Good Makeup For Sensitive Skin

Despite "truth in labeling" laws, the ingredients used in cosmetics remain relatively unregulated. Cosmetics do not fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and any product testing is done by the manufacturers. Only about 11 percent of the 12,500 ingredients in personal care products have been safety-tested, notes the Environmental Working Group. As a general rule, if a makeup has fewer ingredients, it also has less chance of containing an irritant. Discontinue using any makeup that irritates your skin. Your doctor can guide you in allergen testing if you have severe reactions to makeup.

Warnings

Ingredients in cosmetics that are labeled "natural" or "organic" are totally unregulated, and there are no guidelines for the use of these terms. Manufacturers use the words as advertising gimmicks, leaving it up to consumers to read and understand ingredient labels. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics also warns about nanotechnology. Although it is cutting-edge science, nanotechnology in cosmetics has not been safety-tested. Nano particles are atomic- and molecular-sized particles that have been engineered to have particular characteristics. They are synthetically arranged, and when they are included in skin care products, they are tiny enough to move deep into your skin.

Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup is more than a hot trend. It truly is a natural cosmetic, made from powdered minerals. Alima Pure, a mineral makeup company, explains that mineral makeup is extremely light. It does not clog your pores, and it washes off easily. The minerals provide a layer of sun protection, and some have anti-inflammatory properties. SheerMiracle.com recommends choosing a brand that does not contain bismuth oxychloride, an ingredient in some mineral powders that is added to give sparkle or shine. Bismuth oxychloride can cause your skin to itch or to break out.

Personal Irritants

While some ingredients are well-known irritants, you may also have individual allergies. Skincare-news.com suggests finding makeup that is right for your sensitive skin by eliminating makeup that causes irritation. Keep track of the ingredients in the problem products, and you can compare common ingredients to determine which specific ones may be the cause. Before you apply a new cosmetic extensively, test it on a small patch of skin. Request a small sample pack for this purpose.

Eye Makeup

Tender skin around your eyes can be extremely sensitive. By limiting the number of ingredients in eye makeup, you can cut the chances of sensitivity issues. Black eyeliner and mascara have the fewest potential irritants, according to Skincare-news.com. Pencil eyeliner is recommended over liquid, due to the potential allergen, latex, in liquid formulas. The opposite is true for eye shadow. Lighter colors of eye shadow have fewer potential irritants.

Brands

The Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, maintained by the Environmental Working Group, researches and rates safety for thousands of cosmetics and personal care products. Coastal Classic Creations receives the highest ranking for its products, as do other companies including ANDE, Rejuva, Earth's Beauty and Maia's.