We’ve all been scared time and time again by questionable Facebook articles claiming that our beauty products are killing us. While most of the time we brush it off and continue to use whichever products are readily available without checking labels or reading ingredients, it is essential that we become more mindful of our beauty practices to make sure that we’re not putting harmful substances in or on our bodies. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and whatever is put on it can quickly make its way into our bodies and bloodstreams through our pores. Harmful chemicals from fragrances and colorings, as well as sulfates and parabens, not only irritate the skin, but can also cause allergic reactions or even cancer through its indirect contact with the bloodstream. With everything from tampons to skincare and intensely fragrant body lotions, as well as sulfates in most drugstore shampoos and conditioners, toxic chemicals are in most beauty products without us even knowing it.
However, it’s equally as difficult to find high–quality products that are readily available in drugstores and supermarkets, and not just in specialty beauty stores with sky–high prices. Here’s a roundup of some clean beauty brands that won’t break the bank!
Megababe is a non–toxic beauty brand founded by beauty blogger Katie Sturino that is built on the tenets of body–positivity and addressing the possibility of sweating, chafing, or smelling through their products. Their bestsellers so far have been their Thigh Rescue Anti–Chafe Stick (starting at $8), made with pomegranate and grapeseed oil, and their Rosy Pits Deodorant (starting at $12), neither of which contain any aluminium or parabens. They also make biodegradable and pH–balancing wipes that are safe to flush and use on any body part!
Alba Botanica is another non–toxic beauty brand sold at Target and Whole Foods stores that makes 100% vegetarian products infused with botanical ingredients. Their range is incredibly wide—from skin and hair care to body products and sun protection, they have endless options that can satisfy even the most specific beauty needs without breaking the bank, as most of their products are under or around the $10 range.
Dr. Bronner’s makes soap and body products with all–organic and fair–trade ingredients with no GMOs, committing themselves to making the highest quality products while also keeping most of their products within the $5 to $15 range. With a wide variety of soap scents available in either liquid or bar form—like peppermint, almond, lavender, citrus orange, and more—everyone can find a soap that's perfect for them.
W3LL PEOPLE describes themselves as an “eco–luxe beauty brand," and is committed to making natural beauty products free of harmful toxins and fragrances that irritate the skin, such as mineral oil, parabens, chemical dyes, sulfates, and more. While their products are slightly more expensive than what you would find in a regular drugstore, they are cheaper than most mainstream beauty brands found in shops like Sephora or Ulta, and stay under $25. With mascaras, bronzers, foundations, concealers, powders, and eyeshadows, you could easily do a full face of makeup with their large selection.
RMS Beauty makes organic beauty products with a twist: all of their products are made with raw, food grade ingredients, essentially making most of their products edible. This also allows them to react positively with skin in order to heal, nourish, and helping it to look good. Their signature set, retailing at $44, features a bronzer, luminizer, lip/cheek tint, lip balm, and "master mixer." The set is one of their best–selling products (not to mention aesthetically pleasing with its minimalist packaging). While this brand is the most expensive of the bunch, with most products staying under or around $40, it’s not more expensive than most mainstream beauty brands. Their products, without all of the harmful toxins, can also serve as a splurge or special treat.
It’s not only important to be aware of what we put on our bodies, but also what kinds of companies we give our money to. Buying products from companies with ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices is key to being the change we want to see in this world. While a bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste may not seem like an important part of our lives, what we use every day can help make a greater impact on our bodies and this world.
