6 Clean Beauty Swaps That Actually Work (And Why I Chose Them)

If you've ever stood in the beauty aisle feeling completely overwhelmed by "clean" labels, you're not alone. I have scrutinized many products over the past decade as well as tested those that initially met my ingredient standards. Over the years, these standards have changed because I'm no longer depending on marketing tactics, but it's still been a frustrating struggle to find the right products that work for my family—as frustrating as it is for any other consumer looking for the truly clean products on the market.

Wondering what this looks like for me on a weekly basis?

Two weeks ago, I stumbled upon a beauty brand that looks clean and packages in more sustainable packaging - that's a win, right?! But their process of finding quality ingredients isn't openly disclosed and I'd like to know if they do third party testing. So I'm sending an email.

This week I went to a household product's page based on a Facebook ad, only to find that the ingredient label contained classes of ingredients rather than a full and transparent list of what they actually use. Needless to say, I sent an email to see if they'd share more details.

Here is the most important thing I've learned through the past eight years of research: you don't need to overhaul your entire routine overnight. Swapping one or two products at a time can cause major reductions in your overall body toxicity and lead to noticeably improved health!

But where should you start? Not all swaps are created equal. Because your skin is your largest organ and absorbs what you put on it, the biggest impact areas for clean swaps follow a specific hierarchy: body first, face next, lips third. Your body represents the largest surface area for absorption; your face (and head) gets the most daily exposure; and your lips are the gateway to ingestion.

I seek to be as openly transparent as I want companies to be with me: I love Crunchi enough to advocate for them. They're the first company that I've seen be truly transparent and factual on their website and in their answers to clients and their advocate field. But I will always educate first, and I have tried other reputable brands. Where I've found a good product, I've shared it below.

Transparency Note: Some of the brands mentioned below are affiliate partners, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through their links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the time and resources I pour into researching and testing products. I only ever recommend brands and products I genuinely believe in and use myself.

This is an abridged toxin-free list, focused on six swaps that help elevate and beautify your everyday routine. For a more detailed list, consider checking out my Facebook group, The Joyous Beauty Community.

1. Sun Care (Face & Body)

What it replaces: Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, and others, which absorb into the bloodstream and act as endocrine disruptors.

Why it matters: As we start, let's get one thing straight: the sun isn't the enemy. We need sensible sun exposure for vitamin D synthesis and overall well-being. Many people flock to tanning beds in order to receive a mental boost to their day, and while tanning beds have their own risks it's easy to understand why those of us who cannot get outside more frequently would seek to use them. Safe sun exposure is that good for us!

However, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation without some protection is the primary environmental cause of skin cancer and premature skin aging. This is where sunscreen comes in—not as a shield to hide from the sun, but as a smart tool to mitigate harm when exposure is unavoidable. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is the number one most effective, scientifically proven preventer of skin aging because it protects against both UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and cause the genetic damage that leads to wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity, and possibly skin cancers.

Legal and Safety Note: In the United States, all legitimate sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the FDA. This means they must undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy before receiving approval. Any product making sun protection claims that hasn't undergone this process and doesn't come in a proper drug facts carton should be avoided or researched thoroughly. This is not medical advice, but a note on consumer safety and regulatory standards.

Why I chose these: The key is choosing a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen. "Broad-spectrum" indicates the product protects against both cancer- and aging-causing UVA rays and burning UVB rays. I've prioritized mineral options (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) which the FDA has cleared as safe and effective for topical use, and which are less likely to cause hormonal disruption than the many chemical filters on the market. Here are options that fit every lifestyle so you'll actually use them.

• Crunchi: This is my daily driver for face and body. Both the Sunlight Facial SPF 30 and the Sunlight Body SPF 30 rub in clear and leave no greasy residue; and the body SPF doubles as a moisturizing base for flawless sunkissed skin all summer long. The Tinted Sunlight Facial SPF is a standout for those who need multi-functioning products. All of Crunchi's sunscreen products are EWG verified and undergo strict third party-testing for gluten and heavy metals. A little goes a long way!
• All Good: Their classic mineral lotion is a fantastic, EWG-verified choice for the body. When you need a spray option for quick reapplication, their sport spray is a clean, reliable choice. I have a girlfriend who absolutely loves this for sun protection for her very active kids when they play outdoor sports!
• Babo Botanicals: Perfect for on-the-go face application. Swipe it across the cheeks and nose without getting sunscreen hands. They even have a baby line for those who have extra-sensitive skin needs.
• Primally Pure: Don't forget your lips! Their lip SPF protects a highly vulnerable area from sun damage. This formula is free from seed oils and uses deeply restorative beef tallow (see note below).

Who it's not for: If you have a deeper skin tone, some mineral formulas can still leave a faint cast. Crunchi's formula is the most cosmetically elegant I've found, but you may need to experiment with blending techniques. Tinted options are specifically designed to help mitigate this. Furthermore, if you have very minimal daily sun exposure, a daily SPF might feel optional; consider your lifestyle, skin tone, and personal health history when making this choice.

An Educational Note on Sun Protective Factor (SPF)

When it comes to SPF, higher numbers don't always mean better protection. An SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 blocks about 98%—a marginal difference that doesn't justify the potential risks. To achieve these ultra-high ratings, many brands rely on chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and homosalate, which the FDA has flagged as lacking sufficient safety data and have been linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation. For everyday use, a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 is a smarter, safer choice that provides excellent protection without the potential health risks associated with the chemicals often needed to push the SPF number higher.

I often get asked if mixing a separate sunscreen with foundation by hand is as effective. This simply isn't the case. When an SPF product is mixed with something else, it dilutes the formula and compromises its SPF rating, making it less effective. It is best, then to either use sunscreen before applying primer and foundation, as it acts as a barrier that sits on the surface of the skin to protect it against UV damage; or to use a dedicated tinted sunscreen, which provides both reliable protection and light coverage in one step.

After-Sun Care for When You Need It

Sunscreen is prevention; after-sun care is repair. If you get too much sun, the goal is to calm inflammation and support the skin's natural healing process.

• Straight from the Plant: The best after-sun remedy is often the simplest. Break off a piece of a live aloe vera leaf, slice it open, and apply the cool, clear gel directly to the skin. It's unmatched for soothing burns and delivering hydration.
• All Good: This gel is a lifesaver after a day in the sun. It's formulated with aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea to instantly cool and soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and discomfort without any harsh chemicals.
• Babo Botanicals: For a lighter touch, this soothing spray is perfect. It delivers a fine mist of aloe, calendula, and watermelon to rehydrate and calm the skin, making it especially useful for kids or for covering larger areas like the back and shoulders.
• Rowe Casa Organics: Rowe Casa offers two fantastic options for post-sun care. Their After Sun Spray is a refreshing and cooling formula that alleviates pain and inflammation, made with organic aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile to soothe and refresh the skin. It also contains unique ingredients like Organic Cold Pressed Prickly Pear Seed Oil, which is rich in antioxidants, and French Seaweed to hydrate, plus menthol oil for an instant cooling sensation. For more targeted relief, their After Sun Balm is a restorative and soothing must-have for sunburned or chapped skin. It calms the sting and heat with a nourishing blend of organic raw shea butter, coconut oil, and sea buckthorn oil. This two-product system covers all your bases, from a light, cooling mist to a deep, healing balm.
• Beauty By Earth: These sunless tanners have become a beloved staple in the clean beauty community by perfectly solving the need for a safe, effective sunless tan. Their products are celebrated for delivering a natural, bronze glow without any orange tones, all while using a genuinely clean formula free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. People love that they can trust the transparent, cruelty-free brand to provide a streak-free application with skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe and shea butter, making it the go-to recommendation for anyone wanting a healthy glow without compromising on safety or dealing with the harsh chemicals found in conventional tanners.

In transparency, I have not yet tried many sunless tanners or after sun-care products outside of an aloe plant. Those I've recommended I've selected based on EWG reviews and recommendations from several friends. I plan on testing them for myself this summer. Stay tuned for an update on my thoughts.

A Note on Beef Tallow

While it might sound unconventional, grass-fed beef tallow is a traditional skin care remedy making a comeback. It's rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and its fatty acid profile is remarkably similar to our skin's own sebum, making it an incredibly nourishing and reparative balm for skin that's been stressed by the sun. It's a fantastic option for deep, long-lasting moisture and barrier support after sun exposure.

• Rapha Blends: Rapha Blends offers a beautiful tallow and honey balm that combines the nourishing, barrier-repairing properties of grass-fed tallow with the natural humectant and antibacterial benefits of raw honey. It's an especially luxurious and effective option for soothing and rejuvenating sun-parched skin. I have had especially good results with this product for my middle child, whose skin rashes needed an extra-special touch when they got itchy. This is a very healing balm. I'm obsessed with their Original scent of this magnesium-infused product.

A Note on Lavender Oil

While no essential or fatty oil should ever be used as a replacement for a clinically tested sunscreen, they can be powerful allies in after-sun care. The sun's UV rays generate oxidative stress in the skin, leading to damage and inflammation. This is where essential oils truly shine, as many are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help offset these processes and support the skin's natural repair response.

Instead of applying a single oil like neat lavender to a burn, a more effective and evidence-based approach is to use a carefully formulated blend designed for after-sun repair. This ensures the oils are properly diluted and synergistically combined to maximize their benefits. A fantastic example is an after-sun formula devised by aromatherapy expert Robert Tisserand, which combines soothing and antioxidant-rich oils for a highly effective treatment.

For a wonderfully simple and cooling single-ingredient remedy, you can't beat a lavender hydrosol. A hydrosol is the aromatic water produced during steam distillation, making it much gentler and more dilute than the pure essential oil. Keeping a bottle of lavender hydrosol in the fridge and spritzing it on freshly sun-exposed skin provides immediate, soothing relief and helps calm inflammation and redness. It's a perfect, safe way to leverage the benefits of lavender for after-sun care.

For further reading on this use of essential oils in after sun-care, try the Tisserand Institute.

2. Body Care

What it replaces: Conventional body washes, lotions, deodorants, etc., laden with synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol that absorb through your largest organ.

Why it matters: Remember the hierarchy: body first. Because your body has the largest surface area of your largest organ, a toxic body lotion is doing far more damage than a toxic eye cream. Full transparency in body care is non-negotiable. This means brands must not only disclose every single ingredient but also explain why it's there, especially when an ingredient sounds intimidating but is actually safe and essential. A perfect example is sodium hydroxide (lye). While the name sounds harsh, it is the fundamental alkali required for the saponification process that creates true soap. In a high-quality, properly formulated bar, sodium hydroxide is completely consumed during this reaction, leaving behind zero free lye in the final product and resulting in a gentle, effective cleanser.

Every product recommended here has also passed my family's sensitive skin test. With my own dry, chemical-reactive skin and a child who is highly sensitive to various ingredients, I've become a ruthless gatekeeper. If a product causes irritation, redness, or discomfort for either of us, it doesn't make the cut, no matter how "clean" the ingredient list looks.

The Zero-Waste Advantage: Choosing bar soaps and solid lotions is also a vote for the planet. "Zero-waste" means products are packaged without single-use plastics, utilizing materials like 100% recyclable post-consumer paper or cardboard instead. This significantly reduces your contribution to landfills and ocean plastic, creating a positive impact that extends far beyond your own health.

Why I chose these: These brands have passed my rigorous testing for both efficacy and radical transparency.

• Crunchi: Crunchi is my benchmark for body care because they excel in every area. Their Body Bar uses activated charcoal and gentle jojoba powder to detoxify and exfoliate without stripping the skin's moisture barrier; it's my go-to shave option. Their Body Treatment is a lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion that hydrates without feeling greasy, perfect for those days when you're feeling dry. And their Body Oil is a luxurious blend of antioxidants and botanicals that leaves skin soft and glowing. I love using this product on my children straight out of the bath, and often use it myself for a nice "sealant" post-shower. All are packaged in 100% recyclable post-consumer waste paper or infinitely-recyclable aluminum bottle, embodying their commitment to zero-waste solutions.
• Primally Pure: Primally Pure feels like a return to elemental skincare. Their Body Wash lathers beautifully without sulfates, and their Body Oils are hydrating and absorb quickly. But it's their Body Butters that are truly phenomenal—they are luxuriously smooth, rich without being greasy, and leave skin feeling incredibly soft and nourished. Their deodorants are a standout; I love how well they work against body funk. It's the only one that has passed my husband's "stink test" after long workdays, and it outlasts other popular "clean" brands you find in stores. Best of all, it leaves minimal buildup on my laundry, which is a common frustration with natural deodorants.
• Under Luna: For those who prefer a plant-based cleanser, Under Luna's offering is a fantastic choice. It's a gentle, plant-based formula that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it a perfect option for my family's sensitive skin. What I appreciate most is its commitment to simplicity and purity, using high-quality, recognizable ingredients that get the job done without any unnecessary additives or synthetic fragrances. It lathers beautifully and leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean and soft, not tight or irritated.
• Rowe Casa Organics: Rowe Casa offers luxurious, herb-infused body lotions that feel deeply therapeutic. Their formulations often include botanical extracts and essential oils aimed at specific concerns, like their Skin Smoothe Body Cream, or their Vanilla + Cocoa Body Butter, which you can practically smell through the screen, making them a wonderful choice for targeted, natural body care.
• Each & Every: Finding a clean deodorant that actually works is a major hurdle. Each & Every has mastered this with their simple, effective formulas powered by probiotics and natural ingredients. They offer an impressive range of scents and are completely free of baking soda, aluminum, and parabens. I love how these deodorants come in trial sizing. They last a long time and have great wear.
• Queen of the Thrones: Not a traditional moisturizer, but a staple for holistic body care. Their 100% organic castor oil is perfect for dry brushing, castor oil packs to support lymphatic flow, and as an intensive treatment for dry patches or cuticles. It's a powerful, multi-purpose tool in any clean routine. I make my own skin oil blend with this castor oil and love what it does for the tone and youthful appearance of my skin; and often combine its application with dry brushing.

Who it's not for: If you prefer heavily fragranced, fruity body butters with synthetic scents, these clean options will smell much more subtle and earthy. Your nose will adjust, but it takes a few weeks of detoxing from synthetic perfumes to appreciate the subtle beauty of natural aromatics.

About Pit Detoxing

When switching from an antiperspirant or chemically deodorant to one that is natural, your body needs time to adjust. Antiperspirants block pores with aluminum, trapping sweat and toxins. When you stop using them, your body purges those built-up toxins, which can lead to a temporary period of increased odor and wetness lasting 3-4 weeks, sometimes longer. This is where a pit detox can make all the difference. Using a detoxifying mask or scrub on your underarms once or twice a week can help speed up this process, reduce irritation, and balance the skin's microbiome.

Simple Pit Detox Remedies:

• Bentonite Clay Mask: Mix a tablespoon of bentonite clay with enough water or apple cider vinegar to form a paste. Apply a thin layer to clean underarms and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it dries. Rinse off in the shower. The clay helps draw out impurities and toxins from the pores. I like to order bentonite clay from Mountain Rose Herbs.
• Primally Pure Underarm Scrub: If you want a pre-made option, their scrub is fantastic. It combines activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and kaolin clay with organic coconut oil and butters to deeply purify, protect, and deodorize the delicate underarm area, reducing rashes and buildup while balancing sweat and the skin's microbiome.
• DIY Paste: For a simple paste, mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of water to form a paste. Gently scrub your underarms and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. This can help neutralize odor and exfoliate the skin. Although I have tried this, I personally prefer bentonite clay because I'm sensitive to baking soda products.

3. Skincare Hybrid Makeup

What it replaces: Foundations, blushes, primers and other products that sit on top of the skin, clog pores, and offer zero skincare benefits, all while being delivered in packaging that can leach toxins into the formula.

Why my trust is reserved for one brand: Let's be honest: the "clean beauty" market is a minefield of misleading claims. It's a staggering reality that more than 70% of CEOs admit to suspecting that their companies greenwash. Even worse, nearly every brand that markets itself as "better for you" still includes common toxins linked to hormonal disruption and long-term health issues. This is why, after years of scrutiny and countless disappointments, my trust is reserved almost exclusively for Crunchi.

In ten years, they have never wavered from their uncompromising standards. They don't just market clean; they build it from the ground up. This means using high-quality, clean ingredients that are as efficacious as they are safe, and packaging that won't infuse their clean formulations with additional endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They dig deep into the science behind every single ingredient, which is why they aren't afraid to selectively use a few synthetic ingredients known to be safe for top performance standards, rather than make the misleading claim that they are entirely "natural." They examine every manufacturer and manufacturing standard before committing to a product—hence why it took them seven years to formulate a foundation, because no one would meet their uncompromising expectations.

They furthermore third-party test every single batch to ensure there's no gluten contamination, that heavy metal standards are well below EU-recommended levels, and they are even pioneering ways to detect PFAS in their products for an even higher level of safety. Their commitment to the rigorous EWG verified process for consumer peace-of-mind is simply the final seal on a brand that does the hard work so we don't have to.

Crunchi started with cosmetics designed to work as both skincare and makeup, and their growing line reflects that philosophy perfectly. This isn't just another company hopping on a trend. I knew that when my dry, overly sensitive skin was able to wear their foundation without developing a constant itch, I was hooked.

Why I love these:

• Tinted SPF & Beautifully Flawless Foundation: The Tinted SPF is my go-to for "no-makeup" days, providing sheer coverage and reliable sun protection in one step. When I need more coverage for events or long days, the Beautifully Flawless Foundation builds beautifully without looking cakey or feeling heavy, all while nourishing the skin. I adore the tremella mushroom extract in the foundation, the East's long-time secret for beauty and deeper hydration within the skin. I pair either of these with a shade of My Alibi Concealer to hide those dark circles that early mornings and motherhood give me, loving how well it acts as an eye primer for my eyeshadow too.
• Cheekmate Liquid Blush: A tiny drop of this blends seamlessly and gives a natural, healthy flush without the synthetic dyes found in conventional blushes. It melts into the skin and looks like you're actually glowing from within. I will often mix the shades Guava and Pomegranate together for a gorgeous rosy hue.
• Smart Primer: The Smart Primer was Crunchi's first skincare product. Packed full of soothing aloe, this is a silky, lightweight primer that creates a smooth canvas for makeup while improving your skin with antioxidants and protective ingredients. It packs a redness-fighting punch too, and can help melt in powder products for a more natural, flawless finishing touch.
• Liquid Highlighter: Their Liquid Highlighter is phenomenal—it gives you a dewy, lit-from-within glow without the chunky glitter of traditional highlighters, and it's packed with skincare ingredients that hydrate and plump the skin.

Who it's not for: If you need a very wide shade range, Crunchi is still expanding their color cosmetics. However, their commitment to this expansion is unwavering, and the quality of their existing formulas is worth the wait for those still looking for their perfect match. They welcome questions and suggestions through their contact page.

If you're still looking for other suggested brands, many clean influencers will recommend Ilia or REM Beauty. I personally will not use these brands for reasons related to ingredient standards, but that's me. I always advise that consumers be educated in order to make the choice that works best for them! (See note below.)

A Note on Certifications & Resources

Certifications like EWG Verified are an invaluable starting point. They provide a reliable filter, saving you time and giving you an initial layer of confidence in a brand's safety standards. However, they should be viewed as the beginning of your research, not the end result. True consumer empowerment comes from looking beyond the seal.

I encourage you to ask questions: Does the brand publish its full ingredient list? Do they explain their manufacturing standards? Do they offer third-party test results? Send an email to the company and expect a truthful answer – and don't stop until you get a feel for what they stand for. A certification is a great first step, but a brand's unwavering transparency is what earns long-term trust.

RECOMMENDED FREE RESOURCES

These are non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and educational campaigns that provide valuable information, research, and tools to help you become a more conscious consumer. They are not product certifications.

I highly advise that you save these pages to your computer and use them ruthlessly in your own product research:

• The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: A coalition effort to push for stricter regulation and corporate accountability in the beauty industry. Their "Compact for Safe Cosmetics" is a pledge companies can sign, and their website allows you to look up which brands are champions of transparency and safety.
• Think Before You Pink: This campaign, led by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, helps you identify and avoid "pinkwashing"—where companies claim to support breast cancer awareness while simultaneously selling products containing chemicals linked to the disease. It's a crucial tool for demanding genuine corporate responsibility.
• Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP): A leading science-based advocacy organization that works to expose the links between environmental toxins and breast cancer. Their reports and advocacy work are invaluable for understanding which chemicals to avoid and which companies are truly invested in prevention.
• 4Ocean: This non-profit organization is actively removing plastic from the ocean and coastlines. While not a product certification, their website and partnerships allow you to support brands that fund ocean cleanup, making a tangible, measurable impact on the environment. Furthermore, 4Ocean has a third party-verified certification process that enables companies to commit to becoming "plastic neutral", reducing the pollution of our oceans, waterways, and lands.
• Pact Collective: A forward-thinking collective of beauty brands committed to tackling the packaging crisis. They are not a certifier but a membership organization pioneering solutions for hard-to-recycle beauty packaging. Their website is a resource for understanding and participating in a circular economy for beauty.

TRUSTED CERTIFICATIONS

These are seals you can look for directly on product packaging. They indicate that a product or brand has passed rigorous, independent, third-party verification for a specific set of standards related to safety, ethics, or organic integrity. While these seals can improve consumer confidence, it's wise to turn any product you're considering over to examine its ingredients to ensure they're meeting your own beauty, safety, and environmental standards.

• EWG Verified: The gold standard for ingredient safety and transparency. When you see this seal, the Environmental Working Group has thoroughly reviewed the product to ensure it is free from chemicals of concern and meets their strictest health criteria.
• MADE SAFE: This certification screens products against a comprehensive database of known harmful chemicals to ensure they do not contain any ingredients linked to human health issues, ecosystem harm, or aquatic toxicity. It's a powerful indicator of a product's overall safety profile.
• Leaping Bunny: Did you know that a product that is made outside of the US may be required to be tested upon animals? Leaping Bunny is the internationally recognized gold-standard for cruelty-free products. This certification requires brands to prove that neither their products nor their ingredients have been tested on animals at any stage of development, making it far more rigorous than an unverified "cruelty-free" claim.
• ECOCERT: One of the world's first and most prominent organic certification bodies, founded in France. An ECOCERT certification on a beauty product verifies that a high percentage of its ingredients are derived from natural origins and that a significant portion of its plant-based ingredients come from organic farming. It also ensures that the product's formulation and manufacturing process are eco-friendly and free from controversial synthetic ingredients like parabens, phenoxyethanol, and synthetic fragrances.
• COSMOS-ORGANIC: This is a leading global standard for organic cosmetics. To achieve this label, a product must contain a minimum of 20% organic ingredients in the total formula (and 95% in the plant-based ingredients) and must use ingredients from organic farming that promote sustainable agricultural practices. Brands working toward regenerative goals often hold this certification as a foundational step.
• NSF/ANSI 305: This is a key certification for organic personal care products in the United States. It verifies that a product contains at least 70% minimum organic content. Brands like The Organic Skin Co. use this certification and have noted that their move to NSF has helped them increase the organic percentage in many of their products to well over 80%, which directly supports regenerative farming by increasing demand for high-quality organic ingredients.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): This certification is all responsible packaging. When you see the FSC logo on a beauty product's box or other paper materials, it guarantees that the paper comes from forests that are managed responsibly—protecting biodiversity, ensuring the rights of Indigenous peoples, and preventing deforestation. It's a key indicator that a brand's commitment to "clean" extends beyond the formula to the packaging it comes in.

4. Skincare Hero Products for Barrier Rejuvenation

What it replaces: Harsh, stripping acids and "anti-aging" creams that compromise the skin barrier in pursuit of quick fixes.

Brand "Hero Products" and Marketing Hype

In the world of beauty, almost every brand has a "hero product" — that one standout item they market as the solution to all your problems. You know the ones: the serum in the frosted glass bottle, the cream that promises to "turn back the clock," the elixir with a price tag that suggests it holds the secret to eternal youth, the moisturizer that contains gold. While some of these products are genuinely fantastic, the marketing around them is designed to play on our insecurities and distract from what truly matters: a consistent routine that supports your skin's long-term health and beauty.

Remember to be wary. Marketing terminology meant to blind you. Words like "youth-restoring," "repair," or "renew" are often vague and legally meaningless. A product that promises to "erase wrinkles" in a week is either using powerful, potentially irritating actives or simply making an empty claim.

Similarly, don't be fooled by a product's look. A beautiful package, a luxurious texture, or a complex ingredient list with a dozen exotic-sounding botanicals doesn't guarantee efficacy. Sometimes, the most effective products have the simplest formulations. The goal is to see through the hype and choose products that heal, nourish and rejuvenate your skin barrier over time, not just provide a temporary, superficial fix.

Skin Products for Barrier Rejuvenation

These are the products that work from the inside out to strengthen your skin's foundation, improve resilience, and restore a healthy, radiant glow. I love each of these for how they work alone and in conjunction with one another, or with a facial tool (see below).

• Crunchi: Their Peptide Serum signals collagen production and supports the skin's structural matrix with a host of actives, including 13 peptides, which is crucial for long-term firmness and elasticity. The Face Oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nourishing lipids that deeply replenish the skin's moisture barrier, leaving it supple and resilient; it's by far my favorite face oil I've ever used – I've tried a lot of facial oils over the years because I love to give myself a facial massage – absorbs well and smells divine. And their Exfoliator resurfaces gently without the micro-tears and inflammation caused by harsh physical scrubs, promoting a smooth, glass-like complexion without compromising the barrier.
• Primally Pure: Primally Pure's Regenerative Serum is a beautiful blend of botanical oils and extracts that work to support skin cell turnover and calm inflammation, making it ideal for skin that feels stressed or damaged. Sometimes, it's all I use when I need a super quick boost for my skin. Their Masks offer targeted treatments to draw out impurities and deliver concentrated nutrients, helping to reset and rebalance the skin when it needs a boost. I'm particularly obsessed with the Coffee Mask!
• Mount Lai: Mount Lai specializes in luxurious, traditional Chinese medicine-inspired skincare. Their Gua Sha Facial Oil is a standout, specifically formulated to provide the perfect slip for facial massage tools while delivering deep hydration and nourishment with ingredients like seaberry and schisandra. I find this product's scent a little bitter but invigorating, and I appreciate how well it absorbs into the skin, being a lighter-weight oil. It’s a perfect example of a product that supports both the skin barrier and the ritual of self-care.

Although I would recommend one of these products to anyone on a given day, I recognize and have been in the place of one who'd prefer a single carrier oil for face or body care. For this reason, I recommend purchasing carrier oils from Plant Therapy or Mountain Rose Herbs. These companies carry high-quality oils that are carefully crafted, wild-harvested, USDA organic, and/or third party-tested for purity.

Skincare Tools for Barrier Support

True skin longevity isn't just about what you put on your skin; it's also about how you treat it. The right tools are not just accessories—they are active participants in your skin's health that can elevate a simple routine into a transformative ritual. Think of it this way: a high-quality serum delivers the nourishing ingredients, but a facial tool is the delivery system. It enhances product absorption by massaging the potent oils and serums deeper into the epidermis, ensuring they don't just sit on the surface. More importantly, these tools stimulate microcirculation, bringing a fresh flood of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. This increased blood flow is what gives you that immediate, healthy glow that no highlighter can replicate. Finally, they provide a form of physical manipulation that supports the skin's natural functions, like lymphatic drainage, which is crucial for reducing puffiness and removing metabolic waste that can dull the complexion.

Different tools offer unique benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your goals:

• Dry Brushing (for the face): While often associated with the body, a very soft, natural-bristled facial brush used in gentle, circular motions on dry skin provides light exfoliation. It sloughs off dead skin cells, stimulates circulation, preps the skin to better absorb products, and can leave the complexion looking brighter and feeling smoother. It's best for those who tolerate light physical exfoliation and want to boost radiance.
• Jade Tools: These are the masters of sculpting and de-puffing. A Gua Sha tool, with its unique curved edges, is designed to glide along the contours of your face, releasing facial tension in the jaw and brow, promoting lymphatic drainage, and visibly lifting and sculpting the features. It's an active, therapeutic technique that can improve facial contour over time. A jade roller, on the other hand, is more about soothing and calming. The rolling action cools the skin, reduces inflammation, and helps push fluid away from areas like the under-eye or jawline. It's a gentle, meditative tool perfect for calming irritated skin or reducing morning puffiness.
• Facial Cupping: Facial cupping uses small, soft silicone cups to create a gentle suction on the skin. This suction does two things powerfully: it dramatically increases blood flow to the surface, which can help plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, and it provides a deeper form of lymphatic drainage than rolling or scraping. It's especially effective for lifting and firming the skin and can help release deeper muscle tension. However, it requires a bit more technique to master and may not be suitable for those with very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.

Ultimately, incorporating a tool isn't just about chasing a temporary glow; it's about investing in the long-term health and function of your skin by stimulating it from the outside in.

Who it's not for: If your skin is highly reactive or prone to perioral dermatitis, you may need to introduce oils and active serums one at a time rather than layering them all at once. When it comes to tools, be gentle—over-aggressive use of a gua sha can cause bruising or broken capillaries if not done with proper technique and pressure.

5. Lip Color

What it replaces: Conventional lipsticks and glosses that contain lead, PFAS, and synthetic dyes that you inevitably end up eating.

Why it matters: Your lips are the gateway to ingestion, making them the third most important area for clean swaps. Although studies suggest that the average woman consumes an estimated 2 to 9 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime through eating, drinking, and simple lip maintenance, actual measurements for such claims aren't always easy to obtain. What is known is that wearing lipstick causes direct oral exposure to toxins and makes lipstick a heavy hitter for heavy metal and petroleum toxicity. Unlike other cosmetics that sit on the skin, what goes on your lips goes directly into your body. This is why it's non-negotiable to choose lip products made with ingredients you'd feel comfortable eating.

The Problem with Long-Wear Lipstick: Ever wonder how a conventional lipstick can last for 8 hours without a touch-up? It's not magic; it's a cocktail of synthetic film-formers and polymers. These ingredients create a flexible, plastic-like film on the lips that adheres stubbornly, resisting transfer to cups and clothes. The trade-off is that you're coating your lips with a layer of synthetic chemicals that you then ingest throughout the day. Clean beauty hasn't fully cracked the code for long-wear performance without these questionable ingredients, which is why natural lipsticks typically last 3-4 hours instead of 6-8. This is a fair trade-off for not consuming plasticizers and other toxins with every sip of water.

Why I chose these: These brands offer beautiful color and performance without the heavy metal contamination and petroleum-based ingredients found in most conventional lip products.

• Crunchi: For me, third party-testing on colored cosmetics is a must, and there aren't many brands that do it. Their Lip Crayons offer a beautiful, pigmented matte finish without heavy waxes, and the Lip Oils provide a glossy, hydrating wash of color that looks naturally beautiful. Both are formulated with nourishing ingredients and come in a growing range of gorgeous shades. I like to mix-and-match my crayons and lip oils together for fun color variations!
• Primally Pure: When you don't want color but need intense repair, their Lip Balms and Lip Oils are incredibly clean and restorative. They are simple, effective, and perfect for healing dry, chapped lips. I often keep them to give away as gifts, and have them on hand for my daughters to use at school.

Who it's not for: If you prefer a long-wearing, liquid lipstick that doesn't budge for 12 hours, clean beauty hasn't fully replicated that performance without using questionable film-formers. Clean lip colors require more frequent reapplication, but that's a small price to pay for not ingesting synthetic chemicals.

Are There Other Clean Lip Options?

Yes! The clean lip market has expanded beautifully beyond just color. For those who prioritize hydration and nourishment over pigment, or who want to build a custom lip look, these are excellent options to look into for clean and efficacious products:

• Tinted Lip Balms: These are the perfect hybrid, offering a sheer wash of color while delivering the hydrating benefits of a balm. Note: Brands that claim to use fruit and vegetable pigments for color should be treated with skepticism, as those kinds of colorants are illegal in the USA. Always read the label.
• Lip Scrubs: A smooth, flake-free pout makes any lip color look better. A clean lip scrub made with fine sugar or gentle fruit enzymes and nourishing oils (like jojoba or coconut) will slough off dead skin without harsh microbeads or synthetic exfoliants. This preps your lips for color and helps it adhere better and last longer. I'm looking forward to trying this lip polish by Primally Pure in the near future.
• Lip Liners & Pencils: For more definition or to prevent feathering, a clean lip pencil made with natural waxes and plant oils is a great tool. It can be worn alone or used to outline and fill in the lips before applying a lipstick or balm, helping to anchor the color and extend its wear time naturally.

Please note: I'm still working on finding products that meet my performance and ingredient standards for lip items, so I'll keep you posted and refresh this recommendations list as I go. I'm very hopeful that we will see a burgeoning of truly clean cosmetics on the market in the near future, thanks to conscientious consumers like yourself. If you have one you like, share it below!

6. Safe Fragrance

What it replaces: Conventional perfumes and body sprays that use "fragrance" or "parfum" as a catch-all term for hundreds of undisclosed, hormone-disrupting chemicals.

What defines a "clean" fragrance: The single most important factor that separates a clean fragrance from the average one on a shelf is 100% ingredient transparency. For decades, the fragrance industry has hidden behind a legal loophole that allows them to list dozens or even hundreds of ingredients under the single, vague term "fragrance" or "parfum." This lack of disclosure protects their proprietary formulas but also allows them to include known allergens, endocrine disruptors, and other toxic chemicals without the consumer ever knowing. A truly clean fragrance, on the other hand, lists every single ingredient on the label, from the natural extracts to the synthetic molecules. This radical transparency allows you to make an informed choice and avoid ingredients you know are problematic for you. It's not about being "all-natural"—it's about being safe and honest. The average complex fragrance can contain anywhere from 20 to 200 individual ingredients, all hiding behind that one word.

Fragrance cautions the industry doesn't advertise: There are two key ingredients the industry relies on for performance but rarely discusses openly. The first is ambroxide, a synthetic version of ambergris, a waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. Ambroxide is prized for its ability to give a fragrance incredible longevity and a rich, complex base note that mimics the scent of the sea and earth. It's what gives very expensive perfumes their ability to last all day. The second is phthalates, a family of chemicals used as solvents and fixatives. Phthalates are incredibly effective at helping a fragrance "stick" to the skin and evaporate slowly, extending the wear time significantly. The problem is that many phthalates, like DEP, are known endocrine disruptors that have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues. They are the secret weapon for long wear, but at a significant potential cost to your health.

Why I chose these: These brands have proven that beautiful, complex scents can exist without the loopholes and toxic secrets.

• Henry Rose: Created by Michelle Pfeiffer, Henry Rose was the first fine fragrance brand to earn EWG Verified status, and they are a benchmark for the industry.⁴ They offer 100% ingredient transparency for every fragrance, listing not just natural extracts but also safe synthetic molecules like ISO E SUPER, HEDIONE, and AMBROXAN—ingredients you'd rarely see disclosed in traditional perfumes. While many of their fragrances are too strong for my personal preference, their Smyth is a beautiful exception and a testament to their artistry. (Currently, this fragrance isn't on their website but I've requested that it make a comeback.) You can take their fragrance finder to see what they'd recommend for you, or shop their trial kit.
• Skylar: A leader in the clean fragrance space, Skylar is committed to creating hypoallergenic, skin-friendly scents without harmful chemicals. They list all their ingredients and are completely free of parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde. Their scents are known for being light, fresh, and wearable for everyday use. They also have a fun Scent Club for those who want to try new things regularly. Again, take their fragrance quiz to see what they recommend you.
• ESAS: ESAS is a standout because their entire line is MADE SAFE® certified, which means every ingredient has been screened to ensure it's not known or suspected to cause human health harm, ecosystem harm, or aquatic toxicity. They only use real ingredients in their perfumes, just how fragrances used to be made. Their mists and perfumes offer beautiful, unique scent profiles with the highest standard of safety and transparency. Check them out here. I'm personally torn between Iris Milk and Bergamot Beach right now, but want to try their new Cherry Cloud!
• Phlur: Phlur has been a leader in the clean fragrance space since its founding, formulating with full transparency from the beginning. I haven't tried their recent offerings as their line has evolved, but their commitment to safety and beautiful, complex scents has always been evident. Although they don't call themselves "clean" anymore, they are still transparent about their ingredient and packaging standards. They were the first brand I ever tried, and recommend exploring with their discovery sets.
• Ambre Blends: This brand comes highly recommended by several friends whose opinions I trust. It's known for its unique, natural approach to fragrance, and while I've yet to try it personally, it's on my list to explore based on their strong reputation for quality and clean ingredients.

The DIY Option: Essential Oils

If you want to create your own personalized scents, using high-quality essential oils is a wonderful option. However, purity is paramount, as the essential oil market is rife with synthetics and adulterated oils. I buy all of my essential oils from Plant Therapy because they are both cost-effective and, most importantly, third-party tested for purity. They are one of the few companies I trust implicitly for quality and safety, ensuring that what you think you're buying is actually what you're getting.

Who it's not for: If you are deeply attached to a specific, complex designer fragrance that relies on patented molecules, these clean options may feel different. (We're all human. I still have one that I'll never part with myself that I wear for special occasions!) Clean fragrances also often have less staying power than their conventional counterparts, as they avoid the heavy synthetic fixatives. But the peace of mind and the knowledge that you're not coating yourself in a cloud of undisclosed chemicals is a trade-off that is more than worth it.

A Note on MoCRA: Benefits and Limitations

When the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) was passed in 2022, it was rightly hailed as the most significant update to U.S. cosmetics law in over 80 years. It finally gave the FDA crucial new powers, including the authority to mandate recalls of unsafe products and to require serious adverse event reporting from companies. For the first time, it also established a legal framework for requiring the disclosure of fragrance allergens on labels, a major win for transparency.

However, the hope has since collided with the reality of bureaucratic implementation. The real-world impact of MoCRA is currently minimal, and its most promising provisions are stuck in a lengthy rulemaking process with no clear end in sight. The deadlines for implementing its key safety provisions have been repeatedly missed, leaving consumers exactly where they were before.

Here are the facts on the ground as of mid-2025:

• Fragrance Allergens: The FDA missed its initial deadline to even propose a list of fragrance allergens for disclosure. While they have since released a proposed rule, it is now in a public comment period, and it will be months, if not years, before a final rule is issued and enforced.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): The rules that would enforce safe manufacturing standards to prevent contamination and ensure product consistency are also delayed. The FDA did not issue the proposed GMP rule until May 2024, and a final rule is not expected until late 2025 at the earliest.
• Enforcement: While the FDA has new recall authority, its ability to proactively inspect facilities and enforce standards is still constrained by funding and resources. Without mandatory GMPs in place, enforcement remains a reactive rather than a preventative measure.

In short, MoCRA was a monumental legislative step, but its promise is currently just ink on paper. The system has not changed. The responsibility still falls squarely on consumers to do their own research and support brands that choose to be transparent voluntarily, rather than waiting for the law to force them to do so.

From Frustration to Action: How You Can Help Push for Safer Beauty Laws

Reading about the slow, frustrating implementation of MoCRA can leave you feeling powerless. The system is big, the bureaucracy is slow, and it’s easy to think your voice doesn’t matter. But I’m here to tell you the opposite: it matters more than ever. Lawmakers are most responsive to the consistent, organized pressure from their own constituents. We can shift from being passive consumers to active citizens demanding change.

Here are concrete, effective actions you can take right now to help create the safer beauty market we all deserve.

1. Make Your Voice Directly Heard (It’s Easier Than You Think)

This is the single most powerful tool you have. Lawmakers and their staff track every call, email, and comment from their district. A small flood of concerned constituents can absolutely shift their priorities.

• Find Your Representatives: Use official websites like Congress.gov to find the contact information for your one House Representative and two Senators.
• Send an Email: Use the contact form on their official website. Keep it concise and personal. Mention that you are a voter in their district and that this issue impacts your family's health. Personal stories, even brief ones, are far more powerful than form letters.

Make a Phone Call: This is often the most impactful method. You don’t need to be an expert. A simple script is enough:

"Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I'm a constituent from [Your City]. I'm calling to urge Senator/Representative [Last Name] to support stronger regulation for personal care products. I'm concerned about toxic chemicals like phthalates and formaldehyde-releasers in products I use every day. Please support legislation that gives the FDA the power to ensure product safety and require full ingredient transparency. Thank you for your time."

2. Amplify Your Voice with the Power of Numbers

Joining forces with established organizations multiplies your impact and makes your voice part of a much louder chorus.

• Sign Petitions and Action Alerts: Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics make this incredibly easy. They create pre-written letters and petitions that are sent directly to your representatives with a single click. Signing up for their email alerts means you’ll be notified exactly when action is needed on key bills and amendments.

3. Support the Organizations Doing the Heavy Lifting

These non-profits are the experts who lobby lawmakers, draft legislation, and provide the scientific backing for policy changes. You can support their work in two key ways:

• Donate: Even a small donation helps fund their lobbying and research efforts.
• Volunteer: Offer to help with local awareness campaigns or share their educational content within your community.

4. Focus on State and Local Action

Federal change is slow, but states often lead the way and create a domino effect.

• Follow State-Level Legislation: Many states, like California with its Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, have passed their own laws banning specific harmful chemicals long before the federal government acted. Contact your state representatives and encourage them to sponsor similar bills. State-level wins prove to Congress that these changes are possible and supported by the public.

5. Vote with Your Wallet and Talk About It

While not a direct political action, consumer pressure creates the environment for political change.

• Support Transparent Brands: Continue to buy from and promote brands that are already transparent and have third-party certifications. This proves to the market that there is a strong demand for safety.
• Share Your Knowledge: When you explain to a friend why you're checking an app for a product or avoiding a certain ingredient, you're building grassroots demand for systemic change. The more people who understand the problem, the louder the collective voice becomes.

The bottom line is that lawmakers act when they believe an issue is important to their voters. By combining direct contact with collective action through advocacy groups, you send a clear, undeniable message: We, the consumers, demand safer beauty products, and we will vote for representatives who make it a priority.

The Journey is One Small Step at a Time

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information we've covered, take a deep breath. This isn't about a frantic, expensive overhaul of your entire bathroom cabinet. It's about making intentional, one-product-at-a-time swaps that have a real impact on your health.

The most powerful place to start is wherever your biggest frustration lies. Is it the SPF you know you should wear but hate the feel of? Is it the daily body lotion you slather from head to toe, now realizing it's packed with hormone-disruptors? Or is it the perfume you love but can no longer ignore the "fragrance" loophole on the label?

Start there. Make one swap. Then make another. Over time, you will build a routine that works for your body, not against it. And as you continue this journey, remember that you have powerful tools at your fingertips. When you're standing in the aisle wondering how to vet a new product, grab the Clearya app or Healthy Living app. These are the most unbiased, science-based resources I've found to cut through the marketing spin and check ingredient safety quickly.

This isn't about fear; it's about empowerment. It's about replacing confusion with clarity and trading a passive trust in marketing for an active trust in our own research and in the brands that prove they are worthy of it.

Save Some Green While You Clean

Making the switch to safer products is an investment in your health, but it doesn't have to break the bank. I've worked to gather some exclusive discounts from brands I trust to help you on your way. Be sure to check back, as I'll periodically update this list with new ways to save on your clean beauty journey!

• Crunchi: Use ADVOCATE15 at checkout here for 15% off and free shipping on first-time orders over $50
• Primally Pure: Save $10 off your first order here
• Skylar: Save $20 off your first order over $25 here
• ESAS: Use this link here to try out a discovery set (or jump on their occasional sales)
• Plant Therapy: Discount coming soon! Shop here for my favorite essential oils

Join the Conversation: Let's Build This Community Together

My goal has never been to be the sole expert in the room, but to be a fellow investigator who shares what I've learned. The most powerful tool we have is each other. Your stories, your questions, and your "aha!" moments are what make this journey meaningful and what help us all grow.

So now, I want to hear from you.

What's the one swap you're going to make first after reading this? Or what's the best clean beauty find you've made that completely changed your routine?

Share your thoughts, your wins, and even your struggles in the comments below. Let's create a space where we can ask the "dumb" questions, celebrate our small victories, and support each other in creating a safer, healthier life. Your voice matters here, and together, we are so much stronger than we are alone.

Coming Up Next:

We've covered the serious side of safety, but let's not forget that beauty should also be joyful and expressive! Next time, we're diving into the hottest summer beauty trends for 2026. I'll be sharing how to rock the season's biggest looks—from dewy, sun-kissed skin to vibrant, bold colors—using only the safest, non-toxic products. Get ready to glow the clean way!

Additional Resources:

(1) For scientific literature on essential oils: https://tisserandinstitute.org/

(2) For more on regenerative and organic practices, including the effects of agriculture on human health: https://rodaleinstitute.org/

(3) The trade association for the cosmetic industry. While you should be aware of their inherent bias (they represent the interests of companies like L'Oréal and Estée Lauder), their website is a valuable resource for understanding the industry's perspective on science, safety, and regulation. Reading their position papers can give you a well-rounded view of the debates happening behind the scenes: https://www.personalcarecouncil.org/

(4) This is the global trade body for the fragrance industry. IFRA sets the standards for safe use of fragrance ingredients. Their website contains a massive list of ingredients that are either banned or restricted from use in fragrance products. While they are an industry group, their standards are adopted by most reputable fragrance companies globally, and their website is a place to see what the industry itself considers unsafe: https://ifrafragrance.org/safety/standards

(5) The FDA page on MoCRA: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/modernization-cosmetics-regulation-act-2022-mocra

(6) More FDA information on cosmetics laws: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-guidance-regulation/cosmetics-laws-regulations

(7) The Law, PDF on HR2617 (includes MoCRA): https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr2617/BILLS-117hr2617enr.pdf