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Welcome.

I recommend natural beauty, baby, and cleaning products that are just as effective as toxic ones.

Skincare

Skincare

*Originally published April 8, 2020, updated April 2024.

Flip over to the ingredient label on your skincare and you’re likely to find a long list of words you’ve never heard of. While some of these are harmless (think coco nucifera which is just coconut oil), many commonly used ingredients are linked to endocrine disruption, irritation, and even cancer.

 

Choosing Non-Toxic Skincare Products

A few ingredients to avoid are parabens, phthalates, fragrance (contains unnamed potentially toxic ingredients), and polyethylene glycols (PEGs). As a personal rule of thumb, the shorter the ingredient list, the less chance of an adverse reaction for your skin.

Recommending non-toxic skincare products is difficult because everyone’s skin reacts differently. The products I’m sharing have helped nourish my skin, and have not caused irritation or an adverse reaction even over the long term (it can take weeks for a reaction to surface). These products do not contain common irritants and are free of potentially toxic ingredients found in many skincare products.

“A few ingredients to avoid are parabens, phthalates, and fragrance (contains undisclosed ingredients).”

Makeup Remover

Coconut oil is the ultimate makeup remover (and for eye makeup too). Not only is it more effective than most, but it is gentle on skin. Antibacterial properties make it great for acne prone skin. Any coconut oil will get the job done but my personal favorite is RMS Beauty. Save 15% with code SWITCHNATURAL15.

Face Wash

Oy-l Honey Face Wash hydrates and soothes skin and is a lovely first step in the morning. Oy-l contains manuka honey which is excellent for inflammation and for acne prone skin with its antimicrobial and healing properties.

Toners & Face Mists

Toner or face mists provides an extra layer of hydration after cleansing and refreshes skin throughout the day. An alcohol-free mist is less likely to dry out or irritate skin. Spritz the ultra fine mist after cleansing, in between skincare steps, or throughout the day including over makeup. My personal favorite is Pretty Farm Girl Rose Toner. Save with discount code SWITCHNATURAL.

Exfoliation

Oy-l Honey Exfoliating Manuka Mask is a spa-like experience. I use this mask once a week and leave on for several minutes until I feel tingling. My skin is noticeably soft and toned after use.

Serums

Vitamin C helps combat hyperpigmentation and stimulate collagen production, and gives an immediate overall brightening effect and improves skin tone. Luzern C is a clean efficacious option that does not irritate my skin.

Outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, I recommend Marie Veronique Multi Retinol Night Emulsion which is a microbiome-friendly alternative for conventional retinoids. It does not cause irritation and redness like many retinols, and helps with evening skin tone and smoothing lines.

SPF

Suntegrity Impeccable Skin moisturizes, protects from UV rays, and provides coverage all in one product. It contains non-nano zinc oxide as the only active sunscreen ingredient. Suntegrity Impeccable Skin can be worn alone and also makes a great primer underneath makeup. Save on Suntegrity with discount code switchnatural10.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Hairspray

Hairspray