When choosing mascara, especially for tweens or individuals with sensitive skin, it’s crucial to be mindful of the ingredients in the product. Many mainstream mascaras contain chemicals that can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even pose long-term health risks.
Children's skin, particularly around the eyes, is more delicate and susceptible to harsh ingredients. This section highlights some of the most common toxic, harmful, or questionable ingredients found in mainstream mascaras, so you can make more informed choices when selecting safer alternatives.
By understanding which ingredients to avoid, you can protect your child's skin and health.
1. Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben)
- Why to avoid: Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. However, they can disrupt hormone function and have been linked to endocrine system disruption, which can be particularly concerning for kids.
- Risks: Hormonal disruption, skin irritation, potential links to cancer (though the research is ongoing).
2. Phthalates (Diethylphthalate, Dibutylphthalate)
- Why to avoid: Phthalates are often used to help ingredients penetrate the skin and make formulas more flexible. They can be found in mascaras to improve texture or to make the formula more smudge-resistant.
- Risks: Endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, developmental issues. Phthalates are considered particularly harmful for children.
3. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing agents (Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea)
- Why to avoid: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and some mascara products contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives to prevent microbial contamination.
- Risks: Irritation, allergic reactions, cancer risk, skin sensitization.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
- Why to avoid: Fragrances are often added to mascara to give it a pleasant scent. However, "fragrance" is a broad term and can contain hundreds of chemicals, many of which are irritating or allergenic.
- Risks: Allergic reactions, skin irritation, hormone disruption. tween skin is more sensitive, so fragrances should be avoided, especially in eye products.
5. Toluene
- Why to avoid: Toluene is a solvent commonly found in mascaras, and it helps in the formulation’s texture. It's a volatile compound that can evaporate and become toxic when inhaled.
- Risks: Reproductive toxicity, dizziness, headaches, and developmental harm to fetuses and children.
6. Coal Tar Dyes ( D&C Red 22, D&C Green 5, FD&C Yellow 5)
- Why to avoid: These synthetic dyes are made from petroleum and can be found in some mascaras to provide color.
- Risks: Potential links to cancer, irritation, and allergic reactions. Many of these dyes are banned or restricted in some countries, but still commonly used in the U.S.
7. Aluminum Compounds ( Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate)
- Why to avoid: Aluminum compounds are used to control texture and prevent clumping.
- Risks: Skin irritation, potential neurotoxic effects (in large amounts), and a possible link to Alzheimer's disease.
8. Synthetic Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane)
- Why to avoid: These silicones are used for smooth application and long-lasting wear.
- Risks: While not directly toxic, they can clog pores, lead to skin irritation, and are difficult to remove. Children’s skin is more sensitive to buildup and irritation.
9. BHA and BHT (Butylated HydroxyToluene and Butylated HydroxyAnisole)
- Why to avoid: These are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in cosmetics.
- Risks: BHA and BHT are considered endocrine disruptors, and they may have carcinogenic properties in high doses.
10. Petroleum-derived Ingredients (Petrolatum, Mineral Oil)
- Why to avoid: Petroleum-based ingredients are often used for their emollient and thickening properties in mascaras.
- Risks: These can be contaminated with harmful impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer.
11. Titanium Dioxide (Such as nanoparticles)
- Why to avoid: Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in sunscreens, but in some mascaras, it's used for its white color.
- Risks: There are concerns that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, when inhaled or applied to skin, could pose health risks. It's better to avoid it in products that might come into direct contact with the eyes.
12. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Why to avoid: These surfactants are used in cosmetics for their foaming properties, though they are more commonly found in cleansers.
- Risks: Skin and eye irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Not typically necessary in mascaras, and teen skin is more prone to irritation.
13. Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethanol)
- Why to avoid: Alcohol is used in mascara to help it dry faster.
- Risks: Can be very drying and irritating to the skin, especially for sensitive or delicate skin like a child’s.
The Truth Behind Common Cosmetic Ingredients
Now that we've covered some of the most common harmful ingredients in mascara, it’s important to remember that not all products are created equal. While many mainstream mascaras use these questionable ingredients for texture, shelf life, or performance, there are safer and more natural alternatives available.
Let's explore some of the better choices you can make when looking for mascaras that are both effective and free from these potentially harmful chemicals.
By being mindful of the ingredients you choose, you can protect not only your skin but also the environment and support brands that prioritize safety and sustainability.
1. Petrochemicals ( Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum)
- Sourcing: These ingredients are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource extracted through environmentally damaging processes like drilling and fracking. The production of petrochemical-based ingredients contributes to pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
- Safety & Health Implications: Long-term exposure to petrochemical-based ingredients can disrupt hormone regulation, contributing to reproductive issues, developmental concerns, and increased cancer risk. Additionally, these chemicals may accumulate in the body over time, leading to potential toxic effects.
Parabens are a group of preservatives commonly used in mascaras and other cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. They're often listed as methylparaben, ethylparaben, or propylparaben on ingredient labels. Parabens are known to mimic hormones in the body, which can lead to disruptions in the endocrine system. This is particularly concerning for tweens, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to hormone imbalances.
Long-term exposure to parabens has been linked to various health risks, including reproductive issues, developmental problems, and even a potential increased risk of breast cancer.
So, while parabens help keep products stable, their presence in your mascara might not be so great for your health, especially when used in large quantities.
2. Synthetic Dyes (Coal Tar Dyes, Aluminum Compounds)
- Sourcing: These dyes are often derived from petroleum and coal tar. Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing, a practice that is environmentally harmful, and the extraction process can release hazardous chemicals into the air and water.
- Safety & Health Implications: These synthetic dyes may contain carcinogenic compounds, and their long-term use in cosmetics can lead to skin sensitivity, allergic reactions, and potential carcinogenic risks. In children, who have thinner, more permeable skin, the risks are even higher.
Phthalates are chemicals commonly used in mascaras and other beauty products to help ingredients blend together more smoothly and to make formulas more flexible. You might find them listed as diethylphthalate (DEP) or dibutylphthalate (DBP). These chemicals are known to interfere with the body’s hormone system, which can lead to issues with reproduction and development, particularly in tweens.
Studies have shown that phthalates can affect the normal functioning of the endocrine system, potentially causing long-term health problems like fertility issues, early puberty, and even developmental disorders. Given that tweens are especially sensitive to hormone disruptors, it’s especially concerning to have phthalates in products they might use.
The risks of repeated exposure over time make phthalates an ingredient to avoid if you want to protect both your health and the environment.
3. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing Agents
- Sourcing: Formaldehyde is often produced as a by-product in industrial processes like the production of certain chemicals or building materials. It is also used as a preservative in cosmetics to extend shelf life.
- Safety & Health Implications: Known as a carcinogen, formaldehyde can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and contribute to long-term health problems, including cancer. Formaldehyde-releasing agents can continue to off-gas over time, exposing users to the chemical long after the product has been applied.
Formaldehyde might sound like something you’d only encounter in science labs, but it’s actually used as a preservative in many beauty products, including mascara. Some mascaras even contain formaldehyde-releasing agents like Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, or Imidazolidinyl Urea, which slowly release formaldehyde to help prevent the growth of bacteria and extend the product’s shelf life.
While this sounds helpful for keeping products safe, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can be very irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Even small amounts of formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions, dryness, or rashes, and long-term exposure has been linked to more serious health issues, like cancer.
What’s particularly concerning is that these chemicals can continue to release formaldehyde long after you've applied the mascara, meaning you could be exposed to it every time you wear it.
For children, whose skin and immune systems are more delicate, it’s best to steer clear of any mascara containing formaldehyde or its releasing agents.
4. Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane)
- Sourcing: Silicones are synthetically made from silica, a naturally occurring compound found in sand and quartz. While the compound itself is not harmful, the manufacturing process requires energy-intensive, non-renewable resources, contributing to environmental harm.
- Safety & Health Implications: Silicones create a barrier on the skin, which can clog pores and lead to irritation or acne. While not necessarily toxic, prolonged exposure to these chemicals can result in skin sensitization or damage over time, particularly for sensitive skin.
Silicones are commonly used in mascaras to give them that smooth, silky texture and long-lasting wear. Ingredients like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane are the most popular types of silicones you'll find in these products. They work by creating a smooth barrier on the skin, helping the mascara to glide on easily and stay put without smudging. While they might make your lashes look flawless, silicones aren't without their drawbacks.
For one, they don't break down easily, which means they can build up on your skin over time. This can lead to clogged pores, irritation, and even acne, especially for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, silicones can be difficult to remove completely, often requiring stronger cleansers or makeup removers. For kids, whose skin is more delicate, this buildup can cause more irritation or discomfort.
While silicones aren’t directly harmful, their long-term use may lead to some skin issues, and their non-biodegradable nature raises environmental concerns as well.
5. Animal-derived Ingredients (Lanolin, Keratin)
- Sourcing: These ingredients are often sourced from animals, with lanolin derived from sheep's wool and keratin from animal hair or hooves.
- Safety & Health Implications: Animal-derived ingredients can introduce allergens into the product, triggering sensitivities or reactions. In terms of ethics, the sourcing of these ingredients raises concerns about animal welfare and the environmental impact of factory farming.
Some mascaras contain animal-derived ingredients like lanolin and keratin, which are used for their moisturizing and strengthening properties. Lanolin, for example, is a waxy substance extracted from sheep’s wool, while keratin is often sourced from animal hair or hooves. While these ingredients can help give mascara a smoother texture or make lashes look fuller, they come with a few concerns.
First, there’s the ethical side: sourcing lanolin and keratin usually involves animals, and the processes can raise animal welfare questions. Additionally, these ingredients can be allergens for some people, leading to irritation, rashes, or even more serious allergic reactions. For children, who often have more sensitive skin, these reactions can be more pronounced.
While these ingredients aren’t necessarily dangerous, the potential for sensitivity and the ethical considerations make them worth thinking about, especially if you're looking for a cruelty-free, natural product.
6. BHA and BHT (Butylated HydroxyToluene, Butylated HydroxyAnisole)
- Sourcing: These synthetic antioxidants are derived from petrochemicals and are often used in cosmetics as preservatives to extend shelf life.
- Safety & Health Implications: Long-term exposure to BHA and BHT has been linked to liver damage, skin irritation, and cancer. As they accumulate in the body, they can disrupt endocrine functions, contributing to hormonal imbalances and other health concerns.
BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants commonly used in mascaras and other cosmetics to preserve the shelf life of the product. These ingredients prevent the oils in the formula from spoiling, keeping the mascara fresh for longer. However, there’s a catch—both BHA and BHT have been linked to some pretty serious health concerns.
Long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to skin irritation and has been shown to disrupt hormones, which could potentially cause developmental or reproductive issues. In high doses, they might even increase the risk of cancer.
What’s especially concerning is that these chemicals accumulate in your body over time, so the more frequently you use products containing BHA or BHT, the higher your exposure can be. While they're effective as preservatives, their potential risks, especially with consistent use, make them an ingredient you might want to avoid, particularly if you're looking for safer, more natural alternatives.
Natural Alternatives for a Safer, Healthier Mascara
Now that we've discussed some of the commonly used harmful ingredients in mainstream mascaras, it's important to recognize that there are plenty of natural and naturally-derived alternatives that can provide the same, if not better, results—without compromising safety or effectiveness.
These ingredients not only support the health of your lashes but also offer a gentler, more eco-friendly approach to beauty. Here's how clean beauty brands can create safer, sustainable mascara formulas that deliver both performance and peace of mind.
1. Beeswax
- Use: As a natural binder and thickener, beeswax helps create a smooth, creamy texture for mascara. It also gives mascara its signature smudge-resistant and water-resistant qualities.
- Benefits: Beeswax is rich in vitamin A, which helps condition and protect lashes. It’s a natural, non-toxic alternative to petroleum-based waxes.
2. Candelilla Wax
- Use: A plant-based alternative to beeswax, this wax comes from the candelilla plant native to Mexico. It helps give mascara a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Benefits: Candelilla wax is vegan and cruelty-free, making it ideal for brands that want to create environmentally-conscious and animal-friendly products.
3. Carnauba Wax
- Use: Known as the "queen of waxes," carnauba is derived from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree. It is often used to thicken mascara formulas and improve their longevity.
- Benefits: This wax creates a smooth, glossy finish while being biodegradable and plant-based. It also helps in adding volume to lashes, much like synthetic alternatives.
4. Rice Bran Oil
- Use: A lightweight, nourishing oil often used in natural mascaras to provide a smooth consistency and conditioning benefits for lashes.
- Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, rice bran oil helps keep lashes soft and hydrated. It’s a great alternative to mineral oil, which can clog pores and cause irritation.
5. Castor Oil
- Use: Known for its ability to nourish and condition lashes, castor oil is often used in natural mascaras to help improve the strength and thickness of lashes.
- Benefits: Castor oil is packed with ricinoleic acid, which encourages hair growth and helps prevent lash breakage. It’s also a natural humectant, which helps lock in moisture.
6. Aloe Vera
- Use: Aloe vera is commonly used in natural mascaras to soothe and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes while also moisturizing lashes.
- Benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera helps calm irritation and keep lashes soft and nourished, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
7. Chamomile Extract
- Use: A calming ingredient often included in natural mascara formulations to reduce irritation and redness around the eyes.
- Benefits: Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it perfect for soothing the skin and helping to protect lashes from environmental stressors.
8. Mica (Natural Mineral)
- Use: Mica is a mineral used in cosmetics to add color and shine. In mascara, it can be used to give lashes a subtle shimmer or enhance the deep black color.
- Benefits: Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that is non-toxic, safe for sensitive skin, and provides a light-reflecting finish, which enhances the appearance of lashes.
9. Black Tea Extract
- Use: Black tea extract is a natural alternative to synthetic pigments in mascara, providing a rich, dark color.
- Benefits: In addition to its tinting properties, black tea is full of antioxidants that help protect and strengthen lashes, making it a healthier option compared to synthetic dyes.
10. Coconut Oil
- Use: A deeply moisturizing and nourishing oil that helps condition lashes while improving the overall texture of the mascara.
- Benefits: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which help promote lash growth and prevent dryness or brittleness. It also helps make the mascara more easily removable without causing irritation.
11. Olive Oil
- Use: Used in natural mascaras to provide moisture and nourishment to lashes, keeping them soft and healthy.
- Benefits: Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that help protect and condition lashes. It also acts as a natural emollient, making mascara easy to apply without clumping.
12. Tapioca Starch
- Use: Often used as a natural thickening agent, tapioca starch can help achieve the right consistency for a smooth, non-clumpy mascara.
- Benefits: Tapioca starch is a plant-based, gentle alternative to synthetic thickeners. It helps improve the texture and feel of the product without causing irritation.
13. Jojoba Oil
- Use: Jojoba oil is often used in natural mascara formulas to add moisture, shine, and a smooth application.
- Benefits: This oil closely resembles the skin's natural oils, which helps it absorb quickly and nourish the lashes without leaving a greasy residue. It also helps condition the delicate skin around the eyes.
14. Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
- Use: A common ingredient in natural mascaras that helps preserve the product and nourish lashes.
- Benefits: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects lashes from environmental damage and strengthens them, preventing breakage and promoting healthy growth.
While mainstream mascaras often contain ingredients that can be harmful to both our health and the environment, there are plenty of natural and safer alternatives available. By choosing mascaras made with plant-based waxes, nourishing oils, and gentle botanical extracts, we can protect the delicate skin around our eyes, maintain healthy lashes, and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
For those with sensitive skin, tweens, or anyone looking to make more conscious beauty choices, opting for natural mascaras is a smart, safe, and sustainable alternative. As consumers, being aware of the ingredients in the products we use empowers us to make informed decisions that not only benefit our well-being but also contribute to a more eco-conscious world. ✌🏻️
