Toxin Free Lipstick: What Harmful Ingredients to Avoid
Lipstick is one of the most commonly used cosmetics, and typically can contain a number of harsh chemicals and synthetic dyes to create their vibrant shades and hues that can be potentially harmful with long-term exposure.
At SCOUT, we avoid the use of these toxic compounds and in its place use a range of organic and natural ingredients that allows us to create a collection of lipsticks that are not only healthy and safe to use but remain on-trend and available in a wide variety of different colours that are suitable for every occasion.
Organic Lip Makeup
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Here is a list of harmful lipstick ingredients we suggest you to avoid:
Synthetic Antioxidants & Preservatives
Common ingredients that can be found in conventional lipsticks are BHA and BHT. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are chemical compounds that act as synthetic antioxidants and preservatives in most mainstream lipsticks.
These two ingredients can present potential health risks as they have been linked to causing skin irritation, as well as disrupting the reproductive system and interfering with your hormones.
Toxic Heavy Metals
Lead, aluminium, chromium, and cadmium are just a few of many types of heavy metals that have been detected in the ingredient lists of lipsticks.
With frequent use and long-term exposure, these toxic heavy metals can accumulate in our bodies and overtime pose a number of health-associated health risks.
Pure Colour Lip Liner Lipstick
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Harmful Petroleum & Mineral Oils
Other ingredients to be mindful of include Petroleum and Mineral Oils.
These two compounds are commonly used in lipsticks for their hydrating benefits and their ability to help lock in moisture in the skin. But both of these ingredients can pose potential health risks through prolonged periods of exposure such as skin allergies and inflammation, as well as a compromised immune system.
Carcinogenic Pigments
FD&C dyes are derived from coal tar, a by-product of petroleum and contain high levels of lead and arsenic, which are known carcinogenics.
Alternatively, our lipsticks use a combination of safe and non-toxic pigments instead of synthetic dyes and FD&C colours to create our range.
At SCOUT, we use Iron Oxides in our lipstick formulas, which are considered a safe colouring in cosmetics because they are non-irritating and non-toxic, with no studies indicating that they are skin allergens. Not only this, Iron Oxides are also non-bleeding and longwearing, making them a perfect addition to our lipstick formulas.
Using minerals and naturally derived ingredients in our lipstick formulas means that it is impossible for us to achieve a true red or bright poppy pink, as these colours typically require the use of FD&C dyes.
Chemical Free Lipstick Range
Our chemical-free lipsticks are formulated with a 100% vegan blend of ingredients that provide nourishing, hydrating and protective benefits to your lips.
Pure Colour Organic Lipstick with Orange, Jojoba, Vitamin E & Shea Butter
Learn More About Pure Colour Organic Lipstick with Orange, Jojoba, Vitamin E & Shea Butter
In our lipsticks we use a combination of Carnauba Wax and Candelilla Wax instead of Beeswax, which are both plant based waxes. Candelilla wax in particular is incredibly rich in nutrients that help to bind other ingredients together to create a texture that can be easily absorbed by your skin. Both waxes work to keep your lips moisturised and protected, by locking essential moisture into your skin whilst also providing an anti-inflammatory action that helps to soothe chapped or sore lips.
Castor Seed Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil are another two key ingredients found in our lipstick formulas. The addition of these two plant-based natural oils help to provide gentle hydration and nourishment for lipsticks that are not only comfortable and non-drying, but also help to keep your lips soft and supple making them perfect for those with sensitive skin.
To find out more about our range of lipsticks and the benefits of the natural and organic ingredients included in our Organic Active Beauty Range, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
- Sylvie Hutchings, Creative Director & Founder, SCOUT Cosmetics.
