Conventional face paint may contain all sorts of nasty elements like lead, arsenic, and mercury that  you really shouldn’t be putting on your body, especially not near your eyes or on your lips, where you could accidentally eat them. Fortunately, there’s plenty of non-toxic face paint for Halloween to keep you safe as well as spooky.

Here are the 6 safest options you’ll want to try:

1) Buy cosmetics or cosmetic-grade paint. Skip acrylics and oil paints – those are for cloth or paper canvases, not human ones. Don’t use watercolor markers or pencils, either. Given how many colors are available in organic, non-toxic eye shadow, eye liner, eyebrow pencil, bronzer, foundation, blush, lipstick and nail polish, you can probably find everything you need at the make-up counter. Just remember to look for cosmetics that are paraben- and phthalate-free (we list a good selection in our Amazon store here).

2) Avoid metallic glitter. The Food and Drug Administration recommends glitter made from polyester rather than tiny metal fragments. But you would be better off with a reusable, glittery mask. Any kind of glitter makes a mess, both while you’re putting it on and when you’re trying to take it off. Sometimes, glitter particles are so tiny they can get stuck in your eye or you can accidentally inhale them. A mask sprinkled with glitter that’s glued on is the safest to use. BONUS: put it away in a safe spot when Halloween is over, then either update it when you take it out next year or swap it with a friend or neighbor for different ghoulish garb.

3) Consider Go Green Face Paint – This certified organic face paint is ready to use so you do not need to add water. It vows it is lead-free and uses a rice cream as its base, enhanced with jojoba oil and no dyes that contain heavy meals. The Party Pack includes 15 colors and 6 different color sets for faces like Monster Madness, Classic Clown and Superhero Supreme. The paints have a long shelf life, so you can use them beyond Halloween, like decorating for birthdays or other special events.

Want some great ideas for eco-friendly costumes? Don’t miss: Green Halloween Costumes – Swap Before You Shop

4) Check out Natural Earth Paint. Their Natural Face Paint Kit is made from over 70% certified organic ingredients that are clay and mineral-based. They also contain organic, Fair Trade shea butter and organic castor seed oil. Finally, these paints are free of nano particles, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and animal products like carmine.

5) Try Glob’s Natural Face Paint – This looks like the tray of watercolors I used to paint with when I was a kid. But the ingredients are much better: botanical extracts, natural colors, certified organic ingredients, and no artificial dyes or hars chemicals.

6) Make your own. Mix creamy fragrance-free skin lotion that’s also free of parabens and phthalates with a few drops of plant-derived food coloring. Spread the “paint” on thinly and let it dry. Or, mix 1 tablespoon solid shortening with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth. Add natural-based food coloring one drop at a time until you get the desired color. Use a clean sponge or fingers to apply where you want it. Remove with warm water and soap.

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