RMS Beauty is one of the leading clean cosmetic brands in the US. The brand describes its product line as "Groundbreaking clean beauty since 2009."
But does RMS Beauty contain research-backed ingredients for improving skin quality? Does it contain any unhealthy ingredients? Why was the company sued? And is RMS Beauty better or worse than popular clean cosmetic brands like Seint?
In this article we'll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze the ingredients in one of RMS Beauty's most popular products (UnCoverup Concealer) to give our take on whether or not it's likely to improve skin appearance, and whether or not it's healthy.
We'll also explain why the company was sued, compare RMS Beauty to other popular "clean" makeup brands to pick our winners (and losers) from a formulation perspective.
Key takeaways:
- Contains ingredients for improving skin quality and appearance
- No unhealthy additives
- We currently recommend RMS Beauty Uncoverup Concealer
UnCoverup Concealer Ingredient Analysis
The ingredients in RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer (shade 33.5), which is arguably the brand's most popular product, are shown below:
This concealer contains a number of research-backed active ingredients for improving skin quality.
Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil was shown in a medical review on the cosmetic effects of plant oils to have a skin barrier repair and anti-aging effect.
Theobroma cacao contains a number of bioactive compounds which "may have a positive impact on skin health" according to a medical review published in the Nutrients journal.
Beeswax is clinically shown to possess antimicrobial activity, which suggests it may have an anti-acne effect.
Iron oxides are used as naturally-derived colorants, and this is a much healthier option than synthetic dyes used by many cosmetic brands in their concealer.
As we discussed in our review of Tint and Tighten sunscreen, not only are iron oxides non-toxic colorants, but they're also clinically shown to protect skin from damaging UV rays.
Overall, RMS' concealer is the healthiest concealer formulation we've reviewed to date on Illuminate Health, and we recommend this product from both a functional and health perspective.
Why Was RMS Beauty Sued?
In 2024, RMS Beauty was sued by an organization called the Initiative for Safe Cosmetics.
The lawsuit alleges that RMS Beauty violated California's Prop 65 regulation by containing diethanolamine in their mascara.
This compound was described as having "cumulative toxicity" in an animal study published in the Chemical Research in Toxicology journal.
It's also banned in the EU, where consumer protection laws are stronger than in the US in our opinion.
We recommend that health-conscious consumers avoid cosmetics containing diethanolamine, but it's notable that many products sold by RMS Beauty do not contain this ingredient, so be sure to check the label.
RMS Beauty vs. Popular "Clean" Makeup
Here's how RMS Beauty compares to other popular skincare brands in terms of potential effectiveness and healthiness, in our opinion:
Seint
Contains a contact allergen called lanolin, and also a synthetic preservative called phenoxyethanol that's clinically shown to be toxic to human cells.
RMS beauty wins from a health perspective.
Winner: RMS Beauty
Il Makiage
Contains potentially toxic compounds BHT and talc, as we documented in our Il Makiage review article.
RMS Beauty is the healthier choice.
Winner: RMS Beauty
Laura Geller
Contains a colorant called chromium oxide green that's clinically shown to cause ulcers and swelling in some individuals.
Also contains a suncreen ingredient shown in a medical review to be toxic to animals and the environment.
Winner: RMS Beauty
RMS Beauty Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Should be effective aesthetically
- Healthiest cosmetic formulation we've reviewed
- No toxic additives
- Healthier than competitors
Cons:
- Sued over allegations their mascara contained toxic compound
