The Types of Paints Used for Face Painting

The practice of face painting began many centuries ago.

Face painting has been practiced for centuries by Africans, Native Americans and peoples of other cultures around the world. Painting faces was done to recognize tribal statuses, for war and for hunting. Centuries ago, face paint was made by mixing clay and colored stones into pastes. In 2011, face painting is seen as a celebratory practice, and face paints come in different types and varieties.

Water-based Paint

Water-based paint is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as suitable for face painting largely because it does not irritate the skin as other face paints tend to do. The FDA also has a list of colors that they have deemed acceptable for use in cosmetics and face paints.

Organic Face Paint

Organic face paints are for families and parents who want to avoid exposing their children to the additives and toxins that might be found in non-organic face-painting products. Some face paint has been shown to contain lead, nickel, cobalt and chromium. These elements can irritate skin and can cause mild to severe health problems. Lead can cause physical, mental and emotional problems in children and adults. Organic paints avoid all chemical additives and reduce the risk for lead poisoning and exposure to skin irritants.

Henna Paint

Henna is a natural paint developed and widely used in India and other Asian countries. Henna was traditionally used for ceremonies, weddings and festivals. As its popularity increased in the United states, henna has been used not only among women on feet and hands but among those who seek the look of a permanent tattoo. Henna is long-lasting and produces tattoos in a brown or reddish color. Black henna tattoos, however, might contain dangerous chemicals.

What to Avoid

Some face paints are not healthy for the skin and might cause mild to extreme skin irritation. Acrylic-based and oil-based paints are not designed for face painting and can cause allergic reactions when applied directly to skin, even in small amounts.

References

• History of Face Painting
• Henna Paint
• Organic Face Paint
• FDA Face Paint

Resources

• FDA List of Color Additives