Switching and Ditching Part 1- Hygeine and Household Products
Since becoming diagnosed with autoimmune diseases and other endocrine issues 7 months after Gabriel was born (I had been sick long before but had not known), it’s been one knock down after the other. So much exhaustion, medicine, doctor appointments, hospital visits, anxiety, being worried for my baby girl (when I was pregnant), and you name it... A few months back I started researching the everyday products I use and their ingredients. Shampoo, conditioner, makeup, deodorant, perfumes, food, detergent, soaps, etc. They were all MAJOR endocrine disruptors, and harmful in general!! Since then we have switched and ditched! Don’t get me wrong, we aren’t perfectly strict and we slip up from time to time. It gets difficult to stay on perfect track when we are out of the house. I guess I just wanted to share with y’all the major eye opener this has been for me and my family. Start being conscious of what you use on your body and what you consume. It really does matter. Consider downloading the Think Dirty App and the EWG App.
I have done extensive research on the subject and sought help from a dear friend of mine who also lives a healthier lifestyle. Switching to safer products can be so overwhelming! No worries, though. I’m here to help you!
This post is not sponsored in any way. These are just the products my family uses!
Let’s cover the basic hygiene and home products, shall we?
Deodorant
If you switch anything, it should be your deodorant! Antiperspirants have aluminum in them and have been linked to breast cancer. While deodorant alone doesn’t have aluminum, most deodorants on the market are antiperspirant/deodorant combinations. Aluminum blocks the sweat glands to prevent you from sweating. The body is meant to sweat, that is how it gets rid of toxins! When you prevent your body from purging these toxins, the toxins remain in your lymph nodes. Yikes! Switching over to natural deodorant can be a process. You may have to do a “detox” so that your natural deodorant is effective. Personally, I did not do a detox. I simply did not wear deodorant for about 4-5 days (yuck, I know). This allowed me to sweat all of the toxins out. I first used Schmidt’s natural deodorant, but my underarms were sensitive to the formula. So, I switched to Native Deodorant. My favorite scent is the Cucumber Mint. I’ve been using this deodorant about 6 months or so, and I love it! It’s safe and effective. My husband uses the Schmidt’s Charcoal and Magnesium Deodorant and it is gentle enough for him and also effective. If you notice that your natural deodorant is not effective, you should try a natural detox. A recipe for one is:
1tbsp Bentonite Clay
1tsp Apple cider vinegar
1tsp water
Mix until paste forms and apply to your underarms for about 10-20 minutes. Remove if it stings. (disclaimer- not my recipe) Do this once a day for about 5 days.
This will help pull out all of the toxins. It would be a good idea to do this regardless.
Perfume
I really like the Skylar perfume products. I recommend trying their sample box. I loved all of the scents, so it is really hard to decide on a favorite!
Body Wash
I love, love, love the Native Body Wash. I use the same scent as my deodorant, Cucumber Mint.
They also have bar soaps.
Shampoo and Conditioner
The best natural shampoo and conditioner that I’ve come across is Acure. It has safe ingredients, but still lathers nicely. I do most of my shopping at target, and it’s found there. Easily accessible is a plus, and it’s cheap!
Dry Shampoo
I make my own by using arrow root powder, cacao powder, and cinnamon. You can find the exact recipe on the Switching and Ditching- Part 2 blog. This is the same recipe as my face powder.
Face Wash
You’re fixing to realize that I use Branch Basics for so many things! I purchase the large concentrate bottle to mix different dilution ratios for different purposes. For my face wash, I use the hand wash ratio. You can find the ratios on the Branch Basics website.
Face Toner
Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner.
Face Moisturizer
Tooth Paste
My husband and I use Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Pepermint Natural Toothpaste. It’s fluoride free. My toddler uses Hello Kids Natural Watermelon Flouride Free Toothpaste.
Hand Wash
Branch Basics.
Diapers
We usually switch between Seventh Generation or Pampers Pure. The Pampers are definitely softer, so if I had to choose a favorite I would go with them! The cheapest, healthier option.
Baby Wipes
Baby Body Wash, Lotion, Diaper Cream, Eczema Cream, Sun Screen
I’m all for Tubby Todd. Check out their website for safe and amazing products! I love their Natural All Over Ointment.
Laundry
We have a four month subscription to Dropps! They are cheap and effective. My husband has a physically demanding job, we work outside, and we workout. The Dropps cleans our clothes and they never smell!
I don’t use dryer sheets, I use wool dryer balls. You can add essential oils to them, too.
All Purpose Cleaner and Mopping Solution
Branch Basics for the win again!!
Disinfectant Spray
Force of Nature HANDS DOWN! I feel like such a science nerd when I watch the electrolyzer appliance work! It is made from water, vinegar, and salt. When put into an electrolyzer, the chemical composition changes to completely new ingredients: Hypochlorous Acid.
From their website: “family-friendly, multi-purpose cleaner that replaces kitchen, bath, glass cleaners, disinfectants & deodorizers. It’s on the EPA’s list of Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.”
Dish Detergent
Dropps.
Makeup
Two great natural makeup brands are W3ll People and Beauty Counter! I use W3ll People for foundation and concealer, and Beauty Counter for their liquid eyeliner. I use Physicians Formula Organic Wear Natural Mascara, since it’s so much cheaper than others, and still great. All of my other makeup products are homemade!
This a must have in your home! You’ll quickly realize how useful it is. To name a few uses: lotion, massage oil, lubricants (natural oils break down latex condoms- be cautious), carrier oil for essential oils, soothe irritated skin, hair care, chapped lips, DIY recipes, and natural makeup remover!
These are the main products we use daily, so they should be clean. Your skin is your biggest organ, take care of it! Happy switching and ditching!
Part 2: Switching and Ditching Part 2- Makeup