Replacing your beauty products with natural alternatives is one of the most significant things you can do for your health this year. Cosmetics aren't closely monitored by the FDA, which allows a lot of scary ingredients to make it through processing and into your home.
As with any changes, making simple swaps and creating new routines is the most effective way to get started. Here are the most important natural beauty swaps to make in 2020.
Mineral Powder and Foundation
Don't let the name fool you. While mineral powder does tend to feature natural ingredients that can help your skin, many of the components are questionable at best.
For example, talc is a common ingredient in some mineral powders. While this used to be a cosmetic staple, reports about carcinogenic effects have caused many manufacturers to leave it behind. Some, however, still have talc in their proprietary blend.
Create your own mineral powder using cornstarch, cocoa, and bentonite clay. There are many benefits of bentonite clay for the skin, making it a fantastic ingredient for mineral powders, foundation, and face masks.
Toner
Toner is an essential component in a skincare routine. Its core function is to remove excess oil and grime that's left behind after washing. However, many store-bought brands of toner have alcohol in them. This formula can dry out your skin, creating an increased need to buy face lotion to restore it.
Instead, make your own natural toner using witch hazel and rose water. Add a drop or two of grapeseed oil to create a cleansing effect similar to micellar water. By using this DIY natural swap, you'll cleanse the skin without drawing out all the natural moisture.
Mascara
The importance of eye health cannot be understated when talking about overall health and wellness. Many mascaras have toxic ingredients, including parabens, Thimerisol, and a number of synthetic dyes .
You can make DIY mascara with activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and aloe vera to nourish your lashes while adding length and volume. There are also numerous non-toxic mascaras on the market to try; do your due diligence to ensure that they're as clean as they claim.
Deodorant
Deodorant is a crucial natural beauty swap to make in 2020. As many consumer brands of deodorant have traces of aluminum, and the product is applied near lymph nodes and breast tissue, this swap should be a priority.
Look for natural brands that use aluminum-free baking soda or arrowroot powder as the base of their deodorant. Note that natural deodorants don't stop you from sweating, but they do remove body odor.
Your skin is your biggest organ. It absorbs the products you apply to it into your bloodstream. For this reason, ensuring that the body lotion you use is natural and toxin-free is imperative.
Fortunately, body lotion is easy to make at home from natural ingredients, such as shea butter and coconut oil. If you have sensitive skin or body acne, finding the right blend of products can take some trial and error. Aloe vera is an excellent alternative to coconut oil and blends beautifully with shea butter.
Lipstick and Lip Balm
Lipstick and lip balm are often created with artificial colors and preservatives. As you apply these products to your mouth, you can expect some transference into your body throughout the day.
Look for natural, cruelty-free lipstick brands that use nourishing, non-toxic ingredients, and natural pigments. You can create a custom color with DIY lipstick, using beeswax and pigments derived from flowers, carrots, cocoa, and beets.
2020 is a year when self-care and a love of the environment will go a long way. Start your year off right by making these quintessential natural beauty swaps.
