11 Hypoallergenic Makeup Must-Haves Formulated With Sensitive-Skin Types in Mind
Thanks to a recent surge in sensitive-skin friendly skin-care products, finding gentler alternatives to traditionally harsh products like retinols and chemical peels is easier than ever. But finding hypoallergenic makeup that doesn't cause a flare up? That's a different story. Even though they offer fabulous results, many popular products on the market still feature ingredients that can trigger rashes, itchiness, and irritation. There are exciting options for people with skin allergies—you just have to know what to look for.
- Angela J. Lamb, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City
- Diane Madfes, MD FAAD, Diane Madfes, MD FAAD is a NYC-based dermatologist.
- Macrene Alexiades, MD, board-certified celebrity dermatologist and laser specialist
What is hypoallergenic makeup?
Finding hypoallergenic makeup is complicated because the term “hypoallergenic” isn’t exactly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As we've learned, anything can be a potential allergen or irritant, so it's hard to say something is 100 percent hypoallergenic when every single person's skin is different and unique. Generally, though, hypoallergenic makeup, like mascara, foundation, and blush, is made with less ingredients that commonly cause irritations. Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Macrene Actives, explains that “hypo” means "less than normal," so in reference to makeup and skincare, hypoallergenic alludes to products that (through less ingredients) are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Popular irritants include fragrances, alcohol, dyes, and more.
When shopping for this type of makeup, looking at the label is your best bet. Doctors like Dr. Alexiades have some general green and red flags to look for when you do.
What to look for in makeup if you have allergies
It doesn't need explaining that if you have a specific allergy, steer clear of those specific allergens in the makeup itself. From there, Dr. Alexiades explains that if you experience any sensitivity to makeup, seek out options have been tested by the pros, like dermatologists and ophthalmologists. “If you have sensitive skin, look for mineral-based makeup as well as formulas that state they’ve gone through rigorous allergy testing,” she adds.
Some products also have a seal to shoppers know it's been vetted by professionals and made without common irritants, like the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance and the SkinSafe Seal, which was developed in partnership with MayoClinic.
What to avoid in makeup if you have allergies
If you have a skin condition like eczema or hyper-sensitive skin in general, NYC-based dermatologist, Angela Lamb, MD, says to avoid all makeup that contains fragrance (both synthetic and natural), parabens, or formaldehydes.
“Parabens are preservatives that manufacturers add to products to extend their shelf life, but they commonly cause skin reactions,” Dr. Lamb explains. To tell if a product contains preservatives, check ingredient lists for benzyl alcohol, propylparaben, diazolidinyl urea, and butylparabyn. And to really double down on irritating allergies, Dr. Alexiades adds that avoiding mica, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and essential oils can help, too.
11 best hypoallergenic makeup staples
Face
According to Dr. Alexiades, Almay makes some of the best hypoallergenic makeup on the market—and this doesn’t fall short. This creamy concealer-slash-eye cream contains a skin-loving combination of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, electrolytes, and vitamins C and E, making it a great choice for covering up imperfections and correcting the look of dark under-eye circles. Whether you apply it to a small area or across your entire face, it’ll deliver a smooth, youthful-looking complexion.
Pros:
- Dermatologist-tested
- Designed with sensitive skin in mind
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not vegan
- No SPF
Tower 28 was made for people with eczema and sensitive skin and is the only brand that follows 100 percent of the National Eczema Association’s strict ingredient guidelines. And it’s products are good, especially this cream contour-slash-bronzer that features tons of nourishing ingredients (like green tea extract, mango seed butter, and castor seed oil) and doesn’t contain anything pore-clogging or irritation-inducing. It also doesn’t contain silicones (like most similar products do), making it a major win for those with an allergy. Nevertheless, it glides onto skin effortlessly and is available in four sheer shades that help add soft-focus dimension to your face.
Shades: 4
Pros:
- Dermatologist tested
- Designed specifically for sensitive-skin
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Affordable
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cons:
- No SPF
When it comes to face makeup, less is more; and with this foundation from sensitive-skin makeup brand Colorescience, it’s in more ways than one. The 2-in-1 pressed powder foundation offers a veil of coverage and SPF 20 sun protection, making for an easier morning routine without extra steps and fussy (and potentially irritating) products. It’s non-comedogenic (aka it won’t clog your pores) and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Shades: 7
Pros:
- Designed with sensitive skin in mind
- Made with broad-spectrum mineral SPF
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cons:
- Expensive
- Unclear if it’s been dermatologist tested
Those that prefer a liquid foundation over powder will love this option from Mineral Fusion. Its hypoallergenic formula blends seamlessly over skin, minimizing the look of dark spots and discoloration, creating a more even-looking skin tone. Antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea and pomegranate work in tandem with skin-smoothing peptides to give skin a IRL filter look while feeling weightless and comfortable.
Shades: 24
Pros:
- Designed with sensitive skin in mind
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- EWG-verified
- Inclusive shade range
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cons:
- Unclear if it’s been dermatologist-tested
- No SPF
With a silky smooth glide and easy blendability, the PurePressed Blush from Jane Iredale builds like a powder and blends like a cream for seamless, long-lasting color. The 14 shades include a variety of colors in warm, cool, and neutral undertones and are designed to suit all skin tones. The formula features a slew of good-for-you ingredients like shea butter and jojoba seed oil, so you can soften and soothe the skin while you wear it.
Shades: 14
Pros:
- Designed with sensitive-skin in mind
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Inclusive shade range
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Blendable and buildable
Cons:
- Unclear if it’s been dermatologist tested
- No SPF
Primers are an integral part of any makeup routine, as they help makeup go on smoother and last far longer. Dr. Madfes is a fan of this water-based primer from Peter Thomas Roth, sharing that it’s especially perfect for sensitive skin. “The tint blends nicely and it has active ingredients that are non-irritating,” she explains. It even boasts a blurring effect that temporarily hides the look of fine lines and pores for a flawless yet natural finish.
Pros:
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Blurring effect
Cons:
- Expensive
- No SPF
- Unclear if it’s been dermatologist tested
- Not vegan or gluten-free
If you’d rather a more natural primer, Dr. Lamb is a huge fan of this hypoallergenic moisturizer and recommends it to all of her patients with sensitive skin. “This non-sensitizing, non-irritating moisturizer is a great product to add to your makeup routine as it will serve as a flawless base,” she says. What’s more, it’s free from fragrance, silicones, sulfates, hormone disruptors, and is even safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pros:
- Designed with sensitive skin in mind
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Pregnancy safe
Cons:
- Not technically makeup
- Expensive
- No SPF
Eyes
Despite being hypoallergenic, this mascara doesn’t skimp on length and volume. Powered by a trademarked flake-free tubing technology and Orchid Stem Cell Complex, Thrive Causemetics’ mascara lengthens each lash from root to tip and supports healthier-looking lashes while doing so. It’s been dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin (it’s one of Dr. Madfes’s favorites) and is gentle enough for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Pros:
- Dermatologist + ophthalmologist tested
- Designed with sensitive eyes in mind
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Tubing technology adds extra length
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Natasha Denona is known for her striking eyeshadows made with high-quality ingredients, and this palette is no different. Free of fragrance, gluten, preservatives, parabens, and other potentially irritating ingredients Dr. Alexiades says to look out for, this 15-shade hypoallergenic eyeshadow palette is safe for use on eyelids, which are a particularly vulnerable area. With a range of textures from sultry, cream-powder mattes to vibrant chromes and shimmers, this palette is ideal for creating a variety of looks, no matter your skin tone or eye color
Pros:
- Designed with sensitive skin in mind
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Includes a wide range of shades
Cons:
- Not ophthalmologist tested
- No nourishing ingredients
- Expensive
Lips
Jessica Alba knows a thing or two about natural beauty. Aside from being a stunning actress and model, she’s also the brains behind Honest Beauty, a brand dedicated to creating sensitive skin-friendly makeup made from safe, naturally-derived ingredients. If you have sensitive lips, this creamy lip balm should be part of your makeup kit. It goes on smooth and silky, thanks to conditioning oils that lock in moisture while delivering long-lasting color in just a swipe or two.
Shades: 7
Pros:
- Dermatologist tested
- Designed with sensitive skin in mind
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Affordable
- EWG-verified
Cons:
- No SPF
Lip skin is still skin, even if it looks a little different from the rest of your face. This clean lipstick from Bare Minerals is a nice choice for someone with highly-reactive skin. The creamy formula imparts a full-coverage wash of color across the lips and drenches them with smoothing hydration. With 25 gorgeous colors to choose from (ranging from dusty pinks and rosy reds to potent purples and gorgeous mauves), there’s something in the lineup for everyone.
Shades: 25
Pros:
- Designed with sensitive skin in mind
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Infused with nourishing ingredients
- Affordable
Cons:
- Unclear if it’s been dermatologist tested
- No SPF
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