Safety Tip! Types of Face Paints to be aware of!

Lately I have noticed posts or concerns for face painters using different types of paint and I am here to give some information about certain types of paints that can be a concern for safety.

This article is to give information to parents or those looking to hire a face painter.

There are paints specifically made for the skin just as cosmetics but altered to meet FDA regulations and use materials that are safer for the skin. Each brand is different and it is important for all to know your product and what is safe to use.

If any parent or coordinator wants to know what the face painter is using, just ask! Research your artist and don't be afraid to ask any questions. The artist should be able to give you an ingredients list of all the paints they are using.

Just because a face painter is either well known in the area or referred by whomever, do your research especially companies that want to do long term contracts with a face painter. Safety should be a concern for all types of events and you want to protect yourself and your guests. Check their insurance to make sure whatever concern you have meets the insurance used.

Be sure the paints used are FDA compliant for cosmetic use.
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Paints that shouldn't be used for face painting:

Acrylics

Acrylics are not intended for prolonged use on the skin. Acrylics have small amounts of ammonia and formaldehyde which can irritate the skin causing an allergic reaction. Just because it says non-toxic, it is not intended for the skin.

You can click this link of a face painter's blog entry on the acrylic paints or google acrylic paint skin reactions and you may find some disturbing images of children and adults of the skin reactions.

Google image search for allergies to acrylic paint:  Link


Craft Paints

Many craft paints contain non-FDA approved chemicals and colors in the paint that are harmful for the skin. Some can contain Nickel, lead, or other chemicals that are for other painting purposes non relating to skin. If you are allergic to certain chemicals, always check the ingredients for any paint a face painter may be using.


Markers

Markers may say non-toxic but markers are not intended for face painting. Markers can take days to come off the skin and shouldn't be used as a face painting tool.


If you at an event and there is a face painter, just check their area and ask for an ingredients list for their paints. If you notice bottles that may look like this () then you want to avoid getting your face painted, as these are considered craft paints. Though this says face paint, these irritate the skin and do not wash off as easily. Just check reviews on this product or other craft paints.


Research! Research! Research!

This link you can find a few reviews of the common brands used for face painting: Link

Another about acrylics and more: Link

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Art Stylez is all for safety and using the correct equipment, tools, materials, and paint for all events. 

Feel free to ask for my ingredients list of the paint I use.

Thank you!