I was trying to think when I switched to safer skincare/makeup/household products. I think it was back in 2014 when I became aware of how awful our country is about regulating products. The first non-toxic skincare I tried was Beautycounter and from there I started doing more research and began using other brands that were also safe. That lead to me switching to safer sunscreens, toothpaste, deodorant etc. I get asked a lot what products I use so I thought I would write a post about my favorites. I'll do a follow up post about the makeup I use that's non-toxic as well.
SKINCARE
This soap is fantastic for hormonal breakouts. It's made with Black Australian Clay and Dead Sea mud so it gets rid of acne but it also takes off my makeup at night. I do a double cleanse with it at night and use a small amount of it in the morning so I can start the day with a clean face. It's a small bar of soap but lasts for at least 3 months. You don't have to use much of it because it lathers so well. The Osmia company was founded by an ER physician who at the time was looking to get out of the medical field and saw a need for good, clean but yet effective skincare so she came up with Osmia. This is the only product I've tried by this brand but I have no doubt the other products work just as good.
You're going to find out real quick how much I LOVE Leahlani products. They smell amazing, very fresh and floral, and they're so gentle and effective at the same time. I use this Elixir in the morning after I apply a toner and I swear it makes getting ready in the morning easier. It smells like jasmine flowers and tropical rain showers- heavenly! It's oily but not overdone. It goes on with a feather light consistency and your makeup just glides right over it.
This is my nighttime serum I use after I wash my face and put on toner. It's a bit thicker than the Morning Moisture Elixir so I think it's great for sleep. The serum balances the skin, gets rid of redness and is full of antioxidants that combat free radical damage. It also smells amazing and I really have noticed a difference in my skin since using both products. Acne scars have lessened, my skin tone is more even, and my overall skin is more balanced and no longer oily like it used to be. I just remembered they are in the process of renaming the Champagne Serum so it's currently unavailable to buy until then!
I just started using this about a month ago and I really like it. I felt like at night I needed something a bit more than just the Leahlani Champagne Serum and this had great reviews. I mix the two together and my face definitely is more plump and moisturized in the morning.
BODY PRODUCTS
This shampoo has totally transformed my hair from being a frizzy mess in the high humidity we have here in Charleston. I swear by this if you also suffer from frizz!
I buy this from Costco and use it not only as a hair conditioner but also to shave my legs. It's so inexpensive I don't feel guilty going through it quickly because I have tons of hair. I could never imagine using a shampoo bottle size of conditioner, it would last me like a week! This conditioner is very thick and moisturizing and works well for my super thick, frizzy, bleached blonde hair.
This body wash is super inexpensive and comes in a large bottle that'll last you for months. It smells good and is moisturizing.
Bali Secrets Natural Deodorant
I've always heard natural deodorants are not "one size fits all". What works for one person, may not work for another so this is what works for me. I've tried a good bit of brands before using Bali Secrets and nothing even compared to this deodorant. It lacks antiperspirant like all natural deodorants do so unfortunately you do miss out on the anti-sweat protection like normal deodorants but I will say this one helps greatly with smell. I never, ever notice a body odor so I consider that a win. Trust me, there were other deodorants I tried that by 9 am I was noticing a certain odor coming from my underarms- so gross but it's true!
This is marketed as a baby lotion which is what I bought it for but I found it way too thick but Elsie's skin. It's hard enough putting normal lotion on a squirmy baby, try a super thick one! I prefer it for my hands since it is so thick. I use it at night, right before bed, and get my hands all lotioned up and moisturized and they're so soft in the morning.
MISC.
I love this sunscreen and also love you can conveniently pick it up at Target. It's down the baby skin care aisle not where the other sunscreens are, if you're looking. It's a small bottle so I carry it in my diaper bag and easily apply it on anyone in my family's skin if we're going to be in the sun.
Like deodorants, I've tried many different fluoride free toothpastes and this one has become my favorite. It leaves me with a clean mouth and just tastes like peppermint. I haven't had any cavities since switching to fluoride free so I'm happy with it!
Springtime is so pretty in Charleston and is truly the best weather but it's also when the mosquitoes start biting again. This bug spray is made locally and it's the best I've found that really does work. The ingredients are essential oils so you don't have to worry about any DEET. That also means it's safe for kids to use. Did I mention it smells good too? Like lemon and eucalyptus and it isn't sticky in the slightest. I truly love this stuff and am so thankful I found it because those darn mosquitoes love to bite my babies delicate skin! Speaking of babies, since Elsie is just a baby, I prefer to spray this on her clothes rather than her actual skin. I'm sure it's totally safe to put directly on her skin since it is just essential oils, but that's what I've decided to do and will continue doing till she's 2 or so.
Do you use non-toxic skin/body care? What are your favorite products?
