Switching to a low-tox lifestyle has been a long, ongoing process, but the toughest category for me to transform has been personal care.
For many product categories (like cookware or cleaning supplies), the non-toxic option either works or it doesn’t! However, finding the perfect non-toxic makeup heavily depends on preference.
I am picky when it comes to makeup, especially with foundation. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through the day and discovering that your foundation is doing all kinds of crazy things on your face (like melting off, caking up, or becoming a patchy mess).
I tested a handful of clean foundations and evaluated their formulas, staying power, coverage, and overall performance.
If you’re as particular about foundation as I am, stay tuned for what I *really* think about each non-toxic foundation I tried.
This guide contains product recommendations and we may receive compensation if you purchase through certain links. As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine!
My Honest Non-Toxic Foundation Review
It’s safe to say my non-toxic foundation journey has taken a bit more trial and error than in some other areas of my life. The good news is that contrary to popular belief, non-toxic foundations can be just as effective as big-name conventional brands.
Since personal preference is everything when it comes to finding the best foundation, I tried a variety of formula types with different levels of coverage. Whether you opt for a second-skin look or prefer to wear full glam, there’s something on this list for you.
Stay tuned to see which non-toxic foundations I loved, and which ones I would pass on.
First: Avoid These Ingredients In Foundation Formulas.
Conventional foundations are often formulated with less-than-ideal chemicals and ingredients that can potentially interfere with your health. Before we get into the best non-toxic foundations, here are some common ingredients to avoid in your makeup routine whenever possible.
- Butylated Compounds (such as BHT)
- Mineral Oil
- Parabens
- PEGs & other ethoxylated ingredients (as much as you can)
- Undisclosed “fragrance” or parfum
- PFAS (which has largely been phased out of makeup, but is still used sometimes, especially in “anti-aging” cosmetics)
My Opinions on Non-Toxic Foundations: the Good, the Bad, and the Just-Okays
My Favorite Non-Toxic Foundation Overall: Kari Gran Essential Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Most Affordable: Well People Stick Foundation/Concealer Combo
Best for Dry Skin: Well People Stick Foundation/Concealer Combo
Best Lightweight Coverage: Kari Gran Essential Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Best Buildable Coverage: Toups & Co Liquid Foundation
Keep reading for my in-depth review of each non-toxic foundation below!
Toups & Co Liquid Foundation
Price: $48
Toups & Co’s liquid foundation is made with aloe vera juice, shea butter, and herb extracts for a softer, improved complexion even after removing your makeup. It’s lightweight, long-lasting, crease-proof, non-comedogenic, and formulated for sensitive skin.
My Take: This foundation is stunning. I love how lightweight yet buildable the formula is. It can be worn with a lighter hand for a natural look, or built up for fuller coverage. It has a subtle, pleasant scent (almost like a cake batter smell) that fades away within a few minutes. It wears well throughout the day without sliding off or getting cakey, and it blends easily into the skin.
Overall, this foundation is the one that I felt gave conventional full-coverage foundations the biggest run for their money.
Kari Gran Essential Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Price: $58
Kari Gran’s tinted mineral sunscreen is oil-based and provides subtle coverage to even out the skin tone while protecting against sun damage. Made with French plum oil, macadamia nut oil, and red raspberry seed oil, this cruelty-free formula is chock-full of omega fatty acids and antioxidants for improved radiance. This tinted mineral sunscreen hydrates and brightens to create a next-level skin glow.
My Take: Kari Gran’s tinted mineral sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin and provides the perfect level of natural coverage. It’s easy to apply (I just use my hands) and is extremely breathable. I also appreciate that the pump bottle is easy to use and doesn’t create any extra mess.
My only complaint is that it has a slight earthy scent to it that I don’t love. However, it fades after a minute or two, so it’s nowhere near a deal breaker for me.
This tinted mineral sunscreen was my favorite non-toxic foundation overall. If you’re curious to see how I incorporate it into my everyday look, I list all of the details in my non-toxic foundation routine below.
Well People Stick Foundation / Concealer Combo
Price: $25
Well People’s Stick Foundation is a creamy, hydrating foundation stick with a natural satin finish. This weightless formula is made with nourishing ingredients like safflower seed oil, castor seed oil, and vitamin E for a boost of essential fatty acids to support glowing, hydrated skin. It’s dermatologist-developed, cruelty-free, and vegan, and can be used as a foundation, concealer, or bronzer.
My Take: I’ve been on a mission to find a non-toxic concealer that I like just as much as the E.L.F. Camo CC Concealer (which is what I used before I went low-tox!). This is the exact dupe I’ve been looking for. It’s creamy, hydrating, and provides solid coverage.
I also tested it as a full-face foundation, and the formula is great. It’s nourishing and blends like a dream while providing great coverage that lasts all day long. (I also LOVE that it uses a stick applicator. It’s much less messy than a typical liquid formula.)
Overall, this foundation is great, especially if you have dry skin like me. I like it so much that it’s made its way into my everyday routine (more on that below).
Attitude Oceanly Light Coverage Foundation Stick (Plastic-Free)
Price: $35
Attitude’s lightweight foundation stick uses 99.9% natural ingredients to create a second-skin finish. This breathable formula is for all skin types and is infused with vegan collagen, algae extract, and phytoglycogen to hydrate the skin. Attitude’s Oceanly foundation stick is EWG-verified, vegan, unscented, and plastic-free, packaged using FSC-certified biodegradable cardboard.
My Take: I love that this makeup is made from 100% biodegradable cardboard with no plastic. Because of that, I really wanted to love the formula. But unfortunately, I found it pretty much impossible to work with.
Instead of gliding onto the skin, the foundation stick felt dry and difficult to apply. It provided little to no coverage and didn’t blend evenly. Ultimately, I would not recommend this foundation. (If you’re on the hunt for a hydrating foundation stick, try the Well People Stick Foundation instead.)
Final Verdict: Which Non-Toxic Foundations Are Worth the Buy?
If you’re curious which foundation is not worth a buy, I would not re-purchase the Attitude Oceanly Foundation Stick. I found the formula to be too dry for a stick applicator and didn’t feel like it provided any coverage. (It may be more ideal for someone looking for a barely-there product, but your girl has adult acne, and I like to cover it, lol.)
Aside from the Attitude foundation stick, most of these foundations were a win. Depending on the formula and coverage you’re looking for, the Kari Gran, Toups & Co, and Well People foundations are all fantastic options for different reasons.
In fact, I liked these foundations so much that a few of them have made their way into my everyday regimen. Here’s my current foundation routine to keep things lightweight while covering my acne.
My Non-Toxic Foundation Routine
- First, I wash my face using the Toups & Co French Green Clay Soap.
- Next, I apply a lightweight tallow moisturizer. Typically, I reach for the Toups & Co Original Tallow Balm or the Honest Elderberry Co. Tallow Serum.
- Once my moisturizer has set in for a few minutes, I apply the Kari Gran Essential Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 using my fingers.
- Then, I use the Well People Stick Foundation to conceal under my eyes and cover any breakouts.
- Before blending in my concealer, I swipe some cream blush onto my cheeks. Lately, I’ve been reaching for the Attitude Oceanly Cream Blush Stick in Rose. Even though their foundation wasn’t my favorite, the blush is amazing!
- Finally, I blend in the concealer and blush using a makeup sponge for a natural finish.
Even More Clean Foundation Brands to Try
If you didn’t find a favorite foundation above and are still looking for more options, these brands are Filtery-approved for non-toxic ingredients:
- Axiology (code THEFILTERY for 20% off)
If there are any natural & non-toxic foundations that you swear by, let me know in the comments.
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I have been using Beekman 1802 products and found their ingredients to be nontoxic and very beneficial for my skin. They use goat milk in most of their products, which creates healthier skin by strengthening the skin barrier and balancing the skin’s microbiome. I love their products.
Thanks for sharing! I will check out their products. 🙂