For centuries, women across the globe have been willing to risk their safety for beauty. In Renaissance Europe and Victorian England, for example, individuals used extracts from deadly nightshade—a poisonous plant—to lighten their skin and enlarge their pupils for a wide-eyed effect, often leading to blurred vision or even blindness. In the 18th century, some royalty and elite women applied lead-based foundation, resulting in lead poisoning for many. In the 1930s in the United States, sixteen women suffered severe injuries or blindness from using Lash Lure, an eyelash dye made from paraphenylenediamine—a toxic substance that remains present in certain hair dyes today.
While these historical accounts may seem alarming, the situation has not drastically improved. Many modern cosmetics and personal-care items still pose health risks, contributing to issues ranging from cancer and autoimmune disorders to hormone disruption and allergies, potentially leading to premature death. Fortunately, a surge in “clean” beauty products aims to create safer alternatives, with retailers like Sephora implementing standards and logos to identify items with fewer synthetic ingredients. The drawback? There are currently no universal regulations for what qualifies as “clean,” meaning that a product deemed safe by one company may not meet the same standards of safety by another. Through my experience, I’ve gained insights that can help you make informed choices without compromising your values or your desired appearance.
Initially, I discovered that most of the products I was using on my skin, hair, and nails were loaded with harmful substances. Many of these ingredients disrupt hormonal balance, weaken immunity, and cause various health issues. I found myself enveloped in a toxic cocktail daily, all in pursuit of “beauty” and “hygiene.” Rather than discarding everything at once, I opted for a gradual approach, starting with the most evident offenders—my shower products. I replaced conventional soap, shampoo, and conditioner with items rated 1 on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database (see www.ewg.org/skindeep/). This free online resource assesses the safety of over 96,000 products on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 indicating the highest risk.
Next, I focused on what I applied most often to the largest area of my body: my moisturizer. Switching to all-natural lotions was necessary. While the initial versions lacked the pleasant scents I was accustomed to, I felt relieved to stop applying chemicals to my skin—the body’s largest organ! Our skin is so effective at absorbing substances that many topical medications are among the best ways to administer treatment.
However, not every transition was smooth. When I tried a new nontoxic face moisturizer, for instance, I experienced breakouts and it took some time to clear the product from my system. This highlights that not all clean products suit every individual—this is similar to the reactions one might have with conventional products composed of irritating synthetic materials.
What initially seems like a sacrifice may lead to beneficial outcomes for both your health and appearance. When I transitioned to clean shampoo, my hair initially looked greasy even after washing. However, after a few weeks, my scalp adapted, producing less oil, which reduced my need to wash as often, and improved its overall health and softness. Finding a clean mascara that I liked took time, so in the meantime, I simply limited my use of regular mascara. Reducing exposure can also mean adjusting habits to lower your toxin-related risks.
Key Insights on Choosing Clean Personal-Care Products
Less is More
Chances are, you don’t need to use as many products as you do now. Cutting down on the number of products you use is one of the easiest methods to minimize your toxic exposure. Fewer chemicals on your body, face, hair, and nails will foster better health, allowing them to appear more radiant, nourished, and vibrant.
Trial and Error are Essential
If the natural deodorant or toothpaste you tried a decade ago failed to meet your expectations, give today’s improved options a chance. Clean personal-care products can vary significantly among brands, so experimenting with different formulations is key to finding what works for you.
Don’t Let Perfection Hinder Progress
There’s no requirement that once you start switching to clean products, you must replace every item immediately. Use as many clean options as possible, while also recognizing that it’s perfectly fine to continue using some conventional products knowingly.
Take It Slow
I didn’t toss out everything in my skincare and makeup collection upon deciding to revamp my personal care routine. I began with a few small changes, and with each product I finished, I opted for a cleaner alternative.
Prioritize Frequent Use Items
Maximize your efforts by updating the products you use daily in larger amounts, such as soap, body lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen. If you’re female, give special attention to using nontoxic deodorant and organic feminine products, as conventional versions may elevate cancer risk.
DIY Deodorant That Works
- 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 make, combine coconut oil and shea butter in a glass bowl or jar, then place it in a medium saucepan. Fill the saucepan with enough water to surround the jar and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir the melted mixture, then add baking soda, arrowroot, and essential oils. Pour the mixture into a small glass jar and let it cool at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the jar and store in a cool, dry place. Apply with your fingertips as needed.
Author Bio
Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician, recognized nationally 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 connects the dots between everyday chemicals and the epidemic rise in immune disorders and autoimmune diseases, as well as what we can do to combat this crisis. She continues to teach, lecture, and practice medicine in Princeton, New Jersey.
