For centuries, women across the globe have risked their health in the pursuit of beauty. In Renaissance Europe and Victorian England, for instance, ladies applied extracts from deadly nightshade— a poisonous plant known to cause paralysis and even death— to lighten their skin or enlarge their pupils, often leading to blurry vision or blindness. In the 18th century, noblewomen adorned themselves with foundation that contained lead, which sometimes resulted in lead poisoning. In the 1930s in the United States, a product called Lash Lure caused serious injuries, including blindness, in sixteen women due to its ingredients, one of which is still present in certain hair dyes today.
Although these tales may shock us, the situation has not significantly improved. We still engage with cosmetics and personal-care items that may pose serious health risks, potentially increasing the likelihood of diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, disrupting our hormonal and immune systems, heightening our susceptibility to allergies, and potentially leading to premature death. At the same time, we have seen a surge in demand for “clean” beauty products that aim to provide safer alternatives, with retailers like Sephora establishing guidelines and labels for items with fewer synthetic ingredients. The challenge, however, is the absence of universal standards regarding what constitutes “clean” products; thus, what one brand considers safe can differ greatly from another’s definition. Over time, I have gathered insights that can help you make informed choices while still achieving the look you desire without compromising your values.
Upon examining my beauty routine, I realized that nearly every product I used on my face, hair, skin, and nails contained potentially harmful ingredients. Many of these components can disrupt hormonal balance, impair immune response, and lead to various health issues. I found myself applying a toxic blend of chemicals daily in the name of “beauty” and “hygiene.” Transitioning to a cleaner routine didn’t mean discarding everything at once; instead, I made thoughtful substitutions, starting with the most blatant offenders: the products I used during my daily showers. I began replacing conventional soap and my popular brand shampoo and conditioner with those rated 1 on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database (check out www.ewg.org/skindeep/). This free online resource evaluates the safety of over 96,000 products, scoring them from 1 (least hazardous) to 10 (most hazardous).
I then focused on the products I used most frequently in larger quantities: my moisturizer. Choosing to switch to an all-natural moisturizer was essential for me, and although the first options I tried didn’t offer the pleasant scents I was used to, I value the decision to stop applying chemicals to my skin, the body’s largest organ. In fact, our skin absorbs so effectively that many topical medications serve as efficient delivery systems for treatment.
Not every change yielded immediate positive results. For instance, when I first tried a nontoxic face moisturizer, my skin reacted negatively, taking days to recover after discontinuing the product, which, although plant-based and non-toxic, didn’t agree with me. This highlights an important lesson: not all clean products will necessarily suit your skin or hair, just as some traditional products can cause irritation due to their synthetic ingredients.
What you might initially perceive as sacrifices often turn into beneficial changes for both your health and appearance. When I transitioned to a clean shampoo, the initial results were less than ideal; my hair felt greasy even right after washing. However, within a few weeks, my scalp adjusted, producing less oil. Now, I don’t need to wash my hair as often, and it feels much healthier and softer as a result. Finding a clean mascara that I liked took some time too; until I did, I simply reduced my use of conventional mascara. Therefore, reducing toxin exposure can also involve adjusting our behavior to limit contact with harmful substances.
Essential Takeaways for Choosing Clean Personal-Care Products
Less is More
You likely don’t need to use as many products as you currently do. Simplifying your routine can significantly lower your toxic load. By using fewer chemicals on your body, you promote healthier skin, hair, and nails, making them appear more radiant, nourished, and glowing.
Trial and Error are Important
If you previously tried an all-natural deodorant or toothpaste that didn’t meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to explore today’s offerings, which have improved in safety, efficacy, scent, and usability. Keep in mind, clean personal-care products can vary greatly between brands, so feel free to experiment until you find the right fit.
Don’t Let Perfection Hinder Progress
There’s no requirement to swap out every product at once. Use as many clean options as possible, but allow yourself the flexibility to continue using certain conventional products, understanding that this can be a mindful decision.
Take Your Time
I didn’t throw away my entire collection of products the day I decided to prioritize my personal-care routine. I recommend starting with one or two replacements, and as you finish a product, switch to a cleaner alternative.
Prioritize Frequently Used Items
Maximize your efforts by focusing first on products you use day-to-day in larger quantities, such as soap, body lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen. If you’re a woman, consider prioritizing non-toxic deodorant and organic tampons or pads, as traditional options may pose cancer risks.
Effective DIY Deodorant Recipe
- 2½ teaspoons unrefined coconut oil
- 2½ teaspoons unrefined shea butter
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup arrowroot powder
- 6 drops lavender or orange essential oil
- 6 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 2 drops tea tree oil
To prepare, combine coconut oil and shea butter in a glass bowl or jar, then place this in a saucepan filled with water. Heat the water to a boil over medium heat. Stir the melted oils, then add baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. Transfer the mixture into a small glass jar with a lid and allow it to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, cover and store in a cool, dry area. Apply with your fingertips.
Author Bio
Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician, recognized for her expertise in environmental health and medical education. She is the author of DETOXIFY: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, which explores the link between everyday chemicals and the increasing incidence of immune disorders and autoimmune diseases—and offers solutions we can all adopt. Dr. Cohen continues to educate, speak, and practice medicine in Princeton, New Jersey.
