Everyone talks about skincare ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, peptides, collagen.
Meanwhile, the products sitting directly on your skin for eight, ten, sometimes twelve hours a day somehow get a free pass. Which feels a little crazy.
The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest and most delicate skin on your body. Yet many eyeshadows still contain ingredients that can be drying, irritating, or controversial enough that we'd personally rather not put them anywhere near our face.
Does that mean your favorite eyeshadow is single-handedly causing wrinkles? Probably not. Aging is inevitable. But needlessly speeding up the process when better alternatives exist? That's a different story.
If you're investing in your skin everywhere else, it's worth taking a closer look at what's going on in your makeup bag too.
Here's what we're covering:
- The ingredients we avoid (and why)
- What to look for on ingredient labels
- Skin-loving alternatives
- A few eye-area habits worth stealing
Premature Skin Aging: What's The Cause?
Aging is inevitable. Premature aging isn't.
Some things are outside our control. Genetics are genetics. But plenty of the things that influence how quickly our skin ages are things we're exposed to every day: sun exposure, pollution, free radical damage, irritation, inflammation, and yes, the products and ingredients we put on our skin.
Some ingredients are known irritants, some can contribute to dryness, and some have been linked to free radical damage or other health concerns and simply have no business being anywhere near the delicate eye area.
The good news? None of these ingredients are essential for buttery, blendable, deeply pigmented eyeshadow.
Let's take a closer look at some of the biggest offenders.
Why Ingredients Are Especially Important In Eye Makeup:
The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest and most delicate skin on your body. It's also often one of the first places to show signs of dryness, irritation, and aging.
Even the FDA—which generally does very little to regulate cosmetics—has separate rules for eye-area products and prohibits ingredients around the eyes that are permitted elsewhere in cosmetics.
In other words, your eyelids aren't your elbows.
When you're applying a product to such a delicate area day after day, the ingredient list deserves a closer look.
What's In A Typical Eyeshadow:
Ingredient lists are designed to be ignored. We think that's a mistake. Below are two conventional eyeshadow formulas with some of the ingredients we intentionally formulate without highlighted in bold. Here's what they are and why they made our list.
The Top 8 Aging, Toxic Ingredients To Avoid In Your Eyeshadow:
1. Parabens
On ingredient labels: Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
What they do:
Parabens are preservatives used to prevent bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms from growing in cosmetic products.
Why we avoid them:
Few cosmetic ingredients have sparked as much controversy as parabens. Studies have shown that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about hormone disruption and long-term exposure. And considering there are plenty of effective preservative systems available today, we're not entirely sure why we're still having this conversation.
Why they concern us around the eyes:
The eye area is already prone to dryness and irritation. Research has linked parabens to changes in meibomian gland function, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms and discomfort. Dry, irritated skin is the last thing we're aiming for around one of the most delicate areas of the face.
2. Ethoxylated Ingredients
On ingredient labels: PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol), Laureth-7, Polysorbate-20, Steareth-20, and ingredients ending in "-eth"
What they do:
Ethoxylated ingredients are used as emulsifiers, surfactants, solvents, and texture enhancers. In other words, they help formulas blend together smoothly and improve texture and performance.
Why we avoid them:
The concern isn't necessarily the ingredient itself—it's how it's made.
Ethoxylated ingredients are produced using ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. The manufacturing process can also create contamination with 1,4-dioxane, another carcinogen that doesn't appear on ingredient labels because it's considered a byproduct rather than an intentional ingredient.
There are cleaner ways to formulate high-performing eyeshadow. We chose those instead.
Why they concern us around the eyes:
Some PEGs can increase skin penetration, meaning other ingredients may be absorbed more easily as well. Certain ethoxylated ingredients can also be irritating to sensitive skin, particularly around the eyes.
And when skin becomes dry or irritated, fine lines tend to look a whole lot more obvious.
3. Carbon Black
On ingredient labels: CI 77266, Carbon Black, Black 2
What it does:
Carbon black is a pigment used to create deep black color in cosmetics. You'll commonly find it in mascaras, eyeliners, brow products, and dark eyeshadows.
Why we avoid it:
Carbon black has faced safety concerns for decades due to its potential carcinogenicity and contamination risks. It's one of the most controversial pigments used in cosmetics, yet it still shows up in products designed to be applied directly around the eyes.
Which raises a pretty reasonable question: why? When safer alternatives exist, we're not particularly interested in taking that gamble for the sake of a black pigment.
Why it concerns us around the eyes:
Carbon black has been associated with oxidative stress and free-radical formation, both of which can contribute to premature aging over time. And considering the eye area is already one of the first places to show signs of aging, we'd rather not give those processes any extra help.
4. Paraffins
On ingredient labels: Paraffin Wax, Isoparaffin, Liquid Paraffin (Mineral Oil)
What they do:
Paraffins are petroleum-derived ingredients used to improve texture and create a barrier on the skin.
Why we avoid them:
Some mineral oil derivatives have raised concerns around contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), compounds linked to cancer. They're also incredibly inexpensive, which is one reason they've become so common in cosmetics.
Why they concern us around the eyes:
Paraffins form a film over the skin. While that can temporarily make skin feel smoother, it can also contribute to irritation in some people. And irritation and inflammation are two things that tend to show up again and again in conversations about premature aging.
5. Polyacrylamide
On ingredient labels: Polyacrylamide
What it does:
Polyacrylamide is used as a film-forming agent, helping products adhere to the skin and creating a smooth, long-wearing finish.
Why we avoid it:
Polyacrylamide can be contaminated with acrylamide, a probable human carcinogen and neurotoxin. The ingredient has faced enough scrutiny over the years that it's difficult to look at an ingredient list and not wonder why it's still there. The EU has banned this ingredient from cosmetics altogether.
Why it concerns us around the eyes: The eye area is already one of the first places to show signs of aging. Adding an ingredient associated with carcinogenicity concerns simply to create a cosmetic film feels like a strange trade-off.
Polyacrylamide can also contribute to dryness, and when skin becomes dry, fine lines tend to become a whole lot more obvious.
6. Talc
What it does:
Talc is used to absorb moisture, improve texture, reduce shine, and give powder products that silky-smooth feel.
Why we avoid it:
Talc and asbestos form naturally alongside one another in the earth. That means talc can be contaminated with asbestos if it isn't carefully sourced and tested.
The problem? Cosmetic companies are not required to test every batch of talc for asbestos contamination. And while some brands do conduct testing, talc-containing products have repeatedly been recalled over the years due to asbestos concerns.
For us, that's enough of a reason to skip it.
Why it concerns us around the eyes:
Talc is designed to absorb moisture, which can leave skin feeling drier over time. And when skin is dry, fine lines pop.
Want the full story? Read: The Truth About Talc In Makeup (And Why We Don't Use It).
7. PTFE (Teflon)
- What it does: It helps to create a smooth finish.
- Why it's toxic: Yes, the same ingredient that coats non-stick frying pans! Teflon can be contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an endocrine disruptor and possible carcinogen.
- On aging: In addition to the potential free radical damage from this toxin, PTFE can cause inflammation in the skin. Chronic inflammation can slow the skin's ability to heal itself, speeding the formation of wrinkles.
8. Polybutene And Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate:
- What they do: Polybutene helps thicken liquid ingredients. Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate has the same function but also works as a skin conditioner.
- On aging: Both ingredients are strong irritants, especially when used near the eyes. Chronically inflamed, irritated skin can't repair itself effectively, leading to increased signs of aging.
Skin-Loving Ingredients To Look For Instead:
None of the ingredients we just listed are necessary – the same vibrant colors, smooth application, long-lasting, blendable formulas can be achieved with only organic, non-toxic, sustainable ingredients.
And what's more: makeup should enhance the health of your skin! All ĀTHR Beauty eyeshadows are filled with skin-loving ingredients that help protect skin from UV rays, repel aging free-radicals, and soothe and moisturize the skin. Shadows that can nourish the skin all over your face (hello, eyeshadow as highlighter or blush!)
Organic Lavender Oil:
Organic lavender oil is ultra-restorative. It helps soothe the skin, reducing the appearance of redness and discoloration. Lavender oil also helps heal acne and combat aging free radicals with its high antioxidant content and antibacterial qualities.
Organic, Fair-Trade Coconut Oil + Organic, Fair-Trade Shea Butter:
This moisturizing, skin-softening duo helps seal in moisture, reduce inflammation, and calm redness.
Organic Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil (Sea Buckthorn Oil):
Sea buckthorn oil's rich concentration of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids help protect the skin from sun damage by reducing UV-related inflammation.
Organic Rosa Canina Seed Oil (Rosehip seed oil):
This moisture-rich oil is full of nourishing fatty acids that help your skin stay hydrated and youthful. Antioxidant-rich vitamins A and C boost radiance, combat discoloration and sun damage, and work to encourage healthy collagen production.
Organic Moringa Oil:
Moringa oil contains vitamin A to help build collagen, vitamin C to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and vitamin E to help heal and prevent inflammation.
Organic Prickly Pear Oil:
Prickly pear is high in omega 6 and 9, vitamin E, and amino acids which stimulate collagen production in the skin. Vitamin K which helps brighten the skin and promote elasticity.
CRYSTAL INFUSIONS FOR #LITERALGLOW
Besides adding gorgeous luminosity, crystal infusions help reflect light away from the skin, camouflaging fine lines and wrinkles. Every crystal also has its own unique skin-soothing benefits to energize, calm, and add that lustrous glow to your skin:
Amethyst:
A truly skin-soothing stone, amethyst emits infrared rays which boost circulation in the skin, calming inflammation and redness. Its negative ion-charge helps detoxify the skin by drawing out toxins and free radicals.
Diamond:
This high-vibe stone helps stimulate collagen production, reduces the appearance of sun damage, and helps brighten the skin.
Blue and Yellow Topaz:
Topaz releases tension from the face which can cause premature aging.
Sapphire:
Sapphire helps soothe, hydrate, and calm the skin, creating that smooth, even glow.
Rose Quartz:
Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and fine lines by calming inflammation, releasing tension, and encouraging skin healing.
Amber:
The succinic acid found in Amber is a powerful antioxidant. It helps fight the damaging effects of free radicals on your skin.
Tourmaline:
Helps energize the skin for that radiant, youthful glow.
Ruby:
Helps hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin from aging free radicals.
Read our blog, 'Crystals: the science behind the spiritual' for more on how crystals uplift your spirit and illuminate your skin!
OTHER EYE CARE TIPS:
- Apply your eyeshadows gently using your finger or a very soft brush. Avoid pressing too hard and try not to pull the skin when blending your shadow.
- Remove makeup every night, even when you so don't want to – we hear you! Use a non-toxic, moisturizing remover and allow it to soak in before dabbing gently to remove makeup.
- Apply eye creams with your pinky finger and dab the product in gently.
- Sleep with a puffier pillow if it's comfortable for you – this stops fluid from pooling underneath your eyes, creating that puffy under eye look.
- Drink lots of water for hydrated, radiant-looking skin.
Thanks as always for tuning into our blog beauties! May you manifest all the magic of the cosmo into your life.
– ĀTHR Beauty xo
