Many of us are aware of the importance of eating organic food, but the things we put on our bodies can be just as important as what we consume. Our skin absorbs whatever it contacts and these substances go into the bloodstream without the added defense of going through the digestive system. So, the products we choose including lotions, potions, and makeup all can have an impact on the toxicity in our bodies. That’s why it’s important to choose low toxic natural cosmetics. Look out for fragrances, phthalates, parabens, sodium laurel sulfates, and research any other ingredients that you are not familiar with to ensure that what you put on your body is health-promoting instead of health-depleting.

Makeup

Typically has tons of toxins and chemicals in it.

  • Beautycounter is a company that prides itself on using low or non-toxic ingredients and they have great reviews as far as the quality of the makeup.

Lotions and Body Products

  • Look at your natural foods store for cosmetic options, but watch out for fragrances, perfumes, phthalates, sodium laurel sulfate, and parabens all of which are endocrine disrupters and some are even known carcinogens.
  • Some people like rose seed oil to use as a face moisturizer
  • Coconut oil makes a great, but oily moisturizer
  • There are great DIY recipes on Pinterest as well only requiring a few ingredients that you can make for yourself

Deodorant

Many deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum which research has shown is very toxic to our bodies and should be avoided whenever possible. Also, even with “natural” deodorants, they will often contain fragrances in their scented products, which frequently contain hormone-disrupting chemicals. Here are some low toxic deodorants that we like.

Shampoo and Conditioner

This is a tough one. Look out for sodium laurel sulfates, phthalates, parabens, fragrances/ parfumes, and any other unknown ingredients. They all have so many ingredients, but here are a few suggestions to hopefully guide you as you explore.

  • Acure – Argon and Pumpkin. Some of the other blends in this brand have ingredients that I try to avoid, but this one seems to be fairly clean.
  • You can train your hair to not need shampoo and this takes away a product that you have to buy or worry about. Your hair will be a little oily in the process, but eventually (it took mine about a month) adjusts and will feel normal again with only conditioner.  I started by shampooing 1x/ week and then went to 2x/ month and then quit altogether. Some people quit cold turkey and just deal with the oily hair for awhile.

Organic soaps

  • Dr. Bronner’s liquid and bar soap, baby mild has the fewest ingredients, but they are all generally good. We love the lavender for hand, body, and laundry soap.

Teeth

  • Toothpaste – often has fluoride in it which interferes with so many of the body’s processes and carrageenan has been identified as a known carcinogen.
  • Floss – May have Teflon in the wax, the same PFOAs that are on your non-stick pans. Look for floss that is unwaxed or we prefer the naturally waxed flosses.

 

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