Why Its Worth Switching to Safer Personal Care Products and What I Am Using Now
Is it worth switching to non-toxic and cleaner beauty products?
YES!
But don't take my word for it- a study conducted not too long ago followed teenaged girls that used conventional cosmetic and personal care products and had them switch to
cosmetic products, shampoos and soaps that DO NOT contained phthalates and parabens.
After just 3 days the levels of these hormone-disrupting chemicals in the bodies of these teenage girls plunged ( by up to 44%!) - just by making the switch.
These hormone mimicking chemicals are especially dangerous when you are pregnant and during prepuberty and puberty - these periods are called windows of susceptibility and - in a nutshell- it is when we are more vulnerable to the effects of chemicals.
As the study proved, while there are chemicals that will accumulate inside of our bodies and stay there for years, many of the most common and harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals (like parabens, phthalates and bisphenols) can be eliminated from your system quickly - which is great news! Small switches will make an impact in you and your family's body's chemical load.
Because I always get asked what do I use at home - here is a list of what we are currently using. I am working on developing a Non-Toxic Munchkin approved store where you can shop all non-toxic products that I have investigated and used and approved - I hope to get that up and running over the summer so check back soon!
Shampoo/ Conditioner
Rahua:
I have color treated hair and have been using Rahua's shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair since it launched. It is hard to find a non-toxic shampoo that does not overdry color treated hair so this has worked well for now.... I cut my hair at a very well known and very good hair salon in Beverly Hills and they also often use Rahua!
Amazon Beauty Rahua Color Full Shampoo 275 ml
Rahua by Amazon Beauty Rahua Conditioner, 275 ml
Another amazing alternative with good ingredients and truly leaves my hair shiny. Their scents come from a blend of essential oils.
EvolvH SmartCurl Hydrating Wash
Very simple ingredients and plastic free packaging are a win for this one. Safe for the whole family (but be careful with little ones eyes!)
Body Wash
WE started using their prebiotic body wash last year and its all we use now. I find it is less drying than other non-toxic body washes
Dr Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner's is a go to for everything. It is pure, and I absolutely love the almond scent. My boys don't love it, but my husband and I used to use it as our main body wash for years. When I travel or run out of Aleavia I use Dr Bronners because I always have it on hand and its so easy to source in stores!
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Liquid Soap - Baby Unscented 32oz.
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap - Almond 32oz.
Kids Body wash/ Shampoo
My kid’s main go to is Baeo Baby’s bare suds . They use it as a shampoo and as a body wash. I helped the company confirm the safety of ingredients prior to launch and so can vouch for the ingredients. Also their plastic free refillable bottles are better for the environment which I love.
Alaffia: I purchased this after hearing it was Made Safe Approved and very "clean" , My boys hated the smell so we now have it in the guest bathroom (we have had a lot of overnight and extended stay family guests lately)... Once our guests leave I am going to try it out!
Aleavia: the kids use our same body wash because it is so safe and natural they can!
EarthMama Baby Body wash: I love that it is so gentle and also love that it has a better price point than many others!
Hand wash
Aleavia Hand Wash was recently launched and we are using it at home now. Once again, their ingredients are all safe and non-toxic.
Everyone Hand Soap, Meyer Lemon plus Mandarin, 12.75oz, 3 Count
Toothpaste
What to consider avoiding for the littlest children, who tend to swallow their oral care products? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Fluoride, artificial flavor & artificial sweeteners, and triclosan
No fluoride or other worrisome chemicals, Instead they use hydroxyapatite which is essentially what bones are made of and so it helps strengthen our enamel thus protecting teeth without fluoride.
You can use code: 10NONTOXICMUNCHKIN for 10% off.
This was the first toothpaste we used for the kids and my oldest still prefers it. Also great ingredients and no fluoride, triclosan nor artificial flavors/ sweeteners
Other Companies I Like for Personal Care for Kids (lotions, balms etc)
Earth Mama: their line for baby’s and their products for pregnant mamas are amazing
Zoe Organics: i like their diaper and nipple balms
OSEA Malibu: I love their face moisturizers and face cleaners !
I also have my Non-Toxic Baby Essential Guide that has over 25 categories (including multiple categories addressing personal care) available!! You can get it here! Its like a one stop shop for all things (non-toxic) baby!