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This Halloween, as parents gear up to decorate kids in scary makeup and gruesome masks, the last thing you want to worry about is what all that stuff is made of.

Toy stores are filled with makeup kits that will make even the fakest of blood and bruises look convincing, but the ingredients aren’t always listed on the packages and they aren’t always wholesome. Many contain hormone-disrupting paraben preservatives and phthalates (used in synthetic fragrances). Just because it says “non-toxic” or “safe for children” doesn’t mean much since these are unregulated claims.

Instead, head to the natural products store and splurge on adult cosmetics made with plant-based ingredients (look for the brands listed below and in our Cosmetics Buying Guides). Draw whiskers and the like on with a natural eyeliner, and use a variety of red, brown and orange lip glosses for fake bruises. Don’t let the added cost scare you; just use the cosmetics sparingly on your kids and save the rest for yourself and a post-holiday makeover. 

If your fairy or vampire relentlessly requests painted nails, use a water-based version that doesn’t contain DBP, formaldehyde, or toluene, and remove it as soon as possible. Once you’re all gussied up, the age-old fight over candy can begin.

Makeup also serves as a healthier alternative to vinyl masks and fake teeth. Vinyl is the least environmentally friendly plastic out there, and considering the disposable nature of Halloween, its eco-costs are really unnecessary. Plus, the flexible variety used for masks usually contains more phthalates.

As for the fake teeth, get the lip gloss out again. Last Halloween, a University of Ohio team found dangerous levels of lead in fake plastic “ugly” teeth meant to be put directly in young mouths.

Costumes pose less of a health problem. Still, the best option is to make an outfit that won’t be tossed after one use. Fortunately, there are zillions of costumes that can be made so kids—big and small—can enjoy what is arguably childhood’s greatest day. A ladybug (organic pesticide!) can be as simple as black circles (construction paper or cloth) taped or sewn onto a red t-shirt; ditch those circles and put a sprig of green felt in your kid’s hair and, voila, they’re a tomato, or an apple. Sub the red shirt for an orange one and presto: a carrot. It’s all in the eye of the beholder.

Older kids can dig into your closet to become business people/commuters, gardeners, painters, swimmers, skiers, bikers, chefs—you get the drift. Alternately, thrift stores and Army or Navy surplus stores offer up inexpensive and recycled items for any number of costumes. Teenagers are creative enough; let them put all their adolescent energy to good use.

SAFE MAKEUP BRANDS
Dr. Hauschka www.drhauschka.com
Suki Color www.sukicolor.com
Burt’s Bees www.burtsbees.com

SAFER NAIL POLISH
HoneyBee Gardens www.honeybeegardens.com
Peacekeeper Cause-metics Nail Paint www.iamapeacekeeper.com
Suncoat Water-based Nail Polish www.suncoatproducts.com

DIY
Even better than purchasing cosmetics? Make your own blood, bruises, scabs and the like with tried-and-true kitchen staples like corn starch, syrup, shortening, cornmeal and food coloring. You’re in charge of the ingredients. And think outside the box—boil some beets and use the tinged water instead of synthetic color.