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Non-toxic Swap Series Part 1: Personal Care Products

  • Mar 25, 2020
  • 9 min read

Updated: Apr 22, 2020


Hi friends!

Welcome to the start of my non-toxic swaps series. Throughout these next few posts I’ll be sharing my favorite safer ingredient swaps for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you us in your life!

But first- why should you make the switch?

Conventional products, whether it’s what we put on our skin, what we spray on our kitchen surfaces, or what we cook our food in, are loaded with crap these days. Simple as that.

I did an in depth blog post on 10 ingredients to avoid in your skincare & beauty routine; the effects they have on our health, and common names they go by, but to recap, ingredients such as

  • Phthaltes

  • Parabens

  • Artifical Fragrance/Parfum

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

  • Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

  • Formaldehyde

  • Oxybenzone

  • Diethanolamine

  • Triclosan

  • Toluene

  • Retinol

are known carcinogens, hormone disruptors, lead to early puberty and breast cancer, allergens, can cause infertility, thyroid disorder, developmental, behavioral disorders, and birth defects when used in pregnancy, and cellular damage.

So this bring up the question, WHY ARE THESE PRODUCTS ALLOWED ON OUR SHELVES??

While I wish I could give you a clear cut answer, I simply can’t. The US currently bans 13 ingredients in our personal care products. In comparison, Europe bans 1300 ingredients...

These ingredients are cheaper, the preservatives allow for longer shelf life, and the additives add pretty colors that catch the consumers eyes.

One common question that comes up is- well if my ancestors didn’t worry about it, why should I?

Things aren’t made the same way they used to. The soil isn’t as rich in minerals as it once was. The population wasn’t as large, so mass production didn’t need to be as dirt cheap.

On top of that, Cancer rates are sky-rocketing

  • In the 1940s: the rate of being diagnosed with cancer in the US was 1 in 16 people

  • 1970s: 1 in 10

  • Today: 1 in 3. 1/3 of our country will be diagnosed with cancer This is no small percentage. The products we use and the food we eat are playing an enormous role in these statistics.

So this leads us to the next question, WHERE DO I START!?

When I started delving into the non-toxic world, I was overwhelmed. I thought I had to throw away everything I had and start fresh. But, this is why I’m here writing this blog; so that you don’t go through the same stress I did!

I tried a TON of companies, brands, products that I later found were either

1) not effective at the task, or

2) claimed to be “natural” or “toxin-free” but really weren’t, aka greenwashing. I could go IN DEPTH with this term, but just know this:

There is no regulation on the following terms, aka ANY COMPANY can throw these labels on the bottle to catch the consumers eye: natural, organic, pure, sensitive, chemical free, preservative free, plant-derived, dermatologist approved.

So, we’re in a Country loaded with toxins, without regulation on these products, well at least not since 1938... and in a market full of greenwashing. How do you choose safer products!?

Option 1) You can save this guide and the others I share within this series. Links provided. I’ve done the research, and the testing for you, and can assure you that these products are both safe and effect

Option 2) Search your product on the Environmental Working Group. The EWG verifies products for transparency and your health. Items are labeled on a 1-10 scale based on how toxic the ingredient list is. There are also ‘EWG Verified” products, meaning that these items check all the boxes in terms of safe ingredients! A rule in my home? We use nothing rated over a “3,” while aiming for all of our products to be EWG verified or a “1.”

EWG also an app called “Healthy Living.” This is great when you’re out and about. You can scan the barcode on an item, and it will rate your product for you, without having to use the search bar feature.

Now you know. Now you know what ingredients to avoid, why these ingredients are harmful to our health, and how to find safer products. But, what I’m sure many of you, like I once was, just wanted to know what items to buy! So I’m breaking it down!

In the rest of this post, I’ll be breaking down Personal Care Products: the items we use on our face & bodies on a daily, and weekly basis.

My other posts will include:

Kitchen, Home, & Cleaning Swaps

All things Baby

All things Food: Sourcing & Ingredients

So if you’re looking for specifics in those categories, check back this month!

So let’s dive right in with personal care products and where to start:

Let’s think realistically here; Ask yourself 2 questions:

1) What products do you breathe in and eat? Powders, sprays, and lipstick / chapstick

2) What 5 products do you use most that cover the largest surface area?

For me, it would be face wash, serum, and moisturizer, body lotion, and hair-care.

So when you break it down like that- these would be the first items I’d recommend swapping:

Fash wash, face lotion, lipwear, body lotion, make-up powder(s) and absolutely hairspray / body mist / perfume!

Keep that, or your personal 5 in mind as you read through this list. For simplification, I’m going to start with the face and work my way to body, hair, and then make-up

I’m going to cover the basics as far as face care goes. I have an entire guide on finding the right products for YOUR skin type HERE. You can also take my Skin Care Quiz HERE to get personalized recommendations for your skin concerns.

Face Care: Wash, Toner, Serum, Moisturizer

I've tried countless natural brands:

  • Cocokind Skincare

  • Appoterra Skincare

  • Seed Phytonutrients

  • Fatco

  • BeWellSkinCare

  • Biossance

to name a few

All of these are great brands, with great ingredient lists, and are worth the exploration if you're interested. However, many of them lacked the *active* ingredients that I needed to see results.

When I stumbled upon Beautycounter, my face absolutely transformed

My skin has changed a lot over the years, from hormonal acne, to pregnancy melesma, to the, well, little bit of everything that comes with postpartum hormone shifts. What I can say, is that Beautycounter had a solution for all my concerns.

Some of my favorites for each are

Face wash:

Toning:

  • Rejuvinating Toner Pads- Antioxidant-rich to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as tighten and refine the appearance of pore, and brighten the skin

  • Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence- like a toner, but more beneficial- lends vital nutrients to the skin’s moisture barrier, instantly boosting hydration and radiance. Renews and balances the skin and preps it for the treatment steps that follow

Serums:

Daytime Moisturizers:

  • Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream- works to visibly plump and firm the skin while boosting hydration to protect skin from drying environmental stressors throughout the day

  • Countermatch Adaptive Lotion- This lightweight lotion adapts to the skin throughout the day to provide you the level of moisture you need, without the oilyness it doesn't

Night Creams:

A note on anti-aging:

Did you know most anti-aging products work by intentionally disrupting hormones so that you an increase in estrogen production to stop signs of aging?

Yes- these products are literally disrupting your hormones

Retinol and retinoid ingredients work by causing skin cells to turn over and die. Data from the FDA indicates that retinoid ingredients may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions on sun exposed skin. For this reason, both the EU and Canada have restricted the use of retinol

Masks

  • Beautycounter Charcoal Mask- purifies and balances, absorbs excess oil & draws out impurities. With salycylic and lactic acids, it aids in gentle exfoliation, giving skin a smooth, polished look with minimized appearance of pores. Perfect for those concerned with congestion & oily skin

Oral Care

Natural brands I've tried and didn't like

  • Luminex- from their whiteneing strips, mouthwash, to toothpaste- it all sucked

  • Dr. Gingers- my mouth didn't feel clean at all

Brands I do enjoy:

  • Hello

  • Himalaya

  • Risewell- This is my favorite brand. 1) because of the science behind the ingredients chosen. Unfortunately, many natural toothpastes don't give that clean feeling, but the research and ingredients chosen in this formulation are different. I've personally spoken with the founders of the company and absolutely love their transparency. Oh, and 2) these products work! My mouth actually feels clean afterwards

  • Use Code FORTON10 to save on Risewell

Hair Care

Shampoo & Conditioners:

  • Rahua Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner- only if your hair is very dry. Otherwise it is VERY hydrating and can weigh your hair down / cause oilyness

Hairspray: Josh Rosebrook

I've tried Acure, and while I liked the effect of the spray itself, it got so sticky after a couple uses that the spray nosel got stuck and was no longer usable

Dry Shampoo: Acure

I've tried Kai Naturals brand- light locks, but wasn't impressed; especially for the price

Body Care

Bodywash:

  • Beatycounter Citrus Mimosa Body Wash- smells great, and foams well to provide a fresh wash without overusing the product

  • Alevia- I love the ingredient list, however, it doesn't foam up, so you need an exfolating poofa to not over-use the amount

Body Scrub:

  • Save- Make your own- 1 cup pink himalaya salt and/or coconut sugar, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 10-15 drops lavender essential oil. Store in a mason jar

  • Splurge- Beautycounter Sugar Body Scrub in Lemongrass- the smell is irresistible, and while I enjoy a good DIY, I just don't come out the shower feeling as smooth as when I use this one

Body lotion:

Shaving:

  • This is one category I never even thought about until I got asked "what safer options do you use for shaving?" SO into the research I delve. You know those moisturizing strips on your razors? Did you know they're actually formulated with chemicals, including parabens and fragrance? This actually might be what's causing your "razor burn;" applying this toxic moisture barrier to freshly cut & open skin!

  • I discovered a razor called Lisse Shave, and my skin has never felt smoother! Plus, it doesn't mold or grow nasty bacteria like some traditional razors do. Definitely worth the initial cost, and the refills are way cheaper than traditional razors, too I haven't tried their shave oil. I simply exfoliate using one of the scrubs listed above, then shave right after and have smooth skin after, always!

  • When it comes to men's skin, I absolutely recommend the same razor, and Beautycounter's shave cream. It leaves skin silky smooth, and my husband (and I) both love the smell of him afterward!

Hand Soap:

Hand sanitizer:

Sunscreen:

Brands I didn't like, because they were super thick, hard to blend in, and left a white cast:

  • Honest company

  • Aveeno

Bug spray:

  • Kosmatology

Self Tanner:

  • Beauty By Earth- warning- this goes on dark! It does go on smooth though, without streaks as long as you allow it to dry fully before dressing or washing

Deodorant:



  • Kaia Naturals

LipCare:

Nail polish:

  • Zoya

  • Sophi- this is my favorite of the three. The colors are stunning and go on so smooth

  • Honeybee Gardens- don't choose light colors, as they go on a little uneven. You can't notice in the richer shades, though


Feminine Care

Yep, you saw that right. From the BPA filled plastic in tampon applicators, to the chemicals found in traditional cotton, such as chlorine, synthetic fibers, dyes, and let's not forget the fragrance loaded "gentle" feminine wash.

Two more chemicals worth mentioning?

  1. Dioxans- a byproduct of the highly toxic bleaching process; known to cause cancer,reproductive issues, and damaging to the immune system

  2. Glyphosate- an active ingredient in wed killer, yet somehow also found in our conventionalk tampons

Luckily, there are some great alternatives!

Kali Boxes is a subscription box service that allows you to customize your box- pads, tampons, liners, whatever you need, with nothing that you don't

The Honey Pot Co.has everything you'd need from menstrual cups, 100% organic tampons, pads & panty liners, feminine wipes, and wash formulated without the chemicals you want lerking down there

And there you have it my friends! Safer, tested swaps for all things personal care!

Again, everything on this list I have tried and can confirm effectiveness, and they also rate or a 1 on the EWG Skincare Database. If there are any categories or items I missed, I apologize, but you are more than welcome to leave a comment here OR message me on Instagram @colleens_fitjourney with your request and I will delve into some research for you!

 
 
 

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