If you’re hoping to kick off the new year with healthier habits, starting small and being intentional can make all the difference. Incorporating simple swaps into your daily routine is a great way to begin. These changes extend beyond just what you eat—from the products you use on your skin to the items you choose for your home, every step counts toward a healthier, happier you.
Why Clean Swaps Matter
Many of today’s popular products—from bath and beauty to household essentials—contain ingredients that can disrupt our health. Hidden in these items are synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. These chemicals, called endocrine disruptors, interfere with the body’s hormonal system. They’re found in everything from cleaning supplies and air fresheners to skincare and cosmetics. Over time, exposure to these toxins can affect growth, fertility, and immunity. Making the switch to cleaner, organic alternatives reduces these risks and supports your overall well-being.
Start Small and Build
Cleaning up your routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming! It’s a journey that takes time. When I first started, I chose just one or two areas to focus on and made small changes along the way. After nearly twenty years, I am still researching, learning and finding out what works best for our family.
Below, I’ve rounded up ten simple swaps to consider, along with my personal recommendations for each. These are brands and products I’ve tried and love, making it easier for you to get started.
Some of the links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I use and trust!
1. Clean Up Your Skincare
Switching to clean skincare is one of the best steps you can take for your health. Conventional products are often loaded with synthetic chemicals, but thankfully, cleaner brands are now more accessible than ever.
This summer, I switched most of my skincare routine to Oliveda, a holistic European brand. Their products are waterless and use an organic elixir from olive trees instead of water. Read more about the brand and why I switched here. Interested in personalized recommendations? Fill out this form.
2. Switch to Natural Deodorant
Conventional deodorants often contain aluminum and parabens, which are linked to hormone disruption. Thankfully, natural deodorants are now highly effective—no compromises needed!
I often use Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin line, Vanilla Oat Milk is my favorite, which you can find at Target or Amazon. Another favorite is Primally Pure’s Citrus Vanilla and Charcoal scents.
3. Update Your Makeup
Traditional makeup can contain heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. Look for brands that prioritize transparency and safer ingredients. My go-to brands are Oliveda, Ilia, Merit, Beautycounter and Honest. I’m always testing new products, so check this link for my latest finds!
4. Switch Your Hair Routine
Shampoos and body washes often hide harsh sulfates and formaldehyde. Swap them for cleaner options that are kinder to your scalp and skin.
I love Oliveda’s scalp treatment, Vegamour GRO, GOOP’s scalp scrub. I rotate products depending on my hair’s needs.
5. Use a Safer Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergents and dryer sheets can leave behind harmful residues on your clothes.
I love Truly Free for laundry detergent and wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil instead of dryer sheets. They’re reusable and chemical-free!
6. Rethink Your Cleaning Supplies
Many cleaning products release toxins into your home’s air. Choosing natural options can make a big difference. Puracy is our all-time favorite. Their concentrate covers many of our cleaning needs. For hand soap, I love Everyone brand, and for wipes, I use Seventh Generation or Whole Foods’ brand.
7. Add Indoor Plants
Plants not only beautify your space but also help filter indoor air. Favorites like snake plants and peace lilies reduce toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Over the years, I’ve added plants to nearly every room in my home. Caring for them has become a form of self-care.
8. Replace Food Storage with Glass
Plastic containers can leach chemicals into food over time. Swap them for glass. I’ve been using Pyrex containers for years and replace the lids with silicone when needed.
9. Scent with Essential Oils
Unfortunately, most of the commercial products made to scent and deodorize the home are full of dangerous chemicals or synthetic fragrances. There are many safer ways to brighten your home with a fresh, clean scent without these harmful ingredients. While having a diffuser on in your home is one option, you can also make your own DIY diffusers with your favorite scents. My children all have diffusers in their rooms which aid in restfulness, reducing stress and freshening up the air. I also make my own linen spray to create a clean smelling home. Some of the best essential oils for the home to add a fresh scent include lemon, lavender, peppermint, and orange. (Source) I mostly stick to 100% pure essential oils and diffusers for a clean, inviting scent and a few trusted non-toxic candle brands.
10. Hydrate with Safer Body Lotion
Your skin absorbs what you apply, so opt for lotions without synthetic fragrances or parabens. Primally Pure’s body butter is a current favorite, with a blend of vitamin-rich tallow, nourishing botanical butters and therapeutic essential oils, this body butter melts into my dry winter skin and rebuilds moisture and balance the microbiome. I also love Brighten and Bloom lotion bars for on-the-go hydration.
Making these swaps isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress.
Which swap will you try? Share your thoughts below or connect with me on Instagram at @brightenandbloom.