Even though the surface area of our eyelids is small, its skin is extremely thin and delicate. This results in our eyelids absorbing even more of what's put on them than other parts of our bodies. Both good and bad stuff. Most eyeshadows are full of ingredients that are less than ideal for our bodies. For example: PTFE -- Otherwise known as Teflon and linked to a variety of cancers, also a known endocrine disrupter Parabens -- Linked to a variety of cancers… most prominently breast cancer Talc -- Linked to ovarian cancer and reproductive hazard Phenoxyethanol -- Neurotoxic concerns & The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists phenoxyethanol as one of its core allergens, even in concentrations as low as 1%. Lake dyes -- Often derived from petroleum Heavy metal contaminants -- A concern with all minerally pigmented cosmetics that are not properly purified and third party tested Retinyl Palmitate -- Animal studies have shown that retinyl palmitate speeds up the photo-carcinogenic effects of the sun and the development of skin tumors and lesions. Unethically sourced mica -- The majority of the mica used by the cosmetic industry is mined by exploitative child labor . Let's not support companies that have a hand in abuse of children in places like Madagascar and India! BHT -- a toluene based ingredient recognized as an endocrine disrupter and probable carcinogen I wanted, though, to highlight just one ingredient: TALC. Talc is a naturally occurring mined mineral. It is often contaminated with asbestos, a known human carcinogen. There have been a number of articles, studies, and lawsuits in the past few years centered around the dangers of talc. Animal studies performed by the National Toxicology Program have shown some evidence that even asbestos-free talc can be carcinogenic. Perineal use of talc-based body powder has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. BOTTOM LINE: If you see talc in the ingredients list, run! Here, for example, are the ingredients in the most popular eye shadow palette on Amazon. And what's the first ingredient? You guessed it! LAMORA EXPOSED Palette: Talc , mica, titanium dioxide, phenyl trimethicone, Octyldodecy, Stearoyl stearate, Bismuth Oxychloride , Nylon 12 ,N-Lauroyal- L-Lysine , Magnesium Stearate, Phenoxyethanol , may contain (+-/-) iron oxide (CI77491, CI77492,CI77499), FD&C red #40 Al lake (CI16035), FD&C yellow #5 Al Lake (CI19140:1) SO, WHAT TO USE INSTEAD? You know I love all things Crunchi ! Crunchi’s eyeshadows are beautifully pigmented and 100% toxin-free. They contain organic ingredients and are rich in antioxidants and minerals, highly blendable, vegan, non-GMO, and only the safest EcoCert mineral pigments! Plus, the paperboard packaging reduces waste (no plastics here!). Look at this luxurious lineup of toxin-free ingredients! Mica, Silica (Amorphous), Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E non-gmo), Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract*, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)**, Iron Oxides, (CI 77499)**, (CI 77491)**, (CI 77492)** *Certified Organic Ingredient, **EcoCert Find my favorite shadow palettes (including the limited edition SPICE palette) and single shades here !