Setting Powders
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October 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars
+Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Hydrating ($27)
+Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Illuminating ($27)
+Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Original ($27)
+Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder SPF25 ($27)
Bare Minerals Original Mineral Veil Pressed Setting Powder ($29)
+Honest Luminizing Glow Powder ($20)
+Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder ($34)
+RMS Beauty “Un” Powder Tinted ($34)
+Vapour Ethereal Perfecting Powder Pressed ($38)
+Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare ($75)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder ($55)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
Aveda Inner Light Mineral Pressed Powder ($26 + Case)
Glossier Wowder ($22)
Haus Labs Bio-Blurring Loose Setting Powder ($38)
+RMS Beauty “Un” Powder ($34)
+Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder ($30)
♥ Lisa’s Personal Choice
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder ($55)
√ Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder ($34)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
Aveda Inner Light Mineral Pressed Powder – $26
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Natural Fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol
Silicone Level: High
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “Trade unwanted shine for welcome radiance. Our ultra-fine, weightless-feeling formula lends the power of tourmaline and other reflective minerals to skin, while helping control oil to reduce shine, improving the appearance of imperfections and uneven skintone. Formulated without parabens. Sheer coverage; semi-matte finish. Increases radiance. Talc-free; non-acnegenic.”
I tried this product (in the Honey shade) on in the Aveda store and I thought that it looked nice without being drying.
The main item on the ingredients list that concerns me is the dimethicone, which is a type of silicone. Although I think maybe this would be less problematic than silicone in primers (since the amount sinking into my skin likely would be less with this), I’m still not sure that it’s necessary to have that ingredient in the powder at all.
Although I usually do okay with Aveda’s fragrance mixtures (stated as being derived from all-natural ingredients) and although I didn’t really notice the powder in the store as having a scent, I suspect that it still would bother some chemically sensitive people and wonder why Aveda feels it necessary to put fragrance in powder at all.
My biggest problem with this product, though, is that it seems pretty expensive to me for something that does not come with its own container (and the refillable compacts are $30 each).
Although I do have a one of the older metal Aveda refillable makeup cases, I would have to take something out of it to put this powder into it.
So the Bare Minerals product seems to me like a better value as well as probably being preferable in terms of the product itself.
Size: 0.24 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.6 Stars (104 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Rating: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Natural fragrance (8), Linalool (3), Limonene (5), Geraniol (5), Citronellol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Soybean Oil, Methicone.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol
All Ingredients: Mica, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Lauroyl Lysine, Squalane, Magnesium Myristate, Rice Starch, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Tourmaline, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Soybean Oil, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbic Acid, Boron Nitride, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol. May contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Hydrating Version – $27
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, talc-free loose setting powder that sets makeup and extends wear while blurring the appearance of pores and fine lines, for a soft-focus finish with no flashback. Sets makeup and extends wear. Minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Absorbs excess oil. Delivers a naturally airbrushed finish.”
Unlike all of Bare Minerals’ other loose finishing powders, this one contains no cornstarch and therefore is not supposed absorb oil.
It therefore may be more appropriate for more mature dry skin.
It also has just a tiny bit of sheen to it from the mica, adding a little bit of radiance to my skin without it being so shiny that it ever looks inappropriate.
Size: 0.21 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (4503 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Requirements
Clean at Sephora: Meets Requirements
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Requirements
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Honeysuckle Flower Extract
All Ingredients: Silica, Water, Silica Silylate, Rice Lipids, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Sodium Dehydoracetate, Sorbic Acid. May Contain: Mica , Titanium Dioxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Iron Oxides
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Illuminating Version – $27
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, talc-free loose setting powder that sets makeup and extends wear while blurring the appearance of pores and fine lines, for a soft-focus finish with no flashback. Sets makeup and extends wear. Minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Absorbs excess oil. Delivers a naturally airbrushed finish.”
This is a super-sparkly finishing powder that, when used on its own, seems appropriate only to be used in very small quantites on certain parts of the face for highlighting purposes.
I suggest a little fan brush (which picks up only a small amout of the product and then distributes it in a diffuse way on the face) if using the product straight. And then reserving it just for evening outings.
On the other hand, mixing just a tiny bit of this sparkly powder with any kind of other loose powder or loose powder foundation can create a really beautiful sheen that can bring the whole face to life.
What I have been doing is shaking a some of the Bare Minerals powder foundation into the lid the container and then adding a touch of this illuminating powder. Then I take a kabuki brush and brush just a tiny bit of the mixture over my whole face, buffing it with the brush a bit in order to blend it into my skin.
What I would really like to do is to be able to mix a larger quantity of slightly sparkly powder to use every day, but the Bare Minerals containers do not have a removable shaker top.
I wonder if something like a salt shaker would work.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (5957 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None.
All Ingredients: Corn Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate. May Contain: Iron Oxides
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Original Version – $27
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, talc-free loose setting powder that sets makeup and extends wear while blurring the appearance of pores and fine lines, for a soft-focus finish with no flashback. Sets makeup and extends wear. Minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Absorbs excess oil. Delivers a naturally airbrushed finish.”
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Size: 0.21 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (4503 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Requirements
Clean at Sephora: Yes
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Corn Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Stearate. May Contain: Iron Oxides.
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder SPF 25 Version – $27
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, talc-free loose setting powder that sets makeup and extends wear while blurring the appearance of pores and fine lines, for a soft-focus finish with no flashback. Sets makeup and extends wear. Minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Absorbs excess oil. Delivers a naturally airbrushed finish.”
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Size: 0.21 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (974 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
All Ingredients: Titanium Dixoide, Corn Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Bare Minerals Original Mineral Veil Pressed Setting Powder – $29
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, vegan, talc-free setting powder that sets and extends makeup wear, while reducing the look of pores over time. Lightweight powder sets makeup and extends wear, while improving the look of skin. Proven to reduce the look of pores over time. Instantly blurs the look of lines and imperfections. Leaves a soft matte finish —no filter needed. Infused with conditioning Shea and Cacao Butters and Vitamin E to help defend against environmental stressors. Included puff applicator is perfect for on-the-go use. Talc-free,clean vegan formula.”
This setting powder has worked fairly well for me without irritating my skin and has a reasonably clean ingredient list.
The price is also more reasonable than some of the more expensive powders that I have tried.
The product avoids the use of the corn starch and includes both cocoa butter and shea butter in the formula.
If I use this powder on one side of my face and the Bobbi Brown Nude Finish powder on the other, I do think that the Bobbi Brown side is slightly less dry and looks slightly prettier. It’s close though.
This Bare Minerals powder also has a big advantage in that it is much less expensive than the Bobbi Brown powder and has what I consider a somewhat less problematic ingredients list. (It contains one mildly problematic preservative – chlorphenesin – but otherwise looks pretty good to me.
I have the Sheer Light version and it seems about right for my skin. I
I also tried the Translucent version and thought that it looked less nice on me, making me suspicious about the company’s claims that it is appropriate for “all skin tones” (since I myself have light skin).
Size: 0.3 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (1023 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Chlorphenesin (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Mica, Silica, Diisostearyl Malate, Magnesium Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Butter, Lauroyl Lysine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Quercetin, Chlorphenesin. May Contain: Iron Oxides
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder – $55
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(2 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Low
Problematic Colorings: Red #7, Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #6, Red #30, Ultramarines, Carmine
The description of this product reads, “Translucent, glow-boosting powder. Subtle and natural, this ultra-soft, translucent pressed powder instantly gives skin a lit-from-within glow with a natural blend of botanicals and brightening light-reflective powders. Features varying levels of pearlescent pigments in skin tone-correct shades for a naturally luminous effect. Plus, it’s formulated with a blend of Mulberry, Grape and Scutellaria Extracts. For an all over glow, use the flat edge of the Angled Face Brush (sold separately) to dust powder all over face. For subtle highlights, use the narrow edge of the brush to apply powder on the high points of the face.”
Although the ingredients list for this setting powder does not look as clean as I normally would like to see, it is one of several products from Bobbi Brown that has performed unusually well for me.
I like it because it seems to contain just enough sparkle fro the mica to give a slight glow to my skin, but in a way that does not look like I am wearing highlighter and that is appropriate for all occasions.
Bobbi Brown makeup artists seem to routinely suggest the product (along with the company’s foundation stick) for their more mature customers, and I think that this is appropriate since it seems to me to be the least drying finishing powder that I have tried.
Although it contains a few ingredients that I usually would be inclined to avoid (talc and petrolatum), as well as a mildly problematic preservative and a bunch of different food colors, I don’t feel like it has been irritating at all for me.
I have the color Bare and it has worked well for me.
Whether I ever will buy this product again when my current container runs out, I don’t know. It’s quite expensive considering the non-optimal ingredients list and I have since found some acceptable options.
I do really like it though.
Size: 0.23 oz.
Awards: Glamour Best of Beauty 2017
Bobbi Brown Rating: 4.4 Stars (87 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
Think Dirty Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Talc (8), Petrolatum (4), Chlorphenesin (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #7 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (4), Red #6 (6), Red #30 (5), Ultramarines (3). (Also contains Methicone, Carmine.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Talc, Aluminum Distearate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Nylon-12, Petrolatum, Mulberry Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Grape Fruit Extract, Gentian Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methicone, Tocopherol, Water, Tin Oxide, Barium Sulfate, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 7, Yellow 5, Carmine, Blue 1, Red 6, Red 30, Ultramarines
Glossier Wowder – $22
The description of this product reads, “The perfect matte-not-flat finish. A finishing powder that cuts shine, blurs the appearance of pores, and sets makeup. Control your level of dewiness with this instant blotting powder. Won’t leave a chalky film, cake into fine lines, flatten skin’s texture, or show up in flash photos.”
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Moderate
Problematic Colorings: None
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Size: 0.25 oz.
Glossier Rating: 4.1 Stars (559 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Chlorphenesin (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients (G1-G3, G5-G7, G8-G10): Mica, Silica, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diamond Powder, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
All Ingredients (G4, G11-G12): Mica, Silica, Dimethicone, Boron Nitride, Kaolin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diamond Powder, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Haus Labs Bio-Blurring Loose Setting Powder – $38
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: High
Problematic Colorings: Yellow #5, Red #7
The description of this product reads, “A clean, skincare infused, talc-free loose setting powder that blurs, controls shine and sets makeup. HausTech Powered with Fermented Arnica + Plant Squalane. 5 complexion enhancing shades including 1 universal. Experience this no flashback, talc-free, fermented arnica infused powder that helps nourish and calm skin, while setting makeup with a flawless, undetectable finish. Patented gel-powder technology delivers a silky, weightless veil that blurs and smooths like you’ve never seen before. Pairs seamlessly with Triclone Skin Tech Foundation.”
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Size: 0.24 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (63 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Yellow #5 (6), Red #7 (6). (Also contains Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Mica, Squalane, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Arnica Montana Flower Extract**, Pseudozyma Epicola/Sunflower Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Tourmaline, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, C20-24 Olefin, Alumina. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 5 Lake, Red 7 Lake. **Fermented.
Honest Luminizing Glow Powder – $20
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “Made with light-reflecting pigments, this silky, luminizing, baked powder delivers a radiant, filtered finish without the glitter. Sheer, gorgeous hues diffuses onto skin, capturing the right amount of soft-focus light for a natural glow. Made Without: Parabens, Paraffins, Talc, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Fragrances.”
One thing that I like about this powder is that it provides what I consider to be the right amount of shimmer – enough to look soft and pretty, but not so much that it is obvious that highlighter is being worn.
The powder also feels quite clean to me and has not irritated my skin.
However, despite the use of squalene (a hydrator) in the formula, I have found it to be much more drying than the Bobbi Brown Nude Finish powder and thus to be a problem for me even if I am wearing plenty of moisturizer. Apparently the corn starch in the product is very effective at absorbing oil.
I think this product could be very good for women with oily to normal skin, though. I might have more success with it myself it I tried it during the summer rather than winter months.
Another limitation with this product is that it is available in only two shades – Midnight Reflection (appropriate for fair or light skin tones) and Dusk Reflection (suitable either for pretty dark skin tones or as a bronzer). Those with medium skin tones would not be able to use this product line as a finishing powder, I guess.
It was disappointing to me not to be able to use this powder myself due to it being so drying, since otherwise it is a very nice product sold at a reasonable price.
Size: 0.35 oz.
Honest Rating: 4.4 Stars (56 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Requirements
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Requirements
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Mica, Silica, Corn Starch, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauroyl Lysine, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopherol, Hectorite, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder – $34
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “Unreal pressed powder for real-life dream skin. A super soft, sheer setting + smoothing powder baked with skincare actives that sweeps away shine (not glow). Feels like nothing, looks like everything. Cloud Set is a unique formula that starts as a mousse filled with active, liquid skincare ingredients that support visible reduction in oil, fine lines and pores, all baked in a powder to achieve the perfect ultra fine layer of sheer pigment. A very airy, buttery texture, which gives you that diffused look you get from a loose powder, but in a no-mess, baked formula. Provides a natural, dimensional finish without being flat matte. This formula is clinically tested, non-irritating, hypoallergenic.”
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Size: 0.33 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (541 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Paeonia officinalis flower extract
All Ingredients: Mica, Silica, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Potassium Sorbate, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Water, Stearic Acid, Candelilla Wax, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Cetearyl Olivate, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Olivate, Honokiol, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Grape Seed Extract. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
RMS Beauty “Un” Powder – $34
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, oil-absorbing finishing powder. Blurs the look of skin, sets and softens makeup, and creates a smooth, natural translucent finish. This talc-free powder reflects light, sets makeup, minimizes the appearance of pores, softens skin, and absorbs oil—with zero residue.”
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Size: 0.32 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.8 Stars (61 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
All Ingredients: Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
RMS Beauty “Un” Powder – $34
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, oil-absorbing finishing powder. Blurs the look of skin, sets and softens makeup, and creates a smooth, natural translucent finish. This talc-free powder reflects light, sets makeup, minimizes the appearance of pores, softens skin, and absorbs oil—with zero residue.”
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Size: 0.32 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.2 Stars (41 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Silica, Mica
Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder – $30
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “Set, smooth, and diffuse with our unbelievably weightless and radiant loose powder. Airset’s patented aerated-cream technology provides a natural, velvety finish with a Signature SaieGlowTM. Our formula is complete with hydrating Squalane, which deeply moisturizes skin and leaves it plump and smooth, and ethically-sourced Mica for luminous, supple skin that’s never cakey or dry. Using The Fluffy Brush, tap onto targeted areas to blur and remove shine, or use a small amount all over for a your-skin-but-better effect.”
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Size: 0.14 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.8 Stars (217 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Polysorbate-20 (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Squalane, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gellan Gum. May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide
Vapour Ethereal Perfecting Powder Pressed – $38
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “Featherweight powder. Translucent. Lightly tinted. Vegan. Talc Free. Goodbye shine! Goes on clear + sets your makeup with a natural matte finish. Never dry or cakey. Softens and nourishes skin with Tapioca + Amino Acids. Activated with untamed botanicals: skin-smoothing tapioca extract, silica absorbs excess shine, skin-nourishing + soothing amino acids. Unscented.”
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Size: 0.17 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.6 Stars (33 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Mica‡, Tapioca Starch*, Zinc Stearate§, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate†, Pentylene Glycol†, Silica‡, Lauroyl Lysine†, Honokiol†; May Contain: Iron Oxides. * Organic. † Plant derived. ‡ Mineral derived. § Naturally derived
Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare – $75
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #30
The description of this product reads, “Supercharged skincare actives micro-milled into setting powder form. Sweep away shine, set makeup and protect skin’s natural radiant dimension. Antioxidant-rich. Potency packed. We’ve micro-milled active skincare ingredients into a powder that does more than just set. Ultra-sheer and feathery-light, this powder instantly smooths pores, evens tone, sweeps away shine. A Skin Defense Shield Complex made with vitamin C and probiotics shields from free radicals while protecting from blue light. Over time, pressed-in actives help to control sebum and refine skin texture. Works like makeup, acts like skincare, for the ultimate ‘how-is-my-skin-this-good’ effect. Clean, Talc-Free, Silicone-free.”
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Size: 0.17 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (365 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2/3 (green/yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (3), Red #30 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients (Translucent, Bubble): Zinc Laurate, Mica, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Enterococcus Faecalis, Butylene Glycol, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Zinc Oxide, Cocoa Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, May-Contain: Iron Oxides, Red 30.
All Ingredients (Creme): Zinc Laurate, Mica, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Enterococcus Faecalis, Butylene Glycol, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Zinc Oxide, Cocoa Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol. May-Contain: Iron Oxides, Red 30.
All Ingredients (Dune, Cafe): Mica, Zinc Laurate, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Enterococcus Faecalis, Butylene Glycol, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Zinc Oxide, Cocoa Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, May-Contain: Iron Oxides.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
100% Pure Bamboo Blur Powder – $41
Beautycounter Mattifying Powder – $39
Chantecaille Perfect Blur Finishing Powder – $79
Fitglow Vita Set + Perfect Setting Powder – $49
Huda Beauty GloWish Pressed Powder – $32
Ilia Radiant Translucent Powder SPF20 – $34
Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder – $34
Item Beauty Powder Hour Blurring Powder – $22
Jane Iredale AmazingMatte Loose Finishing Powder – $36
Jane Iredale PureMatte Finish Powder – $34
LYS Beauty Triple Fix Setting Powder – $18
Mineral Fusion Loose Setting Powder – $30
Mineral Fusion Setting Powder – $33
Tarte Sea Set & Protect Mineral Sunscreen Powder SPF30 – $29
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the Beginner’s Guide).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
About The Products
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: 100% Pure, Aveda, Bare Minerals, Beautycounter, Bobbi Brown, Credo, Fitglow, Honest, Huda, Ilia, Item Beauty, Jane Iredale, Kosas, Lys Beauty, Mineral Fusion, Pharmaca, RMS, Saie, Sephora, Tarte, Ulta, Vapour, Westman Atelier.
Reader comments (positive or negative) about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Those signing up will receive a free PDF copy of the book Back From The Edge (describing the extraordinary life of mold avoidance pioneer Erik Johnson) and also will be automatically entered in sweepstakes giving away a variety of cleaner products.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
