Looking for a non-toxic setting powder? Finish your look with the best natural & organic setting powders of 2020. You asked, and green beauty delivered.
Setting powder is an absolute must when it comes to mattifying foundation, making your look last all day or night, and to avoid creasing or cracked concealer.
We want you to be able to set it and forget it, but that’s going to require ditching your chemical-infused conventional powder and reaching for one that’s going to bake the beauty on without putting your health at risk.
Why Natural or Organic?
It’s just setting powder after all.
Whether you’re going for a demi-matte finish, soft-natural, or pearly highlight- the basic ingredients within conventional setting powder are all very similar and equally not so great for long-term use. Here’s a little insight on what you DON’T have to worry about when using any of the best natural and organic setting powders.
There are quite a few ingredients in conventional makeup to watch out for. For the sake of this article, I’m going to focus on Setting Powder’s primary culprit- Talc.
Used in most conventional powder makeup, especially setting powder, Talc or Talcum powder can be contaminated with asbestos fibers, making it a risk for respiratory toxicity and cancer. Even exposure to asbestos-free talc in a lab study, demonstrated mixed results, with some cells developing cancer and others not. That’s still too high a risk to be breathed in regularly.
Natural and organic setting powders turn to these risk-free ingredients instead of talc.
- Tapioca starch
- Arrowroot powder
- Kaolin clay
- Rice/corn starch
- Oat flour
- Maca
All of which have a 0% likelihood of causing cancer or ailments.
Now, the best part. I never want to leave you terrified to use an important part of your makeup routine, so I offer you a sacred list of my absolute favs. These 8 natural and organic setting powders lay on the skin beautifully, work effectively, and allow me to set my makeup and be care-free about it. You deserve that, too!
8 Best Natural & Organic Setting Powders of 2020
W3ll People’s Bio Brightening Powder is a premium, non-toxic setting powder. Formulated with mica, pearl powder, and organic aloe leaf, this natural and organic setting powder is lightweight with a soft finish. Tiny flecks of pearl-like luminescence can be seen when the light hits it just right leaving your makeup set flawlessly with a natural sheen.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Universal translucent shade
- Glowy finish
- Attracts light wherever it’s applied
- A non-drying formula so the skin doesn’t feel cakey
- Great for dry and non-oily skin
Cons
- Not preferred for a matte finish
- The superfine formula may require a couple of applications for buildable coverage
- A subtle white cast is possible
Where to Shop
This featherweight formula is nothing but mica and silica making the finish smooth and seamless. Set your undereye concealer or the entire face to mattify and lock-in your look. This simple formula is clean and natural and specializes in reducing shine and absorbing oil. Apply RMS Beauty Un-Powder as needed to keep the mid-day shine away and to keep your makeup intact.
Pros
- Lightweight formula but still great for oily skin
- Blends effortlessly
- Completely color-less
- Great for mature, sensitive skin
- Minimizes shine
- Ideal for touch-ups
Cons
- The ultra-matte finish may be too much for dry skin types.
- A small amount of product per unit
Where to Shop
With a lightweight and soft-focus finish, the Alima Pure Satin Finishing Powder is versatile and dependable. This natural formula fights oiliness and shine all day without clogging pores. The tint is just enough to reinforce your makeup or concealer but can also replace it as a medium coverage foundation powder.
Pros
- Mineral-infused
- Hypoallergenic
- Can replace foundation
- Minimizes pores
- Soft, natural finish
- Reduces shine
Cons
- Limited shades offered
- Only 5 grams of product per unit
Where to Shop
This luminous formula offers added pigment and UV protection. The Ilia Tinted Radiant Translucent Powder excels in preventing fines lines or cracks when applied on top of a liquid or cream foundation and concealer. The rich ingredients work beautifully with other makeup products for lasting coverage and around the clock skin protection.
Pros
- SPF 20
- Highly pigmented
- Soothing ingredients for mature and sensitive skin
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Requires a light hand upon application as formula is thick and full coverage
- Limited shade range
- May stick to dry parts of the skin
Where to Shop
Finely milled Mica and Alo create the soft, effective formula as Sappho New Paradigm Silky Setting Powder. Translucent and lightweight, this natural setting powder is non-comedogenic and works for all skin types and shades.
Pros
- Includes soothing and hydrating ingredients like Calendula and Jojoba oil
- Great for dry skin
- Perfect on top of liquid foundation
Cons
- A small amount of product per unit
Where to Shop
Hynt Beauty Finale Finishing Powder offers a non-drying, non-cakey,satin-matte finish. Translucent and lightweight, Hynt pearl Finishing Powder absorbs beautifully into makeup or directly onto the skin and leaves a my-skin-but-better finish. Delicate pearl powder particles add a soft glow and help the skin to retain moisture throughout the day while absorbing any excess oil.
Pros
- One purchase will last a while
- Luxury packaging
- Effective without being too drying
- Long-lasting wear
- Natural finish, not too matte, not too sheer
- Oil-absorbing
Cons
- No known cons for this product
Where to Shop
Juice Beauty Flawless Finishing Powder is a non-toxic lightweight formula that gives the appearance of smooth-skin for a natural finish without the shine. Botanically-infused, Juice Beauty offers more than a setting powder as soothing components make this suitable for all skin types including blemish-prone sensitive.
Pros
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Smooths fine-line
- Uniquely natural finish
- Featherweight
Cons
- Not ideal for baking into foundation or concealer as the formula is extra light
Where to Shop
Create a silky second skin with the RMS Beauty Tinted “Un” Powder. This featherweight formula is nothing but mica and silica making the finish smooth and seamless. Set your undereye concealer or the entire face to mattify and lock-in your look. This simple formula is clean and natural and specializes in reducing shine and absorbing oil. Apply as needed to keep the mid-day shine away and to keep your makeup intact.
Pros
- Lightweight formula but still great for oily skin
- Blends effortlessly
- Completely color-less
- Great for mature, sensitive skin
- Minimizes shine
- Ideal for touch-ups
Cons
- The ultra-matte finish may be too much for dry skin types
- A small amount of product per unit
- Only 3 shades offered
Where to Shop
Conclusion
The best natural and organic setting powders have a little something for everyone. From a lightweight, natural finish to a rich and pigmented--set your face in confidence with ingredients you can trust.
Thanks for reading!
I see nothing here that can work for actual dark or pigmented skin
Hi Leslie, thanks for stopping in 🙂 I know it can be tough to find darker setting powders! The Alima Pure Satin Finishing Powder comes in various shades, as does the RMS Beauty Tinted Un-Powder. I hope that helps!