Whether you are making the switch to non-toxic beauty or just looking for more budget-friendly options to replace what you already have, I’m here to give you a mom’s guide to affordable non-toxic beauty!
Making the switch to non-toxic beauty can feel overwhelming and time consuming. Where do I start? What makes something non-toxic? What ingredients are very important to avoid? I felt that way just a few short years ago when I began switching my make-up and beauty products to clean options. As a busy mom myself I know how helpful it can be to have someone just give you the bottom line of what you should use and which toxins are actually bad. Affordable, non-toxic beauty is something that I feel so passionately about because I feel that these basic products should be available to everyone! If you want to know what products you can easily change to, I have put together a list of my tried and true, favorite clean beauty brands that won’t break the bank.
A Mom’s Guide To: Affordable Non-Toxic Beauty
When I began researching non-toxic beauty products I came to learn that there are so many toxic chemicals in most make up and skin care products that we use. Unfortunately, there are minimal laws in the United States that regulate the skincare and cosmetic industry, therefore many carcinogenic ingredients are allowed in these products. Here are just a few carcinogens found in beauty products…
Shampoo and moisturizers: Parabens
Even if you are new to the clean beauty world, this is most likely a chemical you have heard of. Parabens are in make up, shampoos and moisturizers and are used as a preservative to prevent bacteria and mold from forming. These are endocrine disrupters that can affect hormones and may lead to birth and reproductive problems. You can read much more information on parabens on the EWG site here.
Nail polish and hair products: Formaldehyde
We have all heard of this and know it sounds scary, but you will still find it in beauty products. Not only is it in nail polish and hair straightening products, but also in skincare and lotions.
Deodorant, shampoo and makeup: Cyclotetrasiloxane
This long scientific-sounding word is something you will probably read right over in an ingredient list, but it is a chemical you will find in hundreds of beauty products. You will see it deodorant, shampoo, waterproof mascara, foundation, concealer and lipstick just to name a few! This chemical is banned EU due to the potential problem of affecting fertility.
Sunscreen: Oxybenzone
This is a chemical found in many sunscreens and also the most troublesome. According to the EWG and studies cited there, this “causes allergic skin reactions, may behave like an endocrine disruptor, and is potentially of greater harm to children”. Oxybenzone may increase risk of breast cancer and endometriosis as well, according to four 2020 studies by the FDA. There is so much more about this chemical that is harmful that can all be read here.
Cosmetic powders and eyeshadow: Talc
You may have heard of the use of talc in baby powders, but did you know it is also found in loose cosmetic powders and eyeshadow as well? The problem with talc is that it comes from the same parent rock as asbestos so it is easy for these beauty products to be contaminated with that deadly carcinogen. Beauty companies have known that talc can contain asbestos since the 1950’s, however, they are still allowed continued use of the chemical claiming they will “regulate it on their own”.
So, what are the best non toxic make up brands and products out there that are made without all of these harmful ingredients? Here are my tried and true favorite beauty products that all come in at under $25!
If you are looking for another great resource on non-toxic beauty I highly recommend checking out the EGW’s website, Skin Deep.
