The Good, the Meh, and the Still Figuring It Out
As I learn more about how ingredients impact our health, I’ve realized that it’s not just about what we eat but also about what we’re putting on our skin. Here are the latest swaps I have made lately (as someone who is kind of high maintenance in this department) and I am going to be 100% real with you. Full honesty ahead, so buckle up.
- I wanted a cleaner alternative to the lotion I use after my glorified evening shower routine (which, yes, I really go all out for). But to be honest… I’m struggling with the body oil. I might not be using enough, but there’s a fine line between hydrated and full stick-of-butter mode. I’m still experimenting, but I might just be a lotion girl at heart.
- $17.69
- Dramatic but true: this face wash has changed my life. I have extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin, and my face doesn’t react at all to this one. The ingredients are clean and organic, which makes me feel extra cool. It’s on the pricey side, but if you’re looking to splurge, this is it. However, everyone’s skin is so personal, so don’t hate me if you have a different experience.
- $47.00
- Another splurge, but this one’s worth it too, is the moisturizer. It has turmeric in it, which makes my skin so glowy. I honestly think anything from this brand is amazing.
- $66.00
- If you can’t tell by now, I love Kora Organics. I picked up their facial sunscreen for the summer days, and honestly, no complaints. It gives my skin a nice glow (clearly I dig the glowy products), doesn’t break me out, and comes in a super fun application tube thing. A total win in my book.
- $57.00
hello antiplaque + whitening fluoride free toothpaste
- This one’s a keeper. I’ve used it for a while now and LOVE it. The minty flavor is non-negotiable for me, and this one absolutely delivers. Plus, my teeth stay white, even with all the coffee I drink. Win-win.
- $5.99
- I am extremely picky about lip products. I’ve been addicted to Vaseline for years, but after learning more about the ingredients, I’m trying to switch. Lately, I’ve been using the Weleda lip balm. It’s not a love, but it’s a like. I’ll keep experimenting with some other brands and report back.
- $7.49
- Okay, this one’s a little controversial, I know. But if you can get past what it is and focus on the results, you’ll thank me later. Any beef tallow will work, this is just the one I have been using. I’ve been putting it around my eyes before bed, and honestly… it kind of glamorizes life. Plus, I truly believe I wake up with less of an under-eye baggage situation. Just trust me on this one and try it.
Why care about the ingredients?
This is such a valid question. It can feel like overkill, or just plain extra, to start steering away from our favorite, chemically-loaded products. But avoiding potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and certain preservatives is SO important. It can make a bigger impact on your long-term health than you might think… not to be scary.
Long-term exposure to some of these ingredients has been linked to issues like cancer, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption. We want to protect our hormones, guyssss!
I get that it might feel silly or overwhelming in the moment, but truly, these small changes add up.
For me personally, I just try to swap in a cleaner option whenever I run out of something. No need to throw everything out all at once. Just start small, see what you like, and go from there.
Anywhoooo… that’s what I’ve got going on in the skincare department right now. As I find new clean swaps, I’ll keep sharing what I’m trying… and loving or hating.
Thanks for reading. It truly makes me so happy to have a space to share what’s on my mind with you all.
XO,
Grace ♡
gracekcastle@gmail.com
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