The Best Chemical Free Makeup Brands in 2020

5 Mar 2020

I started working with Adore Beauty in the warehouse just over 2 years ago. I am now part of the marketing team here at Adore HQ. I usually spend my time trying to keep my house plants alive, taking walks along Merri creek and showering the cat with obsessive affection. The most important skincare tip I've learnt here is to wear SPF every day - If only I could tell that to my younger self!

There’s something about 2020 that’s making everyone crave a much more natural approach. It might be climate change, or it might just be that we’re finally considering the real wellness of our mind, body, and soul! Whatever it is, it's a trend that’s about to take over your makeup bag too.

Chemical free makeup brands are fast growing in popularity thanks to their non-toxic ingredients. Toxic free makeup brands offer products that won’t irritate your skin (unless you have a specific allergy) and can be used guilt-free. Of course, not all chemicals are bad for us. They often work perfectly within your beauty products and help you achieve many an Instagram-worthy pic. Chemical free makeup brands are worth looking into though.

We’ve worked out what natural chemical free makeup makeup brands will work on your skin best, so you don’t have to!

What is the Best Chemical Free Makeup?

When it comes to choosing chemical free makeup cosmetics, there really is an abundance on offer. Unlike when they first came out, makeup without harmful ingredients are now very pigmented and long-lasting. They measure up against their more synthetic counterparts and are often easy to apply. If you've never tried any chemical free makeup cosmetics, with so many available, now could be a good time to start.

It’s worth remembering that just because an ingredient is natural and organic, it doesn’t instantly make it better for you. As the saying goes, snake venom is natural! You never know how your body is going to react to any ingredient, natural or not, so it’s always worth doing a quick skin test before you heavily apply.

What is Chemical Free Makeup?

The best organic chemical free makeup is based on plant extracts, botanicals, or oils—ingredients found in nature. It’s always worth checking the ingredients list on your favourite makeup products to see if they pass the totally clean beauty makeup test. And remember that everything you see in the world is a chemical of sorts. From what grows in your garden to the water you drink, there are good, complex chemicals everywhere!

Why Should I be Using Chemical Free Makeup?

The best chemical free makeup brands usually contain a minimal amount of synthetic or altered substances. They might contain artificial colourants or fragrances, which could (if you’re unlucky) irritate the skin.

While synthetics aren’t always bad for your skin, it’s nice to try something a little more natural every now and then! It’s a choice that’s totally up to you. All natural chemical free makeup could up your look and actually give you more options. The best non toxic cosmetics are usually safe to use on sensitive skin and eco-friendly. Chemical free makeup products also tend to feature more skin-loving natural ingredients too.

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What Brands do We Stock at Adore Beauty that are Chemical Free?

If you want to get your Gwyneth on and pick up a few clean beauty products, we’ve got plenty of the top chemical free makeup brands for you to choose from:

If you’re looking for a more natural option and makeup without chemicals for each step in your makeup routine, don’t worry! We’ve got some green makeup brands you’ll love ...

Primer: For the Perfect Canvas

Inika Pure Primer blurs imperfections and improves the staying power of your makeup, thanks to the nutrient-rich formula. Hyaluronic Acid helps the skin retain its moisture, while Apricot Kernel Oil helps tone and firm the skin. Jojoba Oil naturally helps reduce sebum levels. To use, simply apply a pump of the primer to the face and neck before you apply the best toxin free makeup.

- Inika Pure Primer $65.00

Kick-start your morning makeup regime with a primer that preps the skin without doing any damage. Inika Pure Primer isn’t tested on animals, but it is vegan, halal, and totally recyclable. Plus, it’ll prime your skin! Made in Australia and artificial fragrance-free, this affordable chemical free makeup creates a smooth, long-lasting canvas for your makeup. It’s very hydrating on the skin and is clean, affordable makeup.

Mineral Powder: For the Perfect Semi-Matte Finish

Delivering a weightless feel, the Jane Iredale PurePressed Pressed Minerals Refill features micronised minerals and can even be used to camouflage redness after surgery. With a sheer finish, this powder offers a clean beauty makeup option that’s gentle and hygienic. It’ll stay put when you wear it in water for up to 40 minutes. Simply use a brush or a sponge to press the product over the skin. Is it the best organic mineral powder? Try it and decide for yourself!

- Jane Iredale PurePressed Pressed Minerals Refill

This refill is made to perfectly fit the Jane Iredale Refillable Compact. Complete with an SPF of 15, this mineral powder is a chemical free face powder that your skin will love. Cruelty-free, sulphate-free, and vegan, the thoughtful, semi-matte formula is perfect for sensitive skin.

Foundation: For a Flawless and Radiant Complexion

With a no-makeup feel, Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Minerals SPF 20 blurs the skin and covers any redness. If you prefer a liquid foundation, Inika Certified Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation takes a great, natural approach that blurs the line between foundation and moisturiser.

This formula is great for sensitive skin and offers a luminous, natural complexion. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use, Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Minerals SPF20 is among the best makeup without toxins and one of a few safe makeup brands.

Australian-made, Inika Certified Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation has a cruelty-free formula and is a great option among chemical free makeup cosmetics. Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Kakadu Plum Extract, and Avocado Oil all work together to reduce breakouts, soften and plump dehydrated skin, and heal inflammation.

Concealer: Neutralise and Conceal Imperfections

This creamy duo concealer really works hard to get your skin exactly where you want it. Feature 2 colour-correcting shades, Youngblood Ultimate Concealer Corrector neutralises skin and conceals imperfections. It’ll help hide unwanted capillaries, blemishes, and even bruises. (Why is it we’re always finding bruises on our legs?!)

- Youngblood Ultimate Concealer Corrector 2.8g $59.95 $49.45

A winner among the best no chemical makeup, Youngblood Ultimate Concealer Corrector contains botanical extracts and won't settle into annoying fine lines. The yellow shade will neutralise purple tones (under the eyes maybe), and the peach will keep blue tones at bay. Blend into the skin and follow up with the rest of your best no chemical makeup.

Blush: Add a Flush of Colour and Accentuate Cheekbones

Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Blush is a sheer, natural blush and formulated with skin-pampering ingredients. Mirenesse Marble Mineral Blush + Highlighter is a baked marble blush that looks so good, you might not want to touch it! A M.U.A. favourite, the BITE Beauty Multistick applies like a powder but lasts like a cream.

Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Blush comes in a range of beautiful colours to pep up your makeup look. This blush offers a refreshing wash of colour and a natural look. Antioxidants and minerals treat the skin, while the silky formula won’t clog the pores. Apply to the apples of your cheeks for a rosy finish.

With a hint of highlighter, Mirenesse Marble Mineral Blush + Highlighter lights up the face with natural glow. It’s on many a chemical free makeup list. Made with skincare in mind, the blush has no sulphates, parabens, alcohol, petrolatum, fragrance, or oil. Apply over the face with a medium-to-large powder brush.

With 35% powder in each bullet, the BITE Beauty Multistick is formulated for those who love a weightless, high-performing finish. And it’s not just for the cheeks! Dab onto the eyes and lips too for a fierce flush of colour. Squalane helps normal-to-dry skin stay hydrated. Depending on where you’re wearing it, apply the colour with your favourite brush. It’s multitasking, clean affordable makeup.

Meet The Multistick: Soft-focus colour for eyes, lips, and cheeks | BITE BEAUTY

Bronzer: For a Healthy, Sun-Kissed Glow

Naturally baked on a terracotta tile in Tuscany, Inika Baked Mineral Bronzer delivers a healthy, sun-kissed glow that’s sure to attract compliments. Combining high colour payoff with a lightweight texture, this award-winning formula is vegan, cruelty-free, certified organic and artificial fragrance-free. Perfect for sensitive skin, it’ll give your skin a glow without any glitter.

- Inika Baked Mineral Bronzer

Inika Baked Mineral Bronzer features Magnolia Bark Extract to help with inflammation and Squalane to improve the appearance of acne scars. Lauroyl Lysine helps keep the powder smooth and silky, while Sugar Cane Extract helps sweep away any impurities. Apply with a big brush where you want to glow.

Hightlighter: For a Subtle Luminous Finish

With a light, luminous finish, Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator gives skin a subtle glow. Made without sulphates, the blendable formula works perfectly under foundation. This highlighter is kind to skin and keeps it nourished and hydrated with a blend of natural ingredients.

- Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator $22.95

The Jojoba Oil and Oat Extract in Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator help keep the skin glowing. Apply in the morning for a subtle, healthy-looking glow all day long. This Australia made formula is one of a few great chemical free makeup products.

Mascara: For Lusciously Long Lashes

If you want lovely, long lashes (who doesn’t?), you should check out Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara. Without irritating the eyes, this mascara curls, volumises, lengthens, and adds a deep colour. This natural product features botanical ingredients that’ve been used since ancient Egyptian times.

- Eye Of Horus Goddess Mascara

A makeup artist favourite, Eye Of Horus Goddess Mascara strengthens and conditions eyelashes with every wear. Moringa Oil helps fight free radical damage and has soothing, caring properties. Beeswax prevents the mascara from smudging and breaking down in the heat. Rice Bran keeps the lashes soft. If you’re a contact-lens wearer, this mascara could be a great option for you.

This mascara is so popular with our customers that our beauty editor, Joanna even wrote an article about! have a read here → The Reviews Made Me Buy This Mascara

Lipstick: Nourish, Soften + a Little Pop of Colour

Eye of Horus Goddess Lipstick is a great long-lasting lipstick that won’t budge—even if you’re doing all the kissing! Mirenesse Lip Sex Plump & Fill Tint is a multitasking lip balm that moisturises, nourishes, and softens the lips. It also adds a pretty, sheer tint that you can top up throughout your day.

Eye of Horus Goddess Lipstick contains natural, nourishing ingredients to keep the lips hydrated with a pigmented, creamy finish. The formulation helps the lips look plumper. And you get a smooth satin finish in an array of colours. Also, the packaging is eco-friendly and biodegradable.

Mirenesse Lip Sex Plump & Fill Tint nourishes the lips and also adds a pretty, sheer tint that you can top up throughout your day. A lipid-soluble form of Vitamin C helps promote collagen production, which helps give the lips a fuller, smoother look within 5 minutes. Mm ... pouty!

Eyeshadow: Create a Radiant Eye Look

For a warm summer look that’s sure to catch your eye, apply shades from the Eye of Horus Summer Solstice Eyeshadow Palette. This toxic free eyeshadow will help you create a radiant eye look that lasts all day and long into the night. Featuring 8 highly pigmented shades, the 100% natural eyeshadow palette is great chemical free eye makeup.

- Eye of Horus Summer Solstice Eyeshadow Palette $79.00

Finishes include satin, matte, and metallic. The Eye of Horus Summer Solstice Eyeshadow Palette is tree nut-free, talc-free, and gluten-free. Olive Leaf Extract, Moringa Oil, and Goldenseal all help protect and nourish your delicate eye area. Shades ranging from copper to cranberry in this lovely palette let you create a summer look on a grey day.

Eye Pencil: For Dramatic Eye Definition

Create a dramatic (or subtle) eye look with the deeply pigmented and smudgeproof Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil. For a look that lasts, apply the Jane Iredale Eye Pencil Crayon for a natural, pigmented finish. If you like your eyes defined, Inika Liquid Eyeliner could be just what you’re looking for.

If you want to unleash your inner Goddess with an assortment of stunning colours, the Eye Of Horus Goddess Pencil can help. With Organic Moringa Oil, this pencil has a creamy texture and won’t tug at your lash line. It’s smudgeproof, water-resistant, and contains a blend of nourishing natural ingredients.

The natural makeup formula in the Jane Iredale Eye Pencil Crayon is free of any FD&C dyes, which makes it kind to the delicate eye area. Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Mango Seed Oil, and Jojoba Seed Oil work together to create a balancing, non-drying, skin-healing effect. Gently apply the pencil to the lash line and let the colour come through!

Made with natural, vegan ingredients, the intense colour in Inika Liquid Eyeliner won’t smudge or budge. Ideal for both beginners and liquid eyeliner experts, this formula uses mineral pigments to ensure a strong colour payoff. The ergonomic applicator makes it easy to apply, and the formula doesn't contain any drying alcohol.

Brows: Volumise and Define Your Brows

Achieve buildable and authentic-looking brows with Eye of Horus Brow Fibre Extend. Mimicking hairlike strokes, the Eye of Horus Brow Define is ideal for filling in gaps or sparse areas, ensuring a natural-look everytime.

If you want to boost the look of your brows, the Eye Of Horus Brow Fibre Extend is a natural way to do it. The vegan, cruelty-free formula is made with botanicals to enhance the brows with a subtle colour. Brows will look fuller, healthier, and more defined. Apply to clean, dry brows in the morning and use short, upward strokes.

Eye Of Horus Brow Define is the ultimate brow tool. The pointed, slim tip will help fill in sparse areas, and the spoolie end allows you to brush everything through. Candelilla Wax and Coconut Wax help keep the brows in place—once the pencil is applied, it won’t smudge. Available in 3 shades to keep brows looking fresh and tidy for as long as you need them to.

How to: Create a Bronzed Summer Glow | Eye Of Horus Sacred Earth Bronzing Palette

If you’re looking to introduce a few new natural products into your beauty regime, there are plenty of options for you to get started. You can find all your new favourites in our Clean Beauty guides:

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.