Organic Makeup Brands for Sensitive Skin: A Detailed Comparison
Having sensitive skin can make finding the right makeup challenging. Many conventional makeup products contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin and cause redness, itching, and breakouts. Organic and natural makeup brands offer products made without these harsh chemicals, making them a better choice for those with sensitive skin.
In this article, we compare some of the top organic makeup brands for sensitive skin. We evaluate each brand on ingredients, price point, variety of products, and skin-friendliness.
Key Things to Look for in Organic Makeup for Sensitive Skin
When shopping for organic makeup, keep an eye out for these key things:
Natural and organic ingredients: Look for formulas made with naturally derived ingredients like minerals, plant extracts, natural oils, and waxes. Avoid makeup with synthetic chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and fragrances which can irritate sensitive skin.
Hypoallergenic: Products labeled hypoallergenic are less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation. This is ideal for sensitive skin.
Dermatologist tested: Opt for makeup that has undergone dermatological testing to ensure it is non-irritating.
Non-comedogenic: Non-comedogenic makeup won’t clog pores which can lead to breakouts. This is great for acne-prone skin.
Multipurpose products: Choose products like organic BB creams and mineral powders that work for multiple uses (foundation, concealer, sunscreen) to simplify your routine.
Sensitive skin formulas: Look for products specifically labeled “for sensitive skin” as these are formulated with extra care for reactive skin types.
Best Organic Makeup Brands for Sensitive Skin
1. Beautycounter
Price Range: $$$
Products: Skincare, makeup, hair care, bath & body, kids, sunscreen
Skin-friendliness: Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free options, products formulated without common irritants
Beautycounter offers safer skincare and cosmetics made without a list of over 1,500 harmful or questionable ingredients. Their makeup line has natural mineral pigments and organic botanical ingredients suited for sensitive and post-procedure skin. The Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser has salicylic and lactic acid to decongest pores while the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer provides light, buildable coverage with hyaluronic acid and squalane.
2. Juice Beauty
Price Range: $$
Products: Skincare, makeup, sunscreen, hair care
Skin-friendliness: Organic botanical formulas, antioxidant-rich, vegan, hypoallergenic
Juice Beauty uses organic ingredients and plant-powered formulas ideal for sensitive skin. Their makeup line features organic pigments, juices, and oils. The Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation offers medium coverage with a serum texture. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum and Blemish Clearing Serum help hydrate while calming irritation.
3. RMS Beauty
Price Range: $$$
Products: Makeup, skincare, hair care, brushes
Skin-friendliness: Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, essential oil-free
RMS Beauty has a sensitive skin makeup line free of common irritants. Their products use raw, food-grade organic ingredients. The lightweight RMS Un Cover-Up Cream Foundation moisturizes skin while evening tone with sheer to medium buildable coverage. The RMS Beauty “Un” Powder sets makeup without drying out the skin. Their Sensitive Skin Kit bundles bestsellers for sensitive complexions.
4. Kjaer Weis
Price Range:
Products: Makeup, skincare, lip balm, makeup tools
Skin-friendliness: Certified organic, metal refillable compacts, non-comedogenic
Kjaer Weis is an eco-luxury organic makeup line packaged in sleek, refillable metal compacts. Their products use organic plant extracts suited for sensitive skin. The Beautiful Soft Touch Face Brush has ultra-soft, tightly packed bristles for seamless makeup application. The Cream Blush comes in an easily blendable stick formula that hydrates skin while providing a natural flush of color.
5. W3ll People
Price Range: $$
Products: Makeup, skincare, hair care, body care
Skin-friendliness: Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, gluten-free
W3ll People uses organic and natural ingredients ideal for sensitive complexions. Their nutrient-rich makeup leaves out parabens, fragrances, and gluten. The Bio Tint Multi-use Color Stick works as a cream blush, lip tint, and bronzer. Bio Correct Multi-action Concealer camouflages under-eye circles with anti-aging actives.
6. Vapour Organic Beauty
Price Range: $$
Products: Makeup, skincare, tools
Skin-friendliness: Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, cruelty-free
Vapour Organic Beauty uses organic botanicals for a non-toxic makeup line. Products are made without gluten, parabens, and phthalates. Their lightweight Soft Focus Foundation evens and hydrates skin while letting it breathe. The multi-use Solar Translucent Bronzer bronzes and contours without shimmer or glitter.
7. 100% Pure
Price Range: $$
Products: Makeup, skincare, hair care, body care
Skin-friendliness: Hypoallergenic, gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan
100% Pure creates fruit-pigmented makeup free of artificial chemicals. Their sensitive skin formula has organic antioxidants to soothe inflammation. The Fruit Pigmented Healthy Foundation SPF 20 offers buildable medium coverage with vitamins C and E. The Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 hydrates while evening skintone.
8. Ilia
Price Range: $$
Products: Makeup, skincare, body care
Skin-friendliness: Clean formulas, organic botanical ingredients
Ilia uses bioactive organic ingredients to create makeup that nourishes the skin. Their products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and nanoparticles. The lightweight True Skin Serum Foundation has buildable sheer to medium coverage. For a dewy flush of color, try their Multi-stick cream blush and lip tint hybrid.
9. Epicuren Discovery
Price range: $$
Products: Skincare, body care
Skin-friendliness: Hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested
While not a makeup-specific brand, Epicuren Discovery has natural skincare products well-suited for sensitive complexions. Their mineral makeup line has soothing formulas free of fragrances, dyes and harsh chemicals. The Brazilian Propolis Sunscreen SPF 30 protects skin with mineral zinc oxide. Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 27 is a lightweight, tinted sunscreen that doubles as a foundation.
10. Act + Acre
Price Range: $$
Products: Haircare, skincare
Skin-friendliness: Vegan, cruelty-free, clean formulas
Act + Acre offers vegan cold-pressed hair and skincare. Their minimal ingredient products aim to heal and nourish skin. The Act + Acre Cold Processed Soap cleanses gently without stripping oils. Use the nutrient-rich Act + Acre Face + Body Oil to hydrate skin and hair.
Organic Makeup Brands for Sensitive Skin: Comparison Chart
5 Things to Avoid in Makeup with Sensitive Skin
When shopping for makeup to use on sensitive or reactive skin, steer clear of these ingredients:
Fragrance: Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, contain compounds that can trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions. Go for makeup labeled fragrance-free.
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives commonly found in makeup. Look out for methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben on the ingredients list, as these can be irritating for many.
Drying alcohols: Ingredients like ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, and SD alcohol can strip moisture from the skin and cause redness. Opt for non-drying alcohols like cetyl alcohol instead.
Essential oils: While natural, essential oils are highly concentrated and can lead to skin sensitization. Those with reactive skin should avoid them in makeup.
Chemical sunscreens: Ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone can sting and burn sensitive skin. Opt for mineral SPF formulas with zinc oxide/titanium dioxide.
Tips for Wearing Makeup with Sensitive Skin
Do a patch test before applying makeup all over your face. Dab a bit on your inner arm and wait 24-48 hours to check for any reaction.
Always remove makeup thoroughly before bedtime. Leftover traces can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover.
Avoid rubbing or tugging the skin too hard when applying makeup. Use light, tapping motions instead.
Opt for powder or mineral makeup instead of heavy, oil-based formulas that can clog pores and worsen acne.
Use non-comedogenic makeup labeled “non-acnegenic” or "won’t clog pores” so your pores don’t get blocked.
Apply fragrance-free moisturizer before makeup application. This creates a buffer against potential irritants.
Check that brushes and makeup tools are clean to prevent the transfer of bacteria onto sensitive skin.
When using a new product, apply it to one small area first to test, before applying it all over your face.
See a dermatologist if your skin reacts badly to a makeup product. They can suggest hypoallergenic alternatives suited for you.
DIY Natural Makeup for Sensitive Skin
Want to take makeup customization into your own hands? Here are some simple sensitive skin-friendly DIY makeup ideas you can whip up at home:
Soothing mineral foundation: Mix 1 tbsp zinc oxide powder with 2 tbsp aloe vera gel and 1 tsp jojoba, grapeseed, or almond oil. Adjust quantities as needed to get your shade.
Calming lip balm: Melt 1⁄2 tsp beeswax with 2 tsp coconut/almond oil. Remove from heat and stir in 3 drops of chamomile essential oil and 1 tsp honey. Pour into lip balm tubes.
Moisturizing blush: Crush 1 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers. Mix with 2 tsp coconut oil or shea butter. Apply to cheeks with a brush for a natural flush.
Smoothing eye shadow: Mix 1 tsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch with 1⁄2 tsp cocoa powder and 1 tsp virgin coconut oil to form a creamy paste. Apply on lids with a brush.
FAQs About Organic Makeup for Sensitive Skin
Q1. Is organic makeup better for acne?
Yes, organic and natural makeup tends to be a better option for acne-prone skin. Conventional makeup can clog pores and lead to breakouts due to ingredients like oils, silicones, and chemical emollients. Organic makeup avoids these pore-clogging ingredients and uses skin-friendly natural alternatives.
Q2. Should you wear makeup if you have sensitive skin?
You can wear makeup with sensitive skin by choosing the right products. Avoid heavy formulas, fragrances, parabens, and drying alcohols. Instead, opt for lightweight mineral makeup with minimal ingredients labeled non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, or formulated “for sensitive skin”. Always remove makeup fully before bedtime.
Q3. What ingredients should you avoid with sensitive skin?
Avoid these common irritants: fragrances/perfumes, drying alcohols, chemical sunscreens, essential oils, harsh surfactants like SLS, and abrasive scrubs with microbeads. Always check the label and look up unfamiliar ingredients that may be problematic. Focus on simple, fragrance-free mineral formulas.
Q4. Is it okay to wear makeup every day if you have sensitive skin?
It’s fine to wear makeup daily as long as you nourish your skin properly and let it breathe. Use gentle cleansers to remove makeup every night and avoid over-exfoliating. Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup so pores don’t get clogged, and always moisturize before and after makeup. Avoid wearing a full face of makeup for multiple days in a row.
Q5. Should you do a patch test before applying new makeup?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to patch-test new makeup, especially if you have reactive skin. Apply a small amount on your inner arm or neck and wait 24-48 hours to check for any redness, itching, stinging, or breakouts before using it on your face. This helps identify products you could be allergic or sensitive to.
The Takeaway
Organic and natural makeup brands offer excellent options for people with easily irritated, sensitive skin types. When shopping for makeup, check the ingredient list thoroughly and look for formulas free of fragrances, parabens, drying alcohols, and other harsh chemicals. Always do a patch test first, remove makeup fully before bedtime, and nourish skin properly for the best results. With the right products, you can enjoy makeup without risking irritation or breakouts.
