Organic makeup is defined as makeup that is plant-based, or made from natural compounds and minerals. The label ‘certified organic’ means that the materials have been grown without the use of pesticides. If the makeup does not have this label, it may contain pesticides.

Poisons in Organic Makeup

Organic or natural makeup seems the right way to go for women who are wary of using regular makeup that is usually packed with chemicals and poisonous substances. This can lead to a slow poisoning of the body.

However, it is not right to assume that all organic makeup is much safer than the regular kind. Even plants and minerals may contain toxins and substances that cause cancer (carcinogens). These can be as harmful as chemicals produced in laboratories. For instance, the white “organic” mineral make up used by Japanese geisha caused lead poisoning.

List of Ingredients to Avoid in Organic Makeup

Examining the list of ingredients on a makeup label is the only way to ensure that the organic makeup is safe. Here are some chemicals to avoid:

• Paraben or alkyl parahydroxy benzoates – methyl, butyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl
• Sodium laurel sulphate
• Hydrosols
• Talc
• Coal Tar Dyes
• Cocamide DEA,Diethanolamine (DEA),Triethanolamine (TEA)
• Crystalline Silica

The FDA and Regulation of Makeup Ingredients

There has been some controversy about talc. Some say cosmetic grade talc is no longer allowed by the FDA. But the following quote from the FDA website reveals that this is not the case:

“With the exception of color additives and a few prohibited ingredients, a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from FDA. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires that color additives used in cosmetics must be tested for safety and be listed by the FDA for their intended uses.”

Some Popular Organic Makeup Brands

Bare Escentuals Makeup – by far the most popular

Organic Wear Makeup – easily available, reasonably priced and packed in eco-friendly containers

Bare Minerals – an offshoot of Bare Escentuals, with a terrific range of foundation powders.

Organic Makeup Recipe

Homemade Pink Lip Stain

Beetroot juice can give lips an intense deep pink hue. Or the stain can be a paler pink, depending on the amount of juice used. To extract the juice, cook a beetroot and then grate it. Alternatively, you could get bottled beetroot juice from a natural food store.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 10 g (1/2oz) beeswax
• 1 tablespoon beetroot juice (or less for paler balm)
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Method

Heat the oil and the beeswax on a low flame. Once the mixture has cooled down a little, add the beetroot juice to it slowly, checking as you mix, for the right colour. Whisk well, and add to the mixture the peppermint essential oil. After whisking the tint again, transfer it into a sterilised jar.

When shopping for organic makeup, stick to the better known brands and make sure the makeup bears the “certified organic” label. This means that the ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides. Also check the ingredient list for harmful chemicals and substances. Probably the best option is to create the makeup yourself at home.

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