Is lipstick safe to wear during IVF?

Most conventional lipsticks present two concerns during IVF: lead contamination and synthetic fragrance (parfum). A 2012 FDA study detected lead in 400 lipstick products at concentrations up to 7.19 ppm — and the FDA acknowledged there is no established safe level of lead exposure. Lead is a heavy metal that accumulates in the body and can disrupt hormonal signalling. During IVF, when precise hormonal response is critical, this is a meaningful risk to reduce. The good news: genuinely clean lipstick options from ILIA, RMS Beauty, and 100% Pure avoid heavy metal contamination and synthetic fragrance entirely. If you wear lipstick daily, switching brands is one of the higher-impact swaps you can make.

What about mascara — is it safe during IVF?

Conventional mascaras can contain several concerning ingredients: parabens (as preservatives), synthetic fragrance, coal tar dyes (listed as CI numbers or FD&C colours), formaldehyde releasers, and in some waterproof formulas, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Waterproof mascaras are of particular concern for PFAS — the 'long-wear' waterproofing effect is often achieved with fluoropolymers. A 2021 peer-reviewed study found PFAS in 47% of mascaras tested. Clean alternatives include 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara and W3ll People Expressionist Mascara, both EWG Verified.

Can I wear foundation during egg retrieval or embryo transfer?

Most clinics ask you to come without makeup on retrieval day, as you'll be in a sterile environment and wearing a hospital gown. For embryo transfer, policies vary — some clinics are flexible about minimal makeup. The more relevant question is what you're wearing in the weeks and months leading up to these procedures, when daily foundation use represents cumulative exposure to whatever ingredients are in your product. If your foundation contains PFAS, parabens, or synthetic fragrance applied daily for 3 months of IVF prep, that's the exposure to reduce. Check with your clinic for their day-of policy.

Are nail polishes safe during IVF?

Traditional nail polishes typically contain what's known as the 'toxic trio': formaldehyde (used as a hardener), toluene (a solvent), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) — a reproductive toxin. DBP is classified as a reproductive toxin in the EU and banned from cosmetics there; it remains legal in US nail products. Many brands have moved to '5-free,' '7-free,' '10-free,' or higher formulations that exclude these ingredients. For IVF, look for at minimum '5-free' formulas that exclude formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and camphor. Brands like Zoya (5-free as a baseline), Ella+Mila (7-free), and Orly (vegan, 12-free options) are strong choices.

What does 'clean beauty' actually mean in the US?

'Clean beauty' has no legal definition in the United States. It is an unregulated marketing term that different brands and retailers define differently. Sephora's 'Clean at Sephora' programme bans around 50 ingredients. Credo Beauty's standard bans over 2,700 ingredients. A product can call itself 'clean' while still containing parabens, synthetic fragrance, or PFAS — because no law prevents it. The only reliable approach is to read the full ingredient list or look for third-party certifications: EWG Verified (screens against 1,300+ chemicals of concern), MADE SAFE certified, or Credo Clean Standard. 'Natural,' 'green,' and 'non-toxic' are equally unregulated and meaningless without verification.

Is mineral makeup safer during IVF?

Mineral makeup — particularly loose powder foundations containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, and mica — is often marketed as the 'clean' option. For the most part, this is accurate. Mineral makeup avoids parabens, synthetic fragrance, PFAS, and petroleum derivatives. However, there is one important caveat: titanium dioxide in loose powder or spray form poses an inhalation risk. When inhaled, titanium dioxide particles have been classified as a possible carcinogen (Group 2B) by the IARC. Pressed mineral powders and mineral foundations in cream or liquid form do not carry this risk — the inhalation hazard applies specifically to loose powder used in ways that create airborne dust. Mineral liquid foundations and pressed compacts are a good safe option.

How do I find PFAS-free makeup?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are often not labelled as such — and this is the central problem. Look for 'PTFE' or 'polytetrafluoroethylene' in ingredient lists, as these are PFAS. However, many other PFAS compounds used in cosmetics don't appear by those names and may simply be unlisted. 'Long-wear,' 'waterproof,' 'transfer-resistant,' and 'all-day' are marketing descriptors that correlate with higher likelihood of PFAS use. The most reliable approach is to buy from brands that have publicly committed to PFAS-free formulation and have been independently tested — including ILIA Beauty, W3ll People, RMS Beauty, and Beautycounter. The EWG's Skin Deep database flags known PFAS in products where ingredient data is available.

Can I wear makeup on retrieval day?

You should not wear makeup to your egg retrieval procedure. You will be in a sterile clinical environment, given anaesthesia or sedation, and wearing a hospital gown. Skin care and makeup products can interfere with monitoring equipment, create sterile field concerns, and in the case of products worn near your face and airway, interact with anaesthetic gases. Most fertility clinics provide written pre-procedure instructions that explicitly ask patients to arrive without makeup, nail polish, perfume, or jewellery. Follow your clinic's specific instructions — they take precedence over any general guidance.

Are eyeshadow and blush safe during IVF?

The main concerns in eyeshadow and blush are coal tar dyes (FD&C and D&C colours), synthetic fragrance (uncommon in eyeshadow but present in some blushes), and heavy metal contamination, particularly chromium and arsenic. Pressed powder eyeshadow with synthetic dyes has shown heavy metal contamination in testing. Clean alternatives use iron oxides and mica for colour — look for brands using only iron oxides, ultramarines, and mica in their colour cosmetics. ILIA, Kosas, and 100% Pure all use cleaner colour sources. For blush specifically, check that synthetic fragrance (parfum) is not listed — some powder blushes add it for sensory appeal.

Fertility-Friendly Makeup in the US 2026: What to Avoid + Best Clean Beauty Brands

When you're going through IVF or actively trying to conceive, you're likely scrutinising your diet, supplements, and environment. Makeup rarely makes the checklist — but it should. Foundation, lipstick, mascara, and blush applied daily represent one of the most consistent chemical exposures in a person's routine, and the research on what's in mainstream cosmetics is genuinely alarming. A 2021 peer-reviewed study found PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances linked to thyroid disruption and reduced fertility — in 52% of makeup products tested. An FDA study found lead, a with no established safe exposure level, in one in three lipstick products.

This guide covers which ingredients to avoid in every makeup category, how to actually read cosmetic labels (including the ones that don't disclose everything), and the best fertility-safe makeup brands available in the US in 2026 — from budget picks at Target and Ulta to premium options at Sephora and Credo Beauty.

What is the safest makeup to use during IVF in the US?

The safest makeup for IVF avoids PFAS, heavy metals, synthetic fragrance, parabens, and coal tar dyes. Reliably safe US options include: ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation (EWG Verified, Sephora Clean, ~$38), RMS Beauty 'Un' Cover-Up Concealer (Sephora, ~$38), 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara (~$25, pfas-free), W3ll People Expressionist Mascara (EWG Verified, ~$20), and e.l.f. Cosmetics for budget-friendly options (many EWG-rated products, ~$10). Avoid anything labelled 'long-wear,' 'waterproof,' or 'transfer-resistant' unless the brand has publicly committed to PFAS-free formulation.

Why Makeup Ingredients Matter During IVF

Skin is not an impermeable barrier. Ingredients in cosmetics — particularly those applied to thin-skinned areas like the lips and around the eyes, or in fine powder form that can be inhaled — enter the body through absorption, ingestion (especially lip products), and inhalation. The question is not whether cosmetic ingredients get into the body; studies consistently show they do. The question is whether the specific ingredients matter at the concentrations people are typically exposed to during daily use.

For people going through IVF, there are two particular reasons the answer is yes. First, IVF protocols are exquisitely sensitive to hormonal interference. The drugs used in stimulation, trigger shots, and luteal support work by driving very specific hormonal signals at very precise doses. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals — which mimic, block, or alter hormone signalling — represent additional, uncontrolled inputs into a system that your clinical team is trying to regulate precisely. Second, IVF preparation spans months. Daily makeup use over a 90-day pre-retrieval window is sustained, repeated exposure — not a one-off event.

The research is accumulating. A 2021 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters (Whitehead et al.) found PFAS in 52% of foundation and eye products and 63% of mascaras tested — despite most products not listing PFAS in their ingredients. A 2012 FDA analysis detected lead in 100% of 400 lipstick products tested, at concentrations from 0.026 to 7.19 ppm. A 2019 study in Environment International found associations between urinary phthalate concentrations and lower fertilisation rates in women undergoing IVF. These are observational studies with their limitations, but the pattern is consistent enough that reducing exposure during IVF is a reasonable, low-cost precautionary step.

Switching your foundation or lipstick is not going to transform your IVF outcome — the dominant variables are age, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, and embryo genetics. But it is one of the lower-effort changes you can make during a period when you're working hard on everything within your control.

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10 Ingredient Types to Avoid in Makeup

1. PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")

Known as: , polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, and dozens of other compound names. Most PFAS are not individually labelled.

PFAS are a class of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in makeup for their water-resistance, long-wear properties, and texture. They are found at highest rates in long-wear foundations, waterproof mascaras, setting sprays, and liquid lipsticks. PFAS disrupt thyroid hormone production — and thyroid function is directly linked to menstrual regularity, ovarian response, and IVF outcomes. Several PFAS are also associated with reduced fertility and longer time to pregnancy in epidemiological studies. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or the body. The EU has proposed phasing them out of cosmetics. They remain unregulated in US cosmetics.

2. Heavy Metals: Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium

Not always labelled — often present as contaminants in colour pigments, particularly in lipstick and eyeshadow.

Heavy metals in cosmetics are often not intentional ingredients but contaminants introduced through the colour pigments and mineral fillers used. Lead is particularly concerning in lipstick, where repeated ingestion occurs throughout the day. There is no established safe level of lead exposure — the FDA acknowledges this but has not established a maximum limit for cosmetics. Arsenic, cadmium, and chromium have similarly been detected in eyeshadow, blush, and foundation pigments. Heavy metals accumulate in the body over time and have documented effects on reproductive hormone levels and egg quality. Brands that third-party test for heavy metal contamination — including Beautycounter, which publishes its results — provide a meaningful safety assurance that most brands do not.

3. / Parfum

Listed as: fragrance, parfum, natural fragrance (sometimes). Common in lipsticks, blushes, and some foundations.

"Fragrance" is a trade secret ingredient that can legally represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates — potent endocrine disruptors linked to lower fertilisation rates in IVF. In lip products, synthetic fragrance is of particular concern because it is directly ingested. "Unscented" products can still contain fragrance added to mask the smell of other ingredients — look for "fragrance-free" specifically. Many makeup products that appear functional (lip colour, blush) add fragrance purely for sensory appeal; avoiding these is straightforward once you know to check.

4.

Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben — still found in many mascaras, foundations, and cream products.

Parabens are preservatives that extend product shelf life. They are oestrogenic — they bind to oestrogen receptors and exert weak oestrogenic effects. While "weak" sounds reassuring, these effects occur on top of the body's own oestrogen levels and the pharmacological oestrogen doses used in IVF stimulation protocols. Parabens have been detected in follicular fluid, urine, and breast tissue. The EU has banned several longer-chain parabens; the US has no equivalent restrictions. Paraben-free makeup is widely available across all price points — there is no reason to accept them.

5. Talc (Possible Asbestos Contamination)

Listed as: talc, talcum. Common in pressed powders, eyeshadow palettes, blush, bronzer, and setting powders.

Talc itself has a complex safety profile. The concern during IVF is that cosmetic-grade talc can be contaminated with asbestos fibres, which naturally occur in talc deposits. The baby powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson centred on asbestos contamination in talc-based products. The FDA has found asbestos in some cosmetic talc products in testing conducted since 2019. The EU requires talc used in cosmetics to be asbestos-free, and testing is required. In the US, pre-market testing is voluntary. For makeup worn daily, particularly loose powder products, seeking talc-free alternatives — mica-based or corn starch-based powders — is a reasonable precaution.

6.

DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea — found in some mascaras, liquid foundations, and nail products.

These preservatives release small amounts of formaldehyde — a known carcinogen — over the product's shelf life. They are more common in hair care than makeup but do appear in some mascaras and liquid foundations, particularly at lower price points. DMDM hydantoin has been the subject of class-action litigation. Formaldehyde itself is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen (IARC). While the concentrations in cosmetics are low, there is no identified safe threshold for carcinogens, and avoiding them is straightforward given the availability of preservative-free and alternative-preservative formulas.

7. Dyes

p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), aminophenol, CI 77891, FD&C colours, D&C colours — most common in mascara and eyeliner.

Coal tar dyes are used as colourants in dark mascaras and eyeliners. p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is the most well-studied, with documented endocrine-disrupting activity and links to bladder cancer in occupational exposure studies. Aminophenol has shown reproductive toxicity in animal models. Many coal tar dyes are banned in cosmetics in Canada and restricted in the EU but remain legal in US products. The IARC classifies some coal tar dyes as possible or probable human carcinogens. Clean alternatives use iron oxides for black and brown tones, which are inert and well-tolerated.

8. / Mineral Oil

Petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffinum liquidum — common in lip balms, lip glosses, some foundations.

Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) and mineral oil are petroleum derivatives used for their emollient and occlusive properties. The concern is not the petrolatum or mineral oil itself but contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are possible carcinogens. EU cosmetics regulations require petrolatum to be fully refined and tested for PAHs; US regulations have no equivalent standard. In lip products, where repeated ingestion occurs, this is an area where switching to plant-derived alternatives — shea butter, jojoba, castor oil — is a reasonable step with negligible cost.

9. Titanium Dioxide in Spray / Loose Powder Form

Titanium dioxide (CI 77891) — present in most mineral foundations and setting powders; concern is inhalation-specific.

Titanium dioxide is a widely used white pigment in mineral makeup and sunscreens. When applied topically as a cream or pressed powder, it is considered safe. The concern arises specifically with loose powder foundations and setting sprays, where application creates airborne particles that can be inhaled. Inhaled titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been classified as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen by the IARC. If you use mineral makeup, choose pressed formats over loose powders, and apply away from your face rather than directly blowing particles toward your airway. Liquid or cream mineral formulas carry no inhalation risk.

10. Benzophenones in Lip Products

Benzophenone-1, (oxybenzone), benzophenone-4 — occasionally found in lip products with UV protection claims.

Benzophenones are UV-absorbing chemicals sometimes used in lip products marketed as providing SPF protection. Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is an endocrine disruptor that the FDA has flagged as requiring further safety data for sunscreen products — a concern that is amplified for lip products given direct ingestion. In lip products specifically, benzophenone-1 has also been listed on some formulations. Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, non-nano titanium dioxide) are safer alternatives in any lip product marketed with sun protection.

How to Read a Makeup Label in the US

US cosmetic labelling regulations require ingredients to be listed in descending order of concentration (INCI format) on the outer packaging. In practice, makeup is where cosmetic labelling is most opaque. There are several specific issues to be aware of.

PFAS are almost never labelled. A product can contain PFAS without disclosing it. The only ingredient names that indicate PFAS are "PTFE" and "polytetrafluoroethylene" — and many PFAS compounds used in cosmetics do not appear on ingredient lists at all. The only reliable signal is that "long-wear," "waterproof," and "transfer-resistant" claims correlate with higher likelihood of PFAS use. If you want guaranteed PFAS-free products, buy from brands that have publicly committed to PFAS-free formulation and have been independently verified (ILIA, W3ll People, RMS Beauty, Beautycounter).

Full ingredient lists are often on brand websites, not packaging. Many compacts and tubes have insufficient space for a complete ingredient list. Brands are required to list ingredients, but small fonts and abbreviated lists on packaging mean the authoritative source is usually the product page on the brand's website or the full INCI list on third-party databases. Always check the brand website or EWG Skin Deep before relying on a front-of-pack claim.

Heavy metal contamination is not labelled at all. Lead in lipstick is not an intentional ingredient — it is a contaminant in the pigments. It does not and cannot appear on an ingredient list. The only way to know a brand's heavy metal contamination levels is if they publish third-party testing results. Beautycounter publishes these results publicly. Most brands do not.

Quick makeup label checklist

✗ "PTFE" or "polytetrafluoroethylene" (labelled PFAS)
✗ Any word ending in "-paraben"
✗ "Fragrance" or "parfum" anywhere on the list
✗ DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea
✗ p-Phenylenediamine, aminophenol (in mascara/eyeliner)
✗ Benzophenone-1, benzophenone-3 (in lip products)
✗ Front-label claims: "long-wear," "waterproof," "transfer-resistant" (PFAS flag)
✓ EWG Verified seal
✓ Sephora Clean or Credo Clean Standard
✓ Brand publishes third-party heavy metal testing

The most useful tools for checking makeup in the US are the EWG Skin Deep database, which provides ingredient-by-ingredient safety ratings for thousands of products, and the Think Dirty app, which allows barcode scanning in-store. Neither is exhaustive — new products are not always listed — but they are the fastest starting point.

Best Fertility-Friendly Makeup Brands in the US

Budget (Under $20)

e.l.f. Cosmetics

~$10

Many e.l.f. products carry strong EWG ratings and the brand has explicitly committed to removing PFAS from its formulations. Their Halo Glow Liquid Filter and Power Grip Primer are popular clean alternatives to conventional primers. Not every product is equally clean — check individual items on EWG Skin Deep. Available at Target, Walmart, Ulta, and elfcosmetics.com. Excellent price point for an accessible entry into cleaner makeup.

Available at: Target, Walmart, Ulta, elfcosmetics.com

Physicians Formula

~$12

Physicians Formula has clean lines — their Organic Wear range in particular is free of parabens, synthetic fragrance, and uses plant-derived ingredients. The Organic Wear Jumbo Lash mascara and organic tinted moisturisers are well-reviewed. Check that you are buying from their Organic Wear line rather than their conventional range, which has a different formulation standard.

Available at: Target, Ulta, Walmart

Milani

~$10

Milani has expanded its clean offerings and several products — including their Conceal + Perfect Foundation — are paraben-free and fragrance-free. Their Pure Vegan lip colours avoid petroleum derivatives and synthetic fragrance. Not a comprehensive clean brand, but specific products meet a reasonable standard for fertility safety. Check individual product ingredient lists before buying.

Available at: Ulta, Target, Walmart

Mid-Range ($20–$45)

ILIA Beauty

~$38 foundation

ILIA is one of the most rigorous clean makeup brands available at Sephora. Products carry Sephora Clean status and many are EWG Verified — one of the most meaningful third-party certifications available. ILIA has publicly committed to PFAS-free formulation. Their True Skin Serum Foundation is a standout: buildable coverage, serum-like formula, and an exemplary ingredient list using actives like hyaluronic acid alongside clean pigments. The Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a lighter alternative. The brand covers foundation, concealer, mascara, blush, lip products, and setting powder.

Available at: Sephora, iliabeauty.com, Credo Beauty

W3ll People

~$25

EWG Verified across its entire product line — a rarer and more meaningful standard than individual product certifications. W3ll People avoids PFAS, parabens, synthetic fragrance, and petroleum derivatives. Their Expressionist Mascara is one of the few EWG Verified mascaras available in the US. Their Bio Tint Moisturiser and Narcissist Foundation Stick are good entry points. Available at Whole Foods and Target, making them genuinely accessible.

Available at: Whole Foods, Target, w3llpeople.com

100% Pure

~$35

100% Pure uses fruit pigments — from coffee, berries, and other botanicals — as colourants in place of synthetic dyes and some iron oxides. This approach sidesteps coal tar dyes and some heavy metal contamination risks entirely. Their Fruit Pigmented Mascara is a standout for safety-conscious buyers. The brand avoids synthetic fragrance, parabens, and petroleum derivatives across its full range. Not the most performative makeup on this list, but among the cleanest formulations available.

Available at: 100percentpure.com, Whole Foods, Amazon

Premium ($45+)

RMS Beauty

~$38 concealer

Founded by makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift following a health scare she attributed to heavy metal exposure in cosmetics, RMS Beauty is built on clean formulation from its founding premise. Their "Un" Cover-Up Concealer is cult status among clean beauty devotees — a sheer, buildable concealer in organic coconut oil base with exceptional ingredient hygiene. Their Living Luminizer and Lip2Cheek products follow the same standard. Available at Sephora and Credo Beauty.

Available at: Sephora, Credo Beauty, rmsbeauty.com

Kosas

~$42 foundation

Kosas sits in Sephora's Clean Beauty section and has built a loyal following for combining high performance with clean formulation. Their Revealer Concealer and Tinted Face Oil are standout products. Formulations avoid PFAS, parabens, synthetic fragrance, and petroleum derivatives. The brand is transparent about its formulation principles and provides detailed ingredient rationale on its website. Good for people who've struggled to find clean alternatives that perform as well as conventional makeup.

Available at: Sephora, Ulta, kosasbeauty.com

Beautycounter

~$48

Beautycounter maintains one of the most extensive "Never List" ingredient bans in the US cosmetics market — over 1,800 questionable or harmful ingredients excluded from formulation. Critically for this context, they publish third-party heavy metal testing results for their lip products, addressing the contamination issue that no ingredient list can disclose. Their Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation and Velvet Eyeshadow Palette are clean, well-reviewed products. Sold direct-to-consumer through consultants and beautycounter.com.

Available at: beautycounter.com, Target (selected products)

Ere Perez

~$35

Australian brand Ere Perez uses natural pigments — oat, carrot, jojoba, chamomile — as the basis of its colour products, avoiding synthetic dyes and petroleum derivatives throughout. Their Oat Milk Foundation and Natural Almond Oil Mascara are particularly well regarded in the clean beauty space. The brand is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and PFAS-free. Available in the US through their website and select clean beauty retailers.

Available at: ereperez.com, Credo Beauty, goop

Brands to Approach With Caution

Many mainstream brands have launched "clean" or "natural" lines alongside conventional products — but check the ingredient list of each product individually. Maybelline and L'Oréal have some cleaner formulations but many products contain synthetic fragrance and parabens. Charlotte Tilbury and Too Faced are widely loved for performance but contain synthetic fragrance in most products and do not meet a clean beauty standard for IVF use. Urban Decay has some PFAS-free products but the full range is inconsistent. When in doubt, check the EWG Skin Deep rating for the specific product, not just the brand.

Specific Clean Product Picks by Makeup Category

Foundation

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation (~$48) — EWG Verified, full coverage, serum-active ingredients, Sephora Clean
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 (~$48) — lighter alternative, 40 SPF from mineral filters (zinc oxide)
Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation (~$42) — Sephora Clean, oil-based formula, medium coverage
W3ll People Narcissist Foundation Stick (~$25) — EWG Verified, convenient stick format, whole-brand clean commitment
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter (~$14) — budget-accessible, strong EWG rating, dewy finish

Concealer

RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up Concealer (~$38) — cult favourite, organic coconut oil base, sheer-to-buildable coverage
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer (~$28) — Sephora Clean, peptide-enriched, strong coverage
ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer (~$32) — EWG Verified, hyaluronic acid formula

Mascara

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara (~$25) — fruit pigments, no coal tar dyes, no parabens, no PFAS
W3ll People Expressionist Mascara (~$22) — EWG Verified, one of few certified mascaras on the market
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara (~$28) — Sephora Clean, conditioning formula with provitamin B5
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara (~$12) — budget, USDA Organic certified formula

Note: Avoid any mascara labelled "waterproof" or "long-wear" unless the brand has specifically confirmed PFAS-free formulation.

Lipstick & Lip Products

ILIA Color Block High Impact Lipstick (~$28) — EWG Verified, shea and cocoa butter base, no synthetic fragrance
RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick (~$28) — organic castor oil and coconut oil base, natural pigments
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze (~$20) — fruit pigments for colour, no petroleum derivatives or synthetic fragrance
Ere Perez Natural Jojoba Lip Crayon (~$28) — natural pigments, fragrance-free, petroleum-free

Lip products have the highest ingestion risk of any makeup category — they represent the highest priority swap for anyone going through IVF.

Eyeshadow

ILIA Multistick (~$32) — doubles as eye and cheek colour, EWG Verified, no coal tar dyes
Beautycounter Velvet Eyeshadow (~$28) — third-party heavy metal tested, 1,800+ ingredient never-list
Kosas 10-Second Eyeshadow (~$28) — Sephora Clean, iron oxide pigments, no synthetic fragrance
W3ll People Bio Bronzer Stick (~$22) — EWG Verified, doubles as eyeshadow/contour, iron oxide pigments

Blush

ILIA Multi-Stick (~$32) — cream blush/lip/eye in one, EWG Verified, no synthetic fragrance
Kosas Blush (~$28) — Sephora Clean, peptide-enriched, iron oxide pigments
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek (~$36) — organic base, natural pigments, fragrance-free
100% Pure Blush (~$30) — fruit-pigmented, no coal tar dyes, no synthetic fragrance

Where to Buy Fertility-Safe Makeup in the US

In-Store

• Sephora — filter by "Clean at Sephora" to find ILIA, RMS, Kosas, W3ll People
• Ulta — growing clean section; e.l.f., Milani, some Kosas
• Target — e.l.f., Physicians Formula, W3ll People, Milani
• Whole Foods — W3ll People, 100% Pure, Ere Perez
• Credo Beauty — the strictest clean beauty retail standard in the US; curated selection of RMS, ILIA, Kosas, Ere Perez

Online

• credobeauty.com — cleanest curated selection in the US, strict standards
• iliabeauty.com — full ILIA range with detailed ingredient disclosure
• 100percentpure.com — full range, subscription options, US shipping
• beautycounter.com — direct-to-consumer with published safety testing
• Amazon — wide selection; always buy direct from the brand to avoid counterfeit products

Credo Beauty tip: Credo operates under the Credo Clean Standard — one of the most comprehensive ingredient safety standards in US retail, banning over 2,700 ingredients. Buying from Credo (online or in their San Francisco, New York, and other store locations) provides a level of pre-screening that goes significantly beyond Sephora Clean. If you don't want to read labels, Credo is the easiest place to shop safely.

Based in the UK? See our UK fertility-friendly makeup guide for UK brands, UK retailer availability, and EU vs UK regulatory differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your reproductive endocrinologist or healthcare provider before making changes during fertility treatment.

Affiliate disclosure: We do not have affiliate relationships with any brands mentioned in this article. Recommendations are based on ingredient safety research and publicly available certifications only.

Fertility-Friendly Makeup in the US: What to Avoid and What to Buy