The substances we apply to our skin play a crucial role in pursuing a toxin-free lifestyle. These chemicals can swiftly penetrate into our bloodstream, often within seconds. Despite the self-care industry’s lack of stringent regulations, there are minimal restrictions on ingredient usage by companies. Personal care products often fall prey to ‘greenwashing,’ where labels tout terms like “natural” and “paraben-free” while still containing synthetic fragrances and endocrine disruptors. Moreover, companies are not obligated to fully disclose all ingredients, unlike the FDA requirements for food products. For instance, the term “fragrance” on a label may encompass up to 100 different chemicals. To illustrate the contrast, while the FDA has banned merely 11 substances in the US, Europe prohibits over 2,000.
If you aren’t sure if something is clean these apps will make your life so easy. Think Dirty and Yucca are both great apps for your phone. I use them both since sometimes products are not on found on one but are on the other. Download the app and scan your personal care items. Go crazy. Scan them all. They will give you a rating telling you how clean (or dirty) your product really is. I even use this at the store when I see items that claim to be natural. It makes switching items out so much easier.
I have been testing out facial products for years now. Here are some of my top pics. These items vary a lot in price. If you are looking for additional options that may cost a little less I am happy to help.
FACIAL CARE & MAKEUP
- Facial Care– I try to keep facial care simple. Face wash, serum and lotion. Some skin types need a little extra like a heavier night cream.
- I absolutely love a place called Citrine Beauty Bar. They carry the best of the best when it comes to non-toxic skincare. They are ridiculously knowledgeable so feel free to call or message them and they can make some recommendations. I love all Tata Harper products.
- A few of my favorites: Tata Harper Cleanser, Kypris Antioxidant Dew & Tata Hyaluronic Moisturizer
- Another place I love is Melt by Melissa. They are a little more economical and have the three items in a Trio to make it easy.
- Keep in mind that these products last forever. A little goes a long way so the $$ are worth it.
- I absolutely love a place called Citrine Beauty Bar. They carry the best of the best when it comes to non-toxic skincare. They are ridiculously knowledgeable so feel free to call or message them and they can make some recommendations. I love all Tata Harper products.
- Makeup– I also go to Citrine for most of my makeup needs. I love Ilia eyeliner, RMS mascara and most of their eyeshadow pallets. Fitglow has great concealer.
- Daily SPF– I wear Colorscience every day. It matches perfectly with my skin and has just enough coverage that I never have to wear makeup
- Face Scrub– It is important to slough off that dead skin once a week. Acure is a great scrub. I use it on my chest and back too.
HAIR & BODY
- Shampoo & Conditioner– I have been using Prose for years. It is completely clean but even better, completely customized to your hair type. If you have oily scalp, the Scalp Mask is great. For dry ends try the Hair Mask.
- Body wash– My whole family uses Honest Body wash. Grab it here or at Costco to save a few bucks.
- Body Lotion– This coconut lime body butter It absorbs quickly and smells amazing.
MEDICINE CABINET
- Toothpaste– Triclosan makes these antibacterial, but they forgot to mention it is also a pesticide. There are 7 harmful ingredients in most toothpastes, including fluoride. I like Revitin for it prebiotics but it is a bit pricey. If the citrus taste is not your thing try Boka.
- Deodorant– This is probably the number one thing I get asked about. First off, it’s important to note that many natural deodorants may not effectively combat odor, so don’t lose hope if you’ve tried one that didn’t work for you. Secondly, bear in mind that your body requires time to detoxify from the harmful ingredients found in conventional deodorants, which may take a few weeks. If you’re using an antiperspirant, I strongly advise discontinuing its use. Perspiration is the body’s natural mechanism for expelling toxins. Curie has been my go to. It keeps me odor-free, even during tough workouts.
- Feminine Hygiene– The number of chemicals in these products is on the rise, including bleach and Parabens. I like Lola pads and tampons for a long time. It is pure cotton and they work great. Many stores have 100% organic cotton pads and tampons now too.
- Nail Polish– I like Zoya or Olive and June. Olive and June is easy to find at Target. I find that it actually lasts longer and doesn’t have the Formaldehyde, Toluene (carcinogen) and Phthalates. Nail polish can’t be perfect, but this is close.
- Perfume– Perfumes are unfortunately 100% chemicals, and they simply sit on the skin. I use essential oils and receive questions on what I am wearing all the time. I love the pure scents. You can put them in little roller bottles and take them on the go, too.
