NEUTROGENA/SIMPLE
In 2015, does Neutrogena still need to make eye makeup remover lotion with estrogenic propylparabens or for that matter, petrochemicals? The oil-free version is paraben-free but contains benzalkonium chloride, the active antimicrobial in Lysol, which is toxic to fish. At least Neutrogena Naturals remover is free of both. Not the case for UK-based Simple, which claims to have “no harsh chemicals” but contains both propylparabens and red-flagged formaldehyde-releasers 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol and dmdm hydantoin. Take a pass. $12/$10.
SCORE: N
EARTH SCIENCE
This mostly plant-derived, California-made health store brand is tops for performance but less so for purity. Some of my buddies who have to wear heavy-duty HDTV makeup every day for work swear Earth Science is the only health store remover that will get rid of anything. But like Derma E, which also gets the job done, it contains the preservative phenoxyethanol, which is outlawed by some natural cosmetic certifiers like Ecocert. Unfortunately, the sodium hydroxymethylglycinate in Earth Science also releases formaldehyde, though it’s a somewhat lesser concern than 2-bromo. Until it cleans up its preservatives, I’m docking points. $8.
SCORE: NN
GREEN BEAVER
This plant-based Canadian product has a lotiony feel that doesn’t require rinsing. Keep it mind that it works well on easily removable natural cosmetics, but not so much on, say, waterproof mascaras. Ingredients include glycerin, local organic sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil, aloe and (allergen alert) almond oil. Preserved with grapefruit seed extract tested to be free of contaminants, though the formula will change a little when it gets certified organic later this year. $16.
SCORE: NNNN
PROVINCE APOTHECARY
If you’re happy to splurge on makeup remover, you might as well do it on one that doubles as a facial cleanser, crafted right here in Kensington Market with 98 per cent certified organic ingredients, including some grown in Canada. You can apply it to an organic cotton pad and swipe or, to avoid disposables, massage a few drops with a drop of water onto your face and wipe away with a soft face cloth. The Today Causemetics version donates $10 to women financially struggling with breast cancer. Preserved with super-safe rosemary leaf extract. $42/120 ml (unscented) $16/30 ml (regular). Provinceapothecary.com, causemetics.ca
SCORE: NNNN
OIL
My very favourite makeup remover can be found in your kitchen. I’m talking about the stuff you sauté and toss salads with. It’s not only economical it’s one simple edible ingredient that just so happens to remove even waterproof mascara. Really, you can use any oil on your skin, but its best to avoid junky GMO oils like corn, canola or palm-laden generic “vegetable oil.” Better to reach for a quality olive or fair trade organic coconut oil – or for something more local like safflower or sunflower, though organic is ideal. The only thing: If you use some on your lids in the morning, wash with cleanser after. Otherwise, your freshly applied liner or mascara will end up smearing all over the place.
SCORE: NNNNN
