Wellness is trending right now; maybe you’ve noticed. From chain grocery stores starting to opt for real food products over processed to non-toxic skincare brands popping up almost daily, making them more and more affordable AND accessible for everyone.
When it comes to food, a massive amount of people are getting on board with going organic, avoiding processed foods, cutting out the things that make them feel terrible, learning more about ingredients, and swapping them out for the real stuff. And brands are responding!
The same goes for skincare products! It used to be almost impossible to find natural, chemical-free deodorant, lotion, and soap without spending hours scouring the web and then googling every single ingredient to figure out if it’s actually not toxic. But these days, many trusted brands are making our beauty routines non-toxic and affordable. And, they’re widely accessible too with many of these products hitting the shelves of stores like Target and Walmart.
As with anything that becomes trendy, this means two things for us as consumers:
- Imposters — Which brands can you trust?
- Pricey-ness — Do you really need to spend that much on face wash?!
There is nothing worse than getting all excited thinking you’ve found an awesome new clean product only to get it home and realize it’s just a wannabe non-toxic brand falsely labeling themselves as “natural,” “clean,” “free of XXX,” am I right? (Remember the lack of regulations for products getting on the store shelves? This flawed system also applies to marketing and labeling regulations too.) Don’t worry, it’s happened to all of us.
Even worse, you spent A LOT of money on this supposedly great product when the actual non-toxic, effective version was right next to it on the shelf at half the price!
Well, I have great news for you. The skincare and beauty markets used to be a place where “you get what you pay for,” but this doesn’t necessarily apply these days. There are plenty of great options for every budget because toxin-free lives shouldn’t just be for the wealthy.
In this post, I’m sharing all of my tried-and-true, must-have, non-toxic, AND affordable skincare products that I’ve been using religiously over the past few years.
DO YOU NEED TO CARE ABOUT NON-TOXIC SKINCARE?
Yes, you really do. I don’t want to scare you, but:
IT’S YOUR SKIN; IT’S YOUR HEALTH
Your skin is your largest and most absorbent organ. What you put on your skin WILL make its way to your bloodstream. You don’t want to take the substantial chance that these foreign, human-made, chemical-shitstorm, substances will wreak havoc on your body, causing an immune system defense, interfering with your hormonal balance, and putting significant stress on your liver, do you?
NO ONE ELSE IS WATCHING OUT FOR YOU
At least if you’re American, that is. The current safety standards for beauty and personal care products is close to non-existent. The US government does next to nothing for the regulation of ingredients that are/are not allowed in the products we are regularly using. There’s no approval process needed by the FDA before a product can hit store shelves other than color additives. It’s more of an “anything goes” kind of policy. Scary.
For perspective, the European Union has banned more than 1,300 ingredients and the Canadian government over 600 from its beauty and skincare products. The US? Eleven. Ooof. Since our government isn’t protecting us, we must take it upon ourselves to do the dirty work (pun intended).
BUT IT’S SO OVERWHELMING!
I feel you. Even with safer products, the labels still can be very confusing to decipher, but I have great news for you: someone else has done the work, so you don’t have to! The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) has created its Skin Deep database, which lists over 70,000 products and gives them a rating based on the safety and health concerns of the ingredients.
Even better, there are two easy-to-use apps — Think Dirty and the EWG’s Healthy Living app — that scan product bar codes to quickly find out their score. Now there really is no excuse!
THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS TO STAY AWAY FROM, IMO
The most common and dangerous offenders you’ll see on ingredients labels include:
- Heavy metals, such as aluminum
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- “Fragrance”
- Formaldehyde
- Toulene
- Propylene glycol
- Retinyl palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, or Retinol
- Sodium Laurel Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sunscreen Chemicals, such as benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate, and methoxycinnmate
- Synthetic Colors (FD&C)
- Triclosan, Triclocarban
These ingredients have been studied and shown to be endocrine disruptors (hello, wonky hormones!), estrogen-mimicking, carcinogenic, skin irritants, and may have effects on the reproductive system.
AFFORDABLE, NON-TOXIC SKINCARE PRODUCTS
I’ve compiled a list of the non-toxic products I’ve used over the years, many of which are also very affordable. You can find them in your local health food store, online at Amazon or Thrive Market, or even at your local superstore! Gone are the days of spending a ton of money to stay away from toxic products only to find they don’t even work.
I have partnered with some of these incredible brands to be able to provide you coupon codes to make them even more affordable for you. I may receive a small portion of the purchase price as a commission at no additional cost to you. This partnership allows me to continue providing you free, valuable content. Thanks for your support!
FOR THE FACE
I’ve been oil cleansing my face for over five years now and will NEVER look back. This cleansing oil works like a dream and smells like heaven, leaving my skin soft and clean after washing. It even removes makeup! Don’t see how washing your face with oil could possibly work? Read this. (Use code KETO4WOMEN at checkout for 15% off!)
Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash
If you feel like you need a little lather and have oily or acne-prone skin, this face wash will do it for you. They include tea tree oil to clear up acne and keep it at bay. If your face isn’t oily, this may dry it up too much though, so beware.
I have had the darndest time finding a non-toxic face serum that focuses on anti-aging. PP must have gotten into my brain because their newest product is just that! I’ve been using this product for a month and loving it. I apply five drops every night before bed, and it keeps me moisturized all night plus I wake up with a glow. Never thought I wouldn’t look like a wrinkly gremlin first thing in the morning, so this is major! (Use code KETO4WOMEN at checkout for 15% off!)
I was SO skeptical of this product; putting magic mushrooms on my face? Interesting. But, I am blown away by this product. It’s my absolute favorite face product out there right now. It smells wonderful, goes on smooth, doesn’t feel greasy, and hydrates ALL.DAY.LONG. And, it’s SO clean, you can actually eat it. In fact, they recommend you do for the health benefits. WOW. I use five drops first thing in the morning, even under makeup, and love every second of it. (Use code SHAWN at checkout for 15% off!)
Primally Pure Palmarosa + Mint Beauty Cream
If you have dry skin, this beauty cream will be your new best friend. Colorado winters are ROUGH on the skin. I add this into my beauty routine to keep my skin looking smooth and flakiness at bay. (Use code KETO4WOMEN at checkout for 15% off!)
Andalou Natural 1000 Roses Day Cream
If you have sensitive skin, this cream will keep you hydrated while remaining gentle and nourishing. Plus, it smells like you are in a field of roses. Maybe that’s the definition of heaven?!
Primally Pure Lavender Complexion Mist
Do you feel like you lose your glow midday? Bring along a PP complexion mist, and you’ll regain your dewy-ness with just a spritz. These light, hydrating mists are the perfect thing to have in your purse for a midday refresher. The lavender is my favorite for the calming effect it has on both my skin AND my nerves! I spray it after makeup application and before bed. Yum. (Use code KETO4WOMEN at checkout for 15% off!)
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Face Towelettes
Love these towelettes for tough makeup (think sticky mascara) or a quick wash when a sink isn’t available. Don’t forget them when you travel!
DO-IT-YOURSELF
When I first made the transition to non-toxic products, I had NO money to spend on products, so I went the DIY route! I used coconut oil as my cleansing oil, makeup remover, body lotion, and pretty much everything else. I had a gigantic jar stashed in my vanity.
I also began experimenting with a homemade face serum and STILL use this creation every single day!
MY DIY FACE SERUM
I researched and found the best essential oils for inflammation, cell rejuvenation, and clarifying, and put them all into one bottle. Here’s the tried-and-true recipe!
In a small glass dropper bottle, add 7-10 drops each of clove, rosemary, frankincense, myrrh, and lavender essential oils. Fill the rest of the bottle with your favorite nourishing oil such as jojoba, rosehip seed, sea buckthorn, or avocado oil. I like a combo of all of them.
FOR THE BODY
By far the best bang for your buck on this whole page. Buy one (very inexpensive) bottle of this soap, and it will last you FOREVER, especially if you dilute it. It’s like it magically keeps growing as you use it. It works like a charm to make you feel so fresh and so clean. And, you can use it for many other purposes; laundry detergent, dish soap, even toothpaste!
This wash is great to leave the shower feeling clean and moisturized at the same time. It’s my winter go-to. Plus, it’s fun to try out the different scent combinations.
Alaffia Everyday Shea Body Soap
Super clean ingredients that still get the job done and leave you smelling good too. Use on a loofah for extra suds!
Finding a lotion that kept me hydrated in the harshly dry CO environment was a HARD find that took lots of trial and error. I was so happy to find this lotion that keeps my skin soft and supple ALL day. No need to reapply a few hours later. Bonus: it’s light enough to be used as face lotion too.
Andalou Naturals Mandarin Vanilla Body Lotion
When I want to stay moisturized, but also smell lovely, I turn to this body lotion. It goes on thick but absorbs quickly and comes with beautiful scent combos.
Have you ever smelled a product that smells so delicious you want to eat it? This is that product. And it’s so clean, you actually could. I use this body butter once or twice a week in the winter for an extra shot of moisture. It’s a staple in my self-care routine; a hot bath, a slather of body butter, and a cozy robe. YESSSS! (Use code KETO4WOMEN at checkout for 15% off!)
FOR THE PITS
Deodorant is a HARD change to make, but an absolutely necessary one. Please stop using your toxic deodorant ASAP. Conventional deodorants contain aluminum which has been linked to serious illness and disease. Need more convincing? Read this.
Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant
I have tried many, many different natural deodorants and NONE of them last through my workouts EXCEPT this charcoal deodorant. Trust me on this, save yourself a bunch of money on stuff that doesn’t work, and get yourself some PP. (Use code KETO4WOMEN at checkout for 15% off!)
Primally Pure Blue Tansy Deodorant
When I want to smell like a pretty girl (hey there, date night!), I swipe on some Blue Tansy. It goes beyond keeping me fresh by making me smelling lovely. Again, tried a bunch, none work the way this does. It’s a MUST. (Use code KETO4WOMEN at checkout for 15% off!)
FOR THE HAIR
Replacing the shampoo and conditioner you’ve relied on since high school can be a tough thing to wrap your head around. I mean, no one wants hair that looks terrible, even if it comes with the price of being toxic. I SO get it. I tried some BAD products that left my hair limp, oily, dry, lifeless, stringy; you name it. Over the years, I have found some great, inexpensive hair products that work.
Here are my favorites:
Desert Essence Shampoo and Conditioner
Avalon Organics Shampoo and Conditioner
John Masters Organics Sea Mist Salt Spray
Over the past few years, I’ve significantly reduced the number of hair products I use. This sea salt spray is pretty much it right now and has more than one use. I use it before blow-drying as a volumizing spray or after a blowdry for a texturizing spray and hair spray.
FOR THE SUN
Conventional sunscreens are some of the most toxic products on the market right now. Read this post if you don’t believe me. And we are dousing ourselves AND our children in it! It’s time to make the shift for your whole family.
I spent about 45 minutes in Natural Grocers last summer trying every single natural sunscreen they had to find the ones that didn’t make my skin turn white.
These are the two that won:
Goddess Garden Sport Mineral Sunscreen
Andalou Naturals Color + Correct, SPF 30 For Face
As for the face, I’m really not interested in walking around with a weird white hue on my face. Thankfully, this tinted moisturizer contains SPF 30 but acts more like a very light makeup. Also, you’ll be walking in that rose field again.
FOR THE TEETH
We can’t even get away from toxic ingredients when we brush our teeth? Artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, fluoride? Yikes! Something we must consider, especially since it’s something we do at least twice a day. It’s easy and inexpensive to find effective, safe toothpaste that leaves you with fresh, kissable breath. These are my favorites that also happen to be the absolute cleanest of the clean ingredient-wise:
Jason Powersmile Whitening Toothpaste, Powerful Peppermint
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Still fear your teeth will get dingey and yellow? Scrub them with some activated charcoal powder a few times per week and watch them shine! I keep a small jar of charcoal in my bathroom and a separate “charcoal-only toothbrush.” Every few days, I dip that toothbrush into the charcoal and brush away. I then follow up with my regular toothpaste brushing. It keeps them white AND super clean.
So you see? It doesn’t HAVE to cost an arm and a leg to swap out your toxic products. Remember, you can find many of these products at your local natural products store and possibly even mass-market stores like Target and Walmart! Just pull up this list and download the apps next time you shop. Now you really have no excuse *wink*.
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