Guide to the best non toxic lipstick and lip gloss brands, made with natural & organic ingredients that are better for your health and the planet.



There’s nothing like a good lipstick to make you feel ready to conquer the world. Whether it’s bright red or shimmery pink; glossy or matte; bold or barely there – the right lip color can boost your confidence, add a spring to your step, or at the very least help a tired mom feel like she’s at least a little bit pulled together – LOL!
But did you know that many popular lipstick brands contain harmful chemicals? That’s the last thing you want to worry about in your crazy, busy life.
Why Non-Toxic Lipstick Matters
Most of us put on lipstick without ever considering what’s inside the tube. Turns out that’s not such a good idea.
All cosmetics, but especially lipsticks, are notorious for containing ingredients that are not very pretty.
When you think about it, of all the cosmetic products, having harmful chemicals in lipsticks is particularly concerning because we use them on our mouths and some of the product may be ingested. We need to make sure that the lip products we use are made with clean ingredients that are not harmful to our health!
RELATED: Find a Natural Deodorant That Works for You!


Harmful Ingredients in Lipstick
Let’s take a look at some of the most concerning ingredients you might find in conventional lipstick and lip glosses. Be careful because not all of these ingredients are listed on product labels, so it can be tricky to identify safe cosmetics products.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals including lead, chromium, cadmium, aluminum, manganese and nickel often end up in lipsticks due to contamination from other ingredients. Because of this, you won’t find lead or other heavy metals listed on ingredient labels because they are hidden in other ingredients, usually as part of the colorant.
Independent studies found found dangerous levels of lead in over 60% of lipsticks tested. Lead is a neurotoxin linked to learning and behavioral problems and it is dangerous at very small levels. Since there is no safe level of exposure to lead, it’s important to avoid it.
Another study measured lead and eight other heavy metals in lip gloss and lipstick, and found high levels of titanium and aluminum as well as detectable manganese. Lead was found in 75% of the products.
Some companies, like Beautycounter, test all of their color cosmetics for heavy metals and try to reach “non-detectable” heavy metal limits when possible. Most companies do not do this, but I hope to see more of this type of transparency in the future!
Butylated Compounds
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic antioxidants that are often used as preservatives in lipsticks. Studies have shown butylated compounds to be a possible human carcinogen.
Paraben Preservatives
Paraben preservatives are often used to inhibit bacteria and mold growth in cosmetics. Studies have linked parabens to breast cancer, endocrine disruption and developmental and reproductive toxicity.
Phthalates
Phthalates are hormone disrupting chemicals that often find their way into lipsticks through fragrance. A loophole in federal law allows phthalates (and many other chemicals) to be added to fragrances without disclosure to consumers.
Artificial Fragrances
Fragrance is an unregulated “ingredient” that can be a mix of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Some of those chemicals are known endocrine disruptors and others can cause allergic reactions.
Colors and Pigments
Cosmetic colorants is a tricky subject because they can be both natural or synthetic. Natural colorants are not always safer because earth-derived pigments like mica, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide can be contaminated with heavy metals. Ideally you will purchase products from brands that conduct independent testing to check for contamination of these metals.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oils are derived from petroleum and untreated and mildly treated mineral oils are classified as a known human carcinogen.



Best Non Toxic Lipstick and Lip Gloss Brands
I may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article. Full Disclosure
Part of my mission to help you find greener, safer, better beauty and personal care products is to share some of the non-toxic brands I’ve used and loved. Most of the lipsticks listed here are products that I have personally tried, although there are a few that I haven’t tested yet, but have good reputations and natural ingredients lists.
Whether you are looking for vegan lipsticks, a cruelty-free lipstick, a plastic-free lipstick or simply a safe lipstick that you don’t have to worry about, you’ll find something that works on this list!
Rest assured, all of these lipsticks and glosses are made with natural and safe ingredients and are free from lead, parabens, petroleum, sulfates, phthalates, nanoparticles, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances. And animal testing? No way! It’s easier to choose a lipstick brand you know you can trust, than have to read the ingredients list on every product!
Hope you groove on these clean beauty lipstick and lip gloss products as much as I do! And please let me know what other brands you love or would like to know more about.
Beautycounter
Beautycounter tests each batch of color pigments for contamination with heavy metals.
Beautycounter Beyond Gloss – This EWG VERIFIED™ lip gloss is a blend of beeswax, candelilla wax, and organic carnauba wax that locks in moisture to leave lips looking and feeling soft and smooth. I love that it is flavored with responsibly sourced vanilla.
- Skin Deep rating: EWG VERIFIED™
- Favorite color: Magnolia Shimmer
Beautycounter Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick – A creamy, buildable lipstick that moisturizes while delivering color and light-catching sheen. The formula is a blend of moisture-rich castor oil, botanical waxes, and sustainably derived jojoba esters, and flavored with responsibly sourced, certified organic vanilla.
- Skin Deep rating: 2
- Favorite color: Raisin
- Vegan
Beautycounter coupon code: Subscribe to their email list to get a coupon code sent to your Inbox.
100% Pure
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Gloss – A super shiny lip gloss made with moisturizing vitamin E and real fruit pigments. I love the yummy strawberry flavor!
- Skin Deep rating: N/A
- Favorite color: Pomegranate Wine
- Vegan
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick – This full coverage lipstick is formulated with cocoa butter, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), and antioxidant-rich fruit pigments like cherry, blueberry, and peach.
- Skin Deep rating: 1
- Favorite color: I haven’t tried this one but Pink Canyon looks good
- Vegan
100% Pure coupon code: MINDFUL15 for 15% off your first order


Axiology
Axiology Lip to Lid Balmies – These cute little lip crayons are a blend of kokum butter, hemp seed oil, Vitamin E and other nourishing ingredients.
- Skin Deep rating: 2
- Favorite color: ROSÉ
- Vegan and certified cruelty-free by PeTA
- Plastic-free – Best zero waste lip color
Axiology Multi-Sticks – A smoother, dewier version of Balmies that work well for lips, lids and cheeks. Made with naturally-derived ingredients like coconut oil and soy butter and colored with iron oxides and micas.
- Skin Deep rating: N/A
- Favorite color: The Goodness
- Vegan and certified cruelty-free by PeTA
- Plastic-free
Axiology coupon code: Get 15% off when you sign up for their mailing list.


Ilia
Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil – This unique lip gloss is packed with hyaluronic acid and powerful botanicals to help visibly plump and moisturize lips. It goes on super smooth, without being sticky and leaves lips soft and shiny.
- Skin Deep rating: N/A
- Favorite color: Petals
- Vegan
Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm – This buttery lip balm formula has active levels of moisture-boosting ingredients like shea butter and rosehip seed oil, with a hint of sheer, buildable color.
- Skin Deep rating: N/A
- Favorite color: Runaway
Ilia Color Block Lipstick – A full-coverage lipstick for a bold lip that lasts. The formula is a base of organic castor seed oil, with apricot seed oil and mango seed butter for creamy softness.
- Skin Deep rating: N/A
- Favorite color: I haven’t tried this one but Rosewood looks good to me.
- Vegan
Mineral Fusion
Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tint – A smooth blend of castor seed oil, jojoba oil, beeswax and candelilla wax, with sheer, buildable color and a vanilla mint flavor.
- Skin Deep Rating: EWG VERIFIED™
- Favorite color: Adorn
- Best affordable clean lip color
Mineral Fusion Lipstick – A buttery smooth formula made with hydrating natural oils and butters, skin-soothing white tea, aloe vera and antioxidant-rich pomegranate.
- Skin Deep Rating: EWG VERIFIED™
- Favorite color: Tempting
- Vegan
RELATED: Clean + Sustainable Makeup Brands to Try Now
Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Liquid Lip – A liquid lipstick that goes on like a soft lip balm but wears like a lip stain. Made from a blend of cold-pressed oils, shea butter and a fruit stem cell serum.
- Skin Deep Rating: N/A
- Favorite color: Drew
- Made with certified organic ingredients
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Luminous Lip Crayon – This easy to apply lip crayon is moisturizing like a lip balm and gives you the pigment-rich color of a lipstick. Made with nourishing oils, mango seed butter and organic jojoba oil.
- Skin Deep Rating: N/A
- Favorite color: I haven’t tried this one but I’d probably get Malibu.
- Made with certified organic ingredients


Hennè Organics
Hennè Luxury Lip Tint – A nourishing tinted lip balm that provides a barely-there hint of color that is buildable for a more opaque look.
- Skin Deep Rating: 2
- Favorite color: I haven’t tried this one but Blissful looks nice.
- Made with certified organic ingredients
- Leaping Bunny Certified


Honest
Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick – A velvety matte liquid lipstick made with avocado oil and hyaluronic acid.
- Skin Deep Rating: EWG VERIFIED™
- Favorite color: I haven’t tried this one but Passion looks nice.
- Vegan
Your turn: What are your favorite non toxic lipstick and gloss brands?



Paige Wolf says
Vapour Siren is my absolute favorite too!
Lindsay says
I haven’t tried Vapor Siren yet, and you know I’m a huge fan of Beautycounter. Great write up, thanks!
Lori Popkewitz Alper says
I haven’t tried many of these. Can’t wait! I use Zuzu lipgloss and love it.
Micaela says
I’ve never hears of Zuzu lipgloss – I’ll have to look for that!
Donna Fountaine says
I’ll have to look into these. My favorite lipstick brands are 100% Pure and Ava Anderson Non Toxic.
Bettycares says
Thank you for mentioning Mineral Fusion. I love their products. It was hard finding a truly , real natural brand that gives color. Mineral Fusion is it. Have you tried their eye shadow trios? There are a lot of shades to select from and the best – they stay on. Oh, and they have shimmer and mattes colors. Thank you mindfulmomma, you are always on it for those of us who are natural-ites. Love to see more on Mineral Fusion.
Micaela says
No, I haven’t tried Mineral Fusion eye shadow yet – I’ll have to check that out!
pam schmidt says
I have to avoid Iron Oxide in my cosmetics, due to my allergy to IO and Nickel. Iron Oxide is the main ingredient that gives cosmetics their color. Yikes! So I use lipstick by 100% Pure company. http://www.100percentpure.com/ This company offers fruit pigmented make up. Not all of their lip color products are Iron Oxide free. But the fruit pigmented products do the trick for me!
Micaela says
Thanks for the tip about 100% Pure – I’ll have to check them out!
Melissa Brown says
This is great information Micaela! Thanks for investigating this important issue and finding some great options for us to use! We just did an article on the harmful chemicals found in our personal products; it is a shame all these chemicals are added and we need to look out for them.
http://agreenleafhome.com/personal-care-products/
Micaela says
Love that you just wrote about the same issue Melissa! Yes, I look forward to a day when buying decisions are simpler.
Smii says
I use Mineral fusions too and think it is a great brand! What are your thoughts on Burt’s Bee’s lipsticks?
Micaela says
I’ve tried Burt’s Bees and they are not my favorite. They don’t score as well on Skin Deep due to a couple ingredients they use – plus I don’t love the square container – it’s just a bit bulky.
Marcia Murdock says
I have been using Rhonda Allison face products, Aveda foundation and their nourish-mint rehydrating lip glaze, mineral fusion face powder, Revlon color stay lip liner and Almay eye liner and mascara. I would like your advice on theses products. Are there any I should get rid of ? A girlfriend dust told me about lead in lipstick and I was shocked because I have been tested for metals and my lead is high!! Is there a line of cosmetics that I could trust to be free of all the toxic stuff especially lead?
Micaela says
Hi Marcia – Good question! The best resource for investigating your current products is the Skin Deep database. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep It doesn’t have every product, but you can get some great information from it! As for a great line of cosmetics – I highly recommend Beautycounter because they do testing for heavy metals on their products! I’m not a consultant but here’s my Beautycounter affiliate link: http://bit.ly/2gyFg2Q I also buy cosmetics from Mineral Fusion, Pacifica, & Juice Beauty to name a few! Good luck with your search!
Beth says
Im allergic to any chemicals on lips and on skin..im looking for those products chemical free.
John Richardson says
Hi Micaela! Just found out about all the bad stuff in my wifeās lipstick. She uses LāOreal 620 Mica. I am looking for a similar color that is non-toxic especiallyblead and heavy metal free, paraban free, animal fat free, formaldehyde free, and free of all the other bad stuff. Looking for Christmas presents. John
Micaela says
How sweet of you to buy a non-toxic lipstick for your wife! I’m not familiar with that color but what I recommend is bringing a swatch of that color on a piece of paper over to a Whole Foods or another store that sells natural beauty products. Then you can look for a similar color! Good luck with it!
Laura says
Great list Micaela,
I love seeing the more natural lipstick brands getting some spotlight. Iāve got to say Iām swayed towards Noyah – Iām just a sucker for that gorgeous floral packaging! Iāll be sure to check out the Hazelnut Cream shade.
Just to add to your overall point about avoiding harmful ingredients, some other lipstick ingredients like ricinoleic acid & lanolin oil can potentially cause allergic reactions!
Weāve recently published a post that lists some of the ingredients consumers may want to avoid when choosing a lipstick:
https://makeupscholar.com/what-lipstick-made-of/
Thanks again for the great non-toxic brand recommendations!
Laura.
Micaela says
Interesting! I checked on EWG and both ricinoleic acid & lanolin are considered safe with a 1 rating. But I’ve heard some people can be allergic to lanolin.
Laura says
Thanks so much for the reply Micaela! And for checking on EWG!
I should have been more specific earlier (sorry about that!), but according to dermatologist Dr. Delwyn Dyall-Smith, ricinoleic acid is the most common lip-product-related cause of allergic contact cheilitis:
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-reactions-to-lipsticks-and-other-lipcare-products/
Thanks again for the great info and for the reply,
Laura.
Jessica says
Is the lip gloss Nyx okay to use? I found that my lip gloss smells like Paint.
Micaela says
Hi Jessica – I’m afraid I’ve never heard of that brand Nyx – sorry!
Maggie Mann says
Have you reviewed Color the World lipsticks? They come in a cardboard tube and claim to be made with nontoxic ingredients.
Micaela says
No – I’ve never heard of them! Do you like them?
Wenona says
I’m allergic to castor oil, I’ve made it through #5 on your list checking ingredients and so far they’ve all contained castor oil. This seems to be the case for almost every other “natural, non-toxic” brand out there. Castor oil makes my lips itch, burn and become oozy. I’m not willing to see if organic castor oil would or would not do the same as non-organic.
Most of the time I just use a non-tinted lip balm – Dr. Bronner’s Naked Organic Lip Balm. 5 ingredients, zero castor oil. I’d like to have color sometimes, though.
Micaela says
Sorry to hear about your allergy to castor oil. I’m going to be updating this post soon, so I will keep my eyes out for lipsticks without castor oil.
Elaine Cronin says
Here is another option with high ratings from EWG Gaondodam. it is a lip oil..my lips love it!!
Stella Sinclair says
Pity none of those lipsticks are available in Cape Town I have struggled with lipstick my whole life and the dermatologist told me that I was allergic to lead
Micaela says
I hope you can find something that works for you where you live!
Linda J. Yancey says
What do you think of, or what ratings, does Pacifica brand lipstick and lip gloss have? I switched to Pacifica for an affordable, natural line of cosmetics…but, now I am wondering if that was a good switch.
Please advise. Thank you.