Clean Beauty Products – How I’m Making Small Changes


It feels like everyone is talking about clean beauty products these days. And I get it. It’s scary when you learn what’s in all of the products you use on an everyday basis. But it’s also incredibly OVERWHELMING to just dump all of your everyday essentials and start over.On the search for clean beauty products

So I’m not doing that. I’m not making a grand gesture and tossing all of my toiletries into the garbage. Instead, I’m slowly replacing items in my bathroom cabinet for cleaner ones. Whenever I run out of an item, I do research, read reviews, and try to find a better, more natural replacement.ย I’m on a mission to find better products that aren’t filled with crap, are at a reasonable price point, and actually work! Because this 30-year-old ain’t got time for ineffective products…Finding clean beauty products for your skin

Bridget has shared her journey to find a good skincare routine and she is still in the midst of that (and plans to report back soon!) She was basically going from using nothing on her face, so she is slowly figuring out what she likes! You can read more about her experience in this post and this one too.

On a Quest for Clean Beauty ProductsSearching for clean beauty products for skincare and lotion

While Bridget is more focused on just her skincare, I’m focusing on every toiletry item in my bathroom cabinet. As I run out of every item (lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant), I’m going to do my best to replace it with something better. And I’ll be sure to report back right here on the blog with my finds.

A few weeks ago, I brought this up to you guys in Insta Stories and the response was overwhelming. You guys are passionate about this stuff and I loved polling you about your favorite brands and products. I also shared the “scores” a few of my products received on the Think Dirty app and EWG.org. (0 being the best, 10 the worst).ย Looking for clean alternatives to these products

Disclaimer: Please take these ratings with a grain of salt. As a few readers have pointed out, these apps are not the end all be all for rating clean products. In fact, I saw a few products on the Think Dirty app multiple times…all with different scores! So while they’re helpful, you need to always do your own research. Plus, it’s always a good idea to visit your dermatologist for a true chat about skincare. They’re professionals and can point you in the right direction when it comes to this stuff!

So let’s chat about the first products I’m replacing from my bathroom cabinet…

Body LotionFinding a cleaner alternative for aveeno body lotion

What I’ve Used: I’m the kinda girl who always has to put lotion on when I get out of the shower. If I don’t, my skin is just begging for it! In the past, I’ve always just reached for what was on sale at the grocery store (i.e. Jergens or Aveeno). I recently ran out of this body lotion and it prompted me to try to find a better replacement.

Score: This Aveeno lotion scored a 4 on ewg.org and an 8 on Think Dirty. So that just shows you that you can’t get too wrapped up in the ratings.

Body Lotion Recommendations: Here are some of the body lotion products you guys recommended…

My Body Lotion PickUsing Dr. Bronner's organic virgin coconut oil as body lotion

I ended up buying coconut oil because SO MANY of you guys recommended it! In fact, you guys said it to use as a body lotion and a makeup remover. Who knew?! I’ll report back on how things go. I’m mostly nervous about feeling greasy when I put my clothes on after I shower, but we shall see…

Makeup RemoverPond's cold cream makeup remover

What I’ve Used:ย I’ve ALWAYS used Pond’s cold cream to take my makeup off. I remember being a little girl and watching my mom get ready for bed and using this (she still uses it!). It works wonderfully for me and doesn’t dry out my skin.

Score:ย Here’s another one with different ratings. A 4 on ewg.org and an 8 on Think Dirty.

Makeup Remover Recommendations: Here are some of the makeup removers you guys recommended…

My Makeup Remover Pickglossier milk jelly cleanser

I ended up buying the milky jelly cleanser from Glossier! It should work as both a face wash and a makeup remover, so 2 in 1 works for me! I just purchased the mini size, so I can give it a try before I fully commit. I’m also going to see how well coconut oil works to take my makeup off (lots of you mentioned doing that.) I’m not going to ditch my cold cream just yet, either. I’ll wait to see if this product does the job first (because no one likes the look of raccoon eyes!).

Face WashClean and clear foaming cleanser

What I’ve Used:ย I wash my face in the morning and at night, and I’ve always used different brands. I’ve never found a face wash that I absolutely love. 2-3 times a week, I use this Skinceuticals exfoliating face wash that I absolutely love. My facialist recommended it to me to keep blackheads at bay and I absolutely love it (but it’s definitely not a twice a day thing).

Score: This clean & clear cleanser scored a 5 on ewg.org and a whopping 10 on Think Dirty!

Face Wash Recommendations: Here are some of the face wash products you guys recommended…

My Face Cleanser Pickglossier milky jelly cleanser

As I mentioned above, I’m planning to use the Glossier cleanser for both makeup removal and a face wash. I’ll also stick with my Skinceuticals exfoliating wash a few times a week.

Night CreamOlay regenerist night cream

What I’ve Used:ย I didn’t really wear a “night cream” until about a year ago when I started to think more about skincare. Turning 30 will do that to you. But I’ve always loved Olay products and I picked up this one and have used it for at least 6 months. I’ve really liked it and it’s super moisturizing (which my dry skin craves!). However, I just ran out and would love to replace it with something better!

Score:ย This scored a 7 on ewg.org and an 8 on Think Dirty.

Night Cream Recommendations: Here are some of the night creams/oils/serums you guys recommended…

My Night Cream & Serum PicksCerave night cream as a clean beauty productHere’s where I really splurged…I ended up getting both a night cream and a serum. One of our readers actually convinced me to go this route because her husband is a dermatologist! She said that while creams are good, it’s really all about the serums. So don’t go for a super expensive night cream, instead, splurge on your serum! Cerave skin renewing night creamI purchased this CeraVe night cream because it’s a great price point, and then I splurged on this serum from Beautycounter. Beautycounter vitamin c serumWhile I’m not pregnant, I did want to buy a serum that would be safe to use during pregnancy so this pricey bottle wouldn’t just sit on my shelf. This one is safe and I’m excited to use it!

Clean Beauty Products – Brands you Recommend

You guys also recommended some brands to check out if you’re looking to up your clean beauty product game.

How to choose clean beauty products

I’ll be sure to report back and let you guys know how it all goes! And when I have another toiletry item to replace, I’m sure I’ll ask for more advice on Insta Stories.

I’m sure I missed lots of amazing brands & clean beauty products, so feel free to share your favorites in the comments below!

Casey


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.