Did you know that traditional lipsticks and lip glosses can contain harmful ingredients that you’re better off avoiding? From lead to synthetic fragrances, these substances can have negative effects on your health and the environment.
Fortunately, there are now plenty of non-toxic options available that deliver both stunning color and nourishing ingredients.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best non-toxic lipsticks and lip glosses that will leave you feeling confident, beautiful, and healthy.
To know more about natural and clean beauty, check our articles about natural & cruelty-free moisturizers, deodorants, face washes, or vegan makeup brands. And learn how to create a personalised natural skincare routine in 4 simple steps.
Table of Contents
Hazardous Ingredients to Ban From Your Lipsticks And Lip Glosses
1.Lead
Function: Increase skin adhesion and smoothness
Found in: Lipsticks and Lip balms
Risks: According to the FDA, Lead is a nervous system toxin with no safe level of exposure. It’s highly dangerous for pregnant women and young children.
2.BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole
Function: Antioxidant
Found in: Body & face lotions and moisturizers, hair care
Risks: Classified potentially carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, reproductive toxicity, an endocrine disruptor.
3.Some Parabens (butylparaben, propylparaben, sodium butylparaben)
Fonction: Preservatives
Found in: Body & face lotions and moisturizers, sunscreen, foundations, deodorants, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste
Risks: Endocrine disruptor
4.Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Fonction: UV filter
Found in: Face cream, sunscreen, foundation, lip products, aftershave, perfumes, nail polish, shampoo
Risks: Endocrine disruptor
5.Octocrylene
Fonction: UV filter
Found in: Face cream with SPF, sunscreens, foundations,
Risks: Endocrine disruptor. When degrading over time, octocrylene creates benzophenone, a toxic component for human health according to a study from the Chemical Research in Toxicology.
6.Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, or Cyclomethicone
Fonction: Emollients (make the skin softer)
Found in: Body & face lotions and moisturizers, sunscreens, foundations, spray deodorant
Risks: Endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicity
7.Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT)
Fonction: Preservatives
Found in: Body & face lotions and moisturizers, baby wipes, kids makeup, shampoo
Risks: Allergen, called “Allergen of the Year” by the American Contact Dermatitis Society
3 Certifications & Labels to Help You Pick Non-toxic Lipsticks & Lip Glosses
To know more about all the clean beauty certifications and labels, read our article.
1. EWG – The Non-Toxic Certification
The Environmental Working Group certifies products that are non-toxic for human health and the environment.
Founded in 1993, EWG is focused on chemical safety and bans hazardous substances. The Group’s mission is to push companies to create safer and healthier products. On the EWG website, you can find many reports about substances proven to create allergies, fertility issues, and even cancers.
EWG certification means that a product went through the strictest checks for human health and was found safe to use and free from hazardous chemicals.The EWG label is an important clean beauty certification guaranteeing the safety of your makeup or skincare products.
2. Made Safe – Certified Safe for Human Health and the Environment
The Made Safe label certifies that a product is not toxic to human health or the environment.
Made Safe was created in 2014 by Nontoxic Certified, a non-profit organization.
Ingredients, manufacturing, and end-of-life disposal processes are reviewed by an independent third party. The final product should not contain any ingredients harmful to human health or the environment.
Currently, 6500 hazardous substances are banned from the Made Safe ingredient list.
The certification applies to apparel, baby and child items, bedding, cosmetics, household, intimate and personal care, and pet products. This is a very popular clean beauty certification.
3. Cosmos – Organic and Natural Cosmetics Certification
Cosmos Organic is a certification for organic and natural cosmetics products created by Ecocert.
The certification was created by Ecocert in 1991. Ecocert is an international organization specializing in the certification of sustainable practices. Today, the company is present in more than 130 countries.
The Cosmos certification guarantees
- Environmentally friendly production and processes,
- Reasonable use of natural resources,
- Absence of petrochemical ingredients,
- Recyclable packaging
The Cosmos logo certifies at least 20% of organic ingredients in the formula and 95% of the plants contained in the product to be organic. This clean beauty certification is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products
15 Non-toxic Lipsticks and Lip Balms Safe to Use in 2023
Moisture Lock Glossy Lip Balm – True Botanicals
Non-toxic product | Made Safe certified
Eco-friendly brand | FSC certified, EWG certified, ethical business practice, cruelty-free Leaping Bunny and PETA certified, GMO-free
Price | $24
Review | “Beautiful Hydration! This lip balm is wonderful! It has great color and you just need a small dab for hydrated moisturized lips that are not gunky or gummy! Love it!” Heather Z
Anti-aging glossy lip treatment that moisturizes lips with butters and anti-aging oils, while also providing a sensual and glossy finish. The product contains two molecules of hyaluronic acid for youthful-looking lips and has a scent of a blooming rose garden and warm vanilla.
Lip Crayon Demi Matte – Honest Beauty
Non-toxic product EWG certified, dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic
Eco-friendly brand | Cruelty-free Peta certified, sustainable packaging
Price | $12.99
Review | “I love everything about this lip crayon. It was so creamy but stayed in place, and the color is just gorgeous! It was so moisturizing to the lip I thought it was chapstick but it didn’t dry out my lips. Seriously can’t find anything bad to say about it, even the package is beautiful, it’s simple but easy to use and portable. I definitely recommend to everyone it’s amazing.” Chunis
High-impact lip crayon with a velvet-matte finish that glides on smoothly and locks in moisture. The formula is made with jojoba seed oil, murumuru and shea butters, and is EWG certified, dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free.
Fruit Pigmented Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick – 100% pure
Non-toxic product | Natural ingredients, free from toxic ingredients
Eco-friendly brand | Vegan & cruelty-free, made in the USA.
Price | $28
Review | “Great colour. Perfect for the everyday look. Stays on a long time and makes the lips feel like they had a bit of lip balm on, instead of getting all dry like with some other lipstick I had.” Iris
Cocoa butter matte lipstick that provides long-lasting color while keeping lips moisturized all day long. The vegan and cruelty-free formula contains chocolate and antioxidant-rich fruit pigments like cherry, blueberry, and peach. The lipstick is made with a nourishing blend of cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E, which help moisturize and protect delicate lips from dryness.
Strawberry Vegan Multi-Use Balmie – Axiology
Non-toxic product | made from 9 natural ingredients, free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and nanoparticles
Eco-friendly brand | Vegan, cruelty-free, zero waste, plastic-free & recyclable packaging, made in Oregon USA, gives back to animal welfare organizations
Price | $15
Review | “I’ve tried it on my eyes, cheeks and lips and I love all the options. I definitely will buy more products in the future. Feels great to have a company align with my values. Keep up the good work Axiology. I hope you will develop more products in the future.” Anonymous
The Lip-to-Lid Balmies are multi-use crayons that can be used for eyes, lips, and cheeks. They are made with only 9 natural ingredients and packed with oils, butters, and antioxidants such as hemp and plum oil to nourish and hydrate the skin. The product is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and palm oil-free, making it an eco-friendly option. Additionally, the Lip-to-Lid Balmies are plastic-free, which adds to their sustainability.
Nudist Multi-Use Cream Stick – W3ll people
Non-toxic product | EWG certified, dermatologist-developed
Eco-friendly brand | Vegan, Cruelty Free PETA and Leaping Bunny certified, Fair Trade certified factories, FSC-Certified paper packaging.
Price | $22
Review | “I was really skeptical about this product as I have combo/oily skin and this was my first product like this. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I purchased the Rose tint and it looks and blends well on my face.” MDG
Versatile cream blush stick that adds a pop of color to cheeks and lips while also hydrating the skin with organic ingredients. The creamy and hydrating formula is easy to blend and provides a natural flush of color. The product is enriched with plant-based ingredients such as Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Green Tea, which nourish the skin while leaving it with a healthy, glowing finish. This multi-use makeup stick is a great addition to any makeup routine
Lipstick Thoughtful – Kjaer Weis
Non-toxic product | Certified organic and natural ingredients, free from hazardous chemicals
Eco-friendly brand | Refillable, recyclable and recycled packaging
Price | $30
Review | “It gives me a natural shade on my lips that works perfectly for working days and with Smokey eyes. I find the texture soft and moisturizing. Very easy to apply.” Silvia
Nude, Naturally is a collection of 8 Certified Organic nude lipsticks inspired by nature and designed to match different undertones. The shades are inspired by flower petals and the formula is creamy, ultra-nourishing, and provides a soft satin finish. The lipstick contains sustainably sourced Shea Butter and Beeswax, as well as nourishing oils like biodynamically-grown Dioscorea Batatas, organic Shea Butter, and virgin cold-pressed Sunflower, Rose Hip, and Olive oils. The lipstick comes in a sleek, refillable metal bullet.
Classic Liplux Organic Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30 – Coola
Non-toxic product | Certified organic and natural ingredients, free from hazardous chemicals
Eco-friendly brand | Cruelty-free, sustainably sourced ingredients, plastic-free tubes, recyclable and eco-friendly packaging
Price | $12
Review | “I love this lip balm! I live in a very dry climate, and Classic Liplux keeps my lips moisturized and smooth.” Patricia
This is an organic lip balm that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and hydrates and smooths dry, chapped lips. The formula is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, including organic Cupuaçu Butter and Raspberry and Jojoba Seed Oils, which nourish and condition the lips. The balm is water-resistant and leaves the lips soft and moisturized.
Wet Lip Oil Gloss – Kosas
Non-toxic product | Clean formulation – free from hazardous chemicals
Eco-friendly brand | Vegan, cruelty free Leaping Bunny Certified, recyclable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients
Price | $28
Review | “I loved this gloss. It really did smooth my lips! The application goes on super smooth isn’t super sticky DOES feel a more like an oil which is what it states. The color and hydration lasts a few hours longer than most glosses the color lasts and doesn’t feel all weird or goopy in my mouth or throat. It didn’t clump and the color was opaque and even!” Cejalanecia
This is a lip treatment and gloss that contains hydrating active ingredients to visibly plump and protect the lips while providing a slick of color. The formula is comfortable, never drying, and tingle-free
Lip Gloss – Minori
Non-toxic product | Natural ingredients free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance and talc. Gluten-free, alcohol-free, and nanoparticle-free
Eco-friendly brand | Cruelty-free Leaping Bunny certified, plastic negative
Price | $22
Review | “I have this in the shade Cozy and I really love it!! It’s seriously the perfect lipgloss because it doesn’t feel too sticky. It’s great as an everyday lip product!” Kristina
This is a sheer, buttery smooth glossy lip tint that complements the natural lip color and provides an effortless, everyday makeup look. The formula is moisturizing, never sticky, and feels weightless on the lips
The iconic Nude Claire Rose – La Bouche Rouge
Non-toxic product | Free from petrochemical derivatives and silicones
Eco-friendly brand | Handmade, free from microplastic, refillable case
Price | $85
Review | “Gorgeous color ! I absolutely love thr formula and the feel of this lipstick. I have tried so many brands and this one is my favorite. I have various colors. It’s hydrating for the lips, and beautiful color payoff!” Egle
Skincare-infused balm that combines performance and sustainability. It features Saint Suliac seaweed, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, as well as jojoba oil, squalane, and shea butter. The formula enhances natural pigments to provide full-impact color and nourishes skin for a comfortable finish. The product comes in a microplastic-free refillable leather case.
Hazelnut Tinted Lip Balm – Hurraw
Non-toxic product | Organic and natural ingredients, Ecocert COSMOS Certified
Eco-friendly brand | Made with organic, vegan, & raw ingredients
Price | $5
Review | “The color is the most subtle tinted lipbalm color I have. I like that it’s transparent, at the same time it could be just a tad bit more pigmentend. It smells sweet, like hazelnut chocolate paste or something, but not too strong, you only smell it up close, not when it’s on your lips. It’s shiny, like all Hurraw balms.”
The balm is made with nutritious, fresh-pressed oil from California groves which is a core ingredient in Hurraw!’s smooth and creamy balms. The lip balms are made with organic ingredients and are raw, vegan, and gluten-free, making them a healthy and ethical choice.
Lip Balm – Attitude
Non-toxic product | EWG certified
Eco-friendly brand | Plastic-free, vegan & cruelty-free formula, eco-refills, refillable and recyclable bottles, biodegradable FSC certified cardboard
Price | $4.95
Review | “I absolutely love this lip balm. My lips have never been softer. I love that it’s plastic free. I would suggest keeping the balm raised and not rubbing the cardboard because it does wear it down. But this is fantastic.” Kendra
Solid lip balm enriched with olive oil and a unique blend of coconut, shea, and castor oils. The balm soothes dry lips and leaves them feeling refreshed, thanks to the nourishing properties of olive oil. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to lip balms that come in plastic tubes. The product comes in innovative plastic-free packaging made from FSC-certified and recyclable cardboard.
Natural Skin Care Lip Balm – Lowen
Non-toxic product | EWG certified
Eco-friendly brand | Natural and organic ingredients, cruelty-free, ingredient locally sourced,
Price | $6
Review | “I received this lip balm as a gift and love it. It goes smooth on the lips and it is not too oily like other balms. I’ve been wearing it everyday and my lips feel amazing. Thank you for such a great product!” Janeth
Unflavored lip balm made with Highwood Crossing’s Certified Organic Cold Pressed, Non-GMO Canola Oil. The balm has a subtle scent, reminiscent of straw, and is named “Hayseed” to acknowledge and pay homage to the prairie flat-landers, also known as hayseeds.
Barely There Tinted Lip Balm – Bath and Body
Non-toxic product | EWG certified
Eco-friendly brand | Made with natural and organic oils, recyclable packaging, ingredients locally sourced
Price | $7
Review | “I love the rich moisturizing peppermint lip balm. It’s so refreshing and softening.” Katherine
The balm glides smoothly without the waxy feeling that many synthetic balms have, and is made with natural and organic oils. The formula is infused with beeswax, which conditions the lips, softens and nourishes parched lips. The product is free from parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum, and is scented with organic essential oils of either sweet orange or peppermint.
Organic Unscented Nourishing Lip Balm – Makes 3 Organics
Non-toxic product | EWG certified
Eco-friendly brand | USDA certified organic ingredients, cruelty free, recyclable packaging
Price | $8.99 (2 packs)
Review | “This is a great lip balm , It goes on smooth and feels good on the lips its not too watery like some balms. . I love that it is organic. I will buy this again. Thank you” Tina
Flavorless lip balm that soothes the lips without any added flavor. The balm contains a blend of organic plant oils that provide intense and superior hydration, resulting in maximum softness. The product is an alternative to chemical and synthetic flavored lip balms, and it contains organic coconut oil and organic shea butter, which soothe, protect, and moisturize the lips. The lip balm does not contain any fragrance, parabens, phthalates, PFAS chemicals, or other harmful substances.
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