The mainstream beauty industry is saturated with products containing harmful ingredients scientifically linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and even long-term health risks.

These toxins absorb into our skin, accumulate in our bodies, and add to our overall toxic burden, potentially impacting everything from reproductive health to immune function.

Here are some that are probably in your big brand beauty prodcuts:

Parabens (found in lotions and makeup) have been linked to hormone disruption and have even been detected in breast cancer tissue.
- Examples: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben

Phthalates (found in fragrances, hairsprays, and nail polish) are known endocrine disruptors and have been associated with fertility issues.
- Examples: Often hidden under "fragrance" or "parfum", but can also be listed as diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (often found in shampoos and conditioners) are classified as carcinogens.
- Example: MDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)
Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are linked to allergies, respiratory issues, and hormone imbalance.
- Example: fragrance, parfum, aroma

A 2022 study revealed that over half of the 546 beauty products examined contained ingredients associated with cancer, reproductive harm, or endocrine disruption—yet many of these products remain widely available, marketed as safe for daily use.

For me, making the switch to clean beauty wasn’t just about avoiding toxins but about choosing products that nourish my body rather than disrupt it.

That shift has given me peace of mind, knowing that what I put on my skin supports my health, not compromises it.

How to Find Non-Toxic Products

Switching to a low-toxic beauty routine starts with understanding what’s actually in your products.

A great rule of thumb? If you wouldn’t eat it—or can’t pronounce it—it probably doesn’t belong on your skin.

Look for recognizable, naturally derived ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera, beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils.

These are signs of a product formulated with nourishing, non-toxic components.

You should also prioritize brands that value transparency by providing full ingredient lists and avoiding vague terms like “fragrance” or “parfum,” which can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals.

Certifications like EWG Verified, USDA Organic, and MADE SAFE can offer extra assurance, but the most powerful tool is knowing how to read labels yourself.

Making the Switch to Clean Beauty

Transitioning to non-toxic beauty is a process. You can start by swapping out the products you use most often—your toothpaste, deodorant, lotions, and anything that sits on your skin for long periods.

Then, as you run out of other products, replace them with cleaner alternatives.

It’s also important to listen to your body—sometimes there’s an adjustment period as your skin, hair, and body adapt to fewer synthetic ingredients.

Must-Have Low-Toxic Beauty Staples

I try to keep my beauty routine as low-tox as possible. These are the staples I reach for daily- products that multitask, support my skin and hair naturally, and truly make me feel good from the inside out.

Castor Oil

An absolute multi-purpose essential. I love to mix a few drops of castor oil with frankincense and jojoba oil for an overnight eye treatment that keeps your skin hydrated and looking so refreshed when you wake up. You can also massage it onto your abdomen in circular motions to support digestion and lymphatic flow.

100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil

Oil pulling with coconut oil is one of the best ways to support oral health, drawing out toxins while naturally whitening teeth. Guru Nanda’s coconut oil is a favorite of mine—it’s high quality and easy to use daily. Just take a tablespoon, swish for 10-15 minutes, and spit (never down the drain!). You can also use virgin coconut oil for a nourishing hair mask, a lip moisturizer or as a body oil before showering.

NoBS Tooth Tabs

Traditional toothpaste often contains fluoride, SLS, and other unnecessary additives. NoBS Tooth Tabs offer a cleaner alternative with ingredients like xylitol, which helps balance oral bacteria and prevent cavities while keeping breath fresh. If you haven’t tried toothpaste tabs before, just give it a chance.

Jojoba Oil

If you’re looking for a moisturizer that your skin actually recognizes, jojoba oil is the way to go. It’s the closest oil to our skin’s natural sebum, making it an great lightweight hydrator alternative that won’t clog pores. I use it for facial massage, scalp nourishment, and even as makeup remover!

Lush Body Oil Spray

I love this new find recently. A game-changer if you want a non-toxic body perfume that also hydrates. Lush’s body oil sprays are made with natural butters, essential oils, and botanical extracts that leave skin soft while providing a subtle, fresh scent without synthetic fragrances.

Shea Butter

For deep hydration, nothing beats raw, unrefined shea butter. It locks in moisture, soothes dry skin, and can even be used as a natural alternative to petroleum-based balms. Warm it in your hands and massage it onto damp skin for maximum absorption.

Bamboo Hair Brush

Plastic brushes can cause breakage and static, but a bamboo brush gently stimulates the scalp, encouraging healthy hair growth while reducing environmental waste. It’s a simple switch that makes a big difference, I promise. Before hair oiling, it’s crucial to break up any dead skin and dirt on the scalp, which a bamboo brush does fantastically.

Dry Body Brush

If you want your skin to glow, use a dry brush before showering to take off dead skin and promote blood circulation. It also helps activate the lymphatic system, encouraging detoxification. Direction does matter here, so start at your feet and work your way up in long, gentle strokes toward the heart.

Frankincense Oil

One of the most luxurious oils for skincare, and a long-time staple of mine. Frankincense has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, making it a great addition to facial serums or body oils. Its grounding scent also doubles as a natural stress reliever.

Practicing Low-Toxic Beauty

At the end of the day, it all comes down to being intentional. I want to feel good in my body, not just in the short term, but for years to come. And that starts with the everyday choices I make.

When I look at the products I use, the food I eat, and the environment I create for myself, I want to know that I’m making decisions that support my physical well-being, not compromise it.

Your body is truly your vessel.

Once you start paying attention, it’s hard to ignore just how many harmful ingredients are hiding in plain sight.

But the good news? We have options.