Halloween

little kids with face painted
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5 Non-Toxic Halloween Face Paint Options For Kids

This non-toxic face paint contains no tricks for your little trick-or-treaters.

by Angela Johnson and Abi Berwager Schreier
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Parents know they have to be diligent about ensuring the safety of Halloween treats their kids eat, from reading labels to checking the wrappers. But what about what they put on their skin? Maybe you've already grabbed some non-scratchy, soft costume pieces, but now you need non-toxic Halloween face paint options for kids to really complete the look.

It may not be something you’ve given a lot of thought to before, but stay with me here. A report published by the Breast Cancer Fund tested nearly 50 Halloween face paints marketed to children. The study found that roughly half of the products contained at least a small amount of the heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, or mercury, with some products containing as many as four of them. Exposure to these metals has been linked to developmental delays, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer. It is not known exactly how much exposure a child needs to have to these chemicals to see these harmful effects, but as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned, there is no safe blood level of lead.

So when you're shopping for your kids' face paint, it is important to read the labels carefully to check for dangerous ingredients. Here are a few brands that are safe to use on children, all are FDA- and toy and cosmetic regulations-compliant, as well as paraben-free. And if you are concerned about the safety of face paint you already own, be sure to check the labels for benzophenones, BHT, ethoxylated ingredients, formaldehyde, fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, silica, styrene compounds, and talc, as Woman's Day suggested.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

1Red Pumpkin

This Red Pumpkin Face Painting Kit is a non-toxic face painting kit that is safe enough for your tiny trick-or-treaters. The set comes with three brushes, 12 colors, and 36 stencils to help you create the look you want. And when all of the Halloween fun is over, the paint is easily removable with soap and water.

2JOYIN

If paint isn't your thing, you may want to try face and body paint crayons. With less mess than traditional paint, the crayons are easy to use, and come clean with soap and water.

3Create A Face

This face painting kit for kids from Create A Face includes 32 stencils, eight water-based paint colors, two glitters, two sponges, two applicators, and two brushes — and it's non-toxic, most importantly. There's even a free tutorial e-book to help you along your face painting journey this Halloween.

4Ruby Red Face & Body Paint

Just add water to Ruby Red Face Paint and start creating all of the creepy, crazy, or just plain cute designs you can imagine. The paints are vegan and are totally safe for kids ages 3 and older.

5DIY Face Paint

If you don't want to take your chances with products in the stores, you can make your own face paint with ingredients in your cupboards. This video from Southern Living gives you all of the steps.

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