Mascara
*Originally published in May of 2021, updated September of 2023.
For many years natural mascaras couldn’t compete with conventional mascaras. Now there are excellent non-toxic options that perform just as well, if not better, than traditional mascaras.
Why Switch to Non-Toxic Mascara?
Many conventional mascaras get their deep black pigment from unsafe ingredients like carbon black or D&C Black #2. Carbon black is color made from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It is toxic, possibly carcinogenic, & has impurities like arsenic, lead, mercury, sulfur, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo[a]pyrene. To learn more about carbon black check out this post.
Additionally, mascaras often contain other harmful ingredients that disrupt the endocrine system, irritate eyes, and are possibly carcinogenic such as the following:
Triethanolamine - used in cosmetics as a stabilizer and to balance ph, or as a surfactant. Triethanolamine is not allowed in Canadian cosmetics because it can form nitrosamines (carcinogens) when it reacts with nitrosating agents either in the formula or airborne nitrogen oxides. It was found to be irritating to eyes, skin, respiratory tract in rats.
Quaternium 15 – preservative that acts as a formaldehyde releaser, is an allergen and has concerns for organ system toxicity. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and and toxic to the immune and respiratory systems and skin. Quaternium 15 is banned from cosmetics in the European Union.
Imidazolidinyl urea - preservative that works by forming formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen and immune/respiratory/skin toxicant.
Fragrance – mix of fragrance and chemicals associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. Can contain unnamed toxic ingredients like phthalates which are associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer. Learn more about why you should avoid fragranced products in this blog post.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) - an antioxidant and preservative used in food and cosmetics and has been associated with endocrine disruption.
Parabens - antimicrobial preservatives that are immune and skin toxicants, mimic estrogen and disrupt the endocrine system, are toxic to the developmental and reproductive systems, interfere with gene expression, and are associated with cancer. Learn more about parabens in this post.
Phenoxyethanol- skin, eye, or lung irritant. In 2008, the FDA warned consumers not to use Mommy’s Bliss Nipple cream because it contained phenoxyethanol which was harmful to infants. The statement indicated phenoxyethanol could “depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.” Phenoxyethanol remains a controversial ingredient and even “green” beauty products continue to use it as a preservative.[13]
Greenwashed Mascaras
Be aware of mascaras that are marketed as clean but still contain potentially harmful ingredients such as the following:
Physician’s Formula - fragrance, paraffin, phenoxyethanol, steareth, trideceth.
R.E.M - black 2, phenoxyethanol, polysorbate
Milk - aminomethyl propanol, paraffin, phenoxyethanol
Merit - phenoxyethanol, steareth
Thrive Causemetics - laureth, phenoxyethanol
Rare Beauty - aminomethyl propanol, phenoxyethanol, trideceth
Top 3 Non-Toxic Mascaras
These three non-toxic mascaras all stand out for different reasons. Continue reading to find the one that suits you best.
Lily Lolo
One coat of Lily Lolo separates, defines, and thickens the look of lashes. Layer on a second coat for even more volume. Lily Lolo has a traditional straight brush, dark black color, removes with ease, and does not run or flake.
Comparable to Maybelline Great Lash
Price at the time of publishing is $20. Save 10% at Safe and Chic with code switchnatural10.
Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
Limitless Lash has unique wand with two sides. Separate lashes with the longer spokes and add volume with the shorter spokes. Ilia’s mascara stands out for separating and lengthening lashes and leaving behind zero clumps. Limitless Lash removes easily and doesn’t run or flake.
Comparable to Chanel Inimitable
Price at the time of publishing is $28.
Fitglow Vegan Good Lash
Fitglow Good Lash promotes lash growth while adding length and definition. It contains vegetable collagen, horsetail plant, rice bran wax, and lupine protein to condition and strengthen lashes. It’s unique graduated wand with a small pointed tip makes it easy to reach small lashes in the inner corner of the eye.
Comparable to Lancome Hypnose Doll and Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For
Price at the time of publishing is $38. Save 15% with code switchnatural10 at Safe and Chic.
Clean Mascara Tips
Avoid Waterproof
Oftentimes, waterproof cosmetics contain harmful per- and poly- fluorylalkyl substances (PFAs) which are added to make them water resistant. Even some products that do not have PFAs listed in the ingredients were found to contain fluorine, which is a pecursor to PFAs, in this study done by Mamavation. Best practice is to avoid mascaras labeled as “water-resistant” or “water-proof.” Learn more about PFAs here.
Replace Often
Using mascara beyond its expiration date can lead to irritations and eye infections. Mascara should be replaced at least every three months. Also, a change in the texture or smell indicates the mascara needs to be replaced.
References:
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8956558/
[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/labelling/safety-ingredients.html#a4.3
[3] https://chemicalwatch.com/57303/european-commission-notifies-bans-restrictions-on-cmrs-in-cosmetics
[4] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/formaldehyde.html
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093181/
[6] https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/proposition-65//p65list091319.pdf
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4097177/
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14572300
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412018326722
[11] http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/parabens/#_edn33
[12] https://www.healthywomen.org/content/blog-entry/fda-warns-mothers-about-mommys-bliss-nipple-cream
