Personal Care
Jump ahead to the topics I cover below:
Your Largest Organ: Your Skin!
Most of us probably don’t consider our skin to be an organ, but it is actually the body’s largest and is known as our first line of defense for our immune system. It does a great job as a physical barrier to keep things out of our skin, but unfortunately many things can pass through our skin and enter the bloodstream.
Especially when it comes to makeup and personal care, our skin is usually what we put these items on, through serums and lotions and foundations and lipstick and body wash and deodorant, etc.
Several things impact a chemicals ability to pass through the skin- namely the molecule’s size and the way that the body has to break it down or metabolize it. When we eat/drink toxins, those first have to pass through the liver for an initial “break down” before being released into the bloodstream.
When it comes to chemicals coming through the skin, they go directly INTO the bloodstream and don’t have that first chance to be broken down, thus they can be more toxic to our bodies than if we had eaten them.

The Financial Cost of Cosmetics
Let’s face it- how many of us don’t want to look better, younger, fresher, etc.? Especially in a world of Instagram, TikTok and Facebook where image is front and center, it is hard not to be tempted by products that promise better-looking skin and bodies?
We aren’t the only ones- in 2018, the cosmetic industry made over $507 BILLION dollars and by 2025 it is projected to reach over $758 billion. What does this look like on a personal level? It’s been said that women spend on average $3,756 per year on just cosmetics/appearance alone!
This is also an honest ask of yourself for how much you pay to look good on the outside compared to what you pay for INTERNAL health? So many seek out acne treatments, botox, and facials to try and fix something on the outside that is actually happening due to internal imbalances.
Yes, creams, fillers and serums may make it artificially look better on the outside but I’d personally recommend spending more money on the inside which ends up showing on the outside once balance is restored.
The Toxic Cost of Cosmetics
Over 10,500 ingredients are used in the creation of personal care products and 89% of those have not been evaluated for safety or toxicity by any major institution or organization.
What’s worse? The FDA allows cosmetic manufacturers to use ANY raw material as an ingredient without their approval. This means any marketing you read about a product being “natural” isn’t being held to any standard. This is sort of like a dating profile claim “loves long walks in the park” but no one can certify that this is true about that person.
Any testing that is done is usually overseen by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel which is funded BY the Cosmetic Industry (not a conflict of interest, right?) and never looks at what long-term, low-dose or combined exposure with other chemicals can do to a human body.
On average women use up to 12 personal care products per day, which is exposure to over 168 chemicals each DAY. We are essentially exposing ourselves to a toxic soup of ingredients that we have no idea in conjunction what they are doing to our bodies.

Top Toxic Ingredients to Avoid
Despite there being over 10,500 ingredients, there are a few to watch out for that are the heavy hitters. Plus, it would be utterly impossible to know all of those ingredients by name on a label.
Instead, to make it simple for you I have listed out below the top items to avoid when shopping for personal care that easily pass through the skin and cause health issues:
Fragrance
I can’t scream this enough from the rooftops but STOP BUYING SCENTED PRODUCTS!! The scents if labeled as “fragrance” are known hormone disruptors. Further, just one word “fragrance” can contain hundreds of chemicals not tested for safety!
Avoid ingredients like:
- Fragrance
- Parfum
Phthalates
Make fragrances last longer, often in scented products.
Avoid ingredients like:
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
- Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP)
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Petroleum
Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, etc. that are often found in balms but is actually a byproduct of the oil industry.
Avoid ingredients like:
- Petroleum Jelly
- Mineral Oil
Sulfates
Used to make things foam in items like shampoos and facial cleansers
Avoid ingredients like:
- Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Coal Tar Dyes
Petroleum-based chemical in dandruff shampoos and hair dyes
Avoid ingredients like:
- FD&C colors (like FD&C Blue 1)
Parabens
A class of chemicals used as preservatives. These can easily pass through the skin.
Avoid ingredients like:
- Methylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
Ethanolamines
Used to make things foam like shampoo, body wash, bubble bath, and in many makeup products
Avoid words like:
- DEA (Diethanolamine)
- MEA (Monoethanolamine)
- TEA (Triethanolamine)
- Cocamide DEA
Propylene Glycol
Used to lock in moisture in many hair and body products; however it can impact liver, kidneys, brain and skin.
Formaldehyde
Often added to products to prevent bacterial growth and in nail products to harden nails and prevent them from chipping.
However, it is classified as both a human and animal carcinogen.
Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreens can be a major source of toxicity based on the chemicals used.
Risks Include: endocrine (hormone and thyroid) disruptor, skin allergies/ sensitivities, causes oxidative damage to our cells, and a congenital birth defect known as Hirschsprung’s Disease that prevents babies from passing stool
Avoid ingredients like:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Avobenzone
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
Why This Matters
Here are some of the known health effects associated with use of products with the above chemicals in them:
- Breast Cancer
- Reproductive Issues
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Birth Defects
- Puberty Issues
-
Thyroid issues
-
Allergies
-
Behavioral Disorders (ADD/ADHD)
-
Toxicity within our cells and our genes (DNA)
-
Rashes + Dermatitis of the skin
Finding Cleaner Alternatives
The great news is many of us have been onto this for a while and because we are wanting cleaner options, daily it seems that new brands are coming out…but it can be a bit hard to keep up.
Thus, there are probably hundreds more that are safe but below are the top ones I’d recommend based on my personal use AND what clients have shared!
In general I know the following brands in general to be cleaner/safer options, but always check each individual product for any of the above chemicals/toxins as not all brands are safe across the board.
Body Wash
Some options below are scented with essential oils; if you want to avoid all scents choose unscented versions.
Dry Shampoo
I don’t have much feedback in this category from personal use, but I have heard these are the best out there by clients who do use it!
Deodorant
Many deodorants contain aluminum which you are putting at/into one of the largest lymphatic sites in the body. This is a problem because it is a recognized neurotoxin, causes oxidative stress and there are links with breast cancers and cysts and the use of anti-perspirant deodorant.
Even if it doesn’t have aluminum, many brands contain fragrance, BHT, propylene glycol or fillers like magnesium stearate.
Feminine Care
Feminine care products can be something to really lean into cleaner swaps for as they have been found to have issues with pesticides/herbicides, bleaching chemicals, phthalates and more. This matters because of how frequently they are used, how long they are in contact with your body AND how much is absorbed easily in that location.
The FDA classifies them as “medical devices” and thus companies aren’t required to disclose their ingredients.
If using tampons or pads/liners: look for 100% unbleached organic cotton, no added scents/fragrances, etc.
If using a menstrual cup: look for a medical-grade silicone cup
My go-to brand for organic tampons and liners. They also have baby wipes and maternity pads for after birth.
Hair Care: Shampoo + Conditioner
MWHH for 10% off
My favorite non-toxic shampoo + conditioner. Yes, they are bars but trust me they have been so much better than other low-toxin options I’ve tried. Fragrance from essential oils.
Insect Repellent
Depending on where you live, you may have a higher need for stronger formulas of insect repellent than not. For example, you may need to weigh your cons of contracting pathogens like Lyme/co-infections, Zika, West Nile, etc. compared to the potential impact of the chemical repellent.
There are different types of repellent available that cover different types of bugs and are more/less effective than others.
DEET:
There are varying opinions on DEET. The EPA considers it relatively safe when used properly, but there is some research linking it to neurotoxicity in children and has been found to cause skin/eye irritation, dizziness + headaches.
In heavy/high insect areas you may want to use DEET products
Look for products AT or BELOW 30% DEET which offers 10 hours of protection
Picaridin:
Has been found to be effective against the largest number of different insects. Is a synthetic version of a chemical found in pepper plants.
Perks to Picaridin is that there are no side effects, no odor to and doesn’t damage plastics or other products like DEET can.
Look for products with 20% OR LESS picaridin which offers 12 hours of protection.
IR3535:
Has been found to be as effective or slightly less effective than DEET or Picardin.
Has been found to cause eye irritation.
Look for products with 20% OR LESS concentration of IR3535 which provides coverage for 12 hours.
OLE:
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (NOT to be confused with lemon eucalyptus essential oil- they are different!)
Has been linked to respiratory irritation and potential allergens.
NOT safe for kids. Look for products with 30-40% oil of lemon eucalyptus which provides coverage for 6 hours.
Lotions
HELLONATURAL for 10% off new customers
HELLOAGAIN for returning customers
I love their magnesium lotion (Good Nite), Lymphatic Cream + Vitamin D cream.
Makeup
Emily Morrow has been doing deep dives into clean non-pore cloggin skincare/brand reviews on her website.
She also has a pore clogger ingredient checklist.
Nail Polish
Nail polish can be quite toxic, especially if done frequently. There are many polishes that tout they are “5-free” or “7-free” but STILL contain harmful ingredients.
Further, if you get your nails done, there is a lot of chemical exposure that comes from breathing in the chemicals while there. If this is something you reguarly do, see if you can find a “greener” nail salon.
There is also a low-tox at home option below to check out!
Oral Health
MWFITWELL10 for 10% off
Best fluoride-free toothpaste, floss + mouthwash. Contains hydroxyapetite which helps remineralize teeth after brushing.
Another option for fluoride-free toothpaste, floss + mouthwash. Contains hydroxyapetite which helps remineralize teeth after brushing.
My go-to instead of mouthwash. Helps with the oral environment without harsh alcohol or added colors like traditional mouthwash.
Most traditional flosses use PFAS or “forever chemicals” that are known hormone and thyroid disruptors. This brand was found to not have those things.
Perfume + Cologne
Listen up…the more you can go scent-free, the better for your hormones!
However, if you NEED a “cleaner” scent here are a few:
Skincare
Emily Morrow has been doing deep dives into clean non-pore cloggin skincare/brand reviews on her website.
She also has a pore clogger ingredient checklist.
MWHH for 15% off
I’m pretty low maintenance with my skin care but after finding Clearstem I was sold- such a great skincare line!

Sunscreen: More Toxic Than You Think!
Do you ever think even today as an adult how so much of that influence when you were young has led to the choices you make today or the products you buy without any second thought? Sunscreen to me is one of those topics.
To me, it’s one of those things that has been ingrained in us so deeply that we don’t even consider asking WHY we have been told to use it- To prevent skin cancer, of course! To slow aging on our face, of course!
But have we ever stopped to wonder how this amazingly, incredibly designed human body was made “faulty” to not be able to handle some degree of sun exposure? Or how our ancestors somehow managed to survive all those decades and centuries of life without SPF 50?
The "Vitamin D" Epidemic
We wake up (indoors), go to work (indoors), go to events/appointments (usually indoors) and go to bed (indoors). When we do go outside, we then slather ourselves in sunscreen to “keep ourselves protected” from the sun.
What makes things worse are those that live in colder climates who only have exposure to good, sunny days less than half the year. For them their one shot at Vitamin D production comes in those 4-5 months that they can get outdoors and store it for the winter…that is, IF they go outside without sunscreen to block the rays that make it.
A study from Sweden in 2014 found that sunbathing (aka NOT using sunscreen) actually decreased all-causes of death. Those who avoided sun exposure had a 2x greater risk of dying compared to non-users.

Finding Balance With Sun Exposure
I think just like with everything we discuss there is a balance to find with using TOO much sunscreen and not using it at all.
The “big issue” is that the UVB rays that come from the sun burn our skin and are responsible for triggering skin cancer. The problem is that UVB rays are ALSO responsible for synthesizing Vitamin D in our skin, which is the main way we receive Vitamin D (there are only trace amounts in foods like fatty fishes and eggs).
Even using a low SPF of 8 can decrease Vitamin D synthesis by 95% and an SPF of 15 by 98%.
Yes, we know that sunscreen may help us prevent skin cancer, but low vitamin D has been linked with bladder, breast, colon, lung, ovarian, and yes, even SKIN cancer.
And the even worse part? The more deadly forms of skin cancers are from UVA rays, which many sunscreens do NOT block. Aka most sunscreen choices aren’t even blocking the more harmful rays that are the ones actually preventing cancer.
While we are using sunscreen to help us prevent one type of cancer, we in turn may be putting ourselves at greater risk of developing a slew of other cancers.
What Does SPF Really Mean?
Many assume that the higher the SPF the better, but it is just a time-based indicator- SPF 15 buys you an extra 15 minutes in the sun before you start to burn, but it’s relative based on your skin type, how quickly you burn, etc.
Also, most people that use higher amounts only apply once thinking the higher coverage number guarantees them coverage all day and don’t re-apply.
Tips for Safe Sun Exposure
It’s important to understand that nutrition + lifestyle can impact the way we experience sun and burning. Specifically, there is indication that your DIET may have an impact on how you burn as well as how you interact with light throughout the day may be training your body to not tolerate sun.
Nutrition: Things to Avoid
Avoid:
- Seed/vegetable oils
- Refined sugars
- Fortified or enriched flours
- Alcohol
Nutrition: Things to Eat
Eat more Animal Fats:
- Tallow, eggs, lard, butter, butter oil + emu oil
- Cod Liver Oil
- Butter Oil
Focus on Circadian Rhythm
Focus on supporting the body’s natural circadian rhythm (sunlight in your eyes in the morning, dim lights in house in evening).
Build Up Your Tolerance
Focus on getting sunlight without sunscreen/protection in the early morning hours or evenings.
Avoid Using Sunglasses
Avoid using sunglasses (messes with the circadian rhythm) and instead use baseball caps or sun hats. The sun hitting our eyes is beneficial for melatonin production + hormone balance.
Safer Sunscreens
For chemical protection, the best two ingredients to use are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Both are minerals that will sit on the top layer of your skin and will reflect/scatter both UVA and UVB rays. The downside is that they tend to be the more pasty/white looking sunscreens.
In general, look for products with at least 15-20% zinc oxide as the one and ONLY active sunscreen ingredient. It’s estimated that for every % of zinc oxide it provides 1 SPF. So a product with 5% zinc oxide will be comparable to SPF 5.

Disclaimer
The information presented on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation.
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