Skin Friendly Makeup
I think we have all experienced the internal battle of wanting to treat our skin perfectly, but still wanting to experiment with makeup. I recall growing up, it felt like there was a 50% chance you would end up with a breakout every time you wore foundation. Fortunately, those days are over! Thanks to advancements in cosmetic science and a deeper understanding of skin health, the beauty industry is responding to a growing demand for makeup that not only looks good but is actually good for your skin. In this blog, I am going to give you some tips on what to look for (as far as ingredients in makeup), and some of the skin friendly makeup I ADORE!
But first, a note on comedogenicity. You’ll notice I never refer to a product as “non-comedogenic”. That’s because comedogenicity is incredibly nuanced. Ingredients that may clog the pores for some may be completely fine for others and vice versa. An ingredient high up on a “comedogenicity scale” may not be comedogenic in the final formulation and vice versa. For this reason the ONLY way to know for sure if a product will break you out, is to try it.
Before we start with what our skin loves, I do want to give a little debrief on what (and why) we want to avoid certain makeup products (for the sake of our skin):
What Can Make Certain Makeup Products Harmful To Our Skin:
As you’d probably imagine, the potential harm caused by makeup products is influenced by their ingredients and how they interact with individual skin types. Certain formulations contain occlusive or irritating substances that might trigger skin issues such as acne or dermatitis (especially in those of you with acne prone or sensitive skin).
Ok this might be a tad controversial, but I do think it’s worth being said, marketing labels like "clean" and "natural" are commonly used but are not regulated by the U.S. FDA. I want to emphasize that these terms do not automatically ensure that a product is safer or healthier for the skin. My point with saying this, is make sure you are checking your ingredients, not just falling for a marketing tactic. I want to keep this blog focused on the makeup products I actually love for skin, but if you are a little more curious on the ingredients to avoid (and which ones are actually ok), make sure to listen to my podcast episode with cosmetic chemist, Jane Tsui!
Skin Friendly Ingredients In Makeup
Now let’s get to the fun part, what are the ingredients we can look for in makeup that are skin friendly! Here are some of the key ingredients I look for & love:
Hyaluronic Acid: I am sure most of you have heard of this one, but HA is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture. It helps to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamins C & E: Two of my favorites! These antioxidants protect the skin from environmental damage by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin C also brightens the skin and helps reduce dark spots, while Vitamin E soothes and nourishes the skin barrier.
Niacinamide: You might have already seen my niacinamide blog, so I won’t get into too much detail, but as a quick debrief, niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that helps to reduce redness, minimize the appearance of pores, and strengthen the skin barrier. Just be sure to check your other products as it tends to be in everything and can be irritating when overused.
Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are types of sunscreens, but, more specifically, known as mineral (or physical) sunscreens. I really want to take a moment on this topic, because I want to emphasize that just having SPF in your makeup is not enough. Please make sure you are applying an adequate amount of sunscreen before you apply your makeup! With that, if I can get added protection with makeup containing SPF, you can bet I am all for it! TBH this might be my favorite pair to find in skincare for the protective qualities!
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is known for its soothing properties. Especially if you have sensitive skin, it can help to calm irritation and hydrate the skin.
Peptides: These amino acid chains help to stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity. Not all are created equal though, so it’s best to look for reputable brands here.
Oatmeal: Similar to aloe vera, oatmeal has natural soothing properties that make it excellent for reducing irritation and calming redness.
My Must-Have Skin Friendly Makeup
Alright, we have covered why skin-friendly makeup is important and the ingredients to look out for. Now it’s time to actually go over the makeup products I adore (and constantly repurchase).
Kosas’ BB Gel Cream: If you have seen one of my recent reels, you probably saw this one coming. I am absolutely obsessed with Kosas’ BB Gel Cream. Not only is the coverage STUNNING, but it’s also so beneficial for the skin. It contains zinc and copper peptides, so it has the ant-aging benefit, but it’s also super soothing for the skin with ingredients like squalane. TBH this product looks so stunning on the skin, I will often wear it on its own.
Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer: Literally the dreamiest, creamiest concealer. It blends so easily and has such a nice finish (aka no flakiness). It’s jam packed with super hydrating ingredients like HA and centella asiatica. As you’d imagine, a super hydrating concealer is going to leave you with the dewy glow you’re craving.
Ciele blush & PROTECT SPF 50+ liquid blush: For starters, this might be one of my favorite beauty brand launches from the last couple of years. The founder or Ciele, Nikki DeRoest, was on one of my recent podcast episodes and she’s INCREDIBLE! The entire ethos behind her brand is a makeup brand that’s safe for acne-prone skin. This blush from her collection has SPF in it (which is honestly perfect since I am prone to melasma on my cheeks, so I love the added protection). It also has Allantoin and Bisabolol to soothe the skin, help our skin cell's fight free radicals and calm redness.
I have a couple other favorite makeup products that I absolutely love for my skin! To access my full free guide, place your name and email here!
**Disclaimer: This post does not constitute medical advice. Please speak to your Dermatology provider before adding any at home procedures or products into your routine!
***This post contains affiliate links.
xx Amy
