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Short answer
Some foundation is bad for you. Although this product is designed to help give you the appearance of flawless skin, certain types can cause breakouts, dryness, and irritation. Others contain parabens which threaten more serious long-term effects.
Letter Grade for Foundation
C
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
A+
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
A
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circ*mstances such as an allergic reaction.
A-
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
B+
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
B
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
B-
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
C+
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
C
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
C-
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
D+
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
D
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
D-
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
F
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
N
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
For centuries, foundation makeup has been applied to the face and body to even the skin tone, smooth out the texture and cover flaws. It was worn by both men and women throughout Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Then during the Elizabethan era, the English began applying ceruse to their faces, which was a mixture of vinegar and lead. Needless to say, many men and women later died from wearing lead-based foundation.
We’d like to think we’ve come a long way from lead in our foundation—but have we really? Or is foundation still bad for you?
First, let’s start with the ingredients you need to look out for. While nothing is astoxic as lead, there are some modern additives that raise red flags. Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl, specifically) are often added to cosmetics to prevent product spoilage and help extend the shelf life. However, there are concerns that parabens may be carcinogenic—preliminary research has shown that they can be absorbed by the human body and have even been found in breast cancer tumors.
Other harmful ingredients won’t increase your risk of cancer, but they can cause serious aggravation for your skin. That’s because everyone is different, and your foundation needs to align with your unique skin type.
If you have oily skin, you should avoid oil-based cream and liquid foundations. These will clog your pores and cause acne breakouts. For those with dry skin, it’s critical to moisturize your face thoroughly before applying makeup. Steer clear of any foundations that are too powdery or alcohol-based, as they can cause redness, irritation, and flaking.
How you apply the foundation matters, too! Always wash your hands before you begin working with the products. But don’t use your fingers to apply foundation. Instead, opt for disposable cosmetic sponges or brushes that you can clean regularly and reuse later—this will help minimize the transfer of dirt and bacteria from your tools to your face.
Finally, foundation needs to be thoroughly removed at the end of every single day. If it sits on your skin for too long, it can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Also, free radicals from environmental pollution and other sources can cling to your skin via your makeup. Over time, those free radicals will break down your skin’s collagen which results in fine lines and premature aging.
For more information on what’s in your foundation, go to safecosmetics.org or ewg.com/skindeep to find chemical-free products. You can also talk to a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician to learn more about your skin type and what specific products are the best fit for you.
Possible short-term side effects
- irritation and redness
- acne
- dry, flaking skin
Possible long-term side effects
- premature aging
- cancer (inconclusive)
Ingredients to be aware of
- parabens
Benefits
- improves skin texture
- evens skin tone
- covers flaws and blemishes
Thank you for your feedback!
View Sources | Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 11-14-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
View Sources
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 11-14-2023
