Use jojoba oil to remove makeup, not a store-bought remover with synthetic chemicals.
The Natural Meltdown
My eyes would always sting and feel irritated after I used a conventional makeup remover to take off my mascara. I looked at the long, complicated ingredients list and realized I had no idea what I was putting on my delicate eye skin. I switched to a simpler method: jojoba oil. I would massage a few drops onto my eyelids, and it would dissolve even my stubborn waterproof makeup with zero stinging. Jojoba oil is incredibly effective and its composition is very similar to our skin’s own sebum, so it cleanses gently without stripping the skin.
Stop using raw lemon juice on your face; use a properly formulated Vitamin C serum instead.
The Lemon Juice Lie
In my quest for brighter skin, I fell for the DIY hack of applying raw lemon juice directly to my face. I thought since it contained Vitamin C, it must be good for me. But it left my skin red, irritated, and incredibly sensitive to the sun. The pH of lemon juice is far too acidic for our skin, and it can cause serious irritation and even chemical burns. A professionally formulated Vitamin C serum is created to be at the correct pH for your skin and is stable, safe, and so much more effective.
Stop assuming “natural” is always better; do a patch test for every new ingredient.
The Natural Reaction
I used to believe that if an ingredient was “natural,” it was inherently safe and gentle. I slathered on a new, all-natural botanical serum, excited for its benefits. Within an hour, my face was red, itchy, and covered in a rash. I learned the hard way that you can be allergic to anything, including natural ingredients. Poison ivy is natural, after all. Now, no matter how clean or natural a product claims to be, I always perform a patch test on a small area of my skin first to see how it reacts.
The #1 secret for a clarifying face mask that the DIY community loves is using bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar.
The Clay Cocktail
I wanted a deep-cleaning face mask to help with my congested pores, but the store-bought ones were so expensive. I discovered the holy grail of DIY clarifying masks: bentonite clay. This amazing clay has a negative charge that helps to draw out toxins and impurities from the skin. But the secret ingredient is to mix it with raw apple cider vinegar instead of water. The acidity of the vinegar helps to balance the alkalinity of the clay and creates a fizzing, pulsating mask that leaves your skin feeling incredibly clean and purified.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about clean beauty is that it’s not effective.
The Efficacy Myth
When I first started exploring clean beauty, I was worried that I would have to sacrifice results. I thought that without the powerful synthetic chemicals, the natural products just wouldn’t be as effective at fighting wrinkles or acne. The biggest lie is that “clean” means “weak.” Many plant-based ingredients, like bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative) and rosehip seed oil, are incredibly potent and backed by science. The clean beauty space has evolved so much, and you can now find highly effective, results-driven products that are also mindfully formulated.
I wish I knew this about the instability of DIY Vitamin C serums when I first started making them.
The Unstable Solution
I was so proud of myself for making my own Vitamin C serum with L-ascorbic acid powder and water. It seemed like a brilliant way to save money. I wish I had known how incredibly unstable it was. Vitamin C oxidizes very quickly when exposed to light, air, and water. My homemade serum was likely losing all its potency within a few days, turning from a powerful antioxidant into a useless, or even potentially irritating, liquid. A professionally formulated serum is created in a lab to ensure the Vitamin C stays stable and effective for much longer.
I’m just going to say it: The term “clean beauty” is a largely unregulated marketing buzzword.
The “Clean” Conundrum
I was drawn in by all the products labeled “clean beauty.” It made me feel like I was making a safer, healthier choice. I’m just going to say it: the term has no official or regulated definition. Any brand can call itself “clean” based on its own internal list of “free-from” ingredients. It’s a powerful marketing tool that can sometimes be misleading. Instead of just trusting the buzzword, I learned to ignore the marketing on the front and to flip the bottle over to read and research the actual ingredients list for myself.
99% of people new to clean beauty make this one mistake with natural deodorant.
The Detox Deception
When I first switched from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, I went through a two-week period where I felt like I was sweating and smelling more than ever. I panicked and thought the natural deodorant wasn’t working. This is the mistake almost everyone makes. They don’t realize there’s an adjustment period. Your sweat glands, which have been blocked by aluminum, are finally able to breathe again, and your skin’s microbiome is rebalancing. You have to push through this “detox” phase to get to the other side where it starts to work effectively.
This one small action of switching to a reusable makeup remover cloth will change the way you view beauty waste forever.
The Wipe-Out Waste
My nightly routine used to end with me throwing a disposable makeup wipe in the trash. I never thought about the cumulative waste. One day, I saw a picture of a landfill and imagined all my daily wipes piled up. It was a wake-up call. I switched to a reusable microfiber makeup remover cloth. This simple cloth removes all my makeup with just water, and I can just toss it in the laundry and reuse it hundreds of times. This one small change drastically reduced my daily waste and made me so much more mindful of my environmental impact.
If you’re still using products with “fragrance” on the label, you’re losing control over dozens of hidden chemicals.
The Fragrance Loophole
I used to love products with beautiful, complex scents. I would look for the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the label. I had no idea that this single word is a legal loophole. Due to trade secret laws, companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their fragrance blend. That one word can hide a cocktail of dozens, or even hundreds, of synthetic chemicals, including potential allergens and endocrine disruptors. If you are using products with “fragrance,” you are giving up your right to know exactly what you are putting on your skin.
Use a simple sugar and oil scrub for your body, not an expensive store-bought version.
The Sweet Scrub
I love the feeling of a good body scrub, but the fancy ones from the store can be so expensive. I realized I could make an incredibly effective scrub with two simple ingredients I already had in my kitchen. I just mix some regular sugar with a bit of a carrier oil, like olive or coconut oil, to form a paste. The sugar provides a gentle exfoliation, and the oil leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and moisturized. It works just as well as the expensive versions for a fraction of the price.
Stop putting baking soda on your skin; it severely disrupts your skin’s pH.
The pH Problem
I saw a DIY skincare recipe online that recommended using baking soda as a gentle exfoliator or face wash. It seemed like a harmless, natural ingredient. But after using it, my skin felt incredibly tight, dry, and irritated. Baking soda is extremely alkaline, while our skin’s natural state is slightly acidic. Using baking soda completely disrupts your skin’s protective acid mantle, which can lead to severe dryness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier. It’s a kitchen ingredient that should stay in the kitchen.
Stop thinking you need to replace all your products at once; transition to clean beauty slowly.
The Slow Switch
When I first decided to “go clean” with my beauty routine, I felt overwhelmed. I thought I had to throw out all my old products and spend a fortune to replace everything at once. This all-or-nothing approach is unsustainable. The best way to transition is to do it slowly. As you finish a product, like your cleanser or your moisturizer, replace that one item with a cleaner alternative. This makes the process more manageable for your budget and allows you to thoughtfully research and find products you truly love.
The #1 hack for a soothing skin treatment that DIYers use is a simple oatmeal bath.
The Oatmeal Oasis
When my skin was itchy, irritated, or I had a mild rash, the most soothing and effective treatment I found was in my pantry. The number one DIY hack for calming angry skin is a simple oatmeal bath. I just put some plain, uncooked oatmeal into a food processor to grind it into a fine powder, and then add it to a lukewarm bath. The compounds in oatmeal are incredibly anti-inflammatory and soothing. Soaking in it provides instant relief for a variety of skin irritations. It’s a timeless, gentle remedy.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about DIY skincare is that it’s always cheaper.
The Costly Creation
I got into DIY skincare thinking it would save me a lot of money. And while some simple recipes, like a sugar scrub, are very cheap, the lie is that it’s always the more affordable option. Once you start trying to create more complex things, like serums or creams, the cost adds up quickly. You have to buy all the individual carrier oils, essential oils, clays, butters, and proper preservative systems. Sometimes, buying a well-formulated product from an affordable clean beauty brand is actually cheaper and much more effective.
I wish I knew this about the comedogenic ratings of different carrier oils when I had acne.
The Clogging Conundrum
When I had acne-prone skin, I was terrified of putting any oil on my face. Then I learned that some oils are actually great for the skin. But I made the mistake of using coconut oil, which I later found out is highly comedogenic, meaning it’s very likely to clog pores. I wish I had known about the comedogenic scale. This scale rates oils on how likely they are to cause breakouts. Knowing this would have helped me choose non-comedogenic oils like grapeseed or sunflower oil that would have moisturized my skin without causing more pimples.
I’m just going to say it: Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin.
The Dilution Doctrine
I love the smell of essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil. I used to think that because they were natural, I could apply them directly to my skin, especially on a pimple. I’m just going to say it: this is a terrible idea. Essential oils are incredibly potent, concentrated plant extracts. Applying them “neat” or undiluted to the skin can cause serious irritation, chemical burns, and can lead to sensitization over time. They must always be properly diluted in a carrier oil, like jojoba or almond oil, before being applied topically.
99% of people make this one mistake when making their own body butter.
The Grainy Grief
I was so excited to make my own luxurious body butter with shea butter and coconut oil. I melted them together, let it cool, and was left with a grainy, gritty texture, not the smooth, creamy butter I was hoping for. The mistake almost everyone makes is not controlling the cooling process. To avoid a grainy texture, you need to cool the melted butters down quickly. Placing the bowl in the freezer for short bursts and stirring frequently as it cools helps the fats to solidify evenly, resulting in a perfectly smooth final product.
This one small habit of reading the first five ingredients on a label will change the way you shop for beauty products forever.
The First Five
I used to be swayed by the claims on the front of a beauty product, like “hydrating” or “brightening.” I never looked at the actual ingredients. The small habit that completely changed how I shop is to always read the first five ingredients on the INCI list. Ingredients are listed in order of concentration, so the first five make up the bulk of the product. This tells you what the product is really made of, beyond the marketing. It’s a quick and powerful way to become a more informed consumer.
If you’re still not checking for sustainability certifications, you’re losing a chance to support eco-conscious brands.
The Certified Choice
I was trying to make more sustainable choices in my beauty routine, but there was so much “greenwashing” that it was hard to know what to believe. I learned that a powerful way to cut through the noise is to look for third-party certifications. Logos from organizations like B Corp, which certifies a company’s social and environmental performance, or Climate Neutral, which certifies that a brand is offsetting its carbon footprint, are trustworthy indicators. If you’re not looking for these certifications, you’re missing a clear way to vote with your dollar for a better planet.
Use manuka honey as a spot treatment, not a harsh benzoyl peroxide cream.
The Honey Healer
When a pimple would pop up, my first instinct was to attack it with a harsh, drying benzoyl peroxide cream. This would often leave the spot a red, flaky mess. A much gentler and surprisingly effective alternative I found was manuka honey. This special type of honey has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a tiny dab of it to a pimple helps to kill the bacteria and reduce the redness and swelling, all without stripping or irritating the surrounding skin. It’s a powerful and natural healer.
Stop using coconut oil on your face if you are acne-prone; use it on your body instead.
The Pore-Clogging Culprit
Coconut oil is often touted as a natural, cure-all moisturizer. I tried using it on my face, and while it felt nice at first, I soon developed deep, painful cystic pimples. I learned that while coconut oil can be a fantastic moisturizer for the body, it is highly comedogenic, meaning it has a high likelihood of clogging pores. For anyone with acne-prone skin, using coconut oil on the face is a major risk. It’s much better to stick to non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or grapeseed for facial skin.
Stop storing your DIY creations in the bathroom; keep them in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
The Bathroom Spoilage
I was so proud of my homemade lotion and face masks. I would store them in my bathroom cabinet alongside my regular products. But I noticed that they would start to smell funny or grow mold after just a week or two. The warm, steamy environment of a bathroom is the worst possible place for products made without strong preservatives. It’s a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. To extend the life of my DIY creations, I learned to store them in the refrigerator.
The #1 secret for a natural hair rinse that adds shine is diluted apple cider vinegar.
The ACV Rinse
My hair was looking dull and lifeless from product buildup. The best natural secret I found for restoring shine and clarifying my scalp was an apple cider vinegar rinse. After shampooing, I would rinse my hair with a mixture of one part raw apple cider vinegar and three parts water. The acidity of the vinegar helps to remove buildup from the hair shaft and seals the hair cuticle, which makes it reflect more light. It leaves my hair incredibly shiny and my scalp feeling clean and refreshed.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “chemical-free” products is that they exist (water is a chemical).
The Chemical Con
I used to be drawn to products that were marketed as “chemical-free.” It made me feel like I was choosing something pure and safe. The biggest lie is that such a thing even exists. Everything is a chemical. Water (H2O) is a chemical. The natural oils in plants are made of chemicals. The term “chemical-free” is a scientifically impossible and fear-mongering marketing tactic. The goal shouldn’t be to avoid chemicals, but to understand which chemicals, whether natural or synthetic, are safe and effective for our bodies.
I wish I knew this about the difference between “natural” and “organic” certifications when I started my clean journey.
The Certification Clarification
When I first started trying to buy cleaner products, I was so confused by the labels. I thought “natural” and “organic” meant the same thing. I wish I had known the difference. “Natural” is a completely unregulated term and can mean almost anything. “Organic,” on the other hand, is a regulated term. If a product has the USDA Organic seal, it means that at least 95% of its ingredients are certified organic. Understanding this distinction helped me to see past the marketing and make truly informed choices.
I’m just going to say it: Most of the DIY skincare recipes on Pinterest are terrible for your skin.
The Pinterest Peril
When I first got into natural beauty, I spent hours scrolling through Pinterest, finding DIY recipes for face masks and scrubs. They used common kitchen ingredients and seemed so wholesome. I’m just going to say it: most of those recipes are actually terrible for your skin. Putting things like raw lemon juice, baking soda, or cinnamon on your face can severely damage your skin’s protective barrier and cause major irritation. Just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it belongs on your delicate facial skin. Always do your research beyond a pretty picture.
99% of people make this one mistake when buying a “natural” sunscreen.
The Nano Nightmare
I was trying to switch to a natural, mineral-based sunscreen. I found one that used zinc oxide, and I thought I was making a great choice. The mistake I was making was not checking if it used nano-sized particles. Many “natural” sunscreens use nanoparticles of zinc or titanium dioxide so that they rub in clear instead of leaving a white cast. There is some concern about the safety of these tiny particles and their ability to be absorbed into the body. Choosing a “non-nano” mineral sunscreen is the safer bet.
This one small action of repurposing your glass product jars will change the way you reduce waste in your routine forever.
The Jar Journey
My beauty routine used to generate so much trash. I would finish a product and just toss the empty container. I started to feel incredibly guilty about the waste. The small action that made a big difference was to start consciously buying products in glass jars and bottles. Once they are empty, I clean them out and repurpose them. They become small planters for succulents, containers for homemade spice blends, or holders for my makeup brushes. It’s a simple, creative way to give my “waste” a second life.
If you’re still using products that test on animals, you’re losing your vote for a cruelty-free industry.
The Cruelty-Free Choice
I used to buy my beauty products without ever thinking about how they were made. I never considered animal testing. Then I learned about the cruel and unnecessary practices that many brands still use. I realized that every dollar I spend is a vote for the kind of world I want to live in. If you are still buying products from brands that test on animals, you are supporting that system. By actively choosing to purchase only from cruelty-free brands, I am using my consumer power to advocate for a more compassionate beauty industry.
Use a konjac sponge for gentle exfoliation, not a plastic cleansing brush.
The Sponge Swap
I wanted a tool to help with a deeper daily cleanse, but the popular plastic cleansing brushes with the spinning heads felt too harsh and irritating for my skin. Then I discovered the konjac sponge. This amazing sponge is made from the root of a plant, and when it’s wet, it has a unique, soft, rubbery texture. It provides a very gentle daily exfoliation that buffs away dead skin cells without any irritation. It’s a natural, biodegradable, and much gentler alternative to a plastic brush.
Stop thinking that a product is “clean” just because it’s sold at a health food store.
The Health Food Store Halo
I used to walk into a health food store and assume that every single product on the shelf was “clean,” “natural,” and good for me. I would buy products without even looking at the ingredients, just based on the store’s reputation. But I learned that even health-focused stores can carry products with questionable ingredients or misleading marketing. The location where a product is sold does not guarantee its quality. You still have to be a savvy consumer and do your own research by reading the label.
Stop using a DIY mask more than once a week; you can still overdo it.
The DIY Overload
I fell in love with a DIY clay mask that made my skin feel so clean and soft. It felt so natural and gentle that I started using it every other day, thinking that more was better. But soon my skin started to feel tight, dry, and irritated. I learned that even with natural ingredients, you can have too much of a good thing. A clarifying mask, even a DIY one, can be stripping if overused. Sticking to a once-a-week treatment is the best way to get the benefits without compromising your skin’s barrier.
The #1 tip for a gentle hair lightener is a chamomile tea rinse.
The Sun-Kissed Tea
I wanted to add some subtle, natural highlights to my blonde hair without resorting to harsh chemical bleaches. The best, most gentle trick I found was a chamomile tea rinse. Chamomile contains a natural plant compound that can gently lighten hair over time. I would brew a very strong pot of chamomile tea, let it cool, and then use it as a final rinse for my hair after washing, letting it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing. It’s a slow and subtle process, but it gave my hair a beautiful, natural, sun-kissed glow.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about parabens is that they are all dangerously toxic.
The Paraben Panic
A few years ago, parabens became the number one villain in the beauty world. I, like many others, threw out any product that contained them, believing they were dangerously toxic. The lie is that all parabens are created equal and that they are all harmful in the small concentrations used in cosmetics. While some people may have sensitivities, major regulatory bodies around the world have deemed short-chain parabens, like methylparaben, to be safe for use in cosmetics. The fear around them was largely fueled by misinformation and marketing.
I wish I knew this about how to properly preserve my homemade products to prevent bacteria growth.
The Preservation Problem
I was so excited about my homemade lotions and creams made with all-natural ingredients. But I didn’t use any preservatives, thinking they were “unnatural” chemicals. My beautiful creations would spoil and grow mold within a week. I wish I had known that any product that contains water must have a preservative system to be safe. Without one, it becomes a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and mold. Learning about natural preservatives, like grapefruit seed extract or broad-spectrum options, is a non-negotiable step for any serious DIYer.
I’m just going to say it: “Greenwashing” is rampant in the beauty industry.
The Green Sheen
I would see products with beautiful green leaves on the packaging, with words like “eco-friendly,” “natural,” and “botanical.” I thought I was making an environmentally conscious choice. I’m just going to say it: greenwashing is everywhere. This is when a company uses marketing to make their brand seem more sustainable and natural than it actually is. It’s so important to look past the green packaging and the buzzwords and to investigate the brand’s actual ingredients, manufacturing processes, and certifications to know if they are genuinely sustainable.
99% of people who try DIY deodorant make this one mistake with the recipe.
The Baking Soda Burn
I was determined to make my own natural deodorant. I found a popular recipe online that used coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and a large amount of baking soda. For the first few days, it worked great. Then, I developed a painful, dark, red rash in my armpits. The mistake almost everyone makes is using too much baking soda. Baking soda is very alkaline and can be incredibly irritating to the delicate skin in your armpits. A much safer and gentler DIY deodorant uses very little or no baking soda at all.
This one small habit of using a shampoo bar will change the way you reduce plastic consumption forever.
The Bar Benefit
I was horrified when I thought about how many plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles I was throwing away every year. I wanted to reduce my plastic waste, but I didn’t know how. The small habit that made the biggest impact was switching to shampoo and conditioner bars. These concentrated, solid bars work just like the liquid versions but without the plastic bottle. One small bar can last as long as two or three bottles of liquid shampoo. It’s a simple, effective way to dramatically cut down on your bathroom plastic.
If you’re still throwing away your coffee grounds, you’re losing a free and effective body scrub.
The Coffee Ground Gold
Every morning, I would brew my coffee and then just throw the used grounds in the trash. I had no idea I was throwing away a fantastic, free beauty product. Used coffee grounds are the perfect texture for an invigorating and effective body scrub. The caffeine is also great for stimulating blood flow and can help to temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite. I started keeping a jar in my shower and using the grounds to scrub my body before they go into the compost. It’s a zero-waste, skin-smoothing powerhouse.
Use rosehip seed oil for scars and hyperpigmentation, not just a generic “bio oil”.
The Rosehip Remedy
I had some acne scars and patches of hyperpigmentation that I wanted to fade. My first thought was to reach for a popular, generic “bio oil,” which is mostly mineral oil. A much more effective, natural solution I found was rosehip seed oil. This incredible oil is packed with Vitamin A (a natural retinoid) and essential fatty acids, which are known to help promote cell regeneration and improve skin texture and tone. Consistent use of rosehip seed oil did more to fade my scars than any generic product ever had.
Stop using crushed aspirin for a face mask; it can cause severe irritation.
The Aspirin Agony
I read a DIY hack online that you could crush up aspirin tablets, mix them with water to form a paste, and use it as a face mask to treat acne. The logic was that aspirin contains salicylic acid. But this is a dangerous DIY. The concentration of salicylates in an aspirin mask is uncontrolled and can be incredibly harsh, leading to severe skin irritation, redness, and chemical burns. It’s so much safer to use a properly formulated skincare product with a safe and effective percentage of salicylic acid.
Stop buying into fear-mongering marketing; research ingredients for yourself from scientific sources.
The Fear-Free Formula
I used to be so scared of certain ingredients, like parabens and silicones, because of all the fear-mongering marketing from “clean beauty” brands. Their whole business model was based on telling me what to be afraid of. I finally decided to stop listening to the marketing and to start doing my own research. I began looking up ingredients on reputable, scientific websites, not just blogs. This empowered me to make my own informed decisions based on science, not on fear. It was liberating to escape the cycle of ingredient anxiety.
The #1 secret for a hydrating DIY face mist is rosewater and a few drops of glycerin.
The Mist Maker
I love a good face mist, but the store-bought ones can be pricey. The best DIY secret for a truly hydrating mist is to combine two simple ingredients. I use a base of rosewater, which is naturally soothing and toning. But the magic ingredient is adding a few drops of vegetable glycerin. Glycerin is a humectant, which means it draws moisture from the air to your skin. This simple combination creates a mist that actually hydrates your skin, rather than just making it wet and then letting the water evaporate.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about sulfates is that they are harmful to everyone.
The Sulfate Story
Sulfates, especially sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), have been demonized in the clean beauty world. We’re told they are harsh, stripping, and toxic. The lie is that they are universally bad for everyone. While it’s true that sulfates can be drying and irritating for people with very dry or sensitive skin, they are also incredibly effective cleansers. For people with very oily skin or a lot of product buildup, a well-formulated product with sulfates can be exactly what they need to feel truly clean. It’s not a one-size-fits-all issue.
I wish I knew this about the sourcing and ethics of mica in my makeup when I started buying clean.
The Mica Matter
When I started my clean beauty journey, I was focused on non-toxic ingredients. I loved shimmery highlighters and eyeshadows, which all contained mica. I wish I had known to investigate where that mica came from. A huge portion of the world’s mica is mined using illegal child labor in dangerous conditions. I learned that a truly “clean” or “conscious” brand is not just about the ingredients, but also about the ethics of its supply chain. Now, I look for brands that are transparent about sourcing their mica responsibly.
I’m just going to say it: The EWG Skin Deep database is not the ultimate scientific authority.
The EWG Enigma
When I first started trying to choose safer products, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database felt like a bible. I would type in any product and trust its “hazard score” completely. I’m just going to say it: while it can be a useful starting point, the EWG is not the final word in cosmetic science. Their rating system can sometimes be alarmist, based on flawed or out-of-context studies, and can create unnecessary fear around safe ingredients. It’s important to use it as one tool among many and not as an absolute authority.
99% of people make this one mistake when switching to a natural shampoo.
The Lather Letdown
I was so used to my conventional shampoo that created a huge, bubbly lather. When I switched to a natural, sulfate-free shampoo for the first time, I made the mistake of thinking it wasn’t working because it didn’t foam up as much. I would use way too much product trying to get that lather I was used to. The key is to understand that less lather does not mean less clean. You also have to make sure your hair is completely saturated with water to help a natural shampoo spread and do its job effectively.
This one small action of choosing products in glass or aluminum packaging will change the way you contribute to recycling efforts forever.
The Packaging Pivot
I used to buy all my beauty products in plastic tubes and bottles without a second thought. I would toss them in the recycling bin, hoping for the best, but I learned that a huge percentage of plastic is never actually recycled. The small action that made me feel so much better about my impact was to consciously choose products that come in glass or aluminum packaging. These materials are infinitely recyclable, meaning they can be recycled over and over again without a loss in quality. It’s a simple packaging pivot with a big environmental benefit.
If you’re still using single-use sheet masks, you’re losing money and creating unnecessary waste.
The Sheet Mask Shame
I used to love the ritual of a single-use sheet mask. But then I started to think about the waste. Each 15-minute treatment created a pile of trash: the outer packet, the plastic-lined mask itself, and sometimes a plastic backing. It was a lot of waste for one use. I realized I could get the exact same, if not better, results by simply applying a serum and then a layer of a traditional face mask from a jar. It’s so much more economical and environmentally friendly.
Use sweet almond oil as an eye makeup remover, not mineral oil.
The Almond Advantage
For years, the standard for eye makeup removal was a mineral oil-based product. It worked, but it always felt a bit heavy and greasy. A much more elegant and natural alternative is sweet almond oil. It’s a lightweight oil that is incredibly effective at dissolving even stubborn waterproof mascara. It’s gentle on the delicate eye area and is rich in Vitamin E, so it nourishes your lashes and skin while it cleanses. It’s a simple, one-ingredient swap for a better experience.
Stop putting toothpaste on your pimples; it’s incredibly irritating and ineffective.
The Toothpaste Taboo
This is an old wives’ tale that needs to be put to rest. In a moment of desperation, I once put a dab of toothpaste on a pimple before bed, hoping it would dry it out. I woke up to a red, irritated, and even more inflamed spot. While some ingredients in toothpaste, like triclosan, might have some antibacterial properties, the other ingredients, like fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate, are incredibly irritating to the skin. It does far more harm than good. There are so many better, safer spot treatments available.
Stop thinking that “unscented” and “fragrance-free” mean the same thing.
The Scent Semantics
I have sensitive skin, so I always looked for products that wouldn’t irritate it with fragrance. I used to think that “unscented” and “fragrance-free” were interchangeable terms. They are not. “Fragrance-free” means that no fragrance materials—synthetic or natural—have been added to the product. “Unscented” often means that a chemical masking agent has been added to cover up the natural smell of the ingredients. For truly sensitive skin, “fragrance-free” is always the safer choice.
The #1 hack for a DIY lip scrub is brown sugar, honey, and a drop of oil.
The Lip Polish
My lips were often dry and flaky, which made my lipstick look terrible. The best and easiest DIY lip scrub is a simple, three-ingredient recipe. I take a little bit of brown sugar for a gentle exfoliation, a small amount of honey, which is a natural humectant and antibacterial, and a single drop of an oil like olive or coconut oil for moisture. I mix it into a paste, gently scrub my lips, and then rinse it off. It leaves them incredibly smooth, soft, and perfectly prepped for lipstick.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about clean beauty is that it has to be expensive.
The Price Tag Myth
When you first start exploring the world of clean and natural beauty, it’s easy to get sticker shock. Many of the chic, influencer-promoted brands come with a very high price tag. The biggest lie is that you have to spend a fortune to be a conscious consumer. There are now so many incredible, affordable clean beauty brands available at stores like Target and online. And beyond that, some of the most effective clean beauty practices, like using simple oils or making your own scrubs, are incredibly cheap.
I wish I knew this about the complexity of formulating a safe and effective sunscreen at home (hint: don’t do it).
The DIY Sunscreen Danger
When I was deep in my DIY phase, I saw recipes for homemade sunscreen using zinc oxide and coconut oil. It seemed so natural and easy. I wish I had known how incredibly dangerous this is. Formulating a sunscreen is a complex science. You have no way of knowing if you’ve achieved the correct particle dispersion to get an even SPF, and you have no way of testing its effectiveness. You are leaving your skin completely vulnerable to sun damage. Sunscreen is the one product that you should never, ever try to make at home.
I’m just going to say it: Your DIY face mask is probably not penetrating your skin at all.
The Penetration Problem
I loved mixing up DIY face masks with things like yogurt, avocado, and honey. It felt so nourishing and wholesome. I’m just going to say it: while they can feel nice and provide some surface-level hydration, the molecules in most food ingredients are far too large to actually penetrate the skin’s barrier and create any real, lasting change. Skincare products formulated in a lab are designed with specific delivery systems to get the active ingredients where they need to go. Your DIY mask is mostly just a tasty snack for your face.
99% of people make this one mistake when using clay powders for the first time.
The Metal Mishap
When I first started using bentonite clay for face masks, I would mix it in a metal bowl with a metal spoon. I didn’t think anything of it. But my masks never seemed to be as effective as people claimed. The mistake I was making was letting the clay touch metal. Bentonite clay has a negative ionic charge, which is what allows it to draw toxins from the skin. Metal can deactivate this charge, making the clay much less effective. You should always use a glass, ceramic, or wooden bowl and spoon when working with it.
This one small habit of supporting local, small-batch beauty brands will change the way you connect with the products you use forever.
The Local Love
I used to buy all my skincare from big, faceless corporations at the drugstore. The products worked fine, but there was no connection. I started a new habit of seeking out and supporting local, small-batch beauty brands I found at farmers’ markets or online. The passion and care that these artisans put into their products is palpable. Knowing the person who made my face oil and hearing the story behind their brand created a sense of connection and community that has made my daily routine feel so much more meaningful.
If you’re still not looking for the Leaping Bunny logo, you’re losing your guarantee of a cruelty-free product.
The Bunny Benchmark
I was trying to shop cruelty-free, and I would look for brands that had a bunny logo on their packaging. But I learned that not all bunny logos are created equal. Some brands will just put a generic bunny on their label without any real certification. The gold standard, most rigorous certification is the Leaping Bunny program. Seeing that specific logo is your best guarantee that the brand and its ingredient suppliers do not conduct any animal testing at any phase of product development. It’s the one to look for.
Use witch hazel as a toner, not one with a high alcohol content.
The Witchy Water
After cleansing, I wanted a toner to help refine my pores and remove any last traces of dirt. The toners I grew up with were harsh and full of alcohol. A much gentler, more natural alternative is witch hazel. This plant-derived astringent helps to tone the skin and reduce inflammation without the stripping effects of alcohol. It’s important to look for a formula that is alcohol-free, as many commercial witch hazel products do contain it. Pure witch hazel is a classic, effective, and gentle toning step.
Stop mixing too many essential oils together; it can lead to sensitization.
The Essential Oil Overload
When I first got into essential oils, I was like a mad scientist. I would mix five or six different oils together into a “super blend,” thinking that more was better. But this can be a recipe for disaster. Bombarding your skin with too many different, potent plant compounds at once can overwhelm it and lead to skin sensitization or an allergic reaction over time. It’s much safer and more effective to stick to simple blends with just one or two essential oils so you can truly understand how your skin is reacting.
Stop thinking a product is clean just because of its minimalist packaging.
The Minimalist Myth
The clean beauty aesthetic often involves minimalist, chic packaging—simple glass bottles, neutral colors, and clean fonts. It’s easy to subconsciously associate this look with a clean, safe formula. But I learned that you can’t judge a book by its cover. I’ve seen products with beautiful, minimalist packaging that contained questionable ingredients, and I’ve seen fantastic, truly clean formulas in less-than-chic packaging. You have to ignore the marketing aesthetic and read the ingredients list. That’s where the truth lies.
The #1 secret for a DIY dry shampoo that actually works is arrowroot powder and a bit of cocoa powder for dark hair.
The Dry Shampoo Dust
The store-bought aerosol dry shampoos were effective, but they were expensive and I was trying to reduce my use of aerosols. The best DIY dry shampoo recipe I found is incredibly simple. I use arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) as the base to absorb the oil. And the secret for dark hair, to avoid that tell-tale white cast, is to mix in a little bit of unsweetened cocoa powder. I apply it with an old makeup brush to my roots, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush it out. It works beautifully.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about natural ingredients is that they can’t cause allergic reactions.
The Natural Allergy
I have a friend who is severely allergic to nuts. For her, using a product with sweet almond oil, a very common “natural” ingredient, could be incredibly dangerous. The biggest lie about natural ingredients is that they are inherently safe for everyone. People can have allergies or sensitivities to anything, whether it’s a synthetic chemical or a plant-derived ingredient. That’s why patch testing is so incredibly important, especially if you have known allergies. “Natural” does not mean “hypoallergenic.”
I wish I knew this about “fragrance oils” versus “essential oils” when I was making my own products.
The Oil Opposition
When I first started making my own candles and soaps, I saw “fragrance oils” and “essential oils” for sale and thought they were pretty much the same thing. I wish I had known the huge difference. Essential oils are steam-distilled, pure plant extracts with therapeutic properties. Fragrance oils are synthetic, lab-created scents. They might smell nice, but they have none of the natural benefits of essential oils and can contain phthalates and other chemicals. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone wanting to create truly natural products.
I’m just going to say it: Just because you can eat an ingredient doesn’t mean you should put it on your face.
The Edible Error
There’s a popular saying in the natural beauty world: “Don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat.” While this sounds wholesome, I’m just going to say it: it’s not great advice. Your skin and your digestive system are two very different organs. Your stomach has acids that can break down things that your skin cannot. Things like acidic lemon juice or abrasive cinnamon can be perfectly fine to eat but can cause serious damage and irritation when applied topically to your delicate facial skin. The two are not interchangeable.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to find a truly “reef-safe” sunscreen.
The Reef-Safe Ruse
I was trying to be an environmentally conscious traveler, so I looked for a sunscreen that was labeled “reef-safe.” I thought I was doing the right thing. The mistake almost everyone makes is not knowing which ingredients to actually avoid. A truly reef-safe sunscreen should be free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are the two ingredients most known to cause coral bleaching. It should be a non-nano mineral sunscreen. Many products will claim to be “reef-safe” while still containing other questionable chemicals, so you have to read the active ingredients list.
This one small action of buying refillable beauty products will change the way you impact the environment forever.
The Refill Revolution
I was feeling overwhelmed by the amount of plastic waste my beauty routine was creating. The small action that made me feel the most empowered was to start actively seeking out brands that offer refillable options. Whether it’s a deodorant, a face cream, or a shampoo, choosing a product where I can keep the original container and just purchase a lower-waste refill pouch has a huge impact over time. It’s a vote for a more circular economy and a fantastic way to reduce my personal plastic footprint without sacrificing the products I love.
If you’re still using conventional glitter, you’re losing the chance to switch to biodegradable alternatives.
The Glitter Guilt
I love glitter. It’s fun and sparkly. But then I learned that conventional glitter is just tiny pieces of plastic. Every time I washed it off my face, I was sending microplastics into our waterways, where they harm marine life and never break down. I felt a huge sense of “glitter guilt.” If you’re still using plastic glitter, you’re missing out on the amazing biodegradable alternatives that are now available. Made from plants, biodegradable glitter gives you all the sparkle without the environmental harm.
Use grapeseed oil as a lightweight moisturizer for oily skin, not a heavy butter.
The Oily Skin Oil
As someone with oily, acne-prone skin, the idea of putting more oil on my face was terrifying. But I learned that the right kind of oil can actually help to balance your skin. The key was to avoid heavy butters and oils like coconut oil. Instead, I found grapeseed oil. It’s an incredibly lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy. It provides the moisture my skin needs without clogging my pores, which helps to signal to my skin that it doesn’t need to produce so much excess oil.
Stop using a DIY recipe without checking multiple sources for safety.
The Recipe Risk
The internet is full of exciting DIY beauty recipes. It’s easy to find one, get excited, and try it out immediately. But this can be risky. There is a lot of bad, and even dangerous, information out there. Before I try any new DIY recipe, I now make it a rule to check at least three different, reputable sources for information on the safety of the ingredients and the method. Cross-referencing helps me to weed out the bad advice and ensure that what I’m doing is safe and effective for my skin.
Stop getting overwhelmed by “free-from” lists; focus on what’s in the product instead.
The “Free-From” Frenzy
I used to get so stressed out by the long “free-from” lists that clean beauty brands would advertise. “Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones…” The lists were endless, and it made me feel like there were dangers lurking everywhere. This focus on what’s not in the product is a fear-based marketing tactic. A much more empowering approach is to ignore what it’s “free from” and to focus on what is in the product. Look for beneficial, nourishing ingredients. It’s a more positive and less overwhelming way to shop.
The #1 tip for a natural teeth whitener is using strawberries mashed into a paste.
The Berry Brightener
I wanted to whiten my teeth a bit, but the commercial whitening strips were making my teeth feel sensitive. The best natural tip I found was to use strawberries. Strawberries contain malic acid, which is a natural astringent that can help to remove surface stains. I would just mash up one or two ripe strawberries into a paste, apply it to my teeth with a toothbrush, and let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing. It’s a gentle, delicious way to get a slightly brighter smile.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about clean makeup is that it has no staying power.
The Performance Myth
When I first started to explore clean makeup, I was worried that I would have to compromise on performance. I assumed that without the synthetic polymers and silicones, the foundation wouldn’t last, and the mascara would smudge. The lie is that clean makeup doesn’t perform. The industry has come so far, and there are now incredible clean makeup brands that have amazing longevity and pigmentation. You can absolutely find a clean foundation that lasts all day and a mascara that doesn’t budge. You no longer have to choose between clean ingredients and high performance.
I wish I knew this about the short shelf life of natural products without preservatives.
The Spoilage Surprise
I bought a beautiful, all-natural, preservative-free face cream from a small brand at a farmers’ market. I used it for a few weeks and loved it. Then I got busy and forgot about it for a month. When I opened it again, it had mold growing in it. I wish I had known that products made without a proper preservative system, especially those that contain water, have a very short shelf life. They are not like conventional products that can sit on your shelf for a year. They need to be used quickly and stored properly.
I’m just going to say it: That viral DIY blackhead removal mask is ripping off your skin.
The Black Mask Menace
You’ve probably seen the viral videos of the DIY black peel-off mask made with charcoal and PVA glue. People peel it off and show all the “blackheads” it pulled out. I’m just going to say it: this is so bad for your skin. It’s not pulling out blackheads from deep within your pores. It’s aggressively ripping off the top layer of your skin, along with your sebaceous filaments (which are normal) and your fine vellus hair. It’s incredibly damaging to your skin’s barrier. Just don’t do it.
99% of people make this one mistake when using a shampoo bar for the first time.
The Rubbing Ruin
When I first tried a shampoo bar, I made the mistake of rubbing the bar directly all over my head. This created a tangled mess and it felt like I wasn’t getting the product distributed evenly. The correct way to use a shampoo bar is to create the lather in your hands first. I get the bar wet, rub it between my palms to build up a good lather, and then I apply that lather to my scalp with my hands. This results in a much more even clean and prevents any tangling from the bar itself.
This one small habit of making one DIY product a month will change the way you understand ingredients forever.
The DIY Deep-Dive
I wanted to better understand what was in my beauty products. The habit that taught me the most was to commit to making just one simple DIY product a month. One month it was a body scrub, the next it was an infused oil, the next it was a lip balm. This process forced me to research individual ingredients, to understand their properties, and to learn how they work together. It was a hands-on education that has made me a much more knowledgeable and empowered consumer, even when I’m buying store-bought products.
If you’re still not considering the water footprint of your beauty routine, you’re losing sight of a major environmental impact.
The Water Waste
I was focused on the plastic waste in my beauty routine, but I was completely ignoring another huge environmental impact: water. Many products, like liquid shampoos and lotions, are mostly water, which is heavy to ship. And my long showers were using gallons of water every day. If you’re not thinking about your water footprint, you’re missing a big piece of the sustainability puzzle. Choosing water-free products, like bars, and being mindful of my time in the shower are powerful ways to reduce my overall impact.
Use aloe vera gel for sunburns, not a lotion with fragrance.
The Aloe Aid
After a bit too much sun, my first instinct used to be to grab my regular, scented body lotion to soothe my red skin. This often just made it sting and feel more irritated. The best and most effective treatment for a sunburn is pure aloe vera gel. It’s incredibly cooling and soothing, and it helps to reduce inflammation without any irritating fragrances or heavy oils that can trap heat. Keeping a bottle of aloe vera gel in the fridge is a summer skin-saver. It provides instant relief that a regular lotion just can’t match.
Stop thinking that a DIY product can replicate a complex lab-formulated serum.
The DIY Delusion
I love making my own simple beauty products, but it’s important to be realistic. I used to think I could replicate a high-tech, $100 anti-aging serum in my kitchen. This is a delusion. A professionally formulated serum is created by cosmetic chemists in a lab. It has a specific pH, a sophisticated delivery system to ensure the ingredients penetrate the skin, and a stable preservative system. My simple mixture of oils, while nice, is not going to have the same powerful, targeted effect. It’s important to respect the science of formulation.
Stop falling for the “chemical-free” marketing myth.
The Chemical-Free Lie
I see the term “chemical-free” slapped on so many “natural” products, and it drives me crazy. It’s a scientifically impossible marketing term designed to prey on consumers’ fear of the unknown. Everything is a chemical. Water is a chemical (dihydrogen monoxide). The air we breathe is a mixture of chemicals. The goal should not be to find “chemical-free” products, because they don’t exist. The goal should be to seek out products with safe, effective, and well-researched chemicals, whether they are derived from a plant or a lab.
The #1 secret for a DIY conditioning hair mask is avocado, olive oil, and honey.
The Hair Food
When my hair is feeling dry and in need of some deep conditioning, I don’t need to buy an expensive hair mask. I can make an incredible one with three simple ingredients from my kitchen. I mash up half a ripe avocado, which is full of fatty acids and vitamins. Then I mix in a tablespoon of olive oil for moisture and a tablespoon of honey, which is a natural humectant that draws in moisture. I apply it to my hair for 20 minutes before washing, and it leaves my hair unbelievably soft and nourished.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about sustainable beauty is that it’s all-or-nothing.
The Sustainable Start
I used to feel so overwhelmed by the idea of sustainable beauty. I thought I had to be a perfect, zero-waste, plastic-free vegan who made all their own products. This all-or-nothing thinking paralyzed me and stopped me from doing anything at all. The biggest lie is that you have to be perfect. Sustainable living is a journey, not a destination. Making one small change, like switching to a shampoo bar or using a reusable makeup cloth, is a fantastic start. Every small, imperfect action makes a difference.
I wish I knew this about the difference between a hydrosol and floral water when I was getting into DIY toners.
The Water Way
When I first started making my own facial toners, I would see “rose water” and “rose hydrosol” and use them interchangeably. I wish I had known there’s a significant difference. A true hydrosol is the aromatic water that is left over from the steam-distillation of plant material, like when making an essential oil. It contains the water-soluble therapeutic compounds of the plant. Many products labeled as “floral water” are simply distilled water with a little bit of essential oil or even synthetic fragrance added. A true hydrosol is the superior product.
I’m just going to say it: You don’t need to make everything from scratch to be a conscious consumer.
The DIY Dogma
There can be a lot of pressure in the clean beauty community to make all your own products from scratch. It’s sometimes seen as the purest, most sustainable option. I’m just going to say it: you absolutely do not have to do this. Being a conscious consumer is about making thoughtful choices that work for you. That could mean supporting a sustainable, small-batch brand, buying a product with a refillable option, or just choosing a better option at the drugstore. There are many ways to be conscious without turning your kitchen into a laboratory.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to live a zero-waste lifestyle.
The Jar Trap
When I first tried to go “zero-waste,” I went out and bought a whole set of beautiful, matching, brand-new glass jars and containers to store my bulk goods. The mistake I was making was buying new stuff to support my low-waste lifestyle. The most sustainable option is always to use what you already have. I should have just repurposed the empty pasta sauce jars and takeout containers I already owned. The goal of zero-waste is to reduce consumption, not to buy a whole new set of aesthetically pleasing props.
This one small action of using a bamboo toothbrush will change the way you reduce plastic in your daily routine forever.
The Bamboo Brush
I never thought about the waste from my toothbrush until I realized that every single plastic toothbrush I had ever used in my entire life still exists somewhere on this planet. That thought was horrifying. The small action that I took to change this was to switch to a bamboo toothbrush. The handle is made from sustainable bamboo and is biodegradable, so it won’t sit in a landfill for hundreds of years. It’s such a simple, affordable swap that significantly reduces my daily plastic waste.
If you’re still using face wipes, you’re losing a chance for a better clean and a healthier planet.
The Wipe Waste
Makeup remover wipes used to be my go-to for quick and easy cleansing at the end of the day. But they are a triple threat of bad news. First, they don’t actually clean your face very well; they mostly just smear the dirt and makeup around. Second, most are made from non-biodegradable plastics and create a huge amount of daily waste. And third, they are often loaded with fragrances and harsh preservatives. Switching to a simple oil cleanse with a reusable cloth is so much better for your skin, your wallet, and the planet.
Use brewed green tea as a soothing facial toner, not just for drinking.
The Tea Treatment
I love drinking green tea for its antioxidant benefits, but I learned that it’s also amazing for your skin. After I brew a cup of tea, I save the cooled tea and use it as a facial toner. I just apply it with a reusable cotton round. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s fantastic for soothing redness and calming irritated skin. It’s a simple, free way to get some extra skin benefits from something I was already doing every day.
Stop using raw egg whites on your face; the risk of salmonella is real.
The Raw Egg Risk
I’ve seen DIY face mask recipes online that call for using raw egg whites, claiming they will tighten pores and firm the skin. While they do create a temporary tightening effect as they dry, it’s not worth the risk. Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria, and putting that directly on your face and near your mouth is a really bad idea. There are so many other, safer ingredients you can use to create a face mask that won’t put you at risk for a nasty bout of food poisoning.
Stop demonizing safe, synthetic ingredients that can be more effective and sustainable than some naturals.
The Synthetic Savior
In the clean beauty world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that “natural” is always good and “synthetic” is always bad. But this is an oversimplification. Some natural ingredients can be irritating or unsustainably harvested. And some lab-created synthetic ingredients are incredibly safe, effective, and can be produced with a much smaller environmental footprint than their natural counterparts. The goal should be to embrace well-formulated products with safe ingredients, regardless of where they came from. We shouldn’t demonize science.
The #1 hack for a natural makeup setting spray is a few drops of glycerin in witch hazel.
The Setting Spritz
I wanted a setting spray to help my makeup last longer, but I didn’t want the alcohol that is in many conventional sprays. The best DIY hack is to make your own. In a small spray bottle, I combine alcohol-free witch hazel with a few drops of vegetable glycerin. The witch hazel helps to tone and set the makeup, while the glycerin, a natural humectant, helps to give a dewy finish and prevent the makeup from looking too dry or powdery. It’s a simple, effective, and all-natural way to lock in your look.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about organic skincare is that it’s always 100% organic.
The Organic Illusion
When I see a product labeled “organic,” I used to assume that every single ingredient in the bottle was organic. The lie is that the word “organic” on the front of the package means the product is 1t00% organic. To have the official USDA Organic seal, a product must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Other products might say “made with organic ingredients,” which means they have at least 70% organic content. It’s important to read the labels carefully to understand exactly what you’re buying.
I wish I knew this about the proper dilution rates for essential oils when I first started using them.
The Dilution Details
When I first started using essential oils, I knew I had to dilute them, but I had no idea how much. I would just add a random number of drops to a carrier oil. I wish I had known that there are standard, safe dilution rates. For a facial product, a 1% dilution (about 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil) is generally recommended. For a body product, you can go up to 2%. Using the correct dilution rate is crucial for using essential oils safely and effectively, and for preventing skin irritation.
I’m just going to say it: Buying less stuff is the most sustainable beauty practice.
The Minimalist Mantra
I got caught up in the “sustainable beauty” trend and started buying all the “eco-friendly” products: the bamboo toothbrush, the shampoo bars, the refillable containers. My bathroom was full of sustainable stuff. I’m just going to say it: the most truly sustainable practice is not about buying more eco-friendly things, it’s about buying less stuff, period. Using up the products you already have, embracing a more minimalist routine, and resisting the urge to buy every new “green” product is the most powerful way to reduce your consumption and your environmental impact.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to go “plastic-free.”
The Tote Bag Trap
When I decided to go “plastic-free,” I became obsessed with avoiding plastic bags. I would bring my reusable tote bags everywhere. But the mistake I was making was ignoring all the hidden plastic in my life. I was still buying my food in plastic containers, my clothes were made of synthetic plastic fibers, and my beauty products came in plastic bottles. Focusing only on the plastic bag, while a good start, can make you blind to the much larger sources of plastic in your daily life. It’s about seeing the whole picture.
This one small habit of checking ingredients on an app like Think Dirty or INCIdecoder will change the way you shop forever.
The App Advantage
I used to feel so lost when I looked at a long, complicated ingredients list on a beauty product. I had no idea what any of the words meant. The small habit that empowered me as a consumer was to download an ingredient-checker app. Apps like INCIdecoder break down each ingredient and explain its function in plain English. Others, like Think Dirty, provide a rating for potential toxicity. Using these apps to do a quick scan of a product before I buy it has completely changed how I shop.
If you’re still prioritizing “natural” over “safe and effective,” you’re losing the best of what modern science has to offer.
The Natural vs. Science Fallacy
I went through a phase where I believed that only 100% natural, plant-based products were good for me. I was completely rejecting anything made in a lab. If you are prioritizing “natural” over everything else, you are missing out on so many incredible, safe, and effective ingredients that science has to offer. Lab-created ingredients like hyaluronic acid or certain peptides can be more potent, more stable, and sometimes even more sustainable than their natural counterparts. The goal should be a blend of the best of nature and the best of science.