If you've been doing all the right things to reach optimal health—from eating well to exercising to discovering some underlying health issues and taking the necessary steps to get well—but you still are experiencing a plethora of symptoms, it might be wise to look into the products you're using on your body.
Your skin is your largest organ. With that said, did you know it takes only 26 seconds for chemicals to enter your skin and go straight into your bloodstream? [1, 2] Given this shocking information, you should only be using the best natural beauty products you can find.
One of the many functions of your skin is to act as a barrier, meaning it keeps everything in and protects external toxins from harming internal organs.
What you see isn't what you get with skin, either. It's comprised of three distinct parts: the epidermis (what you see externally), the dermis (underneath the epidermis), and the hypodermis (underneath the dermis).
It doesn't stop there, though. Each of those parts is composed of layers, made to protect and act as a defense against the outside world.
Though your skin does an incredible job at protecting your body, harsh chemicals and toxins still slip in, depending on the type and size of the chemical being administered. Some products are designed to penetrate the skin, such as sunscreen, which is why I advise shopping for the best natural beauty products you can—the organic, non-toxic versions.
Many of these chemicals mimic hormones and cause allergic reactions. According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the average American woman uses around 12 products per day, containing over 200 chemicals. [3] Since then, other surveys have been conducted showing the number has increased to 16 products on their faces alone.
No one would ever think the makeup, skin, and hair care they use is laced with chemicals and carcinogens. Unfortunately, some are. Some of the chemicals, endocrine disruptors, and heavy metals found in everyday beauty products include formaldehyde, coal tar, parabens, phthalates, and lead. [4, 5, 6, 7] The EWG also found that some cosmetics contain the flame retardant, Teflon. [8]
Remember, these products will not only penetrate the skin at an alarming rate, but some mimic hormones, meaning they disrupt the endocrine system. So, if you're doing everything you can, but are still experiencing symptoms such as extreme PMS or PMDD or perimenopause, it might be a good idea to look into what ingredients might be hiding in your beauty products and make the switch to safer, natural beauty products.
The movement towards better beauty brands has increased over the years, with all the recent studies calling out harmful ingredients in the products people use every day.
Starting the journey and searching for the best natural beauty products can be extremely overwhelming, so be sure to start small. Some apps allow you to search or even scan your beauty product to see where it falls on the safety scale. You'll be surprised to find that many items you may have deemed safe due to cheeky marketing are still full of toxins! Wild, right?
To help you get started, I wanted to share some of the best natural beauty products I use daily.
Eminence has been around since 1958, well before the rise of safer beauty was a concern. They use sustainable farming and practices to craft natural, organic products. Not only are they continually creating amazing products, but they want to create them in a safe environment as well, which is why they use wind energy and solar power in making their products.
You can also browse by skin type or skin concern and find the best product to fit your needs, making Eminence one of the best natural beauty products I use regularly!
Naturopathica has been around since the mid-'90s and is one of my favorite natural skincare brands. They create their products based on their founder’s vast knowledge as an herbalist, esthetician, and aromatherapist. Not only will you find skincare, but you can also find essential oils, teas, and honey, among other things that promote health and wellness.
Original Mineral isn't all organic, but it is cleaner than most products. They focus on formulating products by removing harsh chemicals and using active minerals to replenish without damaging the hair.
Acure Organics is a family owned and operated company that has been around since 2011. The company’s owner, Kristy Guerra, was driven to start Acure after her grandmother suffered from breast cancer for 10 years. As a result, Kristy’s mission has been to create products made without harmful additives or chemicals, so you can enjoy without worry! She is also devoted to raising money for breast cancer research.
It’s hard to choose a favorite product from their website, but if I had to choose, I would say their radically rejuvenating facial scrub and their vivacious volume shampoo might be my favorites. Don’t take my word for it; check them out yourself and discover why they made my best natural beauty products list!
Loma is a hair care line that focuses on sourcing, formulating, manufacturing, and filling all their products in house. Every ingredient chosen is carefully investigated to ensure that there are no traces of harmful toxins. I can't say enough good things about this company and use their products daily.
Devita thrives on creating naturally-sourced, good-for-your-skin products that deliver results. And they do! Two of my favorite products are the rose toner and evening rich moisturizer!
Andalou's is the first brand to achieve non-GMO verified product status. They understand that GMO crops and pesticides create conflict with the health and well-being of a person. It's always been hard for me to find a natural conditioner that has some slip for detangling, but theirs does the trick every time! I also really love their apricot cleansing milk and their rose moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.