6 Tips for Choosing Safer Personal Care Products
Shopping for personal care products — like lotions, soaps, sunscreens, and deodorants — can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make healthier choices. With so many labels, ingredients, and marketing buzzwords, it’s hard to know what’s actually safe for your skin and body.
Here are six simple tips to help you navigate personal care products with more confidence and care.
1. Start with Simple Alternatives
One of the easiest ways to avoid questionable ingredients is to go back to basics. Natural oils, butters, and other plant-based ingredients can work beautifully with your skin and hair. Think shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and jojoba oil. These options are often gentler and less processed than commercial products — and they’re usually more sustainable, too.
2. Check for Organic Certifications
Look for products labeled “USDA Organic” or “Made with organic ingredients.” These certifications indicate that the product contains mostly organic, plant-based ingredients, and typically fewer synthetic chemicals or preservatives. While organic doesn’t always mean completely toxin-free, it's a step in the right direction for cleaner, more transparent skincare.
3. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Many conventional personal care products contain ingredients that may raise health concerns. These include:
Triclosan and triclocarban (often found in antibacterial soaps)
Parabens (used as preservatives)
Phthalates (used to make fragrances last longer)
Fragrance (a catch-all term that can hide dozens of unlisted chemicals)
These ingredients have been linked to hormonal disruption and allergic reactions. When in doubt, scan the label and steer clear of anything you can’t recognize or pronounce easily.
4. Say No to Microbeads
Some soaps and scrubs still use microbeads — tiny plastic particles that don’t break down in the environment. Once washed down the drain, they can absorb toxic chemicals and become harmful to marine life (and potentially, humans too). Choose scrubs that use natural exfoliants like sugar, salt, or ground seeds instead.
5. Choose Safer Sunscreens
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some chemical UV filters like benzophenone or octyl methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) may pose environmental risks and have potential hormonal effects. Look for mineral-based sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead — they’re often gentler on your skin and better for coral reefs.
6. Repel Bugs Naturally
To keep bugs away without loading up on synthetic chemicals, try CDC-approved lemon eucalyptus oil. It’s a natural alternative that has been proven effective. If you’re using DEET, opt for products containing only 20–30% DEET — higher concentrations don’t necessarily mean better protection and may increase irritation risk.
Final Thoughts
Making safer choices for your skin and the planet doesn’t have to be complicated. By simplifying your routine, reading labels, and staying mindful of ingredients, you can build a more sustainable and health-conscious personal care regimen.
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