What Christians Should Know About Makeup Ingredients

There was a time when I never thought twice about what was in my makeup.

If it smelled nice, worked well enough, and fit the budget, into the basket it went. I didn’t question ingredient lists I couldn’t pronounce, or why my skin felt irritated after using certain products. I didn’t connect my daily habits with my faith.

But eventually, after 3-bouts of cancer between my teens and 20's, a quiet nudge began to surface. Not fear. Not guilt. Just awareness.

As Christians, we’re called to live with discernment — not perfection — and that includes the ordinary choices we make every day. What we eat, what we bring into our homes, and yes, even what we place on our skin.

This isn’t about vanity. And it certainly isn’t about legalism. It's about stewardship, wisdom, and love.

Want a simple, faith-led way to start choosing safer makeup? Join our subscribe list and I will send the PDF over to you!

Beauty Isn’t the Problem — Disconnection Is

Scripture is clear that our worth does not come from outward appearance.

But Scripture also teaches that our bodies are a gift — something entrusted to us, not something to neglect or abuse.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your bodies.”— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Makeup itself is morally neutral. It can be creative, joyful, expressive, and even practical. The concern isn’t whether we wear makeup — it’s whether we’ve become disconnected from what we’re allowing into our bodies simply because “everyone does it.”

Love-led living invites us to pause and ask better questions.

Why Ingredients Matter More Than Marketing

The skin is not a barrier — it’s a sponge. The largest organ of our bodies.

What we put on it can be absorbed into the bloodstream, especially with products used daily like foundation, blush, lipstick, and skincare.

Many conventional makeup products contain ingredients that are:

• Endocrine (hormone) disruptors

• Known irritants for sensitive skin

• Bio accumulative (they build up in the body over time)

• Harmful to waterways and wildlife

Most of us were never taught to read ingredient labels, and many companies rely on that.

Choosing to learn isn’t about fear — it’s about being informed.

Common Makeup Ingredients Christians Should Be Aware Of

You don’t need to memorize chemical names or panic over every label. Start with awareness.

Synthetic Fragrance

Often listed simply as “fragrance” or “parfum,” this can be a blend of dozens (or hundreds) of undisclosed chemicals.

Why it matters:

• Linked to headaches, allergies, asthma, and hormone disruption

• Especially problematic for sensitive skin and children

Parabens

Used as preservatives to extend shelf life.

Why it matters:

• Mimic estrogen in the body

• Found in breast tissue studies

• Increasingly avoided by clean brands for good reason

Phthalates

Common in fragrances and plastic packaging.

Why it matters:

• Known endocrine disruptors

• Linked to reproductive and developmental concerns

Talc (non-tested)

Talc itself isn’t always harmful, but contamination with asbestos has been a long-standing concern when not properly tested.

Why it matters:

• Many brands now choose safer alternatives

• Transparency is key

Heavy Metals (lead, cadmium, mercury)

Not always listed — often present as contaminants.

Why it matters:

• Lip products are especially concerning

• Build up in the body over time

Fear Is Not Our Guide — Wisdom Is

It’s important to say this clearly:

This is not about walking in fear or obsessing over purity.

God does not call us to anxiety — He calls us to wisdom.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously…”— James 1:5

When we choose cleaner, safer products, we’re not earning righteousness. We’re simply responding to knowledge with care.

Stewardship Is a Spiritual Practice

Stewardship isn’t just about money.

It’s about how we care for what God has entrusted to us:

• Our bodies

• Our homes

• The earth

Choosing makeup made with safer, more transparent ingredients is one small but meaningful way to live out that calling.

It’s an act of respect — not only for ourselves, but for the people who make these products and the world they return to.

What to Look for Instead

You don’t need “perfect” products. Look for better ones.

• Certified organic or thoughtfully sourced ingredients

• No synthetic fragrance

• No parabens or phthalates

• Third-party testing

• Transparent ingredient lists

• Brands that value people over profit

Clean beauty doesn’t have to mean ineffective, boring, or inaccessible.

There are brands creating makeup that works with your skin — not against it — and aligns with a faith-rooted desire to do no unnecessary harm.

A Gentle Invitation, Not a Rulebook

If you’re just beginning this journey, start small. Replace one product at a time. Read one label this week. Ask one question you’ve never asked before.

God is patient. Growth is gradual. And conviction always comes wrapped in love.

This isn’t about judgment — for yourself or others. It’s about aligning everyday choices with a heart that wants to honor God in the ordinary.

Want a simple, faith-led way to start choosing safer makeup? Join our subscribe list and I will send the PDF over to you!

Makeup does not define you. But intentional living shapes you.

And when our choices are rooted in love — love for God, love for our bodies, love for creation — even the smallest decisions can become acts of worship.

To save you time and searching, I've already done it for you. Piper Blue is my favorite organic makeup brand. Piper Blue was created with love, intention, and integrity. No fragrance. No synthetic stabilizers. No harsh chemicals. Just pure, skin-loving ingredients that work with your skin, not against it. It is non-toxic, certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free, third-party tested, and proudly made in the USA.

It’s safe for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic, breathable, lightweight, and won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts. Everything is fully disclosed — no hidden ingredients, no greenwashing. I recently compared Piper Blue to a very popular brand that’s often called “natural,” and that other brand still contained synthetic preservatives and fragrance compounds. With Piper Blue, I know I’m choosing true clean beauty — simple, botanical, and honest.

The cream products blend beautifully with fingers, brushes, or sponges. One easy palette replaces a drawer full of containers, making your routine faster, simpler, and more peaceful. The formulas are smooth, creamy, long-lasting, and comfortable on the skin — perfect for any age and every skin type.

And at the heart of it all is faith. The product names — Faith, Hope, Peace, Victory, etc. — are gentle reminders of truth and encouragement woven into your everyday routine. Beauty doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health, your values, or the planet. This is makeup you can feel genuinely good about. Good for your skin. Good for the earth. Created with care, transparency, and love.

XO, Marie