So I started small… with my face wash!
Truthfully, my mission to convert some of my beauty products to more natural options is an ongoing process mainly because it’s admittedly challenging and constantly evolving. There is SO much information out there and it can almost make me feel frozen. Taking small steps to improve my beauty products over time is the best way for me to approach this goal.
There are some products I may never completely convert (mascara comes to mind because I am SO picky) but others, like facial cleansers and moisturizers are a bit easier. Unless you moisturize solely with coconut oil and cleanse your face with tea tree oil, the ingredient lists on products – even green ones – can seem scary. Many safe ingredients look like chemicals (like many essential oils) but I am starting slow and focusing on purchasing products free of parabens, sulfates, BHT and BHA, phthalates, oxybenzone and triclosan.
Why these ingredients? Here’s a brief rundown of the harm they can do:
- Parabens: Serve as a preservative and have the ability to mimic estrogen, lead to hormone imbalance and interfere with the function of your endocrine system
- Sulfates: A cleansing and foaming agent found to break down proteins which can lead to a degenerative effect on cell membranes
- BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): Used to lighten skin, BHA and BHT are considered by the National Toxicology Program as a likely carcinogen and both are banned in Europe
- Phthalates: Plasticizing chemicals that are probable disruptors to the reproductive system (particularly in males); two phthalates (dibutyl and diethylhexyl) have been banned in Europe
- Oxybenzone: Common in sunscreen to absorb UV light, can cause skin irritation and endocrine disruption
- Triclosan: Often used in antibacterial hand soaps, deodorants and toothpaste; a possible endocrine disruptor that can harm your thyroid and reproductive hormones
Of course there are many, many other potentially harmful ingredients out there, but this is just a starting point for me and these are some of the ingredients that appear to be most common and the most harmful.
The following four facial cleansers are cleansers I’ve been using for quite a while now. I rotate through them (though I use the Amara Organics one in the shower every day) and love them all for different reasons which I have detailed below.
Natural Facial Cleansers I Love
I purchased Amara Organics Vitamin C Facial Cleanser on Amazon Prime after I received my first facial in years in the spring of this year. My aesthetician gave me a vitamin C facial and spoke at length about the benefits of vitamin C for your skin. (The brief summary: Vitamin C helps fight free-radicals and prevent sun damage to our skin. It’s necessary for collagen production and can help reduce signs of aging.) As I began to hunt for a natural cleanser with vitamin C that was made with no sulfates, parabens or dyes, I quickly stumbled upon Amara Organics and with 600+ almost 5-star reviews on Amazon, I figured I would give it a shot.
My love for this cleanser was instant. So many natural face washes I’ve tried seem to leave a film behind on my skin but this one washed clean and left my skin feeling fresh but not dry or tight. It’s my favorite cleanser of the bunch and one I’ve ordered over and over again since I first discovered it. (FYI, I also LOVE the same brand’s anti-aging moisturizer.) The only con I have for this cleanser is that it can sting a bit if I get it in my eyes, but I learned that quickly and just take extra care to avoid contact with my eyes when washing my face with this cleanser.
Beautycounter’s Nourishing Cream Cleanser is the best moisturizing cleanser I’ve found to date. Truth be told most other cleansers that claim to be deeply moisturizing do not leave my face feeling clean at all and this one is definitely an exception. The cleanser is incredibly gentle but still effective at removing makeup and dirt. It’s a wonderful cleanser to use during the colder months of the year when my skin can often feel overly dry and in desperate need of nourishment.
I completely trust the ingredients in all of Beautycounter’s products (their Tint Skin Foundation is my go-to when I need more coverage on my face), so this cleanser was actually my first foray into cleaner and safer facial cleansers. I’ve tried a pretty decent handful of Beautycounter products and loved some more than others and this product is one of my favorites. (If anyone is interested in a post highlighting the Beautycounter products I’ve loved and those I’ve found not so great, let me know. I’m not a consultant and don’t sell Beautycounter but I am happy to give an honest rundown of my thoughts if it’s of interest since I feel like so many of the Beautycounter reviews out there seem to – understandably – come from consultants.)
My Botanics Invigorating Face Scrub was an impulse buy at Target and is the most affordable of all the cleansers I’ve tried. I treat this scrub as a once-or-twice-a-week exfoliator since the scrub is a little more rough and contains contains willow bark extract to help slough away dirt and makeup to unclog pores and combat uneven skin tones. It makes my skin feel smooth and gives me a deep clean feeling I find myself craving when I wear more makeup than usual after a dinner with girlfriends or a date night out with Ryan.
This cleanser is one of the more affordable natural cleansers I’ve tried (it’s $10) and also seems to be the most gentle. It leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated and the gel formula is different than most other cleansers on the market. Perhaps my favorite part of this cleanser is the bright, slightly fruity sweet scent. It smells the most pleasant and the least earthy of the bunch.
Question of the Day
Do you use natural beauty products? If so, are there any you absolutely love and swear by?
I’d love to hear your recommendations, especially when it comes to concealer because I have yet to find a high-quality, effective natural concealer.
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Sources:
Chemicals to Avoid in Skincare
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Have you had any luck with natural sunscreen? I use the aveeno for kids every day but I’d love to try something else on my son.
I tried thinkbaby sport this past summer..and I applied between every 1 to 2 hours on my 2 daughters who need to be outside at all times and not even one tan line on them..even at the beach. I had never heard of them so I was a but hesitant but I loved it!!
I’ve never heard of thinkbaby! Where do you get it?
I am also a huge thinkbaby fan! We used it on my infant all summer. I got mine on Amazon and it has great reviews. The texture can be a little strange at first, although I assume it’s like most baby sunscreens that sit on the skin rather than absorb. I just love the smell of it though!
I found Thinkbaby this summer too and really loved it as well!
Thinkbaby is amazing! You can get it on amazon.
Also, a big yes please to the BeautyCounter review post!
Ditto on the Thinkbaby sunscreen!
I really like Beautycounter’s sunscreen and Babyganics (SPF 50) for Chase!
Thanks so much for this post! I️ just finished my current cleanser (murad ) and I’m hoping to buy a more natural one. Contemplating buying the beauty counter cream cleanser but haven’t pulled the trigger. I would love a BC review!
I love think baby and badger sunscreen for my daughter. Think baby is my favorite of the two as it’s less greasy.
I use babyganics on my extremely pale skin and it’s wonderful
I’d love your Beauty Counter opinions, if you wouldn’t mind!
I’d love a beatycounter review! I have super unbelievably sensitive skin and I’ve been trying to clean up my products. I ve had my eye on beatycounter for a while but without being able to try a sample I’ve been hesitant.
As for products I love I am obsessed with kora organics noni glow face oil, and drunk elephant b-hydra intensive hydration gel.
I can send you some samples if you want to email me at Lindsayb727@yahoo.com. I am a longtime blog reader of Julie’s and just started consulting for beautycounter after using it for a while on my entire family!
I can send you samples of Beautycounter products if you’d like, just email me at LindsayB727@yahoo.com! There is also a 60 day no questions asked return policy so you can always order and return if you don’t love it. Look around at Beautycounter.com/lindsaylewis and email me with any questions!
Wow, I guess I never really thought about the dangers of cosmetics. I usually just grab generics at Walmart or Target. Thanks for the eye-opener!
Thanks for sharing this! I to became much more concerned with products when I was pregnant and as a mom. I am definitely going to check out that scrub!
I feel like I need to make the switch to more natural products as well! Some of the “bad” non-natural products just work so dang well though. This is very helpful since my acne has been out of control recently (I thought that was supposed to end after the teenage years?!) so maybe a switch can help me out.
Hey Pbfingers!!! I actually love the rosehip seed oil you talk so much about. I started using it about 1.5 years ago and I think it is a great eye makeup remover and moisterizer. I, too, am trying to “naturalize” my beauty routine. I use organic conditioner to act as shaving cream and have switched to natural deodorant too. Any suggestions about natural shower wash or soap? Thanks 🙂
YES! Rosehip oil is the best! I continue to use it every single day. So glad you like it as well!
Hey Julie! You don’t want to use exfoliants with beads in it even if it’s natural, you should use chemical ones instead. Paulas choice is cruelty free and their AHA/BHA products are the best exfoliators!
Thanks so much for this post! I am always so careful of what i eat when it comes to food and have recently started to look into beauty products, but I too feel so overwhelmed and have no idea where to start! Would definitely love some more of these posts or where to find good natural beauty product reviews 🙂
YES to the BeautyCounter review!! 🙂
I would also love to hear your thoughts on Beauty Counter products!
I’d also love a Beauty Counter review – like you said, it’s so hard to find honest ones! I’m intrigued by the line and would really value more info. Thanks!
My current green faves are Burt’s Bees face wash and body lotion, Schmidt’s deodorant (but man, does it take some time to get used to a non-aluminum formula!), Farmacy SPF moisturizer, and Honest cream blush.
Have you tried any of the other Honest beauty products? I haven’t tried them yet and am curious to know whether or not they work well!
Just the Honest cream blush so far! I may branch out into the mascara soon, as I’ve been thinking of switching mine up. The nice thing is that they are available at Target, so it’s super easy to return or exchange if it doesn’t work out for you – I tried two colors of the blush and returned one that wasn’t as flattering.
I’d love a BC review! I’ve tried a few products and have generally loved them, but I’m always afraid to try more because they are expensive and it’s hard to get good reviews from someone other than a consultant.
I have used Honest Beauty since they launched maybe 2 years ago? Similar to BC – some products I *love* and others I do not. Their mascara is awesome though – like you, I was reticent to switch to “natural” mascara. Let me know if you have any specific questions!
I love the Beautycounter face wash!! I just wish it came in a larger tube – I can run through the small size pretty quickly.
Thank you for sharing these products! I admit I’m pretty partial to St. Ives face wash…probably one of the worst! I’m excited to check out your recommendations 🙂
I’ve been slowly making the switch with my body products like you. I use a natural toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, and face wash now (I use the Vitamin C stuff you recommend above!). It’s not too overwhelming if you start small. When I run out of a conventional product I start looking for a natural version of it so I’m not doing it all at once.
Super random questions from a while ago. You had your video tapes converted to DVDs but I cannot remember the name of the company, do you have it easily available?
yes! legacybox! it’s a wonderful service. hope this helps!
Yes, thank you so much!
I switched my cleanser too when I was pregnant and it’s crazy how much more you notice in the ingredients when you know more information about them. I love my BeautyCounter cleanser as well. I’d love to hear more about the other products you’ve tried of theirs. I’m debating on purchasing a few items but hold back because of the price. I just don’t want to pay that much if I’m not going to like it.
I’d love your Beautycounter review! I’ve just hopped on board with Beautycounter shampoo and conditioner and I am in love and would love to know what else to buy!
Would LOVE a truly non biased review of some Beautycounter products!
I never comment (but read every day….sorry!) but I LOVE this post. Reducing chemicals is something I want to do…but never actually get around to doing. This is a great post, especially b/c it’s not super overwhelming. With the holidays coming it’s also a great time to be adding items to my Amazon wish list…so Thank you!!
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment, Nicole! Great to hear from you!!
I would love a Beautycounter post. I’ve too thought about trying some of their products but since they are more expensive and you can’t just go to the store and buy and return if not for you, I’m a little hesitant about what to buy. Thanks!
yes! and then the cost of shipping on top of everything makes it even more intimidating!
I can send you samples of Beautycounter products if you’d like, just email me at LindsayB727@yahoo.com! It is an investment so you should totally make sure you love it before you buy! There is also a 60 day no questions asked return policy so you can always order and return if you don’t love it. Look around at Beautycounter.com/lindsaylewis and email me with any questions! Also if you become a member, shipping over 100 is free and you get a free gift and 15% product credit!
I’ve recently started using natural face products and tried the rejuvenating collection from beauty counter. The entire set was incredibly expensive but I was willing to give it a shot since it was so highly rated. Well, I didn’t like it. It left my skin dry and just didn’t do anything for me. I returned it and have started using Acure products which I absolutely love…and they’re much more affordable!
Acure is great!!!
Really enjoyed reading this post! I’m always looking for natural beauty product recommendations. 🙂
I tried out a few Beautycounter samples recently and really liked the cream cleanser you mentioned, the lipstick (in Twig), and the Dew Skin which is sort of like a tinted moisturizer but with surprisingly good coverage. I really liked their #1 vitamin C face mask, too. I’m not a consultant or anything for what it’s worth!
My other absolute favorite natural makeup product is Andalou Naturals 1,000 roses CC cream. It’s a tinted moisturizer with nice coverage and it smells amazing.
I would be interested in a Beautycounter review post. I like many of their products, but the steep price tags are a bear!
One of my FAVE natural skin care lines is called Skin Foodie. Her products are AMAZING and very reasonably priced. I love her charcoal soap, heal bar soap, body butters, scrubs, and face masks. Check her out on Etsy – tons of rave reviews! (SkinFoodbyAB on Etsy!)
I can send you samples of Beautycounter products if you’d like, just email me at LindsayB727@yahoo.com! It is an investment so you should totally make sure you love it before you buy! There is also a 60 day no questions asked return policy so you can always order and return if you don’t love it. Look around at Beautycounter.com/lindsaylewis and email me with any questions!
My favorite skin advise is to buy a Clarisonic. Big believer in these!
I have gone through soooo many face washes. My tried and true: A basic salicylic acid face wash first followed by a Clinique foaming cleanser. It is scent free and leaves my face squeeky clean. Literally. I LOVE Clinique’s face wash stuff. Sadly, I still need the salicylic acid in a facewash due to leftover pregnant hormones.
This is only 5% of my psycho skin routine…
YESSSSS to the Clarisonic! That thing is AMAZING and such a game-changer.
I love this post; thanks so much for sharing. I’ve been doing this myself and it’s so overwhelming! So much time spent reading up, trying products that don’t work, etc. Please keep us updated! I am looking into concealers as well and can’t seem to find one that works and doesn’t show the fine lines. I use Avalon Organics body lotion for my family and love it. I also have been using Badger Sport sunscreen for years and love it. It’s pretty thick but great for the face. I used to get so many sunspots and freckles on my face even with a hat since the pool reflects off the surface but since I’ve used this brand, I don’t get them anymore. I’ve been trying to find a good natural shampoo and conditioner, too but that’s been hard. I love your rosehip oil recommendation! Been using it since you first recommended it. Also grabbed a Vitamin C cleanser since you recommended it last time as well. 🙂 Have a great day, Julie!
I use Avalon organics clarifying lemon shampoo and conditioner and I love it!
Awesome, thanks so much, Janie! I’ll have to look it up! 🙂
I would love to read your review on Beautycountwr products! Like you said, it would be nice to get an unbiased opinion. I’ve been trying to research more natural beauty and skin care items, like deoderant, toothpaste, lotions, etc. The information out there is so overwhelming! Thanks for writing this 🙂
I love Native Deodorant – I tried *so* many kinds of natural deodorant and this one has worked well for me. Plus the scents are so fun, they always have seasonal ones too!
I really liked this post as I too am all about cleaning up my beauty routine, but like you said it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
I love Acure shampoo and conditioner and I just bought some of their hydrating lotion to try when my current bottle runs out. I also use Dr. Bronner’s bar and liquid soap for everything from the shower to my laundry to a bathroom cleaner. It really is all-purpose. I have been using Tom’s deodorant (a great aluminum-free choice) and toothpaste, but I just read that their business model might not actually be the best (still have to look into this further), so I may have to switch up there.
If you’re looking for a more natural mascara I would highly recommend Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Mascara. It goes on well and looks great.
Boscia products are amazing!! I’ve used the Purifying Cleansing Gel for years and haven’t found anything else I like as much!
I’ve been suffering with cystic acne for over 10 years. Nothing really kept it at bay until I did more research and found Renee Rouleau. It’s plant based and chemical free and they avoid all of the items on your list. You can only get it online and it is pricey, but lasts a long time. Not only have the amount of cysts I get gone down, they last only for a few days instead of weeks. Their face wash has also helped my acne scars fade. I figured I’d just try it for a little bit, but I am never going to stop using it! So worth the cost!
Arbonne is another great, more natural company. They adhere to European standards (so if it’s banned there, Arbonne doesn’t use it either!) and are botanically-based, cruelty-free, non-GMO, don’t use pthalates, parabens, mineral oil, etc., etc. The full ingredient policy and standards are available on the website. Definitely check it out if you are looking for an easy button to switch everything over – face, body, hair, makeup . . . !
(Full disclosure, I am a rep, but I’d recommend their products even if I wasn’t. They are a great company.)
I would love a beauty counter review as well. I have switched my daily cleansing regimen to their line and am thinking of switching more. I would love some unbiased input before doing so.
For natural concealer (and makeup in general), I use Mineral Fusion products. The concealer is a creamy duo concealer that covers and blends nicely! The duo is also nice because I don’t have to buy a different color in the summer to adjust to my tan skin, the two natural concealer colors work year-round.
I would love a beautycounter post. I feel like their products have been really hit or miss for me even though I love the concept.
I read your blog, but never comment. I just had to chime in today. I make my own natural face wash, body wash, moisturizers, hand soap, and deodorant, and it is SO simple! Seriously. Get yourself some castile soap, foam pumps, and some essential oils (make sure they are HIGH QUALITY such as Young Living), and you can make SUPER affordable cleansers! And then you know exactly what’s in it. My skin has never looked better…I use castile soap (diluted in a foam pump) with tea tree oil on my face, and jojoba oil with frankincense and lavender as moisturizer. Frankincense is an amazing anti-aging oil. Bonus: I am pregnant with baby #2 (about to have 2 under 2 ahhhh!!!!) and this combo is great for moisturizing the belly and preventing stretch marks!
Julie, thanks for sharing all this stuff. When you really start looking at what you use for yourself and loved ones it can be scary! I’ve found the MyChelle products to be awesome, I use the gentle cleansing wash & pumpkin renew cream daily (along with some others multiple times a week). They have sales pretty frequently online too, so I usually wait for their BOGO sales and stock up for a few months. Check them out: http://www.mychelle.com/.
Thanks for sharing this!! I have been wanting to switch to natural products (& organic foods too for that matter,) but I’m never really sure as to where to start or what is truly worth spending my money on. I did start small–buying Seventh Generation dish detergent for instance, but I’m so interested in any other swaps you might have made to buy more natural products!
I”m definitely more aware of the products that I use in my beauty routine. It’s amazing what’s in some of them!
Andalou Naturals! I LOVE all their products, my face prefers the clear skin and brightening lines to the others, but they all smell amazing and are all SUPER affordable, especially if you get them on amazon or sign up for their email list. They have sales/coupons ALL THE TIME! I got a “get started kit” for each line and tried all the products to see what worked best, then bought the full size of my faves.
I love Osea products and Drunk Elephant. The osea cleansing milk is only cleanser that takes down my red blotchy skin. Also all natural moisturizer I love from Luminance Skincare, all natural and smells like honey. So good.
Thanks for this post! Skin care is so overwhelming to begin with, let alone finding a natural formula for my sensitive skin. I’ve used Rose Hip Seed Oil since you first recommended it and love it. I also just started using Body Merry Super C-22 Moisturizer (anti-aging lotion with Vitamin C, B3, jojoba oil, etc) for the daytime that I found on Amazon. Also, if you’re looking for a great natural toner, try Dickinson’s Witch Hazel! It’s $5 at drug stores and lasts for months.
Yes to a Beauty Counter review please!
My journey to switching to more natural products was started by a different reason–I wanted to start using cruelty-free products for the good of animals! My husband laughs at me– “You care more about animals than you do yourself.” But, the good news is that most cruelty-free products are better for humans as well so it’s an added bonus!
I have tried quite a few Andalou Naturals products including their 1000 Roses Daily Moisturizer that does contain SPF. (replaced my Cetaphil daily moisturizer). I’m also currently using their Apricot Probiotic cleansing milk to wash my face at night.
Jason Gentle Basics Facial Cleanser (replaced my Cetaphil cleanser).
Jason Gentle Basics night cream
Please do a Beautycounter review! I hear from reps all the time, but the products are expensive enough that I’d love an unbiased opinion.
Yes!!! please do a review on your beauty Counter purchases and also anything else you use! I am slowly starting to switch all my skin care and it is very intimidating!!
This post came at the right time! I was just talking to some friends over the weekend about how I’m interested in switching ALL of my products to all natural and cruelty-free.
Beautycounter fits the bill for natural, safer, and cruelty free. If you have questions for a consultant email me at Lindsayb727@yahoo.com. I can send you samples or there is an awesome 60 day return policy, no questions asked!
What a great and informative post! Switching out beauty products is so overwhelming and not to mention expensive. I would love to see a review on beautycounter. I am intrigued by their products but hesitant to spend the money without knowing more.
I can send you samples of Beautycounter products if you’d like, just email me at LindsayB727@yahoo.com! It is an investment so you should totally make sure you love it before you buy! There is also a 60 day no questions asked return policy so you can always order and return if you don’t love it. Look around at Beautycounter.com/lindsaylewis and email me with any questions!
Do you have acne prone skin? I’m currently 34 and have always had acne (mild to moderate now, used to be moderate to severe) but I have to use an acne cleanser and was wondering if you’ve found anything natural that works for acne? Thanks!
As strange as it sounds, you might try cleansing with oil. My esthetician switched me to it and it has helped my acne by “pulling” out the excess oil and junk in my pores. It takes some getting used to, but my skin has never been softer! I use this: http://www.jessaskincare.com/10-oxygen-sunflower-elixir-100-organic-1oz-6oz-16oz/ , but any oil that doesn’t clog pores works. Manuka honey also works wonders for acne. It is antibacterial and moisturizing. I use it as a mask regularly. Google both and there is tons of info about picking good, quality oils and honey.
Thank you so much for the information Laura! I️ will start researching it!
I also have heard of great results using oil. It sounds so counterintuitive. But it helps balance the oils your skin naturally makes. Beautycounter’s no 3 balancing oil is great for this. I am a consultant fyi but I use the charcoal line for hormonal breakouts (thanks to breastfeeding) so email me at lindsayb727@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
I really like the Pacifica face washes and their body butters are great too! They all smell really good! Do you have any natural face moisturizers you really like? I have a FAB one from Sephora that I like that does a great job but really don’t like the smell and my husband can’t stand it! I’ve found that’s the hardest thing about natural products is the smell. I tried an Acure face wash and it smelled like beer and I couldn’t use it! I’ve been tempted more than once to try beauty counter but decided not to because of the price tag and how small the products actually are.
Switching beauty products is such a hot topic right now and it’s SO overwhelming to me. Whenever I look at a blog for info, they often sell the products which makes it hard for me to 100% believe the info. So I appreciate this post so much! My biggest thing is knowing where to go to buy things in stores (and avoid shipping costs). I’m in LA so it shouldn’t be that hard, but I just haven’t researched anything yet.
Hi Julie!
I’m a long-time, daily reader (lifelong Illinois resident) and never comment, but today’s the day!! One of my best friends has a Green Beauty store in Tampa, FL! She carries all healthy, clean ingredient products and brands! Everything from skin, makeup, body, baby, etc! Her store name is “MORADA PURE” and she ships worldwide. Check them out at @moradapure on all social media and online at moradapure.com! So many great product lines AND she makes the MOST AMAZING liquid homemade hand soaps in the world 🙂
Hope you can find so many wonderful things all in one place, and let me know if you want any of my personal favorite recommendations…I’d be more than happy to share!