Looking for the best European paraben-free makeup brands that solely use top-notch, clean, certified organic, and ethically sourced ingredients? You’re in luck! In the last couple of years, more and more companies have joined the cruelty-free beauty space. However, when it comes to chemicals and toxic ingredients in makeup, unfortunately, it’s still pretty hard to avoid parabens and sulfates as beauty ingredients. It gets even trickier if you're looking for the cleanest makeup brands that are also affordable and highly effective.
Why choose European paraben-free makeup brands?
It’s widely known that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. In fact, researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that decreased fertility was associated with urinary propylparaben and with increased odds of pre-term birth and decreased birth weight. Shockingly, a recent study showed a connection between parabens and the increase in the growth of breast cancer cells to boot.
We’ve vetted and verified some of Europe’s most raved-about paraben and sulfate-free makeup brands to see if they're worth the hype. Let’s just say that we are extra discerning when it comes to what is the best. So for this clean cosmetics list, we looked through the list of ingredients, sourcing tactics, and certifications to make sure that these European paraben-free makeup brands offer ethically-made, clean cosmetics enhanced with skin-loving ingredients that are safe, and high performing.
Best European makeup brands without parabens and phthalates
Vary Vace
Vary Vace is not only one of the cleanest makeup brands in Europe, but also a very sustainable one. They only use 100% natural ingredients that are well tolerated by all skin types and thrive on creating each formula in the most eco-conscious way possible. The German brand sources minerals and raw materials from Europe to minimize their carbon footprint. On top of that, they solely use recyclable tin cans that can be refilled time and time again.
Aside from being free of any microplastics or nanomaterials, Vary Vace’s BDIH - Cosmos Natural makeup without parabens and phthalates is also cruelty-free and vegan. So go ahead and start creating stunning make-up looks with their wide range of eyeshadows, eyeliners, pencils, foundation, blush, highlighters, and splurge-worthy sets.
Price: From 14,99 €
Best For: natural eyeshadows, concealers & foundations
Freshly Cosmetics
As the name suggests, Freshly Cosmetics is one of the best European paraben-free makeup brands with 99% natural ingredients and a deep respect for our environment. The Spanish company uses Peta-vegan-approved crystal-clear actives to create cruelty-free and clean plant-based cosmetics. Can you believe it all started From a tiny garage in Gandesa?
The natural makeup brand offers a slew of skincare gems categorized by skin type (oily, acne, combination, etc.), body care, haircare, and, of course, cosmetics for the eyes, face, cheeks, and lips. For example, their bronzing serum contains 100 times more vitamin C than an orange to protect your face from oxidative stress; the cream foundation incorporates bamboo microspheres, a biocompatible form of vegan hyaluronic acid, and non-greasy plant-derived oils and butters, to moisturize and care for the skin providing the softness it needs.
Don’t know where to start your clean cosmetics journey? Just take their Freshlys
quiz!
Price: From 14,00 €
Best for: face treatments, serums, foundation
Pure U
Much like all aforementioned European paraben-free makeup brands, Pure U is on a mission to help us express ourselves through the art of makeup without having to deal with the toxic side of beauty – aka chemicals. The German company offers concealers, highlighter balms, bronzing balms, and more conscious options in stick form. Plus, the natural and vegan formulas come dressed in grass paper packaging and promise to glide on like a dream. You can freely recycle your empties and opt for new super affordable organic makeup to broaden your minimalistic routine.
Price: From €19
Best For: Balms
