Clean Cosmetics: Best Performing Clean Lipstick of 2025

You've probably heard the striking claim that women eat several pounds of lipstick in their lifetime. While this often-repeated statistic makes for attention-grabbing headlines, it's actually an unverified beauty myth without scientific backing. But here's what we do know with certainty: lipstick does make its way into our bodies through daily use – every time we eat, drink, talk, or lick our lips.

This direct oral exposure makes lipstick unique among cosmetics. The FDA has documented concerning findings through their testing programs, including the presence of lead in hundreds of lipsticks at levels up to 7.19 ppm in their 2011 survey. When conventional lipsticks can contain heavy metals, synthetic dyes, and questionable preservatives, even small amounts of exposure deserve our attention.

Finding truly clean lipsticks that actually perform, however, can feel impossible. Maybe you've tried natural formulas only to find they melt in your bag, fade after an hour, or leave your lips dry and flaking. Perhaps you're tired of "clean" lipsticks that cost a fortune but deliver patchy color and zero staying power.

This is where CertClean’s Clean Beauty Awards program comes in; through rigorous three-month testing by clean beauty experts and makeup artists, the top performing clean lipstick has been recognized. Whether you're concerned about ingredient exposure or simply want beautiful color that feels good on your lips, we'll help you find your perfect match.

Evaluation Criteria

Performance:

• Color payoff
• Wear time
• Fade pattern
• Comfort level
• Transfer resistance

User Experience

• Application smoothness
• Reapplication behavior
• Packaging functionality
• Temperature stability
• Versatility

The clean lipstick category continues to innovate, with formulators finding increasingly sophisticated ways to achieve vibrant color and long wear without compromising ingredient safety. This year's top performers prove that clean beauty can deliver both peace of mind and professional results.

The Top Lipsticks

#1: Denoir Cosmetics - Golden Hour - $22

Golden Hour is a buildable, long-lasting lipstick with a creamy finish that provides a comfortable wear. The rich blend of oils ensures an easy glide onto the lips, offering a lightweight feel after application. From a natural look to a bold statement, this adaptable lipstick allows you to layer for a more intense allure, giving you control over your desired beauty.

Expert Notes:

"The packaging is elegant and sleek. I really like that it came in a little gift box. It made the lipstick feel special. The color is pigmented and very smooth. It's quite color fast and feels light. The color is also flattering and would suit most skintones. It's a very wearable red. I also like how you can build the color - a single swipe will give you a natural soft red but two swipes and you get a bolder look. One of my favorite lipsticks to judge." - Sherry Chen, @mochiandblush

"Golden Hour by Denoir Cosmetics is an organic color that lasts with sheen and soft texture. It reveals plump lips without smudging.

The pigment is comparable to a natural version of Nars which is one of the best lipstick pigments money can buy.

The packaging is gorgeous looking sleek and chic. I love the deep brown box and black theme as well as the font and minimalism.

I adore that it has a vampy and art deco feel of old Hollywood. That you can have that glamour and pigment similar to non organic brands but have it be certified clean.The ingredients are also vegan and cruelty free.

I love the name “Golden Hour.” The packaging works well and is clean.The clean lipstick brand is elegant and high end. With a nod to the golden ages of glamour as chic as you can get." - Marie Karla, @healthandbeautycoach_

"This isn't my shade but I appreciate the formula and that its highly pigmented!' - Laura Walsh, @Cleanbeautymama
 

#2: Dr.Lipp - Superfood Tint Trio Pack - Elderberry, Red Radish & Sweet Potato - $24.99

This 100% natural, ultra-moisturizing multi-use tint pack includes Elderberry, Red Radish, and Sweet Potato, all rich in natural antioxidants to provide a healthy tinted glow. Free from additives, preservatives, and fragrance, it is packaged in sustainable sugarcane biopolymer, making it both effective and eco-friendly.

Expert Notes:

"There are many things to love about Dr Lipp Superfood Tints. I love that there are only 6 ingredients in it and that the pigments come from 100% natural plant pigments. I like that it's deeply hydrating and I can see how these will be wonderflu in super dry weather. The variety of colors are quite lovely and natural as well. The only thing that is really nice is the tube format which makes it really handy. However, I do find it rather goopy and there is a slight scent to it (perhaps from the lanolin) that I'm not too fond of." - Sherry Chen, @mochiandblush

"This 100% natural Tint Trio Pack by Dr. Lipp. reveals plump and attractive lips! I noticed my lips had lasting hydration and smoothness.The three superfruit dye shades are a great selection. The bio safe plastic squeeze tubes make it easy to apply. An added bonus It’s also flavor and fragrance free. It’s as good as some of the high end lip plumping products. It’s my new favorite clean beauty gloss!" - Marie Karla, @healthandbeautycoach_

"I love this product in the winter especially. The pigment could be more bold and I would consider adding a hint of something to flavor it because the lanolin has a taste, but overall these are excellent." - Laura Walsh, 

#3: Bitty Balm - Bitty Bitty Bang Bang - $18

Bitty Bitty Bang Bang is the perfect coral shade for all skin tones, blending pinky peach and orangey red to create a beautiful flush on lips and cheeks. This multi-purpose balm provides color and shine for an all-over glow, making it a must-have in any makeup bag. Formulated with no added lake or synthetic dyes, Bitty Balm is free from fragrance, phthalates, and parabens, offering a super clean beauty product made by a woman for women.

Expert Notes:

"I really like the concept behind bitty balm and think that the idea of a multi-use color that is clean is wonderful. I like that there is a nice selection of shades available and also like that the brand has updated their packaging on the website, so that it is much more convenient to use the balm. That was a smart move and definitely applauded. :)" - Sherry Chen, @mochiandblush

"This Bitty Balm offers a stand out unique romantic soft glow, like a quality highlight makeup. The pigments are gorgeous while it feels so natural. It comes with an applicator. All while being a clean beauty product you can use on your lips, eyelids, and cheeks. It packs a great experience!" - Marie Karla, @healthandbeautycoach_

Clean beauty has raised the bar for lipsticks, proving that rich color, long wear, and nourishing ingredients can exist without synthetic dyes or questionable additives. This year’s top-performing formulas didn’t just meet clean standards—they delivered the kind of wear and comfort that rivals conventional options.

However, lipstick is just one part of a personal care routine that deserves a closer look. Odor care is evolving beyond traditional deodorants, with innovative formulas tackling sweat and scent without aluminum or harsh chemicals. Next, we reviewed the best clean odor care products of 2025, exploring options that keep you fresh without compromise.

Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products