Non-Toxic Bronzer For Acne-Prone Skin
Get a sun-kissed bronzed look without toxic chemicals or pore clogging ingredients. If you’re looking for a non-toxic bronzer that’s also non-comedogenic, I’ve found 6 brands that deliver a radiant sun-kissed glow and won’t cause your skin to break out.
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If you’re looking to brighten up your complexion and get a radiant glow, bronzer should definitely be in your makeup bag. However, not all bronzers are created equal. Most bronzer brands contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt your hormone signaling and cause other adverse health effects from chronic exposure. Look for non-toxic bronzer 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 is the Difference Between Blush and Bronzer?
Although both blush and bronzer add color to your face, blush is used to mimic a face-flush that awakens the face. Blushes typically come in any color pink, including rose, red, including berry, and pinky earth tones. Blush is applied on the apple of your cheeks to give a healthy flush that can be subtle or more of a pop of color depending on how it’s applied.
Bronzer gives you more of a healthy sun-kissed look without actually having sun exposure. Bronzers range in colors from peach to golden brown to soft brown to beige to taupe.
How Do You Apply Bronzer?
Highlight all areas where the sun would naturally hit the most prominent areas of your face if you were sitting in the sun. This includes areas like your forehead and along the hairline. Lightly apply your bronzer along the cheekbones towards the temples. To balance your face out, apply a light dusting of bronzer along the bridge of the nose, chin, and jawline. Remember to blend well to avoid harsh lines.
If using a bronzing serum, you can mix with your moisturizer or your foundation for a subtle glow.
Do You Use Bronzer and Blush at the Same Time?
Yes, you can absolutely use both bronzer and blush on your face at the same time.
Can I Use Bronzer as Blush?
Most of us are going for a certain look with blush- a post-workout flush or that slightly embarrassed pink in the cheeks. I’ve personally tried bronzer as blush and it didn’t look good on me, but this is personal and every face and completion is different, so what doesn’t work for me may work for you!
Can I Use Bronzer as Contour?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Contour is used to create shadows, and you’ll typically use shades of greys and browns that mimic shadow-like colors.
What is a Non-Comedogenic Bronzer?
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 bronzers 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 bronzer 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.
Whether it’s the height of summer or the middle of winter, get a sun-kissed glow without any toxic chemicals or pore clogging ingredients. Below I’m sharing 6 brands of non-toxic and non-comedogenic bronzer for acne-prone skin.
Pacifica Sundreams Matte Cream Bronzer
Cost: $11
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: This creamy-melty bronzer gives you youthful, sun-kissed looking skin anytime. Floral extracts add a touch of hydration, leaving your skin feeling and looking radiant.
Shop: Pacifica Sundreams Matte Cream Bronzer
BaeBlu Bronzer
Cost: $34
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: This lightweight all natural mineral bronzer easily blends and builds to achieve your desired level of color.
Shop: BaeBlu Bronzer
Lily Lolo Mineral Bronzer
Cost: $22
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: Mineral Bronzer is made from natural minerals and is ideal for achieving glowing, healthy skin. Choose from matte or shimmer finish for a natural looking, sun-kissed complexion. It is silky and baby soft without being cakey of powdery.
Shop: Lily Lolo Mineral Bronzer
Alima Pure Mineral Bronzer
Cost: $30
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: Create the illusion of summer all year round with this blendable, buildable loose mineral bronzer with a lightweight, natural-looking finish. Add depth and warmth to your complexion while enhancing your natural glow.
Shop: Alima Pure Mineral Bronzer
Vooqo Matte Bronzer
Cost: $49
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: Enhance skin tone and get a touch of sun-kissed radiance with the ultimate organic bronzer formula. This bronzer formula provides instant hydration and a matte, shaped look.
Shop: Vooqo Matte Bronzer; for shimmer, try Vooqo Shimmering Bronzer
Vooqo Bronzer Highlighter
Cost: $47
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: Like a spotlight for your skin, Vooqo Highlighter lights up your favorite features with high-impact, ultra-reflective shine. Inspired by the dazzling light of the midday sun, this iconic formula is enriched with ultra-fine, luminescent pearls that absorb, reflect, and refract light to amplify your natural radiance
Shop: Vooqo Bronzer Highlighter
Typology Bronzing Drops
Cost: $34.90
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker: contains no pore-clogging ingredients
Highlights: This bronzer gives your skin a natural, radiant look that mimics a sun-kissed glow. When using a bronzer, you’ll want to apply to areas of the face where the sun would naturally hit. Enriched with antioxidant actives and natural pearlescence, these drops provide an instant sun-kissed glow. Mix with your moisturizer or tinted serum for a natural, customizable finish.
Shop: Typology Bronzing Drops
More Non-Toxic Inspiration For Acne-Prone Skin
