Our #GOODVIBESONLY Ingredient Code
ĀTHR Beauty is a clean and sustainable beauty brand. That means we vet each ingredient to ensure it's clean, non-toxic but also complies with our sustainability practices. We are committed to using organic, fair-trade, non-GMO ingredients wherever possible and BAN over 2700 ingredients in our formulas. We are 100% vegan and cruelty-free forever.
#GOODVIBESBEAUTY – WHAT CLEAN MEANS TO US
‘Clean’ means more than just ingredients. Clean beauty means a clean conscience! It means that from our non-toxic, vegan formulas, to our sustainable, ethically-sourced ingredients and our zero-waste, recyclable packaging, we are bringing only good into this world.
GOOD FOR YOU. GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN.
You trust us with your skin and we take that seriously. ĀTHR is not just a shimmery lid or an illuminated cheekbone, it is beauty with lasting skin benefits with nourishing, good-for-you ingredients. We source the highest quality non-toxic, sustainable, vegan ingredients for #beautyinsideandout. Our shadows are also infused with crystals to illuminate and transform the skin on a deeper level. Rose Quartz, Diamond, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Ruby, Amber, Topaz, and Sapphire help to awaken you to your power, your purpose, and bring light to your spirit.
VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE
If the choice were between a safe synthetic ingredient or an animal-based ingredient, we would choose vegan & cruelty-free always and forever. Don’t forget, animal products are still considered natural. No animal will ever suffer for our products. We treat all beings with the respect and love they deserve. We are Certified Vegan & Cruelty-Free always.
NATURAL VS. SYNTHETIC
Natural is good, synthetics are evil. Sound familiar? The truth is, while there are countless beautiful, effective ingredients found in nature, natural does not always equal non-toxic, vegan or sustainable. We use natural ingredients wherever possible because of their transformative power and use select synthetics if we are unable to find a natural ingredient that meets ALL the following requirements: Non-toxic.
Our #1 priority is to source ingredients that are safe for use today and over time, and if we can’t find a natural ingredient that is safe and free of contamination, we will look to a safe synthetic version. Natural ingredients are incredibly effective and powerful, but if we can’t find a natural ingredient that meets our effectiveness requirements (color payoff, longevity, blend-ability, vibrancy), we look to safe and non-toxic synthetics.
ETHICALLY & SUSTAINABLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS
All our ingredients are ethically & sustainably sourced, certified organic, and certified fair-trade wherever possible.
We will not use any ingredient that is unethical or unsustainable in any stage of its sourcing or processing. Our ingredients are fair-trade whenever available, and always ethically-sourced. If we can’t find a fair-trade version of an ingredient, we keep looking until we find an ethical, sustainable grower/supplier of that ingredient. Most importantly: if there is no ethical option, we will not use that ingredient.
ETHICAL PRODUCTION
Our products are made in the US, Canada, and/or Europe. We only produce in regions and facilities where we can ensure the ethical treatment of workers, and the quality & consistency of our products. We know the people formulating and producing our products and we see their healthy, safe, and ethical workplace firsthand. We will never produce products in regions or factories with questionable labor standards, human rights policies, contamination issues, or quality-control measures. All people deserve fair wages and a safe and ethical working environment and we only source from growers that can guarantee those conditions for us. That includes never using an ingredient produced with child labor. As a sustainable brand, we focus on our impact now and in the future. That means making decisions that won’t compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It means looking at our impact on the planet as a whole.
RECYCLABLE PACKAGING
The staggering truth: the cosmetics industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging every year, making up 1/3 of all landfill waste! This is why we launched the industry’s first zero-waste eyeshadow palette. From our soy-based inks and aluminum eyeshadow pans, to our FSC certified recycled palette, box, and tarot card, our products are 100% recyclable. We also moved away from conventional design by removing all magnets and mirrors from our palettes because neither can be recycled and magnets are very unethical (and highly toxic) in their production.
LOW WASTE, CARBON-NEUTRAL SHIPPING
Our quest for zero-waste includes the materials we pack and ship our products in. Your order is packed in an FSC certified, fully recyclable box, and sealed with a sugar-based biodegradable sticker! And to help reduce shipping emissions, we’ve partnered with Cloverly to offer you a carbon-neutral shipping option. That means you can still shop online, except minus the added carbon.
SUSTAINABILITY MEANS THAT WE GIVE BACK TOO.
We partner with a different charity for each product that we launch and give 1% of sales from that product directly to the charity. Our charities revolve to partner with a charity that represents one of the elements: earth, air, fire, water and aether. Know a charity we should consider? Please email us your suggestions.
OUR #NOBADVIBES BANNED LIST
We ban over 2700 ingredients from our formulas. It started with the 1300 ingredients banned in the EU and every potential carcinogen, endocrine and hormone disruptor, or allergen and irritant included in California Prop 65. And we don’t stop there - we ban any other ingredient with negative health concerns, potential environmental effects, and of course all animal-derived ingredients.
Keep reading for more information on the most widely-used toxins and ingredients we ban from our products.
ANIMAL DERIVED INGREDIENTS (BANNED)
As a vegan brand, we ban all animal-derived ingredients including:
Caprylic Acid - Caprylic acid is a fatty acid found in the milk of some animals. It serves as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent, helping to preserve a product. Also known as: Caprylyl Glycol.
Lanolin - Lanolin is a waxy substance secreted from the glands of sheep. Lanolin is mostly a by-product of the meat industry.
Stearic Acid - If derived from animals, Stearic Acid is fat from cows, pigs, sheep, and dogs + cats in laboratory settings. It's used as a surfactant and/or emulsifier. Also known as: Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Stearamide, Stearamine, Stearates, Stearic Hydrazide, Stearone, Stearoxytrimethylsilane, Stearoyl Lactylic Acid, Stearyl Betaine, Stearyl Imidazoline.
Glycerin - Derived from animal fats, Glycerin is used as a skin softener/smoother in cosmetics and skincare. It’s one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerides, Glyceryls, Glycreth-26, Polyglycerol.
Carmine - Carmine is a vibrant red pigment obtained from crushing up female cochineal insects (beetles). It’s used to add bright red coloring to eye makeup, lipsticks, and nail polish. Also known as: Carminic Acid, Cochineal, Crimson Lake, CI 75470, E120.
Guanine - Guanine is derived from the scales of fish; it’s what gives them their shimmery appearance. It’s used in shadows, blush, highlighters, and bronzers for the same iridescent effect. Also known as: Pearl Essence or CI75170.
Tallo - Very common in eyeshadows, foundation, and lipstick, Tallow is fatty tissue from cows or sheep. It is used as a skin conditioner and stabilizer. Also known as: Sodium Tallowate, Tallow Imidazoline, Tallow Acid, Tallow Amide, Tallow Amine, Talloweth-6, Tallow Glycerides.
Squalane - Derived from shark liver oil, Squalene is used as a moisturizing agent. It's found in eye makeup, hair products, foundations, lipstick, sunscreen, body powders, and skin care products. Also known as: Shark Liver Oil, Squalane.
Ambergris - Commonly known as ‘whale vomit’, Ambergris is an excretion of male sperm whales that is used in fragrances and cosmetics.
Estrogen - Extracted from pregnant horses, Estrogen is found in many creams, lotions, and fragrances. Also known as: estradiol.
Honey - Honey is essentially bee food. It starts with the nectar bees draw from flowers - they store the nectar in their honey stomach, it’s drawn out, chewed and broken down, and spat into the combs of the hive. Honey is what’s leftover in that mixture once the water evaporates.
Collagen - A fibrous protein derived from animal tissue. Collagen is used in many lip products and skincare.
Gelatin - Gelatin is made by boiling the skin, bones, and cartilage of animals. It’s mainly used as a thickening agent in cosmetics, nail care, and skincare products. Also known as: Gelatine, gelatin, hide glue, gel.
Keratin - Protein from the ground-up hooves, horns, feathers, and hair of animals. Also known as: Animal keratin, hydrolyzed keratin, cysteine.
Beeswax - The purified wax from the honeycombs of bees. It’s formed by boiling honeycombs, and then straining and cooling them. Also known as: Cera Alba.
Retinol - Retinol is a naturally-occurring form of vitamin A. It can be derived from plants, animals, or created synthetically. Also known as: Retinyl palmitate, Retinol acetate, vitamin A.
Aluminum - Used as a cosmetic colorant, aluminum powder is classified as a nervous system/respiratory toxicant.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) -
Preservatives linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and cancer.
EDTA (Tetrasodium EDTA, Calcium Disodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA -
These ingredients are incapable of breaking down. This means they end up accumulating in the environment and water, impacting fish and other wildlife.
Ethanolamines (TEA, DEA, MEA, ETA) - These ingredients can be contaminated with carcinogens like Nitrosamines.
Ethoxylated Ingredients - This group of ingredients are synthetically produced using Ethylene Oxide, a known carcinogen. They also have a high potential of being contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane, another documented carcinogen. They may be listed as: Polyethylene Glycol, PEG-100 (or PEG-any number), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, most ingredients ending in “-eth, Emulsifying Wax, Polysorbate-20, Polysorbate-40.
Formaldehyde - This known carcinogen is not intentionally added to formulas, it’s released through other ingredients like: Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl, Polyoxymethylene Urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Tosylamide, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Quanternium-15, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Glyoxal, Benzylhemiformal, Methenamine.
Glycols (Propylene Glycol, Polypropylene Glycol, Ethylene Glycol) - These synthetic chemicals are used as hydrators and penetration enhancers. They’re linked to skin irritation and sensitivity.
Hydroquinone - This skin-lightening chemical has been linked to cancer, skin irritation, and organ system toxicity.
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone - Used as preservatives, these ingredients can cause skin irritation and are linked to nervous system toxicity. The EU has banned these preservatives from leave-on beauty products.
Nanoparticles - These incredibly tiny particles are synthetically created versions of naturally occurring substances. They function as preservatives or UV-filters. Studies have shown that these smaller versions are more toxic than their larger, natural counterparts. These particles may be able to penetrate the skin, and inhalation can cause the particles to stay in the organs long-term.On labels, look for: micronized quartz silica, micronized titanium dioxide, fullerenes, micronized zinc oxide, nano zinc oxide.
Oxybenzone - Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone are linked to hormone disruption and photoallergenic effects.
Parabens - A common preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products, parabens are linked to cancer, endocrine and immune disorders, and neurological and developmental conditions.
Parabens may be listed as: Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, or Methylparaben.
Petrolatum, Paraffin and Mineral Oil - Derived from petroleum, these ingredients can be contaminated with Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons which are linked to cancer.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP, Dibutyl Phthalate) - These chemicals have been linked to birth defects and endocrine disruption. They’re not usually listed on the label, but instead hidden under the blanket term ‘fragrance’.
Plastic Microbeads - Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic found in many cosmetic and skincare products. These beads can end up in lakes and oceans where they’re ingested by fish and other animals.
Resorcinol - This ingredient can disrupt thyroid function and cause skin irritation. It may be listed as: Resorcinol, resorcin 1,3-benzenediol, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene.
Silicones - There are two types of silicones - linear silicones and cyclic silicones:
- We ban linear silicones for their negative impact on the environment and pore-clogging potential.
- We ban cyclic silicones (cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), cyclopentasiloxane (D5), cyclohexasiloxane (D6), and cyclomethicone) as they’re linked to developmental/reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption. They also don’t break down well and can accumulate in the environment and food chain.
Synthetic Fragrance - Brands are not required to disclose the ingredients that make up a synthetic fragrance. The word ‘fragrance’ can hide any number of toxins. All our products are fragrance free and we’ll always disclose every ingredient in our formulas.
Synthetic Musks - Used to create fragrances, these ingredients have been linked to hormonal disruption. They also accumulate in the environment, affecting plants, wildlife, and our water supply.
Talc - Used in powder products to soften, absorb moisture, and create opacity. Because it’s extracted from the ground, some talc is contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen.
Teflon - Used as an anti-slipping/bulking agent, Teflon can be contaminated with PFOA (perfluorooctonoic acid), a substance linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity.
Teflon may be listed as: Teflon, Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, DEA-C8-18.
Colorants - Makeup colorants are naturally derived or synthetic. Mineral colorants are considered healthier or more sustainable, but that isn't always the case. Mined minerals can be contaminated with heavy metals like lead and can be coming from inhumane sources like child labor. Some natural pigments fade faster and can not be as bright as their synthetic counterparts. Some synthetic colorants are more sustainable because they are not grown on a farm that uses water and other resources to grow them. We use a combination of natural and synthetic dyes to create the perfect shade, while always trying to use the most sustainble option as possible. Rest assured colorants are in less than 1% of any formula.
Coal Tar - Used as a colorant to create black, mostly found in eyeliner and mascaras, coal tar has been a known human carcinogen and rated a 10 on EWG.
Mercury - Found in eyemakeup and used as a preservative, it's known as a respiratory toxicant. It is persistent and bioaccumulative in humans.
Toluene -This petrochemical solvent has been linked to birth defects and is toxic to the immune system.
Triclosan & Triclocarban - These ingredients are used as preservatives and antibacterial agents. They’re linked to hormonal disruption and can accumulate in the environment.
Unsustainably Sourced Palm Oil -To grow palm oil, growers burn down forests to clear the land. Animals lose their homes, communities lose their natural land, and air pollution levels rise from the smoke. Not to mention the worker exploitation and labor abuse that is rampant.
We only use palm-oil derived ingredients that are certified sustainably sourced. They include an RSPO certificate to validate that no deforestation, land burning, or exploitation of workers or local communities were involved. We are looking into ways from removing Palm Oil altogether.
Unverified Natural Mica - 25% of the world’s Mica is produced with child labor, with the majority coming from Jkarkhand and Bihar in Eastern India. Because of this, we ban natural mica unless we can verify it was produced without child labor. If we can’t find a verified source, we use a safe synthetic version to ensure purity and origin.
GOOD VIBES INGREDIENTS WE USE INSTEAD
Organic, Fair-Trade Coconut Oil & Organic, Fair-Trade Shea Butter - This moisturizing, skin-softening duo help seal in moisture, reduce inflammation, and calm redness. They also function as a natural preservative.
EWG Rating = 1
Organic Lavender Oil - Organic Lavender Oil is ultra-restorative. It helps soothe the skin, reducing the appearance of redness and discoloration. Lavender oil also helps heal acne and combat aging free radicals with its high antioxidant content and antibacterial qualities. EWG Rating = 1
Organic Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil (Sea Buckthorn Oil) - Sea Buckthorn Oil's rich concentration of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids help protect the skin from sun damage by reducing UV-related inflammation.
EWG Rating = 1
Organic Rosa Canina Seed Oil (Rosehip seed oil) - This moisture-rich oil is full of nourishing fatty acids that help your skin stay hydrated and youthful. Antioxidant-rich vitamins A and C boost radiance, combat discoloration and sun damage, and encourage healthy collagen production.
EWG Rating =1
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - A liquid wax derived from the Simmondsia chinensis plant, Jojoba oil is deeply hydrating with many antioxidants benefits. Rich in Vitamin E, this oil helps fight oxidative stress that can cause premature aging.
EWG Rating = 1
Organic Moringa Oil - Moringa Oil contains vitamin A to help build collagen, vitamin C to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and vitamin E to help heal and prevent inflammation.
EWG Rating = 1
Organic Prickly Pear Oil - Prickly Pear is high in omega 6 and 9, vitamin E, and amino acids which stimulate collagen production in the skin. Vitamin K helps brighten the skin and promote elasticity.
EWG Rating = 1
Ethylhexyl Stearate - Derived from plant oils, Ethylhexyl Stearate functions as a conditioner, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
EWG Rating = 1
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract - Derived from the honeysuckle flower, this extract soothes the skin with its high antioxidant content. It also functions as a natural preservative booster.
EWG Rating = 1
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract - Derived from the Japanese Honeysuckle flower, this extract soothes and conditions the skin and acts as a natural preservative booster.
EWG Rating = 1
Ethically Sourced Natural Mica - Mica is the group of minerals that gives sparkle and shine to our shadows and highlighters. When we use natural mica, we source only from suppliers in the US or Malaysia. These areas have (and enforce) ethical labor standards which prevent the use of child labor. Visit our blog for more on Mica.
EWG Rating = 2
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (Mica) - Synthetic mica is made in a lab and is essentially identical to natural mica, but brighter and more uniform in color and finish. We choose synthetic when we can’t find a verified source of non-child labor natural mica.
EWG Rating = 1
Magnesium Myristate - Naturally derived from plant-based oils, Magnesium Myristate is the behind-the-scenes worker: it helps the formula stay together, gives it a soft feel, creates a smooth texture, and helps repel water.
EWG Rating = 1
Silica - A naturally occurring mineral found in granite, clay, sandstone, and some plants, Silica is used as a thickening agent and to help create an opaque finish.
EWG Rating = 1
Bismuth Oxychloride - Bismuth oxychloride is a synthetically-created powder made by combining the natural elements oxygen, chlorine, and bismuth. Bismuth is the only non-toxic heavy metal, purified in a multi-step process before use in cosmetics. The end-product, Bismuth Oxychloride is used as a makeup colorant that creates an iridescent effect. Visit our blog for more on this ingredient.
EWG Rating = 1
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate - A naturally derived mixture of minerals, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate functions as a thickening agent. It does not penetrate the skin.
EWG Rating = 1
Tin Oxide - Naturally derived from the mineral, Cassiterite, Tin Oxide is a bulking and opacifying agent that helps create a lustrous, shimmery finish.
EWG Rating = 2
Titanium Dioxide - A naturally occurring mineral, Titanium Dioxide is used as a bright, white colorant. It also functions as a natural sunscreen, protecting the skin from UVA and UVB radiation.
EWG Rating = 2
Iron Oxides - Color pigments derived from natural ores and minerals. Once sourced, Iron Oxides are processed in a lab for use in cosmetics.
EWG Rating = 2
Ferric Ferrocyanide - A synthetically created dark blue pigment.
EWG Rating = 1
Triethylhexanoin - A synthetically created skin conditioner and solvent.
EWG Rating = 1
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate -Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is an amber colored liquid that forms a barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. It is formulated with plant-based stearic acid.
EWG Rating = 1
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate - A synthetically created compound that creates a silky texture and helps soften and smooth the skin.
EWG Rating = 1
Polymethylsilsesquioxane - A synthetically created compound that creates a smooth, silky feel and helps repel excess water from the skin’s surface.
EWG Rating = 1
Synthetic Beeswax - Synthetic beeswax is created by mixing plant-based fatty acids and alcohol to achieve a similar consistency to natural beeswax, but vegan!
EWG Rating = 1
Ultramarines - Synthetically created blue, pink, green, violet, and red pigments. Natural Ultramarine is initially derived from the rich-blue stone, lapis lazuli. It’s then processed in a lab to ensure purity.
EWG Rating = 1
Alumina - A naturally occurring mineral used as a thickening agent.
EWG Rating = 2
Manganese Violet - Manganese Violet is a bright violet pigment. Initially derived from naturally occurring manganese oxide, this compound is then processed in a lab to ensure purity.
EWG Rating = 2
Yellow 5 Lake - Yellow 5 is a synthetic yellow pigment. It’s also used as a food colorant.
EWG Rating = 1
Chromium Oxide Greens - A green colorant synthesized from mineral sources.
EWG Rating = 2
Bronze Powder -A yellow crystalline colorant made up of powdered bronze.
EWG Rating = 1
Blue 1 Lake - A synthetic blue pigment.
EWG Rating = 1
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate - Synthetically created from a naturally-derived mixture of minerals, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate functions as a thickening agent. It does not penetrate the skin.
EWG Rating = 1
Zinc Stearate - A mixture of plant-based acids, Zinc Stearate is a hydrating compound that helps prevent oil and liquid components from separating.
EWG Rating = 2
CRYSTAL INFUSIONS FOR LITERAL GLOW
We use crystals in our palettes because they’re gorgeous and magical, but also for their skin-illuminating, light-reflective properties. Crystal infusions help reflect harsh light away from the skin, camouflaging wrinkles and fine lines. They’re the Insta filters of nature!
Amethyst Powder - A truly skin-soothing stone, amethyst emits infrared rays which boost circulation in the skin, calming inflammation and redness. Its negative ion-charge helps detoxify the skin by drawing out toxins and free radicals. Amethyst is also known to target bacteria growth, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin.
Diamond Powder - This high-vibe stone helps stimulate collagen production, reduces the appearance of sun damage, and helps brighten the skin.
Topaz Powder - Topaz releases tension from the face which can cause premature aging.
Sapphire Powder - Sapphire helps soothe, hydrate, and calm the skin, creating that smooth, even glow.
Amber Powder - The succinic acid found in Amber is a powerful antioxidant. It helps fight the damaging effects of free radicals on your skin.
Ruby Powder - Helps hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin from aging free radicals.
Rose Quartz Powder - Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and fine lines by calming inflammation, releasing tension, and encouraging skin healing.
Tourmaline Powder - Helps energize the skin for that radiant, youthful glow.
Please note ingredients are subject to change and updated quarterly with new information and research.
Last Update: August 2020