A morning personal care and beauty routine is something virtually all women have. Our routines may change throughout our lives but the basics are all there- cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, makeup, hair brushing and styling. Walk into any women’s home and you’re likely to see a variety of products, and we all have our favorites.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the average woman is exposed to 168 chemicals a day as part of her beauty routine. Of these chemicals, little to none have ever had any sort of safety research or data conducted.
Animal testing is often used with products, but generally more to test formulas for major allergic reactions and efficacy. Along with the obvious ethical concerns of animal testing, these formulas still make it to market after hurting animals to be used by humans. Many carry known health risks such as asthma, cancer, and endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors can lead to infertility, irregular menstruation and menstrual problems, birth defects, autoimmune disease, thyroid problems, and more. Researchers are even looking at common products being associated with concerns such as autism and ADHD.
What’s a gal to do?
We’re in an era where 3-4 generations of women have been using some of these toxic products. They’re so standard in our society it seems you can’t turn on the TV without seeing an ad for some sort of beauty product. Celebrities endorse them, your girlfriends share their faves, and we eagerly scope deals to save some money on them. With these products being such an ingrained part of our society, swapping over to a chemical-free alternative can feel intimidating. One might spend hours researching products and find conflicting information everywhere you look. Fortunately, toxin-free toiletries exist and they’re also quite easy to make yourself.
Here’s a list of some sustainable, cruelty-free and environmentally friendly suggestions to detox your beauty routine.
Instead of….. Try
Exfoliants with plastic pieces… a dry skin brush, look for one without metal or plastic so it can be composted when you’re done
Cleansers with petroleum, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and parabens… Rhassoul clay, the oil cleansing method or a homemade facial cleanser like this one from Dr. Axe
Toner with alcohol or preservatives …. Apple cider vinegar or witch hazel
Facial Cream with Triethanolamine, artificial colors and fragrances…. Coconut oil, carrot seed oil, or oil cleansing method
Disposable Cotton Pads with bleach…. Reusable organic cotton rounds
Hand Soap with sulfates and triclosan… castile soap or try making your own soap.
Hundreds of recipes are available for making your own toiletries. Even better, many of the ingredients are available for sale in bulk to help save money and packaging!
We’ll look more closely at makeup, dental care, and hair care in upcoming posts.
Like this? Check out more tips and ideas for body care products & toxin-free toiletries
Top Multi-Use Products: How to Get the Most Out of Your Purchases and Reduce Your Footprint!
Waste Less and Be Green in 2015- Week 21
Homemade Body Scrubs
About the Author:
Amanda and her family live in a renovated sustainable & toxin-free Airstream travel trailer in Washington. When she’s not homeschooling or enjoying the mountains, she blogs about their adventures & her recovery from multiple autoimmune diseases and toxic mold poisoning at Treehousedaily.com
