The Best Clean Makeup for Adults & Kids: What to Look For + My Favorite Swaps

Most makeup on the shelves is made with ingredients I personally prefer to avoid. 😳 And when it comes to makeup for our kids, I want to be just as mindful about what we're bringing into our homes.

From foundation and primer to mascara, lipstick, and those fun little makeup kits our kids love, there are so many products to choose from. The good news? You don't have to sacrifice beautiful colors, performance, or fun to find options that better align with your ingredient preferences.

I've rounded up some of my favorite makeup swaps for adults and kids to help you figure out where to start!

Ingredients I Look Out for in Makeup

When I'm shopping for makeup, I like to look beyond the packaging and pay attention to the ingredient list. Here are a few ingredients and categories I keep in mind.

Talc: Talc can be contaminated with asbestos if it isn't properly sourced and tested. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, so I prefer products from brands that are transparent about their ingredients and testing practices.

Parabens: These preservatives can interact with estrogen-related pathways. Research is ongoing into how different exposures affect human health, so I prefer to look for products that align with my personal ingredient preferences.

Fragrance: The word “fragrance” or “parfum” can represent a mixture of ingredients that aren't individually listed on the label. I prefer brands that are transparent about what goes into their formulas.

PEGs and siloxanes: These are broad ingredient categories used for different purposes in cosmetics. Their safety depends on the specific ingredient and formulation, so I like to check the actual ingredient list instead of treating every ingredient in these categories as the same.

Heavy metals: Trace amounts of metals can sometimes be present as contaminants in cosmetics, including certain color products. Lead is a particular concern because there is no known safe level of lead exposure for children. I prefer brands that take ingredient quality and contaminant testing seriously.

Remember, an ingredient's presence doesn't automatically mean a product is dangerous. Formulation, concentration, contamination, and exposure all matter. My goal is to be more intentional about what I use and what I buy for my family.

My Favorite Adult Makeup Swaps

You can absolutely find makeup that looks beautiful while fitting your personal ingredient preferences. These are the brands featured in my makeup swaps guide.

Foundation, Primer & Complexion Products

INIKA Organic
A makeup option to explore if you're looking for complexion products from a brand focused on organic and naturally derived ingredients.

Araza
A complexion option to check out if you're looking for a different approach to your everyday makeup routine. 

PiperBlue
A brand to explore for illuminating makeup products.

RMS Beauty
Known for complexion and color products designed to create a natural-looking finish.

100% Pure
An option to explore for complexion products, including primer.

ILIA
A popular makeup brand with complexion products worth comparing when you're looking for your next foundation. I recommend reviewing the ingredients of individual products rather than assuming every product from a brand meets the same standards.

Mascara, Brow Products & Lash Care

Twenty/Twenty Beauty
A brand to explore for eye-area products.

Plume
An option to check out for brow and lash products.

Kosas
A makeup brand with products across several categories. I recommend checking the individual formula and ingredient list before purchasing.

Lip Products & Color

Addition
An option to explore for lip and color products.

When shopping for lip products, I pay particular attention to ingredient transparency and quality testing because products applied to the lips can be unintentionally ingested.

My Favorite Kids' Makeup Swaps

Kids love copying what they see us doing, and makeup can be a fun way for them to play, experiment with colors, and express themselves.

When shopping for kids' makeup, I look for age-appropriate products, clear ingredient information, and brands that are transparent about what they're using. Keep in mind that even products marketed as natural or non-toxic can cause irritation or allergic reactions, so supervision and checking the label still matter.

Here are the brands featured in my kids' makeup guide.

Oh Flossy
Fun makeup sets designed with little ones in mind.

Klee
Colorful makeup kits for kids who love experimenting with different looks.

No Nasties
A kids' makeup option to explore.

Natural Play Makeup Company
A brand offering children's play makeup kits.

Jovy
A colorful option for kids' makeup.

True Bloom Kids
An option to explore for kids' makeup and beauty products.

Prim and Pure
A brand to check out for playful makeup options for kids.

MG Naturals
Another option to explore when shopping for kids' makeup.

A Note About Kids' Makeup

Just because a product is marketed toward children doesn't mean you can skip reading the label. Kids can have sensitive skin, and ingredients that work well for one child may irritate another.

I recommend supervising younger children, keeping products away from the eyes and mouth, avoiding sharing makeup, and discontinuing use if irritation develops. Makeup should also be removed according to the product instructions rather than left on overnight.

And remember, these products are for play and personal expression, not something kids need to use every day.

How I Approach Switching to Cleaner Makeup

You don't need to throw out every product you own and replace it all overnight.

Start with the products you use most often. Look at the ingredients, research the brands, and decide which swaps make the most sense for your family.

A few things I like to keep in mind:

• Read the full ingredient list. Don't rely on front-label claims like “natural,” “clean,” or “non-toxic” alone.
• Look for transparency. I appreciate brands that explain their ingredient choices and quality-testing practices.
• Check individual products. A brand can have formulas that differ significantly from one product to another.
• Consider how you'll use it. Products used around the eyes and lips deserve particular attention.
• Make changes gradually. You can replace products as you run out instead of buying everything at once.

Clean makeup doesn't have to be boring. There are beautiful options out there, and finding products you feel good about using can be a simple way to be more intentional about your routine.

Shop My Makeup Favorites

Want to see the products and brands in one place?

Explore my adult and kids' makeup swaps guide to compare options and find your favorites.

SHOP MY ADULT + KIDS' MAKEUP SWAPS

 

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Ingredient preferences are personal, and the safety of a cosmetic product depends on its specific formulation, concentration, quality, and intended use. Always review product labels and follow age recommendations and directions.