The Best Natural + Organic Lipstick (20+ Brands Ranked!)
Last Updated: August 12, 2023
Over the past two weeks, we audited 20+ of the most popular lipsticks on the market to see if their ingredients are as conscious as they claim.
The demand for clean lipsticks has soared in recent years as news of toxic heavy metals like lead and other unsafe ingredients has circulated.
After all, we wear them on our lips, which means we’re likely ingesting some of their ingredients every time we take a sip or a bite. It’s essential to choose lipsticks that not only offer gorgeous shades and finishes but also prioritize our health and well-being.
The truth is, conventional lipsticks can contain a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals, synthetic dyes, and preservatives that can lead to irritation, allergies, and other health issues.
Why You Should Avoid Conventional Lipstick
Since lipstick is applied directly to your lips, it’s unavoidable that you’ll ingest some of it throughout the day. Consequently, any ingredients in the lipstick—which aren’t meant for ingestion—end up entering your system. Regularly wearing lipstick multiple times a week only exacerbates the issue.
Not only that, but our lips are more permeable than the rest of our skin, which means they are more likely to absorb some ingredients present in lipsticks.
Why should you be concerned? Conventional lipsticks can harbor a plethora of undesirable ingredients that you’d likely prefer to keep out of your body.
The Best Natural Lipsticks: Ranked By Ingredients
We researched the internet, online stores, and social media for the most popular natural listicks.
Each ingredient in every product was researched and analyzed for safety based on available public research. Where possible, sources for information are included.
Products are ranked from best to worst with an internal score based on the ingredient rankings.
Products are rated as follows…
This ranking is for the best of the best. Only exemplary brands will receive a ranking of best for any category.
This ranking is for brands that are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.
This ranking is for when we find something we find iffy. Not a good sign.
This ranking is reserved for the worst of the worst.
Clean Lipsticks Rated: Best
Out of the 20 lipsticks we reviewed, seven of them contained no ingredients at all that gave us concern. These clean lipsticks contain all-natural ingredients and colorings and have no synthetic dyes.
Some brands opt to use carmine (a non-vegan ingredient made from insects) as a red dye alternative, making them non-vegan.
Burt's Bees
This lipstick is naturally-fragranced and has a clean list of natural ingredients. It comes in a total of six shades, and because of the inclusion of beeswax and lanolin, it’s not a vegan product.
Ingredients listed below are for the shade Peony Dew.
Ingredients
Mineral Fusion
The formulas in MIneral Fusion’s lipsticks are 100% vegan, and use organic ingredients. With great user reviews, a huge variety of 15 shades, and excellent vegan and organic ingredients, these lipsticks easily receive our best rating.
The ingredients reviewed below are for the shade Molten.
Ingredients
100% Pure
Organic cocoa butter is the main ingredient in 100% Pure’s lipsticks, with an excellent variety of other natural ingredients rounding out the formulations. The lipsticks are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, along with being made in the USA. It also comes in a total of 18 shades.
For these reasons, we give these products our top rating.
The ingredients below are for the shade Sahara.
Ingredients
Indie Lee
This lipstick from Indie Lee contains a great list of clean and organic ingredients, no fragrance or flavor, and no synthetic dyes. For these reasons, we can easily give it our top rating. The only downside is that it only comes in three shades.
The below ingredients are for the shade Play.
Ingredients
Rituel de Fille
You’ll find a clean list of ingredients in this lipstick from Rituel de Fille. While not organic, they’re still clean. The Forbididden Lipstick comes in a total of nine shades. This lipstick contains beeswax, making it a non-vegan product.
Shade: Written in Blood
Ingredients
Kjaer Weis
This lipstick is fragranced, but the brand promises that all fragrance ingredients used are natural and approved for use in organic products. The majority of ingredients in this lipstick are organic and safe, so we’re able to give it a good rating. It comes in a total of eight shades.
The ingredients below are for the shade Ingenious.
Ingredients
Clean Lipsticks Rated: Good
A total of five lipsticks deserved a rating of good. These lipsticks contain some synthetics but should not be unsafe to use.
Ilia
Ilia is a good clean beauty brand and their color block lipsticks are no exception. Like many lipsticks we reviewed, synthetic dyes are the only standout ingredient, but they shouldn’t be a concern in terms of safety.
The ingredients listed below are for the shade Amberlight.
Ingredients
Kosas
With a relatively clean list of ingredients, the only ones that stand out in a negative way are a few synthetic dyes. However, the dyes used are not of particular concern. The lipsticks come in a total of 11 shades.Because these lipsticks use beeswax in the formulations, they’re not vegan.
The ingredients listed below are for the shade Rosewater.
Ingredients
Merit
The Signature Lip Lightweight Lipsticks from Merit have a clean list of ingredients with some synthetic dyes being the only standout ingredients. This lipstick comes in a total of eight shades, and is a safe purchase for anyone looking for a clean lipstick.
The ingredients below are for the shade Slip.
Ingredients
Sephora
Sephora—which generally is not a clean brand—surprised us with their lipstick. While there’s nothing special about it, it seems to be a clean lipstick with synthetic dyes being the only questionable ingredients. These lipsticks come in a wide range of 12 shades.
The below ingredients are for the shade Dandelion.
Ingredients
Cheekbone Beauty
These lipsticks form Cheekbone Beauty have a relatively clean list of ingredients and come in a total of six shades.
The ingredients below are for the shade Aki.
Ingredients
Clean Lipsticks Rated: Iffy
A total of five lipsticks deserved a rating of iffy. The main reason for a lipstick getting this rating is for the inclusion of Yellow 6, a synthetic dye with links to health issues.
W3LL PEOPLE
Yellow 6 is the only ingredient of concern in these lipsticks from W3LL PEOPLE. Unfortunately, since other lipsticks we investigated didn’t have this artificial dye, we have to give it an iffy rating.
The ingredients listed below are for the shade Soulmate.
Ingredients
La Bouche Rogue
Because of the inclusion of Yellow 6, we have to put these lipsticks from La Bouche Rouge in our “Iffy” list.
The ingredients listed below are for the shade Pop Art Red.
Ingredients
Milk Makeup
Unfortunately, Milk Makeup’s lipsticks use a large number of synthetic dyes, with the standout one being Yellow 6.
The ingredients listed below are for the shade Wifey.
Ingredients
BareMinerals
BareMinerals lipsticks use a lot of synthetic dyes, including Yellow 6, an ingredient banned in Norway and Finland and requiring warning labels in the rest of the EU.
The ingredients listed below are for the shade Grace.
Ingredients
Clean Lipsticks Rated: Bad
These lipsticks contain ingredients we strongly recommend avoiding.
GXVE
Fragrance and questionable synthetic dyes are used in the formulation of these lipsticks. For this reason, we can’t recommend them.
Ingredients
GXVE
Fragrance and some artificial colorings on our list of “bad” ingredients make unable to recommend these liquid lipsticks.
Ingredients
GXVE
GXVE’s lipsticks are far from a product we would recommend. They contain several ingredients on our list of ingredients to avoid, including BHT and artificial fragrance, along with potentially harmful synthetic coloring agents.
Ingredients
The Lead Controversy: Why You Should Be Concerned About Your Lipstick
You may have heard that lipstick has lead in it—it’s unfortunately true.
In 2011, the United States Food And Drug Administration (FDA) released a study after testing 400 lipsticks. The results found that out of the 400 lipsticks analyzed, all but three of them had detectable levels of lead.
The brands in the study were:
- Almay
- Avon
- BeneFit
- Bobbi Brown
- Burt’s Bees
- Chanel
- Clarins
- Clinique
- Colorganics
- Cover Girl
- Cover Girl Queen Collection
- Dior
- Elizabeth Arden
- Estée Lauder
- Estée Lauder Origins
- Estée Lauder Prescriptives
- Fashion Fair
- Gabriel
- Iman Cosmetics
- Jafra
- Lancôme
- L’Oréal
- Lori Anne
- M.A.C
- M.A.C Dsquared2
- Mary Kay
- Maybelline
- NARS
- Revlon
- Rimmel London
- Shiseido
- Sonia Kashuk
- Stargazer
- Victoria’s Secret
- Wet ‘n’ Wild
The biggest offenders (those with the highest concentration of lead) were four major manufacturers: Cover Girl, Revlon, NARS, and L’Oreal (owners of L’Oreal, Maybelline, and The Body Shop).
According to the FDA report, researchers found lead in concentrations of up to 7.19 parts per million. For comparison, the limit for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion—far less than the amounts found in these lipsticks (almost 1000 times higher).
Nevertheless, the FDA declared that lead concentration in these lipsticks is safe, and no further actions were needed.
More Than Lead: The Lesser-Known Toxic Ingredients in Your Lipstick
The plot thickens: lead is far from the only heavy metal infiltrating our lipsticks. Let’s take a closer look at what we uncovered.
- In 2009, researchers found heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium and zinc) in lipstick samples in Saudi Arabia that exceeded the limits allowed.
- In 2015, researchers in Malaysia conducted a similar study, finding detectable levels of lead, cadmium and chromium in lipsticks samples.
- In 2013, researchers at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health also published a study on the presence of metals in lipsticks. They found detectable levels of lead in 75% of the products tested, high concentrations of titanium and aluminum, and other heavy metals like cadmium, chromium, and manganese at concentrations that would exceed the acceptable daily intake of these metals.
In regards to the UC Berkeley study:
“Just finding these metals isn’t the issue; it’s the levels that matter… Some of the toxic metals are occurring at levels that could possibly have an effect in the long term.”
S. Katharine Hammond, professor of environmental health sciences.
As stated by the report, it’s not just that these heavy metals were found in the products, but that users are ingesting them in amounts that could cause real harm. The average lipstick user consumes about 24 milligrams of product a day, or 1/16 of a pound per year. Heavy users could ingest up to 87 milligrams per day.
According to the study, this could result in ingesting enough chromium to contribute to stomach cancer and aluminum, cadmium, and manganese, associated with nervous system toxicity.
Lead and Other Heavy Metals Won’t Be On The Ingredient List
Heavy metals can be found in lipsticks no matter what brand it is, from cheap lipsticks from the dollar store to luxury lipsticks costing hundreds of dollars.
You won’t find lead on the list of ingredients, nor will you find any of the other heavy metals identified in the study from UC Berkeley.
The only way to avoid heavy metal in lipsticks is to purchase from brands offering truly clean lipsticks. Even then, it’s not a guarantee that they’re free from heavy metals, but it’s much more likely that they are.
Ingredients To Avoid in Lipsticks
We looked at the ingredients of more than 25 of the most popular conventional lipsticks, and we found that the vast majority of these products contain at least one ingredient we consider harmful to your health.
Synthetic & “Natural” Flavors
Some lipsticks contain synthetic flavors to achieve a pleasant taste. Although synthetic flavors are not a major concern, they involve numerous chemicals to produce the taste. These chemicals might not be safe for your body, particularly when absorbed through your lips.
Synthetic flavors can sometimes be listed as “natural flavor”. This term can be quite misleading. While it’s accurate that these flavors originate from natural or animal sources, they consist of chemical compounds extracted from those sources. The flavor does not always come from the source you might expect—these are laboratory creations.
Similar to artificial fragrances, companies can conceal the precise chemical composition of their flavors.
There is some debate about the safety of artificial and “natural” flavors, but we believe it’s best to avoid them if possible.
For example, in 2018, the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited seven synthetic flavoring substances, six of which were found to cause cancer in lab animal studies. Since the exact composition of artificial flavors is kept secret, we cannot determine which products contained these potential carcinogens.
This demonstrates that the ingredients used in synthetic flavorings are not always safe.
Parabens
Often found on product labels as methyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, or propylparaben, these compounds are frequently used as preservatives in cosmetic products. Parabens can be absorbed through the skin and have been associated with cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity. A number of research studies have also connected parabens to breast cancer.
Since 2014, the European Union has prohibited the use of five parabens in cosmetics: Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben, and Pentylparaben.
Synthetic Scents (Scent, Perfume, Aroma)
Synthetic scents are frequently used chemicals that give your lipstick the aroma of strawberries or sweet delights.
The issue with synthetic scents is akin to that of artificial flavorings—we, as consumers, are left in the dark about the specific blend of chemicals that contribute to the delightful smells in our lipsticks .
It is believed that over 3,000 distinct chemicals can be combined in various ways to create scents. While some of these chemicals are deemed safe, others may pose potential health risks.
For this reason, at Better Goods, we always advise against using products containing undisclosed synthetic scents.
Talc
Talc – This is a naturally occurring mineral, often used in cosmetic products for its smooth texture and ability to absorb moisture. However, talc deposits can sometimes be found in close proximity to asbestos, a known carcinogen.
During the mining process, there is a possibility of cross-contamination between talc and asbestos. As a result, talc-containing products could inadvertently contain traces of asbestos, which poses significant health risks when inhaled or ingested.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone – Artificial silicones added to lipsticks to make them glide on smoothly and feel soft on the lips. It’s unclear what effect ingesting silicones might have on the body.
BHA / BHT
The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has identified BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) as a compound that can potentially disrupt the endocrine system. BHT, on the other hand, has been associated with hormone disruption and is included in California’s Prop 65 list as a possible carcinogen. BHA and BHT are often found together, and the combined effects of these two chemicals remain unclear.
Synthetic Dyes
hSynthetic dyes have long been a subject of debate in the beauty and personal care industry. In the past, these dyes were derived from coal tar, but nowadays, most are manufactured using petroleum.
The risks associated with dyes in wash-off products remain unclear, especially in comparison to their use in food products. When examining these lipsticks, one notable ingredient is FD&C Yellow #6.
This colorant can be contaminated with benzidine, a substance known to cause cancer. A 2018 in-vitro study discovered that Yellow #6, along with other dyes, affected inflammation.
As a general rule, at Better Goods, we advise steering clear of products containing artificial dyes.
Glitter: The Environmental Impact and Alternatives
Glitter is typically made of dyed or aluminum-plated microplastic polyethylene terephthalate. This seemingly harmless material can pass through water filtration systems, contaminating waterways and harming aquatic organisms, birds, and other animals.
Furthermore, glitter and microplastics can act as a vehicle for bacteria and contain toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and endocrine disruptors.
Mica: Ethical and Environmental Concerns
While mica, a shimmery substance, is not necessarily toxic, its extraction is linked to numerous ethical and environmental issues.
One of the most significant concerns related to mica sourcing is the use of child labor in mica mines, particularly in countries like India and Madagascar. A lack of regulation and oversight in these regions allows for the exploitation of vulnerable populations, with children as young as six working long hours in hazardous conditions. This not only puts their health and safety at risk but also denies them access to education and a chance at a better future.
To promote ethical sourcing of mica, it’s crucial to support companies with transparent policies and inquire about other companies’ stance on mica sourcing.
Additionally, mica mining is an invasive process that causes soil erosion, sinkhole formation, and lead to water/soil contamination. This also leads to deforestation which greatly reduces biodiversity.
Why Clean & Natural Lipsticks Are a Better Choice
Since you’ll unavoidably consume a portion of your lipstick throughout the day, and due to the permeable nature of the skin on your lips, opting for natural alternatives is always the safer choice.
Clean lipsticks are formulated with a focus on natural, non-toxic ingredients that nourish and protect your lips while providing the vibrant colors you love.
By choosing clean lipsticks, you’re not only investing in your own health and well-being, but also supporting brands that prioritize ethical and eco-conscious practices.
From plant-based oils and waxes to fruit and vegetable pigments, these lipsticks are designed to keep your lips looking and feeling their best, without compromising on safety or performance.
More Things to Know About Clean Lipsticks
Even if a lipstick is marketed as “natural,” there’s no guarantee that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Greenwashing is a common practice in the cosmetics industry, and it means that companies can hide harmful ingredients behind misleading labels like “natural” or “organic.”
This is why Better Goods exists – to independently analyze and review the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care items and help you make informed decisions about what you put on your skin.
Conclusion
Out of the 20 lipsticks we reviewed, 7 of them had excellent ingredients. For quick recommendations, we suggest:
The best budget clean lipstick: Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees lipsticks aren’t vegan but are cruelty-free and by far the most affordable of the clean lipsticks, with a rating of best and a price tag of $8.99 each.
The best overall clean lipstick: 100% Pure
While we would typically break down this list into multiple categories, 100% Pure’s lipsticks are our #1 recommendation.
They’re not only full of clean and natural ingredients, but they’re vegan, cruelty-free, come in a wide range of 18 shades, and are made in the USA.
