Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty WriterUpdated on Feb 22, 2024
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processEye makeup adds a dash of sparkle to your makeup looks. However, the eye area is sensitive, so you need these non-toxic eyeshadows to serve glam goals without hurting your eyes. Based on our observations, colorful eyeshadows enhance your makeup look and add a final touch to give you a bold and bright appearance. However, owing to the variations in the formulations, it gets tricky to find the right one that won’t trigger any allergic reactions or discomfort.
Non-toxic eyeshadows are formulated with nourishing ingredients that feel light and gentle on your skin. The rich consistencies of these eyeshadows can help moisturize your eye area to make the application process smooth and flawless. With a wide variety of colors, you can unleash your creativity and skills to create looks that grab the spotlight. Read through this article and achieve captivating looks effortlessly.
Our top picks
7 Non-toxic Eyeshadows
Pull off bold makeup looks with this shimmery eyeshadow by Julep. Infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamins C and E, it refines the texture of your skin and protects it from free radical damage. This creamy eyeshadow stick glides smoothly on your delicate eye area without making it dry or irritated. Featuring a rich antioxidant composition, it acts as a shield against environmental stressors so that your eyes stay protected while you serve major glam goals. This product is a perfect eyeshadow that comes with a built-in smudger to blend it easily for achieving a flawless finish.
Pros
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Easy to remove
- Buildable formula
- Blends smoothly
Cons
- Doesn’t last long
2
Best Overall
Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette
This gorgeous eye palette by Urban Decay is a must-have to keep your style game up. It features 12 rose-hued neutrals so that you can create unique glimmery, matte, and metallic looks effortlessly. The smooth texture offers excellent blendability and good payoff so you don’t need to worry about frequent touch-ups. Designed to complement all skin tones, this product has got you covered for all occasions and special events.
Pros
- Cruelty-free formula
- Easy to use
- Wide range of shades
- Highly pigmented
- Buildable
Cons
- A bit pricey
3
Best Crease-proof Formula
Revlon Eyeshadow Palette
Featuring a pigmented formula, the Revlon Eyeshadow Palette works like magic to give you a polished appearance. Owing to its creamy consistency, it sits on your skin nicely without making it feel heavy or overwhelmed. The crystal-like finish of this product enhances your natural skin texture to make it soft and bouncy. Amp up your makeup looks with this product, offering neutral, smoky, and shimmery colors to make your looks bright and vivid.
Pros
- Blendable texture
- Crease-proof
- Creamy texture
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
- Versatile
Cons
- Might not be suitable for mature skin types
4
Best Hypoallergenic Formula
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeshadow & Eyeliner
Glowing up can be easy with Physicians Formula’s eyeshadow and eyeliner set. This shimmery duo is highly pigmented, so you can create the look you want in one gentle stroke. You get 6 beautiful glittery shades to keep your beauty game under check. With its wet and dry application, you can give your eyes a glamorous appeal softly. Our beauty experts loved the fact that it is safe for contact-lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes. So, achieve a lovely nude look with this beauty that is free from harsh chemicals, including parabens and fragrance.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist approved
- Beautiful shades
- Gluten-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bit powdery
5
Best Cruelty-free Formula
Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Cream Matte Natural Eyeshadow
This creamy eyeshadow palette by Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques can make your eyes look gorgeous and elevate your makeup look. Owing to the nourishing infusion of beeswax, jojoba oil, rosehip, olive oil and other skin-friendly ingredients, it revives your eye area to keep it soft and moisturized. The restorative properties of this product maintain the natural texture of your skin to keep it fresh and clean. With the powerful composition of this product, you can keep the signs of aging at bay and achieve exquisite looks effortlessly.
Pros
- Nourishing ingredients
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Phthalate-free
- Creamy consistency
- Glides smoothly
Cons
- Not crease-proof
6
Best Transfer-proof Formula
Mally Beauty Evercolor Shadow Stick
This smudge-proof eyeshadow stick by Mally Beauty is a must-have to upgrade your natural beauty cabinet. It works as an excellent primer, smudgy eyeliner, and brush to offer you maximum control and freedom to achieve the look that suits you the most. The creamy texture of this stick feels like a treat to the eyes as it doesn’t make your eyelids feel heavy. When our experts tested the product, they found that it doesn’t smudge and gives a long-lasting finish.
Pros
- Transfer-proof
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Highly blendable
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Flimsy stick
7
Best Gluten-free Formula
Zuzu Luxe Mineral Eyeshadow
Zuzu Luxe Mineral Eyeshadow is crafted to accentuate your makeup looks. This blendable eyeshadow contains sea fennel that eases inflammation and keeps the skin hydrated. Featuring a matte finish, it stays on your eyes softly without rubbing off. With a smooth gliding application, it evens out your eye area to give it a refined and neat look. Give your eyes a sparkling effect without damaging them, as it’s free from harmful chemicals, including parabens.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Blendable
- Can be applied wet or dry
- Smooth application
- Soothing formula
Cons
- Slightly expensive
How to Choose the Best Non-toxic Eyeshadow?
Our experts recommend keeping in mind a few factors before picking colorful eyeshadows that are non-toxic. These factors are listed below:
1. Check Ingredient List
One of the most important factors to consider before buying the best non-toxic eyeshadow is ensuring it doesn’t expose your eyes to a lot of chemicals.
Our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, an experienced cosmetologist and beauty consultant, says, “Fragrance, talk and glitter are ingredients to stay clear of in eyeshadow. "Fragrance" is composed of undisclosed chemicals that are frequently allergens. Talc is frequently contaminated with asbestos, a carcinogen, and glitter is made of microplastics which are not great for our life in our waterways.”
The area around your eyes is quite delicate, and any harsh additive can trigger an unpleasant reaction. It’s better to steer clear of eyeshadows that hurt your eyes. Zuzu Luxe Mineral Eyeshadow is an excellent pick to protect your eyes while adding glam and glitz to your looks.
2. Assess the Texture
Another important factor to consider before buying the eyeshadow is its texture. You can create unique looks if the eyeshadow blends nicely and features a blendable formula. If it doesn’t blend nicely, it may look rough and cakey, and that’s the last thing you want. Revlon Eyeshadow Palette is a perfect pick to get the best blendability.
3. Assess Your Eye Color
Choose an eyeshadow color that complements your eye color. People with brown eyes can go for warm shades like bronze, whereas those with dark eyes can choose shades of silver or black that look bold. Pink, brown, and gold shades look good on people with hazel eyes. Those with green eyes can choose vibrant shades like brown or pink to create a dramatic look. Likewise, if you have gray eyes, you can try silver shades.
How to Use a Non-toxic Eyeshadow?
Step 1: Wipe your eyelids with a soft cloth to ensure they are clean.
Step 2: Choose the shades for eyelid and highlighting.
Step 3: Apply the highlight shade on your brow bone in an outward direction lightly.
Step 4: Follow it up by covering your eyelids. Use a flat brush for even blending.
Step 5: Go for a slightly dark shade to cover the crease.
Step 6: Use eyeliner or mascara to complete the look.
Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles
Conclusion
Slaying bold and vivid looks is easier when your eye makeup is on fleek. The composition of eye makeup may be quite confusing as eyes are highly susceptible to allergies and infections. You need blendable and gentle formulas that these non-toxic eyeshadows feature efficiently. The range of colors of these palettes keeps your worries of creating distinct makeup looks at bay. The antioxidant-rich formula of Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick may come as a surprise with its nourishing properties. So, get your set of makeup brushes and stay on top of your style game.
FAQ's
What is the key ingredient used to make eyeshadow?
Talc or mica is the key ingredient used to make eyeshadow.
Are all eyeshadows made with talc?
No, some are also made with mica or kaolin clay.
How long does natural powder eyeshadow stay?
It depends on the ingredients and formulations. However, it may stay up to 4-5 hours.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Sayantani, our in-house makeup specialist, believes eyeshadows are the best way to spice up dull and monotonous looks. She loves the magic eyeshadows create yet acknowledges the fact that finding the right one is often draining. Exposing her eyes to harsh chemicals is a big no, so she tested out some of the best non-toxic eyeshadows to relieve her eyes of pain and discomfort. She couldn’t help but fall for Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeshadow & Eyeliner set, as it’s free from harsh chemicals. Lightweight and approved by dermatologists, she loves it to bits.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More
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