Natural Alternatives to Your Everyday Personal Care Products

Trying to find natural alternatives to personal care products has become so much easier these days. The options these days are limitless. From the food and beauty aisles on down to cleaning supplies – shelves are stocked with everything from “natural” and “chemical-free” products to “organic,” “local” and “grass-fed” ones.

It’s as if we all need a PhD just to buy some shampoo.

Of course, you don’t really need a PhD to buy healthy products. To help get you started, we’ve created a list of 10 common, everyday goods, along with reasons why making the switch over to all natural makes (healthy) sense. Here’s what Cheryl Lock lists as your guidelines to navigate through isles.

Healthy Alternatives to Toxic Deodorants

For products that you apply directly to your skin, it’s especially important to stay as close to all natural as possible. Deodorants that don’t adhere to the all-natural rules will likely contain parabens, synthetic ingredients (which could include hormone-disrupting fragrances and antibacterials) and aluminum compounds.

Learn about the Mineral Salt Deodorant ingredients that are non-toxic and all natural.

In addition, check out this experience of trying out an Aluminum Free Deodorant for women.

Toothpaste

All-natural toothpastes can be just as effective as anti-microbial based ones (as long as they’re ADA certified). Toothpastes with fluoride help prevent decay by crippling bacteria in plaque and re-mineralizing areas where acid damage has already occurred.

But, moderation is key when using fluoride toothpastes – too much of it can cause dental fluorosis, a permanent discoloration of teeth that forms in streaks or spots.

Glass cleaner

Fumes from some regular cleaning products are believed to be linked to asthma and other respiratory problems. All natural products are environmentally friendly and better for your health.

Meat

When it comes to buying clean and healthy meat products, be wary of items labeled as just “natural”, which could just mean that no additives or preservatives were introduced after the product was processed.

Instead, look for a “naturally raised” label which, according to the USDA, means the animal that produced that product was not fed antibiotics, growth hormones or any other animal by-products.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Shampoos that contain the compounds Cocamide and lauramide DEA may result in eye and skin irritation, and recent research suggests that prolonged exposure to these chemicals may even result in more serious health problems, like cancer.

Using the formulations of natural alternatives to personal care products is something we all should be striving for. To reduce the inflammation inside our bodies is the key. And non-toxic, natural ingredients used in the eco-friendly products are the key to our lasting health and well-being.

No anti-aging effort is possible without switching to the natural alternatives in our beauty, cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products.

Check out some of the best Natural Hair Care Products to strengthen hair follicles and increase hair growth naturally.

Fruit

Toxic and harmful pesticides are what you’re trying to avoid when it comes to fruit, which is why the Environmental Working Group produces a list of the fruits with the worst pesticide rates. Apples, strawberries, grapes, celery and peaches all top the list, but you can get the full list here.

However, do read this post if you want to extend life for your fresh produce and get rid of harmful pesticides from their surface. The veggies and fruit taste different after a unique treatment!

Disinfectant

Many of the common antimicrobial chemicals found in regular households disinfectants have been shown to cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation, as well as hormone imbalance and a potentially increased risk of breast cancer.

All-natural disinfectant products would avoid the use of such harmful chemicals as triclosan, triclocarban, nano-silver and others.

Laundry detergent

Sodium lauryl sulfate, 1,4-dioxane, nonylphenol ethoxylate and phosphates are four of the big offenders when it comes to laundry detergents. They cause issues like skin and eye irritation, developmental and/or reproductive toxicity, and even possible mutations and cancers.

While the offenders might seem particularly scary, picking just one or two products to make the switch over to all natural can make a big difference. Start with some of the ones on this list, and you’ll be well on your way to healthy living.