Non-Toxic Blush For Acne-Prone Skin
Get a healthy pop of color on your cheeks without toxic chemicals or pore clogging ingredients. If you’re looking for a non-toxic blush that’s also non-comedogenic, I’ve found 6 brands that deliver a radiant flush on your cheeks without causing your skin to break out.
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If you’re looking to get a radiant flush on your cheeks, blush is a great choice to give your face a rosy pop of color. However, not all blush is created equal. Most blush brands contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt your hormone signaling and cause other adverse health effects from chronic exposure. Look for non-toxic blush without harmful ingredients like endocrine disruptors, and check the ingredient list for pore-clogging ingredients if you have acne-prone skin.
Here are some of the ingredients to avoid in conventional bronzer:
Talc– Talc is a naturally occurring mineral used in cosmetics to help regulate oil, prevent makeup caking and soften the product. Talc is mined from the earth and is often found near asbestos, which is a carcinogenic compound. Talc use in the pelvic region increases risk of endometrial cancer among postmenopausal women.
Synthetic fragrances– “fragrance” or “parfum” is an umbrella term for hundreds of chemicals that brands aren’t required to disclose. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets, which allows companies to leave the exact fragrance “blend” undisclosed.
BHT– Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) is a preservative derived from petroleum and found in some beauty and skincare formulations. BHT is a respiratory irritant and is considered toxic or harmful to human organ systems.
Phthalates– Phthalates are used in fragrance to help a scent stick to skin and linger. Phthalates are well known endocrine disruptors—they have been implicated in early puberty in adolescents and reduced sperm count in men.
Ethoxylated ingredients like polyethylene glycol, sodium laureth sulfate, phenoxyethanol and cocamidopropyl betaine. Ethoxylated ingredients can be contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane and residual ethylene oxide (which is also carcinogenic).
Lake Dyes– Lake dyes are petroleum derived and may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are carcinogenic.
Titanium Dioxide In Loose Mineral Face Makeup
All of the loose mineral makeup that I listed below contains titanium dioxide. There is a risk of inhaling any fine powder that you are applying. There is conflicting evidence from occupational studies (people who work around Titanium dioxide and are exposed to it daily) about Titanium dioxide inhalation in respect to health risks. I would recommend holding your breath when you apply any loose powder to reduce your exposure.
What color of blush is best for my skin tone?
There are no hard and fast rules, but here are some guidelines of what blush colors go with your skin tone to get you started.
For fair skin– Soft pinks, light corals and peaches look best on this skin tone. For those with red hair or red undertones to your skin, try coral, apricot or peach blush.
For medium skin tone– A rosy pink tone, warm mauve or deep peach go best with this skin tone. Since lots of colors look good on this skin tone, you can experiment and find colors that compliment your face.
For olive skin tones– Rich pinks, warm bronzes, or tangerine go best with this skin tone.
For dark skin tone– Deep fuchsia, berry, warm brown, raisin and tangerine blush go best with this skin tone.
How to Apply Blush So It Looks Natural
First and foremost, don’t apply too much blush or you risk looking like a clown. Start light and you can build from there.
To locate the Apples of Your Cheeks, smile gently to find the roundest part of your cheeks. This is where you should start applying the blush.
Powder Blush– Swirl your blush brush in the product, tap off the excess, and apply to the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion. Blend upward and outward towards your temples for a natural look.
Cream Blush– Dab a small amount on the apples of your cheeks using your fingers or a stippling brush. Blend out in circular motions towards your temples. You can use a makeup sponge for a seamless finish.
Liquid Blush– Apply a small dot on the apples of your cheeks. Blend quickly with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge, moving upwards towards the temples.
Gel Blush– Apply similarly to cream or liquid blushes, blending quickly before it sets.
What is a Non-Comedogenic Blush?
Non-comedogenic means that it won’t clog your pores. If you have acne, blackheads, or are prone to clogged pores, using beauty and skincare products that are non-comedogenic may help reduce the number of breakouts you get. The comedogenic scale uses a rating from 0 to 5, with 0 to 2 considered non-comedogenic.
I only chose blush with non-comedogenic ingredients, and used 2 different pore clogging checkers to validate the ingredients: The pore clogging checker from the Acne Clinic NYC and the Clearstem Pore Clogging Checker.
Acne-safe non-toxic blush is just one of many beauty products that you should check for harmful chemicals and pore clogging ingredients- make sure you’re using non-toxic acne-safe skincare and non-toxic acne-safe sunscreen. Non-toxic skincare for post-acne red spots is just what you need if you have acne-scarring. If you’re looking for a sun-kissed glow, try non-toxic bronzer for acne-prone skin.
Whether you use powder blush or cream blush, get a radiant flushed look without any toxic chemicals or pore clogging ingredients. Below I’m sharing 6 brands of non-toxic and non-comedogenic blush for acne-prone skin.
Alima Pure Loose Mineral Blush
Cost: $30
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: This loose mineral blush comes in two finishes in a range of shades to define and accentuate your cheeks with a healthy wash of color. Luminous Shimmer has a subtly shimmering glow, and Satin Matte has a natural flush. This mineral blush is available in 4 flattering shades. Alima Pure only uses non-nano Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide.
Shop: Alima Pure Loose Mineral Blush
Lily Lolo Mineral Blush
Cost: $42
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: This blush is the healthy choice for adding a natural flush to your cheeks. Choose from a gorgeous range of pinks, peaches and earthy browns. Award Winning Lily Lolo Mineral Blush shades are available in both matte and shimmer.
Shop: Lily Lolo Mineral Blush
Inika Organic Lip & Cheek Cream
Cost: $35
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: This multi-use cream is a fusion of almond oil and silky soft cream that effortlessly blends into your skin. The clean mineral pigments provide a naturally sheer and dewy finish for your cheeks, lips, and eyelids.
Shop: Inika Organic Lip & Cheek Cream
Vooqo Powder Blush
Cost: $35
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: Organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, it’s the conscious choice your skin deserves. Safe for pregnancy and formulated with zero-clog-pore and allergenic ingredients, you can finally stop guessing and start indulging in skincare that truly cares for you. Vooqo uses non-nano Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide.
Shop: Vooqo Powder Blush
Vooqo Cream Blush
Cost: $42
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: Organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, it’s the conscious choice your skin deserves. Safe for pregnancy and formulated with zero-clog-pore and allergenic ingredients, you can finally stop guessing and start indulging in skincare that truly cares for you.
Shop: Vooqo Cream Blush
Ere Perez Natural Beetroot Cheek & Lip Tint
Cost: $30
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: Using the natural power of beetroot extract, this cheek and lip tint hydrates and nourishes your skin with powerful antioxidants while adding a pop of color.
Shop: Ere Perez Natural Beetroot Cheek & Lip Tint
Mineral Essence Blush
Cost: $22
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: An exclusive blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and bare minerals works to combat free radicals and the signs of aging. These powerful nutrients are blended into a velvety formula that glides on skin smoothly and evenly for a flawless, natural-looking complexion. I’ve emailed the company to find out if they use non-nano Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide, and I will update this post when I hear back.
Shop: Mineral Essence Blush
More Non-Toxic Inspiration For Acne-Prone Skin
