Is Face Paint Safe for Toddlers? | Dallas, TX

If you have a toddler, you are probably beginning to attend a few birthday parties and/or company events with your little one. Inevitably, at a party somewhere soon, you will have to make a decision to allow your child to get his/her face painted or refrain until they are older. It's a tough decision. 

As a face painter, I am constantly asked if it is safe to paint these little ones. Although I really try to avoid painting children until they are at least two, sometimes eager parents insist.  

Why Wait? 
As entertainers, we take our work, and your child's face very seriously. When you meet us, we are at a party! It looks, from all appearances, to be all fun and games. The truth is, we train for years to bring you the quality of product, speed and beautiful designs that will make your party memorable. 

That being said, I personally recommend that you wait until your child is at least two. I explain to parents that it is like peanut butter. You don't really know how that child will react until they have their face painted. Some entertainer insurance organizations will not cover children under two. In that case, the entertainer will probably make the safe choice and decline. When I have to turn a child down, I try to offer a sticker or to paint their parent. Not all painters do this, but I feel is softens the blow. :)

Face painters do not like saying no to children or parents. However, the painter you have for the afternoon does not want to take the risk, please remember that they are really looking out for you and your child. 

Is Face Paint Safe for My Child?
Here's the short answer. True face paint is NOT PAINT. If you see a painter reaching for ACRYLIC PAINT or any kind of paint that is not specifically FDA approved for use on facial skin - walk away. Acrylic paint has heavy metals like cadmium
​(i.e. "cadmium red")  in it...never safe for human consumption. 

What About Those Seasonal Halloween Face Paint Kits?
Halloween Face Paint that you pick up in your local grocery or drug store is not necessarily safe, either. Some of the products that end up on our Halloween shelves have unhealthy additives in them as well. Read the ingredients. If the ingredients are not listed - again - walk away. 

The Good Stuff
Most professional face painters use products that are FDA approved, water-based makeup. There are several brands, and each painter has brand preferences. Just remember that true professionals will only use this specific kind of makeup product as well as cosmetic powders and cosmetic-grade glitter. Watch out for those bargain painters. There's usually a reason their prices are low. Sometimes it's product and sometimes it's a lack of skill/quality/experience. If you are looking for a face painter, ask what products they use and request photos of their work ON THE JOB. (Hint***You don't want to see something that took an hour to paint and post on social media.)

The Verdict: Will Your Toddler be Painted?
If your child is under two, they might not be painted this time. If your child is two or older, the decision is really up to you. You are the parent. You know if your child has sensitive skin, whether being in a physically close situation with someone unfamiliar makes them upset, etc.  You just have to make the best decision for your child. As your child's caretaker, advocate, and parent, you make tough decisions every day. Trust yourself as you navigate through this decision, Check to make sure the painter's products are water-based cosmetics and then decide whether you would like your child to be painted. 

The truth is, entertainers come to a party to entertain. We, by nature, do not like to say no. We are tasked with making sure that the people we encounter enjoy their experience and their final face paint. We love what we do! We also care enough to say no when appropriate. 

If you would like to book one of our world-class face painters for your next DFW event, feel free to call! 214-886-4243 We love helping you plan the fun!

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