As of late I have been making the maj switch to all things natural.

I.E. I’ve started oil pulling (duh- read about that journey here & here), sticking to all organic foods/ anything labeled GMO-free, & swapping out all my beauty products for more natural alternatives– even DIY ones such as my all time fave brush cleaner.

I mean, I’ve got one body, so why not treat as best as I possibly can. Seems like a no brainer to me…

… especially after reading up on how how toxic our everyday beauty products actually are!! My new rule of thumb– if I can’t spell it or say it, I ain’t buying it. Lemme break it down for you on which ingredients I am suggesting you don’t touch w/ a 10 foot pole.

1. Parabens:: one of the most popular ingredients in beauty products as it helps to prevent bacteria & mold. Which sounds lovely, but it also does more than just that. Parabens have estrogen properties that get absorbed through the skin & have been said to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer & tumors.

2. Synthetic Colors:: Look at your products label & if you see FD&C or D&C, put it down and move on. Those letters mean there are artificial colors in the product, which come from petroleum– aka human carcinogens & skin irritants.

3. Fragrance:: So you see the word “fragrance” on your label, but what does that even mean? No clue– what chemicals have been mixed together to make that “fragrance”. Who the hell knows, but it has been linked to allergies/ skin issues/ breathing issues/ & even effects on the reproductive system. Thanks but no thanks.

4. Phthalates:: another popular chemical grouping used in majority of beauty products. They have been linked to breast cancer & birth defects. Sometimes Phthalates aren’t even listed as they are a part of those fabulous “fragrances”. YIKES!

5. Triclosan:: This pretty little ingredient is used mainly as an antimicrobial chemical, but hs been said to mess with thyroids, reproductive hormones, & your skin.

6. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)/ Sodium Laureth Sulfate:: These beauties are found in pretty much 90% of all personal care products that FOAM (i.e. shamps). They are most commonly known to bother skin/ lungs/ & eyes, but can also mix with other chemicals to turn into a lovely little carcinogen.

7. Formaldehyde:: Also meant to help prevent the growth of bacteria, but also a human carcinogen that is linked to a handful of not-so-fun cancers.

8. Toluene:: This petrochemical comes from either petroleum or tar (ew ew ew.)! Toluene is actually a solvent strong enough to dissolve paint & can harm your respiratory system. If breathed in my an expectant mama, it can also cause developmental disorders in the baby.

9. Propylene Glycol:: typically used as a skin conditioning agent, this alcohol can actually irritate & penetrate the skin.

10. Sunscreen Chemicals:: so you want to protect your skin, but in reality your sunscreen could be giving you quite a bit of damage. Sunscreen chemicals are meant to soak in UV light, but in turn are absorbed in the body & can cause cellular damage as well as cancer. Don’t give up sunscreen, but please- find a natural one.

It’s near impossible to avoid EVERY chemical known to man, but this list is a good starting point! Educate yourself people, or atleast let me do it for ya.

& you can find all of my current fave natural beauty products HERE!!.

xx, E