Finding Toxin-Free and Organic Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer

Finding the Perfect Organic Foundation

Finding makeup you love is hard. There are so many brands and terms that the process can be overwhelming. And when you are searching for products that are toxin-free and organic foundation, it’s difficult to know which brands you can trust. Fear not, friends! I’ll break down what you need to know and help you find your perfect foundation.

source: BeautyCounter

The Difference Between Tinted Moisturizer and Foundation

In order to find the right foundation, you must first determine how much coverage you want/need. You may actually be in need of something lighter, like a tinted moisturizer. Here are some of the differences between foundation and tinted moisturizer:

• Tinted moisturizer is lighter and provides less coverage than foundation.
• Tinted moisturizer serves two roles: to moisturize your skin and provide light to medium coverage.
• Foundation provides heavier coverage and tends to be buildable. Foundation can be in liquid or powder form.
• The amount of color pigment used in tinted moisturizer is usually less than foundation.
• Tinted moisturizers are usually best for people with dry skin because they tend to be more hydrating.
• Foundations usually work best for people with oily skin.

Why Choose Organic Foundation

Ingredients to Avoid in Your Foundation 

When on the hunt for the perfect safe or organic foundation, there are several ingredients to avoid:

• Fragrance. Most Americans don’t realize that the word “fragrance” is actually a trade secret under Federal law. When you see “fragrance” or “parfum” on a product label, that encompasses a combination of 3,000+  ingredients. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrance mixes are associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. Look for products that use organic essential oils to create a scent.
• Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others). More and more beauty companies are beginning to recognize the hazards of parabens and excluding them from their products. Parabens are a class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Essentially, parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies.
• Oxybenzone. Foundation and tinted moisturizers often contain SPF. This sounds like a good thing, but it could mean that the product also contains oxybenzone. Not only is oxybenzone harmful to coral reefs (the Hawaiian legislature passed a bill that would ban the sale and distribution of any sunscreens containing oxybenzone), it is an ultraviolet light absorber linked to skin irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption.
• Retinyl palmitate and Retinol (Vitamin A). A nutrient that may damage DNA and speed the growth of skin tumors when used topically. Doctors warn pregnant patients to avoid Retinol during pregnancy. It makes you wonder, if it isn’t safe while pregnant, do you want to use it at all?

EWG Skin Deep Database

The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database is an excellent resource when buying cosmetics. It rates products on a toxicity scale of 1-10. 1 is the least toxic, and 10 is the most toxic. There are also EWG Verified products that meet EWG’s strictest standards for your health. This means none of EWG’s chemicals of concern are in a Verified product. I aim to find products that are EWG Verified or in the 1-3 range.

Where to Find Safer Tinted Moisturizers and Organic Foundation

So, now that you know what to look for, you can begin the fun part…shopping! Here are some suggestions for safer tinted moisturizers and organic foundation options:

1. Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($45/1.35 oz.). Available in 5 shades, this tinted moisturizer won Allure magazine’s Best of Beauty award in 2015. Includes black currant, peony flower root extract, and vitamin C to enhance skin brightness, and sodium hyaluronate to promote firmer, smoother-looking skin. (EWG Rating: 1)
2. W3LL People Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer SPF 30 ($28.99/1.2 oz). Available in 4 shades. This tinted moisturizer features organic coconut, organic algae, broccoli seed oil and peptides to hydrate and protect skin. (EWG Rating: 2)
3. Beautycounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation ($42/1.35 oz.).  Available in 10 shades. This foundation includes sodium hyaluronate to promote smoother-looking skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (EWG Rating: 2)
4. L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation ($14.97/.51 oz.). Available in 8 shades. This can be found at most drug stores and captures liquid foundation in a cushion. (EWG Rating: 2)
5. Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation Powder ($5.94). Available in 16 shades. This affordable powder foundation is ideal for oily skin. (EWG Rating: 1)
6. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Healthy Foundation ($47/1 oz.). Available in 9 shades. This liquid foundation creates a matte look and is colored from the pigments of fruits and vegetables. (EWG Rating: 1)

Sample for yourself

Best of luck on your hunt, and keep in mind that finding the perfect product often means testing a few out before you hit the jackpot. If you are interested in sampling any Beautycounter products, I would love to help you! Cheers to better beauty!