Harmful Ingredients in Kids Make up: What should you be aware of?

“Mum, can I wear make up like you?” It’s a question you may have heard before and one that might make you pause for a moment… Children’s make up may seem innocent, but many products contain harmful ingredients that can be unsafe for young skin. These substances can cause skin irritation, trigger allergies, or even have long-term adverse effects on health.

We have compiled a list of some common harmful ingredients to watch out for when purchasing make up for kids and teens:

Microplastics:

Did you know that microplastics are found in 9 out of 10 cosmetic products? These tiny plastic particles are often added to cosmetics to give products shine, make them thicker, or simply as cheap filler material.

Besides causing environmental damage, these particles can enter the bloodstream and cause harm to health in the long term. Fortunately, there are excellent alternatives to plastic in make up… still with beautiful glitter, but without microplastics. Tip: You can find brands and products guaranteed to be free of microplastics using the handy Beat The Microbead app.

Parabens
Parabens are often used as preservatives in cosmetics to extend shelf life. While they are effective in killing bacteria and moulds, they can also have hormone-disrupting properties. This can affect the hormonal balance of children.

Synthetic Colours and Fragrances
A bit of colour on your daughter’s or son’s eyes, cheeks, or lips? Great! But did you know that harsh chemical colourants are often used to achieve those vibrant colours? For example, avoid CI 16035 (Allura Red AC), which is often found in blush or lip gloss and can cause allergies and skin irritation with potential hormone-disrupting effects. Also, watch out for CI 77266 (Carbon Black), a colourant often used in mascara and eyeliner, also known as soot. This can cause skin irritation and is debated due to its potential carcinogenic properties when inhaled.

Talc
Talc is a mineral often used in powder products such as blush or eyeshadow. Besides potentially clogging skin pores, talc can also contain traces of asbestos if not properly purified. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and although the risk is small, it is still concerning enough to be aware of with products for children.

Animal-Derived Ingredients:
Many make up products contain animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, collagen, or keratin. This is less environmentally friendly, and your child may develop an allergic reaction or skin irritation. It is better to opt for vegan make up with only natural, plant-based ingredients.

How to Choose Safe Kids’ Make up?

• Check the ingredients list: Avoid products with long lists of unfamiliar or hard-to-pronounce chemicals.
• Choose natural and vegan products: These products usually do not contain harmful chemicals and are gentler on children's skin.
• Download the Beat The Microbead app to easily find brands and products that are guaranteed to be free of microplastics.

Finding products specifically customised to the sensitive skin of kids and teens can be quite a task, requiring careful reading of the ingredients on all packaging. Too much effort? Don't worry!

TOOT! products are specially developed for sensitive children’s and teenagers’ skin, allowing your son or daughter to experiment with make up worry-free, without the harmful side effects!