As our world becomes more sustainable and focused on the health of our minds, bodies, and the environment, clean beauty is everywhere! Although with the emerging “green” products on the rise, it can get overwhelming to figure out where to start and what is best for your skin. Finding clean beauty products that are both affordable and high-quality should be the goal. Below we have some top tips and recommendations for a variety of personal care products that will turn your beauty cabinet green and clean for healthy, glowing skin.
Why Make the Switch to Clean Beauty?
It’s estimated that the average American woman puts as many as 168 chemicals on her skin every single day. This might sound crazy high but when we mix a variety of products, there are usually over 10 chemicals found in the average beauty care products. Many of these contain harsh chemicals that are then absorbed into the body and can eventually lead to health issues. Switching to clean beauty means finding products with fewer ingredients, and chemicals that are actually readable, natural, and made for our bodies.
What Ingredients to Avoid?
There are tons of ingredients that get put into our beauty and house products that are linked to a variety of health problems including allergic reactions, hormonal disruptions, cancer, and more. There is very little regulation about the ingredients in the products so it is up to you to determine what is safe for you and your family. Parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, propylene glycol, toluene and aluminum are some of the ingredients to avoid due to numerous studies on the adverse health effects. This list can be overwhelming. If you are like me, you want to find high-performing products without worrying about researching every ingredient.
There are several resources that can help you evaluate the safety of the ingredients in your products. Two resources are the Environmental Working Group Healthy Living app and the Think Dirty app. EWG verified products are free from chemicals of concern and meet the highest standards for health and transparency. You can look up or scan your products for evaluation and ratings. These resources are designed to answer all your questions, simply scan the barcode of one of your beauty products and the app will enlighten you on various ingredients in the product that should be avoided.
What about Handmade Products or DIY options?
Handmade and DIY products are a great choice as long as you are purchasing from reputable sellers who are transparent about the making process and disclosing ingredients. This is also a great option to save money, reduce toxic load and support small businesses!
I started Brighten and Bloom to educate families about what is in the products they use in the home and on the body, while also offering safer solutions and alternatives.
Bath bombs, lotion bars, bath soak, and more not only help you fit in the much-needed self-care; but, they are filled with nourishing and safe ingredients too!
Watch out for Greenwashing
As the demand for cleaner products grows, unfortunately, some companies are taking advantage of this by giving false impressions of their products and companies. Greenwashing is the act of taking advantage of the growing green market, while not really being green or clean at all. Some companies that offer “clean ingredients” are some of the world’s biggest emitters of pollutants. Other brands may market themselves as “clean” but still contain ingredients that may be considered harmful. The EWG app is a great resource to ensure the products you are purchasing are living up to their labeling as being truly clean.
Below I’ve created 10 clean swap ideas to get you started. There are so many simple ways to eliminate toxins from your life and getting started with the switch is always the hardest part.
- Moisturizer
Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it’s so important to take care of it. Our bodies are covered in thousands of tiny pores, hair follicles, and cells that are impacted by the products we put on them and the outside environment every day. Keeping your skin properly hydrated is important to prevent wrinkling, over-drying, dermatitis, and other skin problems. This is why a clean and safe moisturizer for the face and body is so important.
Choose a moisturizer that is free of mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, and synthetic fragrances. These can increase skin allergies and sometimes cause harsh reactions. Instead, look for natural ingredients that are known to moisturize, these include shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or cocoa butter. They also naturally smell great and can even be paired with a natural essential oil to increase the fragrance!
Brighten and Bloom’s lotion bars are a great eco-friendly option for your body and even small enough to travel with!
2. Deodorant
Deodorant is a product that many of us choose to use every single day and our armpits are a sensitive part of our body with thinner skin than other parts. There are several reasons why you might consider switching to a clean deodorant:
Avoiding harmful chemicals: Conventional deodorants often contain chemicals like aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and triclosan. These have been linked to a variety of health concerns including hormonal disruption, immune system disruption and even cancers. Switching to a clean deodorant can help you avoid these chemicals and reduce your exposure to potential toxins. Having a daily beauty routine doesn’t have to mean compromising your health!
Reducing skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions from the chemicals found in conventional deodorants. Switching to a clean deodorant with natural ingredients can help curb this problem and are less likely to cause irritation.
Reducing body odor naturally: Many clean deodorants use natural ingredients like baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oils to control body odor. These ingredients are effective at neutralizing odor-causing bacteria without relying on synthetic fragrances. For consumers looking for fragranced deodorants that are still clean, essential oils such as lavender, coconut, or vanilla are sometimes added so you don’t have to give up smelling extra-sweet!
Supporting sustainability: Just as it is important to take care of our bodies, it’s important to take care of the earth as well. Many clean deodorant brands use eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices.
Tons of grocery stores and big box retailers such as Walmart and Target now offer cleaner options for deodorants. Not only are synthetic ingredients not the best for our bodies, but when used in deodorant, these ingredients have been linked to an increase in estrogen production and hormone disruption.
From having tried almost every clean deodorant on the market over the years, I’ve learned that everyone’s body is different. You often have to detox your armpits before switching to cleaner alternatives or even new brands. You may have to go through many different brands to find the right product for you. Some of my favorites that actually work for me are Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin Formula (Vanilla and Oat Milk) and Beautycounter’s Clean Deo (Lavender).
3. Lipstick and/or Lip Balm
Our lips contain soft, delicate skin, and that is why we should be conscious about the ingredients we put on them. Conventional lipsticks often contain synthetic colors, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, and lead. These can easily be absorbed through the lips into the bloodstream, and potentially harm your health. Clean lipsticks use natural and plant-based ingredients that are safer for both your body and the environment.
Reducing skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions as a result of using conventional lipsticks. Clean lipsticks are generally gentler and less likely to cause these types of reactions, making them a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
High-quality ingredients: Clean lipsticks often contain high-quality ingredients such as plant-based oils, waxes, and pigments that help keep your lips moisturized, nourished, and healthy.
Overall, switching to a clean lipstick or lip balm can be a great way to reduce your exposure to toxins while supporting a more natural and eco-friendly beauty brand. However, it’s important to note that not all clean lipsticks are created equal, and some may not work as well for your skin tone or specific lip concerns. It may take some experimentation to find a clean lipstick that works for you.
4. Cleanser
Cleanser is a daily product that tons of women use every morning and night. Swap out your conventional cleanser for a gentle, non-toxic cleanser that is free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Oil cleansing works by nourishing your skin’s natural microbiome. Oil-based facial cleansers have become increasingly popular in recent years because of their ability to gently and effectively remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. These may include coconut oil, jojoba oil, or even olive oil.
They are gentle on the skin and less likely to cause over-drying. They also reduce the likelihood of a skin reaction making them the perfect choice for people with sensitive skin. Oil cleansers are also extremely effective because they dissolve and lift dirt, makeup, and other impurities from our skin. Making them a great choice for deep cleansing of the pores.
Oil cleansers can also help balance the skin’s natural oils. While it may sound odd because you are putting oil on the skin, dissolving excess oils that are causing breakouts, these will leave the skin feeling soft and supple. These are less likely to disrupt the skin’s natural pH levels and are generally pH neutral. Oil-based cleansers are extremely versatile and great for all skin types, especially dry skin for the wintertime. Use them as a pre-cleanser to remove makeup or as your daily cleanser for getting rid of other impurities.
Many of these oil-based cleansers contain beneficial ingredients as well such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These contain essential fatty acids that can help add extra hydration and nourish the surface of the skin.
Some of my favorite oil-based cleansers include Primally Pure and Beautycounter’s Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil.
5. Shampoo
Our hair contains tons of follicles and keeping it shiny, smooth and healthy is essential for feeling our best. There are several reasons why you might consider switching to a clean shampoo to benefit your hair:
Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Many conventional shampoos contain extremely harmful chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Like skincare products, these can be absorbed through the scalp and into the body. Potentially harming your health and even causing hair loss. Clean shampoos use natural and plant-based ingredients that are not only better for your hair, but better for your body.
Reducing Scalp Irritation: Our scalps are extremely sensitive and is the foundation for a healthy head of hair. Many shampoo and conditioners can cause scalp irritation. This can lead to itching, flaking and dried scalp. Clean shampoos are generally much gentler and less likely to cause these types of reactions, making them a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
Supporting Sustainability: Many clean shampoo brands use eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. Shampoo bars are also a great choice for sustainability because they totally eliminate the need for plastic bottles and packaging.
Maintaining Healthy Hair: Clean shampoos are often formulated with natural and nourishing ingredients like plant extracts, essential oils, and vitamins that help keep hair healthy, shiny, and hydrated.
One of the favorites I recommend is the Bright Grapefruit Shampoo and Conditioner from Beautycounter and Carina Organics Sweet Pea Shampoo.
6. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the primary beauty products that should always be a part of your daily routine. If you have to use just one skincare product, dermatologists recommend using sunscreen every day to protect against harmful properties of the sun, while keeping skin youthful and glowing. Of course, not all sunscreens are made equal and it’s important to pick formulas with clean ingredients that do not harm the skin. There are several reasons why you might consider switching to a clean sunscreen:
Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Many conventional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octanoate, and homovalvate. These have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and environmental damage. Clean sunscreens use natural and mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are safer for your body and the environment.
Protecting Your Health: Exposure to harmful chemicals in conventional sunscreens has been linked to negative health outcomes like endocrine disruption and allergic reactions. Clean sunscreens offer a safer alternative for those looking to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun.
Reducing Environmental Damage: Chemical sunscreens have been shown to damage coral reefs and marine life. Switching to a clean sunscreen can help reduce your impact on the environment and protect delicate marine ecosystems.
Providing Broad-Spectrum Protection: Many clean sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Overall, switching to a clean sunscreen can be a great way to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, protect your health and the environment. However, it’s important to note that not all clean sunscreens are created equal, and some may not provide adequate protection or work as well for your skin type. It may take some experimentation to find a clean sunscreen that works for you.
Beautycounter Countersun sunscreen is a mineral-based sunscreen that is lightweight, protective of the skin, and easy on the environment. A perfect choice if you’re looking to swap out your standard chemical sunscreen for a mineral-based SPF.
7. Serum
Face serums contain a high concentration of active ingredients and sit on your skin daily. They are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver potent ingredients that can provide a variety of benefits. Serums work to moisturize, brighten and calm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Swapping for a safer alternative is a good idea.
Avoiding harmful chemicals: Many conventional face serums contain synthetic ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals can be harmful to your skin and your health and may cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even disrupt your hormones. Clean face serums are free from these harmful ingredients and are made with natural and organic ingredients that are gentle and safe for your skin.
Promoting healthy skin: Clean face serums are often made with ingredients that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that nourish and protect your skin. They can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, and can leave your skin looking brighter, smoother, and more youthful.
My top pick to deliver the skin-glowing benefits is All Bright C Serum.
8. Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer
Foundation and tinted moisturizers are a common beauty products that many women use on a daily basis. These act as primers to the skin before adding other layers of makeup and cover a large area of our skin. This category of products is likely to receive the largest daily application, so it’s important you’re choosing a safe paraben-free and ethanolamine-free formula.
If you prefer lighter coverage, Dew Skin tinted moisturizer is made of clean ingredients and even contains SPF 20 to protect your skin from the sun. It also adds hydration, while preventing your skin from getting too oily. I love the coverage it provides and leaves you with a natural-dewy look. It also delivers a mix of ingredients like Vitamin C, Black Currant, and Peony Flower Root Extract. These help to encourage firmer and smoother skin so you can feel your best with a natural, glowing look.
9. Mascara
Our eyes are one of the most delicate parts of the body and many of us forget that investing in clean eye products such as mascaras and liners is essential for preventing infections and keeping our health free of bacteria. Conventional mascaras often contain synthetic colors, fragrances, and other potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These can be absorbed through the eyes and potentially harm your health. Clean mascaras use natural and plant-based ingredients that are safer for your body and the environment in general.
Reducing eye irritation: Some people may experience eye irritation, itching, or redness as a result of using conventional mascaras. Clean mascaras are generally gentler and less likely to cause these types of reactions, making them a good choice for people with sensitive eyes.
Providing Natural-Looking Results: Clean mascaras often contain nourishing ingredients like plant-based waxes and oils. These are great at conditioning your lashes and supporting growth and volume. While providing natural-looking results.
Switching to clean mascara can be a great way to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, support a more natural, eco-friendly lifestyle, and keep your eyes looking and feeling their best. It’s also important that you switch out your mascara at least every 1-2 months. Eye makeup brushes can easily hold bacteria and changing these products is important for keeping your eyes healthy and bacteria-free. However, it’s important to note that not all clean mascaras are created equal, and some may not work as well for your lash type or specific eye concerns. It may take some experimentation to find a clean mascara that works for you.
I have found mascara formulas results vary due to your personal skin properties or needs so it can take trial to find the right fit. I personally love Beautycounter’s Think Big All-in-One Mascara and ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara.
10. Blush and Highlighter
Many of us turn to blush and bronzers to give some extra color-pop and glow to our skin. Not all blush and bronzer formulas are skin-safe. Many blushes contain talc, a harmful ingredient that can sometimes contain asbestos. Try looking for a blush or bronzer that does not contain talc powder, some alternatives used include oats, corn powder, and even baking soda.
I wasn’t sure about cream blush when I made the switch over a year and a half ago. But I love it! I love the buildable formula, the skin-nourishing ingredients, and that it is multi-purpose for the lips, eyes, and cheeks! Which also is a great money-saver when you can utilize one product for a variety of beauty uses. A huge beauty trend for 2023 is Dewy skin, which is easy to obtain by using a lightweight foundation and a luminous highlighter to finish. One of my favorites is Beautycounter’s New Cheeky Clean Highlighting Balm as well as their cream blushes.
Need help getting started?
Local friends can join us at the Detox and Glow Workshop in partnership with Divine Float Spa. We will break down the ingredients to avoid, try some clean beauty alternatives and walk you through some simple swaps. Can’t make the workshop? Message me if you want to book an in-person or virtual consultation.