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Best Non-Toxic Highlighters

We vetted highlighters against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.

Camille May

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Here's what we look for:

  • Simple formulas made with ingredients that meet our standard
  • Free from parabens, PEGs, phthalates, sulfates, BHA/BHT, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, and undisclosed fragrance
  • Mineral pigments or alternatives tested for heavy metals
  • EU-compliant brands and third-party certifications when available
  • Transparent sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing practices

Best Non-Toxic Highlighters

On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.

Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick

Meets the Welpr Standard

Top Pick

Westman Atelier

Lit Up Highlight Stick

Free From
Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free
Highlights
Glassy finish, Light coverage, Translucent gel, Firms skin, Boosts moisture, Smooth application, Multi-purpose, For all skin types

9.5

Performance score

Where to buy

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Attitude Oceanly Lightweight Highlighter Stick

Meets the Welpr Standard

Budget Pick

Attitude

Oceanly Lightweight Highlighter Stick

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Heavy Metal Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
EWG Verified, PETA Certified
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Plastic-free packaging, Compostable packaging, Stick, Natural glow finish

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Typology Glow Drops 5% Vitamin C + Aloe Vera

Meets the Welpr Standard

Typology

Glow Drops 5% Vitamin C + Aloe Vera

Free From
Cruelty Free
Highlights
Instant radiance, Natural luminous finish, 5% vitamin C, With aloe vera, Silicone-free, For all skin tones, Made in France, No microplastic glitter

8.9

Performance score

Where to buy

Ogee Sculpted Face Stick

Meets the Welpr Standard

Ogee

Sculpted Face Stick

Free From
Cruelty Free
Certified
Leaping Bunny
Highlights
Cruelty-free, Made in USA, No synthetic fragrance, Stick, Dewy finish, Multi-use formula

8.8

Performance score

Where to buy

RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Dew Luminizer

Meets the Welpr Standard

RMS Beauty

ReDimension Hydra Dew Luminizer

Free From
Cruelty Free
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free, Refillable, Recycled materials, Powder, Dewy finish

8.4

Performance score

Where to buy

stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter

Meets the Welpr Standard

stila

Heaven's Hue Highlighter

Free From
Cruelty Free
Highlights
Cruelty-free, Powder, Natural glow finish, Multi-use formula

8.4

Performance score

Where to buy

Well People Supernatural Stick Highlighter

Meets the Welpr Standard

Well People

Supernatural Stick Highlighter

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Heavy Metal Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, PETA Certified
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Pregnancy safe, Fragrance-free, No synthetic fragrance, Stick, Dewy finish, Multi-use formula

8.3

Performance score

Where to buy

Annadea To Dew Glow Serum for Face

Meets the Welpr Standard

Annadea

To Dew Glow Serum for Face

Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Made in USA, EU safety standards, Fragrance-free, Liquid, Dewy finish, Multi-use formula

8.3

Performance score

Where to buy

Axiology 3-in-1 Balmie Crayon Highlighters

Meets the Welpr Standard

Axiology

3-in-1 Balmie Crayon Highlighters

Free From
Cruelty Free, Fragrance Free, Plastic Free
Highlights
Eyes, lips, cheeks, Matte finish, Long-lasting color, For oily skin, Tubeless application, Palm oil-free, Handmade in USA

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Toups & Co Cream Luminizer Pot

Meets the Welpr Standard

Toups & Co

Cream Luminizer Pot

Free From
Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Highlights
Pregnancy safe, Breastfeeding safe, Recyclable packaging, Money-back guarantee, Cream, Dewy finish, Multi-use formula

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Omiana Multitasking Cream

Meets the Welpr Standard

Omiana

Multitasking Cream

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
Leaping Bunny, PETA Certified
Highlights
Eye primer, Full coverage, Long-lasting coverage, Mica-free, Soft matte finish, For sensitive skin, Talc-free, Silicone-free

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Typology Roseglow Drops T35

Meets the Welpr Standard

Typology

Roseglow Drops T35

Free From
Cruelty Free, Fragrance Free
Highlights
Rosy glow, For all skin types, For all skin tones, 2% vitamin E, Apricot extract, Silicone-free, Microplastic glitter-free, Made in France

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Omiana Satin Highlighter Cream

Meets the Welpr Standard

Omiana

Satin Highlighter Cream

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
Leaping Bunny, PETA Certified
Highlights
Titanium dioxide-free, Vegan, For cheeks, lips, eyes, Velvety-soft, Dewy opalescence, For delicate skin, Talc free

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Ilia Multi-Stick For Lips + Cheeks

Meets the Welpr Standard

Ilia

Multi-Stick For Lips + Cheeks

Free From
Cruelty Free
Certified
1% For The Planet, Leaping Bunny
Highlights
Cruelty-free, EU safety standards, Fragrance-free, 0.25 year warranty, Stick, Natural glow finish, Multi-use formula

7.9

Performance score

Where to buy

How to Swap to Non-Toxic highlighters:

Here's how to swap to non-toxic highlighters:

What to know about highlighters

Highlighters sit directly on your skin, often on your cheekbones, brow bone, and nose — areas close to your eyes and mouth. Because they stay on for hours, the ingredients and pigments in the formula have extended contact with your skin. Welpr focuses on what highlighters are made of, including the types of pigments, fragrances, and preservatives used.

  • Highlighters you wear daily deserve more attention than ones you only use for special occasions.
  • Powder, cream, and liquid highlighters can all vary in formulation, so the format alone doesn't tell you whether it's a cleaner option.

Review the highlighters you already use

Use the Welpr Personal Care and Cosmetic Scanner to check the highlighters you currently own. It will flag ingredients worth knowing about so you can see how your products measure up.

  • Start with the highlighter you reach for most often, since that's the one with the most contact over time.
  • Look at the ingredient list for "fragrance" or "parfum" — these are common in highlighters and can indicate undisclosed synthetic ingredients.

Use your current highlighter more intentionally

If you're not ready to replace your highlighter right away, small adjustments can reduce how much sits on your skin. Applying less product or using it less frequently are easy changes to make.

  • Use a light hand and build up gradually rather than applying a heavy layer all at once.
  • On days when you want a simpler routine, skip highlighter entirely — it's one of the easiest makeup steps to leave out.

Choose a cleaner highlighter

Look for highlighters with simple ingredient lists, natural mineral pigments like mica or iron oxides, and no synthetic fragrance. Certifications like EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE® are helpful signals, but Welpr reviews the full formula regardless.

  • Choose products that are fragrance-free or scented only with essential oils, and avoid ingredient lists that include parabens, phthalates, or PEGs.
  • Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved highlighters.
Camille May

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...