I’ve tried literally dozens of natural and clean foundations over the last decade and I’m finally sharing my guide to help you find the right one for YOU! I’ll discuss what ingredients to avoid and compare all the top-rated clean foundations available today. For my criteria, I’m giving each an overall rating, how it works, my personal tips on how to use the product and whether or not I’d repurchase. 

Why I switched to non-toxic foundation

Foundation covers every inch of my skin, unlike eyeliner or mascara, so if it’s going to be sitting on my entire face for 9 hours a day, I sure as heck want to be using healthy ingredients that actually nourish and improve my skin.

The best non-toxic foundation will use natural and organic ingredients and be free of parabens, petroleum derived ingredients, coal tar dyes, silicones, microplastics, and harsh synthetics.

My Verdict

The overall winners for me are 100 Percent Pure, INIKA Organic and Kjaer Weis. These foundations also have the least amount of chemicals and are all natural.

Ingredients to Avoid in Foundation

When you’re looking for a non toxic foundation, try to avoid certain ingredients that may cause skin irritation or other potential health concerns. Here are the ingredients you want to avoid:

• Bismuth Oxychloride: While the FDA has approved bismuth oxychloride as safe for use in cosmetics, it can cause skin reactions for a lot of people.
• Parabens: These are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics but have been linked to hormonal disruptions and potential reproductive issues.
• Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can be a common allergen and may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Opt for fragrance-free or products scented with natural essential oils.
• Oxybenzone: This chemical is found in some foundations with SPF, but it can potentially cause skin allergies and hormonal disruptions. Try using foundations with physical sunscreens like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide instead.
• Synthetic Dyes: Artificial colorants, such as FD&C or D&C, can cause sensitivity and potential irritation. Look for foundations with natural or mineral-based colorants.
• Mineral Oil: This petroleum-derived ingredient can clog pores and may not be suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin types.
• Talc: Linked to potential cancer risks. To this day, talc is still often found in powder foundations.
• Sulfates: These are cleansing agents that can be harsh and drying for the skin.
• Phthalates: These chemicals are used to enhance fragrance and texture but may be endocrine disruptors.
• Silicones: While not necessarily harmful, some individuals may be sensitive to silicones, which can give a smooth texture but may cause breakouts or irritation.
• Alcohol: High concentrations of alcohol, such as denatured alcohol, can be drying and irritating to the skin. Seek foundations without excessive alcohol content.

Best Clean Foundations Compared

I tried INIKA Organic Liquid Foundation

Inika Organic has one of the highest ingredients standards, hands down, in the clean beauty industry and their foundation is one of my top recommendations. This brand is certified organic, which means at least 70% of ingredients in each product is organic, and their ingredients are ethically sourced and derived from botanicals or minerals. The INIKA Organic Liquid Foundation is not a dewy foundation – it has a drier, thicker consistency while still thoroughly hydrating skin with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and botanical oils. I find the coverage to be light to medium. It dries down very quickly and leaves a matte finish. This is also one of my top recs for mature skin!

My rating is 10/10 and I would definitely repurchase time and time again.
Price: $55
Key ingredients: Argan, Hyaluronic Acid, Evening Primrose, Aloe, Green Tea
Coverage: medium
Finish: matte
Shades: 6
✔ 100% natural ✔ Organic ✔ Vegan ✔ Leaping Bunny Cruelty-free

I tried Ogee Sculpted Complexion Foundation Stick

I recently tried a bunch of Ogee makeup products and I love how creamy, breathable and natural looking their stick foundation feels and looks. I find the coverage to be on the lighter side, could be medium for some people, but it IS buildable for more coverage. I also find it easy to blend with my foundation brush or with my fingers and it doesn’t feel heavy or look cakey. The ingredients are 70% certified organic and all natural with a blend of waxes, oils and resins. Love the luxe look of the packaging and I actually prefer this formula to Westman Atelier’s foundation stick.

My rating is 8/10 as I love the purity and quality of the ingredients but it would not be my first choice when it comes to repurchasing.
Price: $52
Key ingredients: Pracaxi Seed Oil and Patchouli Leaf Extract 
Coverage: Light to medium
Finish: Natural semi-matte
Shades: 20
✔ 100% natural ✔ Certified Organic ✔ Cruelty-free ✔ Gluten free ✔ Made in USA

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I tried Well People Supernatural Complexion Stick + Concealer (budget!)

I loved Well People’s original foundation stick and recently tried out their new Supernatural Complexion Stick, which is a versatile foundation and concealer in one.  The price point is super reasonable and their products are free from parabens, avobenzone, oxybenzone, GMOs, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone, petrolatum, PEG, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and talc. I love how silky smooth the product feels on my skin and find it great for touch-ups and subtle blemish coverage. If you’re looking for heavy duty coverage, I would pass.

My rating is 8/10 because it offers decent performance and I love the value for money and cleanliness of ingredients.
Price: $25
Key ingredients: Bamboo stem powder, black cumin seed oil
Coverage: Light to medium
Finish: Natural semi-matte
Shades: 15
✔ PETA cruelty-free Vegan ✔ Leaping Bunny certified

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I tried RMS ReEvolve natural finish foundation

I had to purchase RMS new liquid foundation to see how it measures up to other popular natural foundations and I actually liked it. Yep it was surprising to me too since I hated their Uncoverup Foundation! I do find the bottle to be awkwardly large (though not heavy) and so not travel-friendly, even though it’s great that it’s refillable and more eco-friendly. I found that a little bit goes a long way with this foundation and it’s easy to go overboard. The coverage is very strong and I can see myself using this as a concealer honestly. Despite what the website says, I find the finish to be matte which is why using too much product can lead to it looking dry and feeling heavy. Compared to Inika and Fitglow, RMS foundations don’t contain as many good ingredients but ReEvolve does have Tightenyl (a natural alternative to retinol), Vegetable Squalane, and an adaptogenic herbal blend horsetail, St. John’s Wart, Ashwagandha and Turmeric root.

My rating is 8/10 because it provides great full coverage and wears decently throughout the day.
Price: $55 / $45 refill
Key ingredients: Tightenyl™, Vegetable Squalane, Aloe, horsetail, St. John’s Wart, Ashwagandha and Turmeric
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Shades: 16
✔ Vegan ✔ Leaping Bunny Cruelty-free

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I tried Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation (luxe)

The Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation is the OG sustainable organic foundation that uses both certified organic ingredients and refillable packaging. I love how moisturizing and creamy this feels and the semi-matte natural finish it leaves without looking cakey. I find that it’s a little too rich to be comfortably buildable, but you can control how light or heavy you want the coverage to be. I would also make sure your skin is exfoliated and properly hydrated before using this cream foundation. Certified organic oils like jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil and coconut oil all work to nourish skin and improve skin health. I love that Kjaer Weis offers two types of sustainable packaging options, one being a metal case and the other being a compostable case that’s made to look like red leather. My main complaint is that the price point is very steep for most people.

My rating is 9/10 because I love the high quality organic ingredients, sustainable refillable packaging and performance.
Price: $54 Red Edition / $70 Iconic Edition / $46 Refill
Key ingredients: Certified organic jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil and coconut oil
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Semi-matte natural
Shades: 14
✔ 100% natural ✔ Organic ✔ Leaping Bunny Cruelty-free

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I tried 100% Pure Healthy Foundation

If you’re new to clean makeup, I highly recommend starting with 100% Pure. Their foundation is totally natural and made in a base of Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Rice Starch and fruit extracts and supercharged with Maqui Berry, Coffee Cherry, Muscadine Grape, and Mangosteen. I’m amazed that the pigmentation is achieved through fruits and veggies instead of iron oxides (including their entire line)! The Healthy Foundation feels hydrating and moisturizing and blends into my skin super well.

Here’s what OBL reader Mariela says about 100% Pure’s foundation:

Love this foundation so much, coverage is medium to full, leaves skin smooth, covers all my redness, and does not cling to my dry patches. Shade Creme is perfect for my fair skin with neutral undertones. Staying power is good for 6 to 8 hours i would say, and then you need to touch up a little.

my skin is dry to combination
i use this foundation almost 4 months on and off

Here’s what another reader says:

I’m a huge fan of 100% Pure and I love the non-toxic & natural ingredients in the foundation, but I find that it settles into fine lines and creases easily. I have oily/acne-prone skin with dry blemish spots here and there and the foundation clings on to the dry spots like crazy! I’m almost finished with the bottle, but I don’t think I will repurchase. My search for a green foundation continues!

My rating is 9/10 and I would repurchase as I love the amazing ingredients and the performance is great.
Price: $48 for 1 oz
Key ingredients: Organic Aloe Juice, rice starch, Maqui Berry, Coffee Cherry, Muscadine Grape, and Mangosteen
Coverage: light to medium
Finish: natural
Shades: 9
✔ 100% natural ✔ Organic Ingredients Vegan ✔ Leaping Bunny Cruelty-free

I tried 100% Pure Full Coverage Water Foundation (best for full coverage)

For a full coverage non toxic foundation, I also recommend looking into 100% Pure, specifically their Full Coverage Water Foundation. Even though it is pretty thick, it doesn’t feel overly heavy on my skin. The brand says the finish is dewy, but I find that it’s matte on my dry skin. One layer is all I need for good coverage. Any more and I feel the foundation would look and feel too cakey. The formula begins in an organic Aloe Juice base and is enriched with fruit extracts, oils from Acai and Pomegranate, and skincare ingredients like Red Wine Resveratrol and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Price: $48 for 1 oz
Key ingredients: Acai, Pomegranate, Red Wine Resveratrol and Alpha Lipoic Acid
Coverage: full
Finish: satin or matte
Shades: 19
✔ 100% natural ✔ Organic Ingredients Vegan ✔ Leaping Bunny Cruelty-free

Use ORGANICBEAUTYLOVER for 20% off

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I tried Fitglow Beauty Foundation+ (98% organic)

Fitglow Beauty makes one of the few truly organic foundations on the market with a 98% organic and 95% whole food-based foundation. It’s also great for a natural, skin like finish. I find this to have a very lightweight silky smooth consistency. It wears like a skin tint while providing just a tad coverage than a skin tint would. I can confirm it applies flawlessly and feels so hydrating and weightless on my skin. One thing to note is its wand applicator may or may not be an application you’d enjoy though. I love how it makes your skin look like your skin, but more beautiful and airbrushed.

I want to take a moment for the ingredients which blew me away when it first launched as I had never seen anything like it. The Fitglow foundation is truly skincare disguised as makeup and contains Vitamin C, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid,Seaweed Brighteners and Beta-Carotene to increase collagen production and boost skins ability to diminish spots, freckles, hyper-pigmentation, sun damage plus improve elasticity.

While Fitglow Foundation works for all skin types, this is a fantastic organic foundation for mature skin and oily skin types as it has the most skincare-like formulation and a natural finish.

My rating is 8/10 as I love the ingredients and the way it feels, but it doesn’t provide the best coverage and I prefer a pump versus a wand applicator.`
Price: $55
Coverage: light
Finish: natural to satin finish
Shades:
✔ 100% natural ✔ 98% Organic ✔ Vegan ✔ Leaping Bunny Cruelty-free ✔ Cradle to Cradle Certified™ ✔ EPA Safer Choice

Use OBL15 for 15% off

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I tried Araza Beauty Coconut Cream Foundation

This cream foundation is nearly fully organic (98%) and it has a super rich consistency that feels almost clay-like. It’s formulated to be full of nourishing fats and would be ideal for mature and very dry skin types. I also appreciate that there’s a very wide range of shades for such a tiny brand. The ingredients are the star here with organic coconut oil,  coconut post-biotic to balance skin’s natural microbiome, wild picked organic araza fruit, natural clay, neem seed oil, rosehip oil and more. I find the coverage to be a solid medium, though it may be lighter if you have stronger blemishes and the finish to dry down to a semi-matte.

My rating is 7/10 because I love how organic and healthy the ingredients are, the added sun protection from zinc oxide and the decent performance.
Price: $48 for 1 oz
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Semi-matte
Shades: 24
✔ 100% natural ✔ 95% Organic

Use OBL for 20% off

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Compared: Clean but not totally natural foundations

These foundations aren’t at the same level of quality as the ones I talk about above, but they are healthier than conventional foundation.

I tried Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation

I used Ere Perez’s Oat Milk Foundation for over a year and couldn’t get myself to love it. I know loads of people like it, but it just didn’t make my skin look as great as other natural foundations do. I think it’s because it ends up looking patchy after a while. The formula is relatively simple compared to other non toxic foundations and has a couple skin beneficial ingredients like oat milk, peach and Vitamin E but purists may not like that it has Ethylhexylglycerin and Potassium Sorbet.

Price: $42 for 1 oz
Key ingredients: Oat milk, Vitamin E, Peach
Coverage: Light to medium but leans light for me
Finish: Satin
Shades: 12
✔ Vegan ✔ Cruelty free

I tried ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

I have to say the ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation feels silky, smooth, and lightweight plus wears well throughout the day. Note that ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation does contain the silicone Dimethicone, which lends to its silkiness factor. If silicones cause you to break out I would proceed with caution. It does my skin a beautiful natural, satin like finish and light to medium coverage. The formula has added mastic gum, which helps fight oil production, and active levels of Niacinamide and Allantoin to improve skin barrier health, soothe inflammation and increase your skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Price:
Key ingredients:
Coverage:
Finish:
Shades:
Varietals:
✔ Vegan

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I tried Kosas Revealer Skin Improving Foundation

I looove Kosas Revealer Concealer so I had high hopes for their Revealer Foundation, but was underwhelmed. First off, I do really appreciate that Kosas’ Foundation has SPF 25 but I think that’s actually its downfall because it ends up making my skin look too dry after a few hours. I would not repurchase this sadly. If you love their Revealer Concealer, my tip is to mix it with a bit of moisturizer to create your own foundation. The coverage is quite strong and offers a bit of sun protection thanks to 7.5% zinc oxide. In terms of ingredient quality, this foundation is not all natural but does contain way more skincare actives than your average foundation. There’s Niacinamide, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Caffeine, Squalane, Arnica, and Pro Vitamin B5 to nourish, brighten and hydrate skin.

Price: $42 for 1 oz
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Caffeine, Squalane, Arnica, and Pro Vitamin B5
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Matte
Shades: 36
✔ Vegan

I tried Westman Atelier Vital Foundation Stick

Westman Atelier’s foundation stick is creamy and glides on like velvet, leaving a natural almost matte finish. It also provides great medium coverage for my skin and I can see myself using it as a spot concealer versus needing it all over my face. I don’t find it all hat buildable because it starts to look and feel cakey. I do find the foundation wears well throughout the day. Sadly, I don’t feel this is worth repurchasing as it’s super expensive and doesn’t have an all natural formula.

Price: $68
Key ingredients: Vegetable derived Squalane, Camellia Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Berryflux Vita Extract
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
Shades: 20
✔ Vegan ✔ Cruelty-free

I tried Jones Road What The Foundation

Even though this is called a foundation, it’s unlike any traditional foundation and feels more like a skin tint. Jones Road’s foundation is between a foundation and tinted moisturizer and provides less coverage than the former but more coverage than the later. Ingredients wise, this is low on the spectrum of “clean” (contains phenoxyethanol) and pales in comparison to the quality of ingredients used in other organic makeup brands. While I really like the moisturized skin-like finish where my skin still looks like my skin but way better, I still am not a fan of this foundation. It can be hit or miss as some of their jars seem to have a consistency issue with these annoying granules.

Price: $44 for 1.14 oz
Key ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Castor Seed Oil
Coverage: Light to medium
Finish: Natural
Shades: 16
✔ Vegan ✔ Cruelty-free