The Wild West Of Low-Toxic Living
Over the past few weeks, I’ve realized how simple my low-tox skincare routine was as I spent eight years shopping with a brand I could trust.
With that brand on pause and those products unavailable right now, I mourn the ease of what once was, but I’m embracing a whole new world of possibilities in learning about other brands and other product offerings in the “clean” / “low-tox” space. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m excited to share a few of the things I’ve learned, to offer some resources to help you, and show you some brands that I think you’ll love.
What I’ve discovered over the years, is that not all “clean” brands are created equal and that no brand has it all. BUT a lot of brands have most. Getting clear on what you value and what your definition of “clean” or “low-tox” living is, is crucial to maneuvering what can be an overwhelming space.
Today, we'll explore the four key priorities that I’ve set my sights on —Ingredient Transparency, Ingredient Safety, High Performance, and Certifications—these can help serve as a guide in the pursuit of clean, conscious beauty, and low-tox living.
Ingredient Transparency:
In this frontier, knowledge is power, and transparency is our compass. When evaluating a product, look beyond the flashy packaging and marketing claims to uncover what truly lies beneath. Seek brands that are forthcoming about their ingredients, providing detailed lists and explanations of each component. Transparency not only fosters trust but also empowers consumers to make informed choices about what they put on their bodies.
Ingredient Safety:
In the quest for clean beauty, safety is paramount. While natural ingredients are often celebrated for their purity, not all are created equal. Educate yourself on common toxins and potential allergens, and prioritize products that are free from harmful substances such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and undisclosed fragrance ingredients. Look for brands that rigorously test their products for safety and efficacy, ensuring that every formulation meets the highest standards of purity and potency. When shopping, I look for my products to be free from these top 10:
Phthalates
Propylene glycol (AKA propenidol, Behentrimonium Chloride)
BHA and BHT
Oxybenzone
Retinol
Preservatives
PEGs
Sodium laurel sulfate
Undisclosed Fragrance
Parabens
High Performance:
Clean beauty doesn't have to compromise on performance. Gone are the days when natural products were dismissed as ineffective or inferior. Today, innovative formulations harness the power of nature to deliver results that rival their synthetic counterparts. Whether it's a skincare serum that brightens and firms or a mascara that lengthens and volumizes, seek products that not only meet your clean criteria but also deliver on their promises.
Certifications:
In this under-regulated industry, certifications serve as beacons of trust and accountability. Look for brands that have earned certifications such as B Corp, Leaping Bunny, and EWG verified, signaling their commitment to ethical practices, cruelty-free testing, and ingredient transparency. These stamps of approval provide assurance that a brand is walking the walk, not just talking the talk, when it comes to clean, conscious beauty.
Bonus Priority: Affiliate links!
Because this is also my profession and I don’t take supporting my family lightly, I enjoy partnering with brands that offer business opportunity. We have been reminded over the years that having multiple income streams in different industries is important to the well-being of our family and because of that, I will continue to share products and business opportunities I love with you. You can visit my Shoppe right here on this site, create your own “ShopMy” account and start earning commissions yourself, or connect with me to find out ways you can earn an income while educating and sharing products you love.
As we journey through the wild west of low-tox living, let us keep these priorities close to heart, using them as our guideposts in the quest for low-tox living. By prioritizing Ingredient Transparency, Ingredient Safety, High Performance, and Certifications, we can navigate the maze with confidence and clarity, forging a path towards a brighter, cleaner future for ourselves and the planet.