Product category

Cosmetics & Makeup

Makeup is mostly leave-on, so what is worth checking is the ingredient list and a few label claims that can promise more than they deliver.

What this covers

Foundation, concealer, lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush, nail polish, and makeup remover.

Start here

Choose a fragrance-free foundation, and if it has SPF, pick a mineral one.

Foundation / BB Cream / Tinted Moisturiser

Lower–moderate

LOW–MODERATE priority. Leave-on over the largest facial area; fragrance and (in long-wear/SPF versions) UV filters and PFAS are the realistic points.

What to check: "Fragrance/parfum," whether SPF comes from chemical or mineral filters, and "long-wear/transfer-proof" claims that can signal PFAS.

First swap

Choose a fragrance-free foundation, and if it has SPF, pick a mineral one.

Lipstick / Lip Balm / Lip Gloss

Lower–moderate

LOW–MODERATE priority — special case because lip products are partly EATEN over the day, so ingestion (not just skin) is the route.

What to check: Dyes, fragrance/flavour, and SPF filter type for lip SPF. Trace heavy metals are an FDA-monitored, generally-low concern (see note).

First swap

Switch your daily lip balm to a simple, fragrance-free one (it's the lip product you ingest most).

Mascara

Lower–moderate

LOW–MODERATE priority. Delicate eye area, and "waterproof" mascara is a classic PFAS keyword; preservative choice matters near the eye.

What to check: "Waterproof" (PFAS check-next) and replace old mascara (3–6 months) to avoid eye infections — a bigger real-world risk than the chemistry.

First swap

Use regular instead of waterproof mascara day-to-day, and replace it every few months.

Nail Polish

Lower–moderate

LOW–MODERATE priority. Low skin absorption through the nail, but a clear VOC- and-plasticiser inhalation story — and the one cosmetic with well-known "X-free" claims.

What to check: Look for "3-free / 5-free / 7-free" — these remove specific worse actors, notably dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde. Apply in a ventilated space.

First swap

Choose a "5-free" (or higher) nail polish and apply it near an open window.

Makeup Remover & Makeup Wipes

Lower–moderate

LOW–MODERATE priority. Repeated facial contact (including the eye area); the preservative allergens (MI/MCI) and fragrance are the realistic concerns, especially in wipes.

What to check: "Fragrance/parfum" and methylisothiazolinone (MI) / methylchloroiso- thiazolinone (MCI) in wipes and micellar waters.

First swap

Switch to a fragrance-free, MI/MCI-free makeup remover — or a balm/oil with a reusable cloth.

Gel & Acrylic Nails + UV/LED Curing Lamps

Lower–moderate

LOW–MODERATE priority — distinct from regular polish. Two real angles: UV-lamp skin exposure to the hands, and a sharp rise in acrylate ALLERGY, especially from home kits.

What to check: Protect hands under the lamp (fingerless UV gloves or mineral SPG on the back of hands), avoid skin contact with uncured gel/acrylic liquid, and prefer a trained tech.

First swap

Wear fingerless UV gloves (or SPF on the backs of hands) during lamp curing, and avoid getting gel/acrylic liquid on skin.

Eyeshadow / Eyeliner

Lower priority

Mostly an allergy/irritation and dye story near a sensitive area; powders carry the talc side-note.

What to check: Fragrance, dyes, and "waterproof" liner (PFAS check-next). For loose powders, "talc-free" or "asbestos-tested" if you prefer (see note).

First swap

Choose fragrance-free eye makeup and remove it gently each night.

Concealer

Lower priority

Same leave-on logic as foundation but smaller area; fragrance and long-wear PFAS are the only notable points.

What to check: "Fragrance/parfum" and "full-coverage/long-wear/transfer-proof" claims (PFAS check-next).

First swap

Switch to a fragrance-free concealer for daily use.

Blush / Bronzer / Face & Setting Powder

Lower priority

Leave-on colour, plus a powder-specific angle: avoid inhaling loose powder, and the talc-contamination side-note applies.

What to check: Dyes/fragrance, and for loose powders, "talc-free" or "asbestos-tested" if you prefer. Tap off excess to limit breathing in airborne powder.

First swap

Prefer pressed powders (or asbestos-tested/talc-free loose powder) and tap off excess.

Nail Polish Remover

Lower priority

A short, ventilation-solved VOC exposure; the main irritant is the solvent (acetone or substitutes).

What to check: Use in a ventilated space; "acetone-free" removers swap to other solvents (gentler on nails, still ventilate).

First swap

Remove polish near an open window or with the fan on.

Primer / Setting Spray

Lower priority

Leave-on film products; setting SPRAYS add a brief inhalation angle, and "long-wear/lock" claims can signal PFAS film-formers.

What to check: Fragrance, "waterproof/long-wear/lock" claims (PFAS check-next), and avoid spraying directly toward eyes/inhaling the mist — close eyes, spray at arm's length.

First swap

Use a fragrance-free setting product and spray at arm's length with eyes closed.

Labels you will see

What the claims on these products actually mean, with an honest verdict for each.

Fragrance Free Free & Clear / Sensitive Long Wear / Waterproof / Smudge Proof Mineral Sunscreen PFAS Free Talc Free Unscented Waterproof

Related chemicals

Plain-language guides to the ingredient groups that come up in this category.

Acrylates / Methacrylates Chemical UV Filters Formaldehyde Formaldehyde Releasers Fragrance Compounds Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic)Isothiazolinone Preservatives PFAS / Fluorinated Chemicals Parabens Phthalates Solvent VOCs (Toluene, Xylene)Synthetic Dyes Talc & Contaminants VOCs

Important Disclaimer

Micro Detox is an educational exposure reduction guide. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or managing symptoms, speak with a qualified health professional.

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