Go green in your eyes and enjoy healthier makeup, free of chemicals. Find out 6 compelling reasons that organic eye makeup is the safer, better option for consumers in the U.S.
Good for The Eyes
Your eyes are the most fragile and expressive feature of your body. But every day, millions of Americans bury their faces in eye makeup packed with harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients, unwittingly risking irritation, allergies and long-term damage.
But increasingly in recent years, more Americans have been searching for organic eye makeup, and with good cause. The worldwide market for eye makeup reached USD18.2 billion in 2023, the organic segment further increases with a 6.5% CAGR till 2030. Eye-makeup sales on the continent, including the U.S., are growing by almost 6% annually to 2031. Consumers are moving towards clean, plant based products, especially in the sensitive eye area.
Here are 6 compelling reasons why transitioning to organic eye makeup is not just a trend, but a smarter, safer, and more beautiful choice, particularly for those in the USA, who are placing clean, sustainable living at the top of their list!
1. Why Organic Eye Makeup Products Are the Better Way: Safe for Sensitive Eyes
Your skin is super-sensitive; it is 10 times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face and prone to more irritation, dryness and inflammation. That is why it is really important what you apply close to your eyes regarding their health and comfort in general and especially in the case of sensitive skin, allergies or wearing contact lenses.
Conventional eye makeup available in the U.S. is often manufactured using toxic ingredients such as artificial coloring agents, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releasing agents, and artificial fragrances.
Such ingredients may result in bloodshot eyes, itchiness, watering and even prolonged sensitivity.
These components may produce blood shot eyes, itchiness, watering and even prolonged sensitivity. These additives are some of the top allergens in cosmetics, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Worse yet, the FDA doesn’t regulate some of these ingredients very closely, which means you may unknowingly be smearing eye irritants on your face every day.
This is where natural eye makeup comes in.
What is the most natural eye makeup?
Rather than synthetic fillers and chemicals, it’s commonly made with its naturally derived soothing ingredients like:
- Chamomile extract: Anti-inflammatory and calming, chamomile extract helps decrease puffiness and reduce irritation around the eyes.
- Aloe vera: Aloe is highly moisturizing and refreshing, which reduces redness and provides a smooth canvas to apply eyeshadows and liners.
- Green tea extract: Green tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories which regenerate the skin and defend the sensitive skin around the eyes against oxidative stress.
They are botanical ingredients that work in synergy with your skin natural barrier and are a safer, calmer alternative to apply every day. And organic ones are also usually without artificial perfumes and synthetic preservatives that are allergens.
The organic choice for your eyes. If your eyes are often scratchy or dry, or if you’ve started to react to conventional eye makeup, organic eye makeup can give you the relief you need, and straightaway. People say they have less flare-ups, and some say their skin around the eyes is improved too.
Patch-test new products, even organic ones, to make sure they suit your skin. And seek out certified organic labels to help ensure you’ re purchasing truly clean products.
What then is the most natural eye make-up? In simple terms it is make-up that is free of synthetic chemicals, man-made dyes, and damaging preservatives and it is instead created using plant-based or mineral ingredients that can benefit your skin as well as improve your appearance.
2. Harsh Chemicals Free – Organic Eye Makeup, Keeps You Safe
The majority of conventional eye makeup includes a myriad of (hidden) synthetic chemicals. A groundbreaking 2021 study out of the University of Notre Dame found that more than 50% of makeup products tested in the U.S., like mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow, were high in fluorine, which is indicative of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
These so-called “forever chemicals” are associated with cancer, reproductive harm, disruption of the immune system and interference with hormones.
They also build up in the body and environment, which over time can put people at risk of long-term exposure.
Many traditional brands also include the kinds of preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin, including formaldehyde releasers, phthalates and synthetic dyes (some are banned or heavily restricted in the E.U.). Because here’s the thing: Those are often added to improve shelf life or pigment intensity (so the color of beetroot powder isn’t green, brown or otherwise), at the expense of your health.
So, what is the Healthiest Eyeshadow?
But when it comes to eye makeup, not every eyeshadow is created equally, and when it comes to health, I mean that. The best eyeshadow will be the one that works to add value to your appearance and not expose you to dangerous compounds. It is an eco-friendly product, manufactured with non toxic materials that are non-allergenic and will not harm the sensitive eye zone in the long run. This is to say, it must be devoid of parabens, phthalates, talc, artificial dyes and fragrance.
Mineral pigments are commonly the healthiest eyeshadows:
- Veggie pigments (such as beetroot, cocoa or mica)
- Natural preservatives like rosemary extract, Vitamin E, or grapefruit seed extract
- Phyto-nutrient-rich oils which protect and feed your skin
Because there are safer alternatives, so you can still have a pretty vibrant color and glide
along your eyelids without worrying about putting your health at risk. The natural approach not only protects your sensitive eyes from harmful exposure but is consistent with common goals for both environmental and hormonal health.
3. Loaded With Skin-Loving Ingredients -Natural Way to Nourish Your Eyes
The distinction between organic eye makeup isn’t just what it leaves out; it’s what it puts in. And the best part? They’re also all organic, so pack up those active botanical ingredients specifically designed for the delicate eye area!
These are among the most interesting ingredients:
- Jojoba Oil: Its great affinity to human skin makes it the best moisturizer. It helps regulate oil production and acts as a barrier to provide a protective layer without blocking pores. It also includes vitamin E which is generally useful for repairing and protecting skin.
- Shea Butter – Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which help moisturize your lashes and eyelids. It speeds up the application of cream eyeshadows and provides them with a moisturizing and anti-drying barrier.
- Calendula extract: Known as its soothing and healing properties, calendula is used to soothe, cool and decrease puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. It’s great for anyone who has sensitive or easily angered skin.
Although it is difficult to apply nutrients directly to your skin using chemicals, when you apply organic eye makeup, you are not only increasing your beauty, but also you are feeding your skin with the nutrients it needs to repair, restore, and protect it. With time, the skin around your eyes looks brighter, feels softer and is more resilient.
Here’s more about the skin benefits of jojoba oil.
Is there any makeup without chemicals?
Let’s clear up a common myth in the clean beauty world: the idea of “chemical-free” makeup. Although this may sound perfect, the reality is that everything is composed of chemicals, including water, plants, and natural oils that we adore in organic beauty. Technically, then, there is no such thing as makeup free of chemicals. However, this does not mean that you cannot stay clear of the bad.
The question most parents want to ask is this: Can makeup be applied that is free of toxic, synthetic, or harmful chemicals? And the answer is yes, very much so. Smart scale production is also bringing the latest breed of clean beauty brands able to produce high performance without the dubious stuff like parabens, phthalates, sulphates and synthetic dyes. They consider substitutes using plants, food grade pigments, and mineral colourants, which are much less harmful to your skin and health.
And although there is no makeup that is not in some way chemical (natural makeup is still chemical in form) nevertheless, yes, you can find a makeup that has no synthetic, toxic, or harsh chemicals in it.Makeup that really matters for your skin and health.
4. Go cruelty-free and eco-friendly with Organic Eye Makeup That Cares
At the heart and soul of organic beauty is compassion, for your skin, but also for animals and for the planet we all inhabit. By choosing organic eye makeup, you are not alone in a movement that appreciates what is ethical, you will also be supporting companies that are making long term sustainable decisions. Many certified organic beauty brands that ship to the US actively support these values:
Cruelty-Free: Minutes and ingredients are never tested on animais. Watch out cruelty-free logos, like the Leaping Bunny logo or PETA cruelty-free logo, to see that the company practice what it preaches.
Responsible Source: Organic ingredients are cultivated without the use of hazardous pesticides or artificial manure, and are beneficial to the fertile soil, clean water and farmers as well as the ecosystem in the neighborhood.
Eco- Friendly Packaging: To further minimize the effects it has on the environment; most organic brands come in packaging material that can be recycled, biodegraded or refilled with other natural material like glass, aluminum or post-consumer recycled plastic.
Since each purchase is a vote towards a cleaner, kinder beauty industry.
Tip: While shopping, dig deeper into cruelty-free certification standards and what they really mean. There are no guarantees behind labels permeated with “natural” or “Organic,” so when in doubt, look for brands with transparency and approval from reputable organizations you trust. Research into cruelty-free certification protocols.
5. Best for Long Term Health – Minimize Risk with Organic Eye Makeup
Whatever you put around your eyes is important, not just to your appearance in the short-term, but your health over the long-term. Making the transition to organic eye makeup is one change that is well worth making, in the effort to reducing the amount of toxic substances that are in contact with your body, which are often prominent ingredients in various conventional cosmetics.
The majority of the conventional eye cosmetics still used in the U.S. today have questionable ingredients including:
- Parabens –Artificial preservatives that have been attributed to hormone imbalance and possible reproductive side effects.
- Phthalates – These chemicals, present in fragrance and flexible plastics, have been attributed to anything ranging to endocrine interference, developmental issues to even fertility.
- Artificial Dyes and Fragrances – These are often created using petroleum products, and may cause irritation as well as allergic reactions (particularly in the sensitive eye area).
These substances don’t just stay on your skin; they can get into your body.
Eye makeup, in particular, is used close to mucous membranes, which only increases the chances of chemicals getting in your system.
The Good News?
One of the most widely cited studies, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that when people swapped personal care products that contained endocrine disruptors for products that didn’t, most of the harmful chemicals in their bodies decreased by 30 to 45 percent within just three days. That’s a radical difference, and a powerful inducement to go clean.
By choosing organic eye makeup:
- You take care of your hormones and fertility.
- Over time, you decrease your toxic burden.
- You shield the fragile skin around your eyes from irritation and early aging.
Going organic isn’t just a fad in beauty; it’s a wellness choice. Choose products that will support the health of your face and body over time as well as uplifting your look.
See the study from UC Berkeley.
6. Performs Equally as Beautiful -Natural Eye Makeup That Wow’s
Natural makeup can’t create bold, dramatic looks? Think again. Gone are the days when “organic” signaled bland or minimal coverage. The best organic eye makeup is coming up in the beauty world to traditional makeup in the color payoff, long-wear, and the ability to blend out.
The best organic eye makeup is:
- Richly pigmented – Stamped with rich, deep color that is packed full of color with the first layer.
- Versatile – The majority are hardwearing with no creasing/smudging too.
- Hands-on – Creating natural makeup is a reaction to the lack of completely good and effective chemical-free make-up options; we are normal people with normal pockets creating makeup how it should be.
How to Use Organic Eye Makeup: Can be used as eye shadow, eye liner, on your brows, cheeks, lips or body.
Organic eye makeup brands
U.S.-based brands, including:
- ILIA Beauty
- RMS Beauty
- 100% Pure
- Credo Beauty
- The Detox Market
have released a selection of mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows that boast rave reviews from makeup artists and clean beauty diehards.
You can also browse clean beauty retailers like Credo Beauty and The Detox Market for a variety of carefully selected organic eye makeup options that adhere to strict ingredient and sustainability standards.
Prettiest of them all, Waters’s selections show you don’t have to compromise performance for purity, with cut-and-dry formulas available in (what else?) gorgeous hues. Natural eye makeup is not only safer and healthier, but it can be seriously beautiful.
Here’s Why Organic Eye Makeup is Totally Worth It
Opting for organic eye makeup is not about settling; it’s about certainty.
With sustainable ingredients, skin-friendly botanicals and sustainable values, it’s everything you need to both look and feel your best, without the danger.
So, the next time you buy mascara or eyeliner in the United States, ask yourself: Is it safe for my skin, my health and the planet?
If the answer is no, it’s time to look towards an organic alternative.
FAQs About Organic Eye Makeup
Q1: What Does Organic Eye MakeUp Mean?
Natural eye makeup is sourced from plants or other natural materials without the use of synthetic chemicals, such as parabens and artificial dyes.
Q2: Is organic eye makeup suitable for sensitive eyes?
Yes! Many over-the-counter versions are made with soothing botanicals, such as chamomile and aloe vera, and are safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers.
Q3: Can you wear organic eye makeup for a similar time as you can wear a non-organic makeup?
New age organic products are however long-wearing, and many of them sit on your skin without smudging or fading.
Q4: Where can I get the finest organic eye makeup in the U.S.?
You can get squeaky-clean organic eye makeup from trusted brands like ILIA Beauty, RMS Beauty and 100% Pure on their websites or at clean beauty retailers like Credo Beauty or The Detox Market.
Q5: Is organic eye make up costlier?
Natural eye makeup is usually slightly more expensive,as the ingredients used are not only hard to find in high quality, but also are cultivated and manufactured in an ethical manner.
Here to keep in mind: going organic is not a beauty trend, but a healthy decision, which does affect your wellbeing and that of our planet. Make your eye makeup organic, to be cleaner, safer and beautiful.
