If you have sensitive skin, a stroll down the makeup aisle is an exercise in dodging explosive breakouts, rashes, and irritation.
Labels of “clean” or “hypoallergenic” alone aren’t enough to guarantee a product will work for you. That’s because any single ingredient could pose a potential threat. It’s important to read ingredients and try little patch tests on your skin before committing to a full face of new products.
“Makeup is a common culprit of allergic contact dermatitis. Allergens are often found in makeup sponges, eyeshadow, mascara, fake eyelashes, and adhesives,” says Dr. Mary Ramirez, a board certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas.
What’s a beauty lover to do? Watch the ingredient labels like a hawk. Fragrances, harsh chemicals, and weird preservatives are all potential irritants.
Life’s too short to live vicariously through makeup tutorials. Despite the lack of label regulation and the ever-changing landscape of ingredient ethics, some brands are absolutely crushing it with allergy-friendly options.
We rounded up our favorite hypoallergenic makeup picks for sensitive skin below.
The best hypoallergenic makeup
- Best hypoallergenic eye makeup:
- Best mascara: BeautyCounter Think Big All-in-One Mascara, Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara, W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Volumizing Mascara
- Best eyeliner: Clinique Quickliner for Eyes, Honest Beauty Vibeliner Pencil Eyeliner
- Best cream eyeshadow: RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow
- Best eyeshadow palette: Honest Beauty Eyeshadow Palette
- Best false lashes: Thrive Causemetics Robin Faux Lashes
- Best lash glue: Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Lash Adhesive
- Best eyebrow pencil: Almay Eyebrow Pencil
- Best eyebrow gel: Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Brow Gel
- Best hypoallergenic face makeup:
- Best powder foundation: Bareminerals Original Loose Powder Foundation
- Best liquid foundation: Colorescience Tint du Soleil SPF 30 Whipped Foundation
- Best stick foundation: W3LL PEOPLE Bio Stick Foundation
- Best pressed powder: Almay Pressed Powder
- Best concealer: Jane Iredale Circle/Delete Concealer, W3LL PEOPLE Bio Correct Concealer
- Best highlighter: Beautycounter Illuminating Cream Highlighter
- Best bronzer: W3LL PEOPLE Supernatural Stick Bronzer
- Best blush: Maia’s Mineral Galaxy Mineral Blush
- Best primer: Glo Skin Beauty Face Primer
- Best setting spray: Tower28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray,
- Best setting powder: Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Loose Powder
- Best hypoallergenic lip products:
- Best lipstick: VMV Hypoallergenics Velvet Matte Lipstick
- Best lip gloss: Honest Beauty Gloss-C Lip Gloss
- Best lip liner: Mineral Fusion Lip Pencil
- Best hypoallergenic makeup removers:
- Best makeup remover wipes: Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes
- Best makeup remover balm: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm
- Best hypoallergenic makeup tools:
- Best powder brush: Too Faced Mr Right Brush
- Best brush set: EcoTools 6 Piece Day To Night Clutch Set
- Best sponge:Thrive Causemetics Blend + Blur Sponge
How we chose the best hypoallergenic makeup
Bummer alert — “hypoallergenic” isn’t a federally-regulated packaging term.
According to the FDA, “The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean,” and beauty brands aren’t required to submit any proof before slapping that word on their marketing. Literally the worst.
So how TF do we sort through the sea of products?
Well, Ramirez tells us fragrance is the number one cause of cosmetic allergic contact dermatitis. Wanna know the runner-up?
“Formaldehyde. Yes, the same ingredient used for embalming somebody after they die,” Ramirez says. She explains that formaldehyde is used in cosmetic products as a preservative to prevent spoilage (but come on!).
“Hypoallergenic (meaning less likely to cause an allergic reaction) makeups are the best choice for sensitive skin or somebody dealing with a skin condition like acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis,” Ramirez says. “Hypoallergenic makeup brands are typically fragrance-free and do not contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde releases.”
But that’s not all it takes. We only chose products that:
- have no artificial fragrance or irritating preservatives like parabens or formaldehyde
- are tested by dermatologists
- demonstrate transparency around quality and ingredient integrity
- have glowing reviews from real customers with sensitive skin
We also took a look at each product’s rating on the Environmental Working Group. The EWG rates personal care products (including makeup) based on their potential health hazards, including their potential for irritation and allergies.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20–$30
- $$$ = over $30
Best hypoallergenic eye makeup
Best hypoallergenic mascaras
BeautyCounter Think Big All-in-One Mascara
- Price: $$
This EWG-verified mascara swaps eye-watering mascara ingredients with a blend of gentle waxes including carnauba wax, rice bran wax, and wax from several flowers. The result: A cleaner, less irritating formula with solid staying power and some serious lifting action.
At first, we were a little skeptical because it contains phenoxyethanol, a “cleaner” alternative to parabens that may cause irritation, but sensitive-eyed users are loud and proud about their love for this mascara. Plus, that ingredient is listed as the very last one.
Reviewers love that it doesn’t bother their sensitivities nor does it clump (a big deal). Although one says it doesn’t do great with moisture around the eye — but to be fair, it’s not waterproof.
Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara
- Price: $
Mascara is tough — it has to be clean and free of irritants, but it also needs preservatives to keep potentially harmful bacteria away from your eyes. Thankfully, Burt’s Bees does it at a drugstore price.
This one’s a good pick because it’s truly 100 percent natural. Jojoba oil and glycerin keep your lashes looking and feeling super soft. And while the BeautyCounter option lifts, this formula is perfect for achieving that separated, doll-like lash look without irritation. We love that it’s cruelty-free and ophthalmologist tested too.
W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Volumizing Mascara
- Price: $$
Looking for fluffy lashes without all the extra crap thrown in? This EWG-verified mascara uses natural ingredients to give you long-wear and volume, hunni.
Castor seed oil is used here to condition your lashes, while sunflower seed oil offers nourishment and hydration via essential fatty acids.
Another plant-based ingredient here is cellulose plant fiber — this one swoops in to thicken sh*t up.
This mascara is OFC vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in three shades.
Best hypoallergenic eyeliners
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes
- Price: $$
Sensitive skin or not, it’s important to know what’s going on around your eyes. Clinique is a solid choice for eye makeup because its products are ophthalmologist-tested and a favorite among itchy-eyed makeup lovers.
The quickliner smudges like a pencil but doesn’t need any sharpening. After 60 seconds, this stuff will stay put until you wipe it off at the end of the day.
Honest Beauty Vibeliner Pencil Eyeliner
- Price: $
This pencil is a budget-friendly option that’s also EWG-verified.
Mango seed oil and jojoba oil are the key players in this creamy formula. This pencil promises “one-swipe” color payoff and hella smudge-ability. While some love a good smudge (hello, sexy smolder) some may find that annoying.
Some reviewers say it smudges so much that it makes the pencil disappear quickly. This is probably due to a “soft” edge on the pencil. Some like it gentle though (so you don’t have to press too hard on your skin) — it just comes down to personal preference.
It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, another reason to appreciate this brand. It’s available in five shades so you can hopefully find a couple you dig.
Best hypoallergenic cream eyeshadow
RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow
- Price: $$
If you have dry skin around your eyes, opt for a cream shadow. This one from RMS beauty gives your skin a splash of soothing antioxidants with organic green tea.
These guys are built to wear for a long time and have a cool metallic effect. They’re buildable too, so you can work ’em up to the wow factor you’re going for.
The colors come from minerals, not synthetic dyes or other sketchy pigments. The brand claims these cream shadows are basically crease-proof, which is kind of impossible. Still, a bunch of reviewers say it’s pretty dang impressive how little they crease.
It’s worth a mention that one reviewer seemed to have an allergic or adverse reaction though. Keep in mind everyone is different, and even hypoallergenic brands can still cause a reaction for some users.
Best hypoallergenic eyeshadow palette
Honest Beauty Eyeshadow Palette
- Price: $$
This is a versatile palette with tons of ~lewks~ in it sans scary eye irritation.
You’ll love this palette for its value — eight gorge shades for $20?! — and we love it because it’s derm-tested and free from parabens, paraffins, talc, mineral oil, silicones, and petrolatum. The EWG gives it a 1, which is pretty great.
Best hypoallergenic false lashes
Thrive Causemetics Robin Faux Lashes
- Price: $$
If you’re a lash queen, you know no mascara can elevate your eyes as quickly as a set of falsies.
It’s a jungle out there though, finding a pair of lashes that aren’t loaded with potential allergens or icky ingredients is TOUGH.
These lashes are vegan silk and formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. Plus, they’re cruelty-free. The brand promises they are long lasting too — keeping their shape for 30 wears (which makes the price point seem like a good-ass bargain, TBH.)
These are also advertised as lightweight but full of drama (they look more natural than dramatic to us, but to each their own!).
Best hypoallergenic eyelash glue
Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Lash Adhesive
- Price: $
Eyelash glue is another product that can easily irritate you (especially if you accidentally get it directly in your eye!). Thrive offers this latex-free adhesive that applies your lashes super easily and without irritation.
Like the brand’s fake lashes, this 24-hour hold adhesive is cruelty-free, vegan, and made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
Reviewers are pretty obsessed, mentioning how gentle this product is. One user with a latex allergy and sensitive skin notices how well it works for their skin.
Best hypoallergenic eyebrow pencil
Almay Eyebrow Pencil
- Price: $
If you’re worried about allergies, Almay is almost always a good, affordable choice.
We love that this eyebrow pencil is fragrance-free and ophthalmologist tested, so it’s safe to apply near your eyes. The pointed tip makes creating faux brow strands easy, and the creamy formula blends and stays in place.
Color range is just okay (only includes three shades at the moment) but it does include a Universal Taupe color that’s supposed to work in between brow colors.
Best hypoallergenic brow gel
Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Brow Gel
- Price: $
Physician’s Formula products are formulated without parabens and are noncomedogenic.
This derm-tested, fragrance-free gel uses a blend of organic oils to condition your brows and keep them in place. The clear brow gel is versatile, and the tinted versions are nice and soft. Users love how the small brush tames tiny hairs without clumping.
Best hypoallergenic face makeup
Best hypoallergenic powder foundation
Bareminerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
- Price: $$$
When it comes to rashes and bumps or annoying breakouts, mineral makeup is the way to go for sensitive skin. And Bareminerals is basically the OG. This one is recommended by Ramirez for truly sensitive skin, BTW.
It accomplishes so much with just five ingredients, including a little sun protection. The fragrance- and talc-free formula is buildable, so you can control how much coverage you want each day.
It’s got staying power too, without clogging pores. We also love that it comes in a wide range of shades.
Best hypoallergenic liquid foundation
Colorescience Tint du Soleil SPF 30 Whipped Foundation
- Price: $$$
Mineral makeup for the liquid foundation lover? Yes PLEASE. This light and buttery foundation is free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, dyes, and talc.
It’s infused with fun ingredients like ceramides and peptides to give you a glowy look that won’t end up causing a rash or clogged pores.
We don’t love this limited shade range, but it’s more of a bb cream or tinted moisturizer than a full-coverage foundation. P.S. It’s also water-resistant.
Best hypoallergenic stick foundation
W3LL PEOPLE Bio Stick Foundation
- Price: $$
Listen, sometimes a cute tinted moisturizer just ain’t gonna cut it — some of us need a little more coverage. This W3LL PEOPLE option serves up serious LOOKS without the usual irritating ingredients.
This EWG-verified foundation stick hydrates while it covers thanks to ingredients like vitamin E and aloe.
It’s free from parabens and added fragrance, and the added pearl powder leaves you with a soft, IG-filter finish. It’s buildable and, after warming it up a little with your brush, blender, or finger, it goes on pretty smooth.
Best hypoallergenic pressed powder
Almay Pressed Powder
- Price: $
Here is a budget powder, free from fragrance and oil. This pick from Almay gently sets your makeup into place, helping you eliminate shine where you want to. It comes with a mirror and a puff applicator, so you can easily toss this thing in your bag to count on touch-ups on the go.
The brand says it’s dermatologist tested and cruelty-free. It only comes in six shades though — it could def use more.
Best hypoallergenic concealers
Jane Iredale Circle/Delete Concealer
- Price: $$$
Jane Iredale is a mainstay in the hypoallergenic beauty world. So if you blend concealer all around those gorgeous, sensitive eyes of yours, let this one be it. This mineral formula is noncomedogenic and free from parabens and fragrance.
We like this concealer because it infuses your skin with antioxidants from green tea, vitamin C, and vitamin A, and it protects your skin from environmental damage while it covers.
Beware: Users say it’s a little thick, so be sure to blend it OUT, bb!
W3LL PEOPLE Bio Correct Concealer
- Price: $$
This liquid concealer by W3LL PEOPLE is full coverage and EWG-verified (can we get an “amen” up in here?).
The formula with this one is said to be light but creamy, easily blending over dark spots and blemishes while also hydrating the skin. Key ingredients are oils, including pomegranate, olive oil, and castor seed.
It’s also vegan and cruelty-free. We’re impressed with the color range, too, actually — 20 shades ain’t too shabby for a concealer.
Best hypoallergenic highlighter
BeautyCounter Illuminating Cream Highlighter
- Price: $$$
Trying to shine bright like a diamond but still keep things a bit ~subtle~? BeautyCounter has a sheer cream highlighter you may want to shimmer with.
This pick is said to blend and build (so if you want more shine, you can get it done). The finished product should give you a “dewy” look.
It’s also cruelty-free and has some happy campers in the comments. Reviewers note that it’s got an excellent creamy, silky smoothness to it. One mentions it doesn’t crease either.
Sadly, only three shades are available, but hopefully, you can make one work for you.
Best hypoallergenic bronzer
W3LL PEOPLE Supernatural Stick Bronzer
- Price: $$
Cruelty-free and powered by plants, this creamy bronzer uses key ingredients jojoba oil, green tea, and sunflower seed oil to warm up the look of your makeup.
It’s supposed to be hella buildable and easy to use. Plus, there’s a video on the product page to give you the scoop before swiping it on. Of course, you know you usually apply bronzer around your cheeks but you can use this one around your eyelids and lips too.
Reviewers think this pick is natural-looking and some comment on how gentle and non-irritating it is for their skin.
Best hypoallergenic blush
Maia’s Mineral Galaxy Mineral Blush
- Price: $$
This one’s a mineral-based powder blush by Maia’s Mineral Galaxy — a brand committed to making products that are:
- non-synthetic
- non-fragrant
- nontoxic
- chemical- and artificial color-free
It uses a blend of botanical pigments to give your cheeks a smooth rosy look. There are an impressive 15 shades to choose from too.
Reviewers say this blush is indeed smooth and natural-looking.
Best hypoallergenic primer
Glo Skin Beauty Face Primer
- Price: $$$
It’s always nice to lay down a smooth foundation before slapping some makeup on. This translucent primer by Glo Skin Beauty aims to blur ish out so you can get a nice surface to work with.
The formula has antioxidants vitamins C and vitamin E as well as safflower seed oil for nourishing.
It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, plus it doesn’t bother with:
- parabens
- sulfates
- soy
- mineral oil
- phthalates
The brand points out that this primer works with all skin types except very oily.
Best hypoallergenic setting spray
Tower28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
- Price: $$
If you’re looking for a gentle mist to help lock makeup into place without totally pissing off your skin, this pick may be the one.
It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you can feel good about it being safe for all skin types, even sensitive or eczema-prone.
This mist is said to be soothing and purifying, and you can use it regularly with your skin care routine — makeup days, or not.
The brand even suggests using it as needed throughout the day, including after workout sessions (it’s calming and softening so why not mist it up when you can?). It’s marketed toward “angry, stressed-out skin” so do with that what you will.
Best hypoallergenic setting powder
Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Loose Powder
- Price: $$
Translucent powder is a gamechanger for oily skin. This one is loose — so it might not be the easiest one to use on the go — but reviewers with oily skin rave about its blurring powers.
It gives a matte finish while still feeling lightweight. It’s EWG-verified, which is very cool with us.
It’s formulated without harsh yucky things like:
- parabens
- silicones
- paraffins
- talc
- mineral oil
- synthetic fragrances
Best hypoallergenic lip products
Best hypoallergenic lipstick
VMV Hypoallergenics Velvet Matte Lipstick
- Price: $$
Lipstick can be pretty problematic — many include dyes, waxes, and fragrances that can cause a slew of reactions. VMV Hypoallergenics comes through with this full-body matte lippie.
It’s free from parabens, gluten, phthalates, and any kind of fragrance (synthetic or natural). It’s also noncomedogenic and non-drying (because nothing feels worse than hella dry lips). Green tea is squeezed is tossed in too, for a shot of antioxidants.
VMV also swaps beeswax (a potentially-irritating wax, who knew?!) for microcrystalline and paraffin for a super luscious feel. Coconut oil gives your lips a shot of hydration without clogging up pores around your mouth. Great color payoff, too.
One of the best parts? It’s available in 21 shades right now.
Best hypoallergenic lip gloss
Honest Beauty Gloss-C Lip Gloss
- Price: $
We love an honest plump. This gloss is said to give you shine without the added bullsh*t.
As you can probably guess, the “C” stands for vitamin C. This gloss offers a nice shot of the stuff while also hydrating and plumping thanks to a dose of coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, and pomegranate extract.
It’s worth pointing out that some reviewers mention a gritty texture to their gloss. Others seem to be big fans though.
This pick is also EWG-verified and comes in eight shades.
Best hypoallergenic lip liner
Mineral Fusion Lip Pencil
- Price: $
This pick by Mineral Fusion (a brand committed to mineral makeup) promises to line those lips with a creamy-rich, full look.
This pencil is cruelty-free and also free from:
- gluten
- artificial fragrance
- parabens
- phthalates
It’s available in four shades — mostly browns and pinks.
Best hypoallergenic makeup removers
Best hypoallergenic makeup wipes
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes
- Price: $
Find us a better feeling than wiping off your makeup at the end of the day. It just doesn’t exist.
But if you’ve ever suffered the consequences from a perfumey, oily wipe, you’re totally right to feel a little anxious about ever using one again.
Don’t be afraid of these. They’re dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and free from fragrance, parabens, and other nasties. And they are so, so fresh. You don’t have to scrub with these, and the extra dose of cotton extract helps calm any irritation.
Best hypoallergenic makeup remover balm
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm
- Price: $
If you haven’t used a melting balm to take your makeup off yet, you’re not LIVING. The warmth of your skin turns this balm into oil, clinging to your makeup. Wipe away with a damp cloth and — boom — a makeup-free face that doesn’t feel dry or stretched.
This one from Neutrogena has a nice short ingredient list and is dermatologist-tested. Reviewers with sensitive skin love it, too!
Best hypoallergenic makeup tools
Best hypoallergenic powder brush
Too Faced Mr. Right Brush
- Price: $$$
Cheap synthetic makeup brushes can be irritating. But unless you’re willing to pay for the cruelty-free bristles, animal hair feels icky in the soul.
A high quality brush, like this one from Too Faced, is made to be super soft on sensitive skin. Synthetic fibers aren’t as porous as natural hair, so they don’t soak up as much product and lead to an overall more hygienic experience — and that’s good news for your skin.
This brush is considered a powder brush, intended for powder, foundation, concealer, blush, contour, bronzer, and highlighter. You can use it with both wet and dry formulas, thankfully.
This one is a splurge though, with a high-ass price point for only one brush. Although we can admit the little bow tie does make it extra fancy.
Best hypoallergenic brush kit
EcoTools 6 Piece Day To Night Clutch Set
- Price: $
Everything EcoTools has your wellness in mind, and that includes makeup brushes. The brand’s cruelty-free synthetic makeup brushes are super soft and gentle on sensitive skin, plus they’re seriously affordable.
There’s a kit or configuration for anything you could ever want to use on your face. We like this kit because just about everything you may need, making it a great place to start.
This kit has five brushes:
- round powder brush
- pointed concealer brush
- detail lip brush
- eyeshadow and smudge brushes
Plus it comes with a zip-around clutch, making it easy to travel with these bad boys.
Users with sensitive skin rave about their gentle softness, lack of weird synthetic smell, and how the bristles seem to stay put more than other brushes. Basically, this is your go-to for affordable synthetic brushes in one fell swoop.
Best hypoallergenic makeup sponge
Thrive Causemetics Blend + Blur Sponge
- Price: $
If you’re allergic to latex, beauty sponges and other applicators can be difficult to navigate. This one from Thrive Causemetics is made from a high-grade, latex-free foam.
And for anyone who’s sensitive without a latex allergy, you can trust that this fragrance-free, antibacterial foam will help you achieve a flawless finish without irritation.
Users love this little egg for the airbrushed effect it leaves behind. And the price is comparable to other name-brand blending sponges.
The MVPs: Best hypoallergenic brands to worship
There are so many great beauty brands that offer hypoallergenic or sensitive skin-friendly products. But some brands? Total. Hypoallergenic. Rockstars. Here are a few you can feel safe to shop.
VMV Hypoallergenics
Helloooo, it’s in its name. These guys go above and beyond in the name of ingredient transparency. You can track your allergens on its website, and it’ll even review your patch test results to give you a customized list of VMV products safe for you to use. Wild.
Jane Iredale
Nothing like a quarter-century of experience to turn a brand into a mineral makeup giant. All its products are free of parabens, talc, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, fillers, and GMO ingredients.
The brand claims to be dermatologist and allergy tested and relies on only natural preservatives. Plus, its stuff is pretty and, maybe most importantly, it actually performs.
W3LL PEOPLE
Over 35 of its products are EWG-verified to be nontoxic, free of any concerning chemicals, and safe for your body. And they’re built for legit beauty performance, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality to get something clean and gentle. It’s also an easy-to-find specialty brand.
Almay
All of Almay’s products are dermatologist- or ophthalmologist-tested, and fragrance-free. According to its website, it keeps its products as hypoallergenic as possible by limiting the ingredients used.
Out of 10,000 possible ingredients, the brand sticks to 500. Finally, it’s just comforting to know you can walk into any drugstore and find something safe.
bareMinerals
“For truly sensitive skin, I often recommend mineral makeup like Bare Minerals or Glo Skin Beauty Cosmetics. Mineral makeup is great for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and rosacea,” Ramirez says.
She points out it’s noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. “It blends in easily with the skin, and instead of it being an occlusive liquid foundation that can clog pores and make acne worse, it sits nicely on the skin giving it a natural appearance.”
Besides being mineral-based, this line uses minimal ingredients and offers a wide range of products to carry you through any beauty situation. Every bareMinerals product is clinically tested and free from formaldehyde, parabens, mineral oil, coal tar, and other nasties.
And while the foundations continue to absolutely crush it in every form, the brand’s other color cosmetics like blushes, eyeshadows, and mascaras are killer in their own rites. I mean, its tagline is “Makeup so good you can sleep in it.” Come on.
Tips for finding hypoallergenic makeup
As Ramirez outlined earlier, hypoallergenic makeup should be free from fragrance and formaldehyde.
She also says to stay away from these harsh little critters:
- parabens
- phthalates
- chemical sunscreens
- propylene glycol
Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a board certified dermatologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania says it’s also important to avoid alcohols and sulfates. “Alcohol-based products will irritate your skin and irritate the skin barrier. I also tell patients to avoid sulfates if they can because they can cause contact dermatitis.”
You may notice that many cosmetics and skin care products include cetearyl alcohol — don’t be too skittish around this one. It’s a fatty alcohol, so it’s way less likely to be drying and can actually be soothing (unless you are a really sensitive skin babe).
Remember to take your time and do research before slapping just anything on your gorgeous face. “The amount of makeup products available to consumers is innumerable and can be overwhelming,” Ramirez points out. “I always encourage patients to investigate the ingredients in their makeup, and request samples of products prior to purchasing — most makeup brands will apply a full face of makeup at no charge so you can see how the products appear and feel on the skin,” she says.
Frequently asked questions
Is there such thing as hypoallergenic makeup?
TBH, not really. Since the term “hypoallergenic” isn’t federally regulated, it can mean “whatever a particular company wants it to mean,” according to the FDA.
Ideally, hypoallergenic products don’t include a slew of harsh ingredients, meaning they should be less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
What is the best makeup for someone with sensitive skin?
Everyone is different, so a patch test is the best way to learn if a product is safe for you.
Sensitive skin types should always avoid formaldehyde, fragrance, and simple alcohols (cetearyl alcohol is generally fine unless your skin is hyper-sensitive). It’s also a good idea to avoid parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and propylene glycol.
Check ingredient lists carefully since no one is out there regulating cosmetic marketing. :/
Can you still be allergic to hypoallergenic makeup?
Hypoallergenic makeup is preferably the type less likely to cause an allergic reaction, but everyone can react differently. It’s best to play it safe with a patch test before applying a new-to-you product all over your face.
What is the best makeup for sensitive eyes?
The best eye makeup comes from brands that are ophthalmologist-tested. Clinique and Almay are two amaze brand examples here.
tl;dr
- Navigating the makeup scene with sensitive skin or skin allergies is no walk in the park. “Hypoallergenic” isn’t even a federally-regulated term, so it can feel impossible to guess which products might cause a negative reaction.
- The best way to avoid a reaction is to avoid key irritants in makeup — which include fragrances, parabens, sulfates in cleansers, and irritating chemicals or dyes. Look for products that are dermatologist-or ophthalmologist-tested, too.
- When in doubt, do a patch test on your inner arm to see if your skin reacts to new makeup.
- The Environmental Working Group is a good source for ingredient transparency and product research.
- There are some great brands on the market that do “hypoallergenic” makeup really well. They include VMV Hypoallergenics, Almay, Jane Iredale, bareMinerals, and W3LL PEOPLE.
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