endocrine disruptor, allergenBenzophenone, benzophenone-3, benzophenone-4, etc.
PEG Compounds (Polyethylene Glycols)Improves product absorption and texturePotential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane (carcinogens)PEG, followed by a number (e.g., PEG-100)
Siloxanes (Cyclic Silicones)Improves spreadability and texturePersistent in the environment, potential endocrine disruptor, harm to aquatic lifeCyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, etc.

How Can You Identify a Truly Non-Toxic Foundation?

Read The Ingredient List

  • Focus on the first 5-7 ingredients, which make up the bulk of the formula.
  • Look for natural, recognizable components like plant oils, extracts, and minerals.
  • Avoid foundations with synthetic chemicals like formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, coal tar dyes, phthalates, and parabens.

Check for Certifications

  • Look for seals of approval from trusted organizations like USDA Organic, COSMOS, and MADESAFE.
  • These certifications indicate that a product has undergone rigorous testing and meets strict standards for ingredient safety and transparency.

Be Aware of Greenwashing

  • Don’t be misled by vague terms like “natural,” “organic,”  “eco-friendly,” or “free from” without certifications to back them up.
  • Be cautious of the term “fragrance” or “natural fragrance,” which can hide synthetic chemicals. To be safe, opt for foundations that don’t use fragrance.

The Best Non-Toxic Foundation Options for 2024

Reveal your skin’s natural radiance with Araza’s All In One Coconut Cream Foundation.

With 95% organic skin superfood ingredients, this foundation provides light to medium coverage and a second-skin feel.

The coconut post-biotic balances your skin’s microbiome while boosting moisture, leaving you with a dewy, vibrant complexion that glows from within.

The creamy, smooth texture is a delight to apply, and the high polyphenol content promotes skin cell regeneration for a more youthful appearance.

Plus, the natural SPF 25, blue-light blocking, and anti-pollution properties make it the ultimate skin protector. 

Great for acne-prone, mature, and sensitive skin, this all-in-one product is your ticket to flawless, nourished skin. 

Price

$48.00

ingredients

Non-GMO Organic Coconut Oil Extract, Wild Picked Araza Fruit Extract, Non- Nano Zinc Oxide, Certified Organic Beeswax, Certified Organic Jojoba Seed Oil, Coconut Postbiotic, Certified Organic Argan Oil, Certified Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Neem Seed Oil, Non-GMO Natural Vitamin E Oil, Silica, Natural Clay

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, and Norway. 

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques’ Cream Foundation does more than just cover imperfections, it actively improves your skin’s health.

This foundation, made with over 100 food-grade, organic ingredients, nourishes and protects your skin while giving you a soft, dewy, and long-lasting finish. It’s a celebration of your natural beauty.

The balanced formulation features nurturing botanicals straight from Mother Earth, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types, including those prone to eczema or rosacea.

Lauren Brooke is deeply passionate about creating effective, healthy, and nourishing makeup that supports both beauty and wellness.

The silky, smooth formula blends effortlessly under the warmth of your skin, creating a breathable, natural look.

Price

$34.50

ingredients

Coconut Oil Extract, Zinc Oxide, Beeswax*, Jojoba Oil*, Silica, Probiotic Lactobacillus (Coconut-derived), Argan Oil*, Rosehip Oil*, Clay, Green Tea Leaf Extract*, Passionflower Extract*, Raspberry Extract*, Neem Seed Oil*, Vitamin E (Sunflower-derived) Oil*, Iron Oxides, Mica, Essential Oil Blend* *Indicates organic ingredients. 

location/shipping

United States, ships within the US.

Piper Blue’s 100% Natural Vitamins, Minerals & Pigments Foundation offers the ideal blend of nourishment and coverage.

Packed with antioxidants, it enhances your skin’s natural tone while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a youthful complexion.

This foundation works well for all skin types, whether your skin is dry or oily.

You can apply a light coat for a natural look or add more layers for fuller coverage.

The finish is also adjustable, so you can create the exact look you want. 

Piper Blue takes pride in crafting products with pure, clean, natural, wild-crafted, and organic ingredients of the highest quality. 

With a portion of each purchase going towards helping women and their families, Piper Blue is committed to making a positive impact on both your beauty routine and the lives of others.

Price

$16.00

ingredients

*Organic oil blend (Fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E), zinc oxide(nonnano), sericite, *carnauba wax, kaolin clay, candelilla wax, *arrowroot, silica,+/- iron oxides, *lethicin, L-lysine. *Certified Organic **PiperBlue’s products are ethically sourced and third-party tested for purity. 

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US and Canada. 

Omiana’s Longwear Liquid Foundation Mousse offers exceptional coverage that lasts all day long.

This full-coverage foundation provides a natural matte finish that won’t transfer or fade in humidity.

The concentrated, long-lasting organic ingredients and minerals provide intense coverage and moisture without water or cheap fillers, so a little goes a long way.

With a strong focus on ingredient safety, Omiana leads the way in providing titanium dioxide-free, mica-free, and other irritant-free makeup options, ensuring that their formulas are free from Nanos, carmine, talc, bismuth, and other potentially harmful ingredients.

Price

$54.00

ingredients

Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, High-micron Zinc Oxide, Organic Arrowroot, Squalane (Olive Based) Oil, Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Organic Coconut Oil*, Alcohol Extract of Camellia Organic Green Tea Leaf*, Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Palmitate (and) Sorbitan Palmitate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Organic Olive Fruit Oil*, Iron Oxide

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US, Poland, and Australia 

100% Pure lives up to its name, with all of their formulations adhering to strict purity standards and never containing harsh or toxic ingredients.

100% Pure’s Fruit Pigmented Foundation glides smoothly onto your skin, blending effortlessly to create a soft, natural look that lasts all day. 

Rich avocado butter and silky pomegranate oil pair with calming plant-based ingredients like chamomile and calendula to soothe your skin. 

With gorgeous pigment derived from antioxidant-rich fruit and cocoa beans, this foundation offers buildable medium to full coverage and a satin finish that leaves your skin looking and feeling its best.

Price

$20.00 – $65.00

ingredients

Avocado Butter Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Organic Aloe Leaf Juice*, Rice Germ Powder, Candelilla Wax, Pigmented Extracts of Peach Fruit, Apricot Fruit, Cocoa Bean, Papaya Fruit, Pomegranate, Cranberry Fruit, Strawberry Fruit, Raspberry Fruit, Wild Cherry Fruit and Cabernet Grape Fruit, Extracts of Chamomile Leaf, Calendula Flower, Organic White Tea Leaf*, Grape Fruit, Eucalyptus Leaf Powder. *Certified Organic

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US, Canada, UK, France, and Netherlands. 

Embrace the no-makeup makeup look with Pure Haven’s sheer Skin Tint.

This lightweight, blendable non-toxic foundation helps even out your skin tone and soften imperfections using only the safest ingredients. 

Many companies falsely label their products as “safe” or “natural,” but Pure Haven is different.

They avoid using harmful ingredients, even when those ingredients are common in products claiming to be “green” or “organic.” 

Instead, Pure Haven uses sustainable, natural ingredients, and only includes safe synthetic ingredients when absolutely necessary. 

Price

$49.95

ingredients

Water, Zinc Oxide*, Polycitronellol Acetate, Tridecane, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Undecane, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Vegetable Glycerin (Non-GMO), Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E (Non-GMO), Pullulan, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, p-Anisic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Levulinate, Levulinic Acid, Citric Acid, Iron Oxide (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)*. *non-nanoparticle

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US, Canada, UK, France and Netherlands

Plus 5 Great Low-Tox Options!

Achieve a beautifully flawless complexion with Crunchi’s Beautifully Flawless Foundation

Crunchi is leading the way in creating cosmetics that are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.

They carefully select each ingredient based on extensive research and safety data, ensuring that their products are not only good for you but also deliver excellent results.

Crunchi has a strict definition of “toxin-free,” ensuring their products are free from harmful ingredients based on scientific research.

They have a rigorous 30-step process to guarantee the safety of every ingredient. 

While they prioritize natural ingredients, they are transparent about using a few carefully chosen synthetic ingredients with proven safety records to enhance product performance and shelf life.

With Crunchi, you can trust that you’re investing in a foundation that not only enhances your natural beauty but also safeguards your well-being.

Price

$52.00

Questionable Ingredients

Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide

location/shipping

United States, ships within the US. 

OGEE is all about creating the ultimate certified organic collection of high-performance, multi-functional beauty products.

OGEE’s multi-benefit, mineral pigment Sculpted Complexion Stick delivers pure mineral pigments to instantly even complexion and balance skin tone.

This foundation’s powerful blend of pracaxi seed oil and patchouli leaf extract work together to improve your skin’s elasticity and boost collagen production, for smoother, plumper skin. 

With a pledge to provide a true organic difference, OGEE is proud to be Beyond Clean Beauty, with their organic collection certified by NSF, the most stringent standard in personal care products. 

Price

$52.00

Questionable Ingredient

May possibly contain Titanium Dioxide (Mineral Sources)

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Switzerland.

Simplify your beauty routine with HAN Skincare Cosmetics’ Serum CC cream, an all-in-one product that evens out skin tone, smooths, hydrates, and provides UVA/UVB protection

This unique liquid Serum CC features a waterless formula infused with skin-nourishing oils, including virgin coconut, organic jojoba, rose hip, and vitamin E, along with other skin-loving ingredients.

HAN Skincare Cosmetics is dedicated to developing conscious formulas that prioritize skin health and natural beauty.

With buildable medium to full coverage and Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from reef-safe, non-nano minerals, this CC serum leaves skin looking fresh and radiant. 

The airless pump bottle minimizes oxidation and preserves the SPF ensuring that you get the most out of every application.

Price

$32.00

questionable ingredient

Titanium Dioxide

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US, Canada, and the UK.

ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is an award-winning product that provides light coverage, potent skincare benefits, and mineral SPF protection.

It leaves your skin with a dewy finish, making it look and feel healthy and radiant.

This skin tint is packed with powerful skincare ingredients that have been clinically proven to improve the appearance of dryness, blemishes, redness, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone over time. 

ILIA Beauty believes in enhancing your skin’s natural radiance rather than masking it.

Their approach blends skincare and makeup, using active skincare ingredients in their products to protect your skin from environmental damage.

Price

$48.00

questionable ingredients

Caprylyl Glycol and Titanium Dioxide

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US, France, Singapore, and UAE.

Bring out your natural beauty with Evanhealy’s Tinted Oil Serum Foundation, which provides your skin with a major dose of antioxidants and moisture that it craves. 

This foundation is made from a blend of organic oils that nourish, rejuvenate, and balance your skin.

It contains argan oil for nourishment, rosehip oil for rejuvenation, and jojoba oil for balance.

Additionally, it includes organic broccoli seed oil, which provides a smooth, silky finish similar to silicones but without the synthetic ingredients.

Evanhealy draws on the connection between the microbiome of the soil and that of the skin, sourcing healing botanicals from family farms, tribal villages, and women’s cooperatives around the world.

Today, the brand’s next-generation leaders are working to reclaim the earth’s soil by pursuing a regenerative future, ensuring that their products not only benefit your skin but also contribute to the well-being of the planet.

Price

$31.99

questionable ingredient

Titanium Dioxide 

location/shipping

United States, ships to the US, Canada, Poland, Japan, and Denmark.

Are all organic foundations non-toxic?

No, not all organic foundations are automatically non-toxic.

  • Organic: Refers to ingredients grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. While this is a positive step towards cleaner cosmetics, it doesn’t guarantee the absence of other potentially harmful ingredients.
  • Non-Toxic: This broader term implies that the product is free from ingredients known or suspected to be harmful to human health. This includes not only avoiding synthetic pesticides but also a wide range of other chemicals like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and heavy metals.

It’s good practice to look beyond the “organic” label and carefully examine the ingredient list.   

Are non-toxic foundations suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, non-toxic foundations are generally considered more suitable for sensitive skin than conventional foundations since they typically use gentler, plant-based ingredients and are often fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. 

They also tend to be free from irritating chemicals like synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. 

However, it’s still important to patch-test any new foundation before applying it to your entire face, as even natural ingredients can sometimes cause reactions.   

If you have very sensitive skin, look for foundations specifically labeled as “hypoallergenic” or “for sensitive skin.” You may also want to consult a dermatologist to get personalized recommendations.

Can non-toxic foundations provide full coverage?

Yes, non-toxic foundations can absolutely provide full coverage!

While many non-toxic options lean towards light to medium coverage for a more natural look, several brands now offer full-coverage foundations made with clean ingredients. 

These foundations are formulated with higher pigment concentrations and often include ingredients like mineral pigments or plant-based oils to create a smooth, buildable coverage that effectively conceals blemishes, discoloration, and uneven skin tone.   

Some of our favorite full-coverage non-toxic foundations include:

  • 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Full Coverage Water Foundation: This hydrating foundation uses fruit pigments for buildable coverage and a natural, dewy finish.   
  • ILIA Beauty True Skin Serum Foundation: While labeled as medium coverage, this foundation can be built up to full coverage for a flawless complexion. It also contains skincare ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for a hydrating, healthy-looking finish.

How long do non-toxic foundations typically last?

Generally, you can expect a non-toxic foundation to last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. But, the longevity of non-toxic foundations can vary depending on several factors, including:

Brand & Formulation: Some non-toxic foundations are specifically designed for long wear, incorporating ingredients and technologies to enhance their staying power. Others may have a more natural finish that requires touch-ups throughout the day.

Skin Type: Oily skin tends to break down makeup faster than dry or normal skin, affecting the foundation’s longevity.   

Activity Level: If you’re sweating or engaging in physical activities, your foundation is more likely to fade or wear off sooner.

Application Technique: Proper application, including the use of primer and setting powder, can significantly extend the wear time of any foundation, including non-toxic options.

Are non-toxic foundations more expensive than traditional ones?

Typically non-toxic foundations tend to be more expensive than traditional foundations on average. This can be for a couple of reasons:

Higher Quality Ingredients: Non-toxic foundations often use organic, natural, and sustainably sourced ingredients, which can be more costly to obtain and process compared to synthetic alternatives.

Smaller Production Scales: Many non-toxic brands operate on smaller scales than mainstream cosmetics companies, leading to higher production costs per unit.

Research & Development: Formulating safe and effective non-toxic products requires extensive research and development, adding to the overall cost.

However, the price difference is not always significant. Some non-toxic brands even offer competitive prices compared to traditional luxury foundations. 

How often should I replace my non-toxic foundation?

The general guideline for replacing non-toxic foundations is every 6 to 12 months. However, this can vary depending on a few factors:

Liquid foundations typically have a shorter shelf life due to the water content, which can promote bacterial growth. Aim to replace them within 6 months of opening. Since powders don’t contain water, they tend to last longer. You can usually keep them for up to 12 months.

Storing your foundation in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight can help extend its shelf life.

But, regardless of the type or storage conditions, if you notice any changes in your foundation’s color, smell, texture, or performance, it’s time to replace it. These changes could indicate bacterial contamination or that the product has expired.

This has been your full guide to non-toxic foundations for the best skin ever.

We hope this guide has helped you on your quest to find the perfect non-toxic foundation that will make your skin look and feel its best. 

Choosing a non-toxic foundation provides your skin with all the benefits it deserves. You can feel good knowing that you’re nourishing your skin with beneficial ingredients and avoiding the toxic ones. 

And with all of these incredible options, there’s never been a better (or easier) time to make the transition to a cleaner, greener beauty routine.

So go ahead and treat your skin to the transformative power of a non-toxic foundation. And get ready to rake in the compliments on your radiant, healthy, and utterly enviable complexion!

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