6 Clean Makeup Favorites for Toxic-Free Everyday Beauty
Learn how and why you should shop for clean makeup products.
Find out more about my clean makeup products! They’re the only 6 products you need for an effortless, toxic-free full-face look.
Are you following our Clean Series? Head over to our clean natural products post to discover more toxic-free swaps!
*I’m neither a scientist nor a doctor. This information is based on my personal experience, research, and opinion. You should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen or if you have questions.
Why skip traditional makeup products?
Many cosmetic brands you see on store shelves and even makeup kits targeted to children can contain extremely harmful chemicals that are linked to cancer and other serious health concerns. A few are listed below.
Here are just some of the chemicals found in many cosmetics:
- 🛑 Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) – Can disrupt hormones and is linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Butyl, propyl, and ethyl parabens – Can disrupt hormones and are linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Dibutyl & Diethylhexyl phthalates – Can disrupt hormones and may cause damage to reproductive systems.
- 🛑 Ethanolamines (AKA: DEA, NDEA, TEA, & MEA) – May damage reproductive systems and are linked to cancer.
- 🛑 PFAs (long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl) – Linked to cancer.
- 🛑 Phthalates – Can impact your natural hormones and lead to health issues such as lower fertility, developmental issues, and a higher risk of cancer.
- 🛑 Synthetic Fragrances, “Parfum”, or “Fragrance” – May cause headaches, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems, mucosal irritation, and contact dermatitis.
So how do you find clean makeup brands in a world of dirty ones?
In an extremely underregulated industry, “clean beauty” can have vastly different meanings. However, one of the strictest standards a clean beauty brand can meet is Credo’s Clean Standard because they’re proud to be a reliable voice of truly clean and toxin-free cosmetics. They also uphold the strictest standards in the industry.
Here are the core values & standards Credo’s Clean Standard products must meet:
- Safe, science-backed ingredients. Credo uses its own hazard assessments and works with industry experts to determine what doesn’t belong in beauty. Their Dirty List™ bans or restricts 2,700+ ingredients due to safety and sustainability concerns.
- Sustainable packaging standards. Brands must follow Credo’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines, prioritizing responsible materials, end-of-life solutions, eliminating single-use items, and reducing virgin plastic and non-recyclables.
- People & planet first impacts. Credo considers the well-being of workers, communities, and the environment just as essential as clean ingredients, from sourcing to manufacturing.
Below are my top picks for the best clean makeup products that really work and are Credo-approved:
- ✅ Foundation – ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
- ✅ Bronzer – LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick
- ✅ Concealer – Kosas Revealer Concealer
- ✅ Eyebrow Pencil – ILIA In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil
- ✅ Lip Color – exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner
- ✅ Mascara – DIME Beauty Lash Duo
1. Best Foundation: ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick $48 shipped
This newer ILIA complexion stick fits right into the brand’s skincare-meets-makeup approach, using thoughtfully sourced, skin-supportive ingredients to enhance the look of skin over time. The formula delivers smooth, comfortable coverage that evens redness without feeling heavy, making it work well on both youthful and mature skin. It also pulls double duty, going on easily for everyday wear and doubling as a contour with a slightly deeper shade.
*I am wearing the color “9N – Tupelo”.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to ILIA Complexion Stick:
- ✅ Credo-approved brand
- ✅ Clinically proven to improve the look of skin
- ✅ Buildable, medium coverage
- ✅ For all skin ages in 40+ shades
- ✅ Travel-friendly
2. Best bronzer: LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick
LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick $22 shipped
The LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick is an approachable, everyday staple that fits easily into a streamlined makeup routine. It goes on smoothly, wears comfortably throughout the day, and delivers a soft, polished look without feeling heavy or overdone. If you’re aiming for effortless makeup that still looks intentional, this is it.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick:
- ✅ Credo Clean
- ✅ Can replace multiple products
- ✅ Easy to build and blend
- ✅ Nourishing ingredients can improve skin quality
- ✅ Natural, glowy finish
3. Best Concealer: Kosas Revealer Concealer
Kosas Revealer Concealer $32 shipped
If you’re coming from heavier, full-coverage concealers, this one feels like a reset. Kosas Revealer Concealer blends effortlessly and wears comfortably, melting into skin instead of sitting on top of it. The formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a reliable option for under-eyes, spot concealing, and even sensitive or blemish-prone skin.
*I am wearing the color “0.5 N”.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Kosas Revealer Concealer:
- ✅ Credo Clean
- ✅ Doesn’t crease in fine lines
- ✅ Clinically proven to improve skin quality
- ✅ Buildable, medium coverage with a natural look
- ✅ Safe for all skin types
4. Best Eyebrow Pencil: ILIA In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil
ILIA In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil $24 shipped
This micro-tip brow pencil makes it easy to create natural, hair-like strokes with control and precision, even in sparse areas. It wears well throughout the day and layers cleanly, so brows can stay soft or be built up without looking heavy. The formula also includes conditioning ingredients that support brow health without adding slip or shine.
*I am wearing the color “Soft Brown”.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to ILIA In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil:
- ✅ Credo Clean
- ✅ Nourishing brow ingredients
- ✅ Never needs to be sharpened
- ✅ Ultra-fine tip mimics the natural look of hair
- ✅ Full range of shades
5. Best Lip Color: exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner
exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner from $16 on Amazon
How to save: Score 5% off + free shipping when you Subscribe & Save on Credo.com
This matte lip liner has a smooth, creamy glide that makes defining lips easy without tugging or drying them out. It wears comfortably, holds its shape well, and pairs effortlessly with a wide range of lip colors for an everyday, polished look. It’s the kind of staple that quietly becomes your most-asked-about lip product.
*I am wearing the color “Bare Your Hopes”.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner:
- ✅ Credo Clean
- ✅ Long-lasting
- ✅ Hydrating from rich plant oils
- ✅ 7 nude shades designed for all skin tones
- ✅ Waterproof
Shopping around?
I recently tried the Soshe Lip Liner in Desert Rose, and it’s another toxic-free and hydrating lip liner I’ve really enjoyed wearing. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t smudge off after you eat or drink! Depending on the color you’re looking for, this may be another great lip option for you.
6. Best Mascara: DIME Beauty Lash Duo
DIME Beauty Mascara $22 shipped
While DIME isn’t currently sold at Credo, its formulas align closely with other clean, Credo-approved mascara options and follow the brand’s own strong Clean Promise. Paired with the lash primer, this combo delivers smooth, defined lashes without flaking or clumping while supporting lash health over time. The mascara wears comfortably and feels more like care than makeup, which shows with consistent use.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to DIME Mascara:
- ✅ DIME Clean Promise
- ✅ Lash nourishing ingredients
- ✅ No flaking or clumping
- ✅ Pairs well with lash-nourishing primer
- ✅ Many certifications, including Leaping Bunny Certified & more
Shopping around?
I recently tried this Credo-approved Soshe Peptide Lengthening Mascara and was really happy with the results! The bristles on the wand are very stiff, so I found it easy to separate my lashes while building the mascara. It’s infused with peptides & biotin and washes off super easily.
I wonder if anyone has ever tried Crunchi products? They are non-toxic and clean. I tend to switch between them and Ilia a lot.
Hey Sandy! I did check with Sara and that is a great option too! 🙌❤️
I LOVE Ilia super serum because it is foundation and SPF in one. Everyone needs spf year round.
Other clean brands to try: Pure Anada from Canada ( usually a deal because of the exchange rate) Also: Lemongrass Spa, based out of Florida
Thanks a bunch for sharing a few other brand suggestions and letting us know how much you love the ILIA super serum, Lisa. 💕
What would your thoughts be on finishing powder?
Hey Geri! I don’t have a recommendation based on personal use as this isn’t something I use regularly. However, I’ve heard great things about ILIA’s Finishing Powder and it’s very highly rated. It’s also Credo approved. 🙂
I appreciate your list of clean skin care products! I am looking for a non-toxic daily moisturizer that has spf and also a non-toxic fragrance line. Do you have an recommendations?
Yes! We have a few lists that include those options! 💞🤗
https://hip2save.com/tips/natural-skin-care-products/
https://hip2save.com/tips/non-toxic-beauty-products/
https://hip2save.com/tips/non-toxic-air-freshener/
Thank you!
You’re very welcome! 💞