Hi, I’m Annie Gabillet. Welcome to my Safe Makeup Project. As a longtime lifestyle editor for POPSUGAR, I recommended products to millions of women and followed the trends. There’s no denying it: “organic” and “natural” makeup is on the rise.
But based on my research and conversations with experts, I’ve concluded that consumers must look beyond the latest beauty buzzword.
My quest to clean up my cosmetics started two years ago and kicked into high gear when I became pregnant in February 2017. I called it my “Safe Makeup Project.” Over the years, I’ve discovered makeup and skincare products that are safe, effective, and fun. But the project continues — and as a beauty lover, I’m always on the hunt for new products that will make me feel beautiful and healthy.
Ready to start your safe makeup education? Read these 10 facts that will encourage you to become an informed shopper and choose safe makeup.
10 Reasons to Choose Safe Makeup
- The federal law governing cosmetics has not been significantly updated since 1938.
- The FDA does not have the legal authority to approve cosmetics before they go on the market.
- Terms like eco, natural, and nontoxic have no legal or regulatory meaning when it comes to cosmetics.
- Because the industry is unregulated, it’s hard to know what ingredients are harmless and which ones could be connected to health issues like cancer, allergies, or reproductive problems.
- Hormone disrupting chemicals — like phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) — are found in some personal care product. Studies suggest they make cause cancer, infertility, and developmental harm in children.
- The chemicals in our personal care products get into our bodies and can potentially disrupt normal hormone functions.
- The risks are greater during times of development. Children, teenagers, and pregnant women should use extra care.
- A study from UC Berkeley found that when teenage girls chose products with fewer ingredients and no potentially toxic chemicals, levels of those chemicals in their bodies went down after three days. The evidence suggests you can swap out your products for safer ones and see a relatively quick reversal in potentially dangerous chemical levels.
- By simply researching the ingredients in your personal care products, you can choose products with fewer health risks.
- You don’t have to sacrifice quality. Many safe makeup brands are innovative, luxe, and simply do the trick, without the risk.
Contact [email protected] with any inquiries or comments!
I bought a mascara from Amazon called VBRV, which got high ratings and just noticed it was made in China. I need to know if this is safe or should I return it? Its 4D fiber lash mascara.
I’m not totally familiar with that mascara. In general, when I buy from Amazon I try to purchase from the brand itself. And I always look up the product first on EWG. Btw, this is my current favorite mascara:
Lily Lolo Mascara
https://shrsl.com/25dmw
Your site is absolutely brilliant!
I’m new to clean Beauty and find your insight and recommendations very helpful.
My “aha” moment came 2 weeks ago when I learned that by using 12 beauty products a day I was exposing myself to over 300 chemicals EVERY DAY!
Thank you!! If you ever have a specific question you can email me: [email protected]
Hi Annie,
I can’t thank you enough for all the research and commitment you’ve dedicated yourself to finding the best possible ingredients in products for a safer and healthier environment. I love and have sent your list of 10 to my best friends and relatives. I myself started looking into healthy alternatives to health and beauty products decades ago. Unfortunately and quite often healthy conscious small companies are bought out by larger companies and what happens is the larger companies will start using inferior products to keep the cost down. Thanks again for you endless effort. Keep up the good work. Respectfully, Robin
Hi Robin,
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing with your friends! I’m so happy you found my site and are enjoying the content. Congrats on having a longtime commitment to healthier beauty products. I know it’s not always easy.
All the best,
Annie
Hi Safe Makeup Project Team,
I’m writing you to see if you are still actively updating the cosmetic safety resources you have listed at: https://safemakeupproject.com/natural-makeup/makeup-brands-to-avoid-during-pregnancy/
My name is Nichole Harris and I work in the public outreach department of The Mesothelioma Center, an advocacy group that provides extensive information on asbestos and the diseases it causes such as asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer.
We recently created a guide on asbestos use in makeup and were wondering if you’d be interested in including it as a resource to help consumers understand why it’s important to look for daily cosmetics that are asbestos-free.
https://www.asbestos.com/products/makeup/
Please take a look at it and let me know what you think!
Best Regards,
Nichole Harris
Public Outreach Coordinator
The Mesothelioma Center