Top reasons to start looking deeper into what your makeup is made from

Makeup is a big part of many people’s lives, as it contributes to wellbeing and self-confidence. In fact, studies show that 41% of Americans between the ages of 30 and 59 wear makeup on a daily basis, while only 11% wear no makeup at all. Similar results can be found in other developed countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. However, more and more people are worried that the ingredients in makeup are damaging to the human body, animals, and the planet as a whole. So, continue reading to discover the top reasons why you should consider looking more deeply into what your makeup is made from when making your next beauty purchase.

1. Environment

Before you purchase that absolutely must-have new eyeshadow palette from the latest YouTube beauty guru, ask yourself whether you really need it. Buying excessive amounts of makeup creates lots of environmental problems, since you will often end up having to throw it away when it expires even though there is still product left. Cosmetics contain preservatives to help prolong the life of your lipsticks and foundation – but unfortunately, they cannot be preserved indefinitely!

2. The ocean

Microbeads are a frequent ingredient in cleansers, cosmetics and skincare. They are small plastic beads which damage marine life (and humans who are further up the food chain) as they can absorb toxins. Although many governments around the world have banned this ingredient, there are still many countries which continue to allow this to be sold. So, do your research before purchasing makeup and if this harmful ingredient is there – choose something else!

3. Animals

Unfortunately, many companies still test their skincare and cosmetics on animals. Groupon report that 10 million animals in Australia alone are used to test makeup products every year. You can avoid this cruel practice by looking at the packaging of products, to see if it has cruelty-free status. More and more people are choosing cruelty-free products which will hopefully encourage companies to stop doing it altogether.

If you are a vegan, then you will also want to read ingredients lists very carefully, as many items of makeup contain animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, squalene, cholesterol etc. Some of these ingredients can be synthetic or animal-derived, so it may be necessary to contact the company to find out which source was used.

4. Acne

If you suffer from acne, then wearing makeup can be helpful for your overall confidence. But did you know that some ingredients in your makeup could actually be worsening your acne? For instance, while algae extract might sound like a healthy and maybe even soothing makeup ingredient, it has been shown to clog pores (it scores a number 5 on the comedogenic scale) which leads to further breakouts. Do your research and don’t be persuaded to buy something just because a celebrity endorses it. Make sure it is right for your skin type.

5. Sensitivity & allergens

Fragrances are the number one skin sensitiser present in cosmetics. Fragrance (whether artificial or natural) can be very problematic for sensitive skin, but it can also cause a whole host of problems for oily or dry skin. Fragrances contain allergens, which can lead to contact dermatitis, cosmetic-induced acne or (in severe cases) a full-on allergic reaction. So, it is always best to check the back of the packet to see if there are any allergens or sensitivity-inducing ingredients. If in doubt, leave it out!