My self-care swaps & thoughts.
Why am I making these switches? There’s been more attention recently on exposures in our every day lives that may be harmful to us. Not immediately harmful, needing to call poison control, but a more sinister harm that over time can lead to obesity, cancer, diabetes, hormonal disruptions.
HORMONAL DISRUPTIONS!? We don’t need any help with hormonal disruptions - we’ve got that covered on a monthly basis in our cycle. We definitely have that covered with perimenopause and menopause which is hormonal change that can disrupt our entire life.
As a mother of two young kids, I’ve re-evaluated products I’ve never thought twice about. I’ve thought about makeup (that they love to pull out of my drawer) and what my daughter will be exposed to when she starts experimenting.
This is a highly complex topic. Self-care and cosmetics is where I’ve started the process of a less toxic lifestyle. Here I’ll share my honest thoughts on products I’ve tried.
The Good
Primally pure deodorant - do not expect an anti-perspirant per say. But if I do sweat at all, I do not smell like body odor. I’ve used the tea tree kind, and tea tree is a great anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial substance so this makes perfect sense.
Zebra toothpaste - I’ve tried both mint and coconut and liked both. Triclosan is an ingredient in many toothpastes, used for decreasing bacterial contamination. The FDA states that animal studies have shown thyroid disruption and we really don't have information on humans. There are studies ongoing now (after we'e been using these products for decades) looking at its safety in humans.
Zebra toothpaste
Attitude body gel - if you like gel form. Smells great. Triclosan again can be in body washes. They can also have fragrance, parabens, and phthalates, all implicated in hormone disruption. Order on amazon.
Honest makeup wipes - plant-based and work well. Fragrance and sodium lauryl sulfate can be very irritating to skin. When I'm looking to cleanse my skin, I don't need irritation. Order on amazon.
Honest makeup wipes
Honest baby hair conditioner (& wash/shampoo) - I have a one year old with a wild mane, so this saves us from some tears when combing. Smells great, and the comb glides through her hair. Order shampoo and conditioner on amazon here.
The Bad
Zebra deodorant - though I mentioned this company above and I do like the toothpaste, the deodorant did NOT work for me.
Well people concealer - this is another brand I am using for other products, but the concealer settled into the fine lines under my eyes, giving me little concealer-colored stripes. No thanks!
The So-So
Vitasana body wash - smells awesome, somewhat thin product especially when I’m used to thick Dove soaps. I have it listed as so-so because it's more expensive than the Attitude body gel mentioned above. My husband liked this one, it can be ordered here.
Primally pure body butter - so-so because it's greasy due to being tallow-based. I still use it but just before bed. Doesn’t give a lasting moisture but I do like the scents and the moisture right before bed.
Pending use and review
Well people mascara
Attitude body lotion
Resources:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-triclosan
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