my safer switches

Switching to safer is a process. It can be a quick one, but for me and my family, it has been a slow, yet intentional, process. We have had to be strategic about our switches because, let's be honest...money. Note the words intentional...and strategic, not expensive and impossible.  My husband is a financial analyst, professionally & figuratively speaking. He analyzes everything. Grocery shopping with him is maddening. He evaluates cost per fluid ounce to guarantee he is getting the best deal, down to the penny. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that about him. But you can imagine his hesitation when "safer" doesn't always mean "cheaper." In fact, safer is almost guaranteed to not be the cheapest option out there...hallelujah for that.

Same goes for dieting and eating healthier. Who actually spends less at Zoes than they do at McDonalds? At Whole Foods versus Bi-Lo? It all comes down to what you deem as valuable. Eating healthy produces benefits that eating junk does not. Thinner waistlines, fewer pounds, higher energy, better cholestrol, reduced blood pressure, clearer mindset. Same concept goes for safer beauty/personal care. Clearer skin, balanced hormones, reduced organ toxicity, less exposure to cancer-causing ingredients, fewer flare-ups and allergen exposures. Loading your body with carbs + trans fats + sugar + preservatives won't produce positive results. Neither will covering your largest organ (your skin) with formaldehyde, hormone disruptors, allergens, carcinogens, and trade secrets protected by law that prohibit you from even knowing what else. Even when you ASK.

I was done making excuses about my acne. I was tired of unexplained hormone imbalance. I was tired of my daughter constantly scratching at her eczema. I was tired of apologizing for my son’s ichothyosis vulgaris just when I would introduce him to people...knowing they were starring at his peeling dry skin. I was OVER being poked, prodded, cut, and stitched to remove skin cancers from my body. I find value in safer alternatives so that I can deal with these things less. WORRY LESS.

My faith in Jesus makes me aware that we are not in control of our circumstances. I don’t believe that using safer products will guarantee I don’t get cancer one day. Just as I am fully aware eating healthy doesn’t guarantee you won’t have a heart attack. Or non-smokers won’t get lung cancer. Our world is a result of the Fall...we are all wasting away. My passion for safer does not negate the fact that the Lord is sovereign over all things, and His plan will unfold, no matter what. Sin is everywhere, disease is everywhere, death happens, we suffer, we struggle. Unfortunately, even Christians, especially Christians, aren’t guaranteed an easy, disease-free life on this side of Heaven. Why else do we need Jesus? I am not striving towards unachievable, tangible perfection. That can only be obtained when Jesus comes back for me. But my body is a temple, and I can take care of what He’s entrusted to me, making good choices for me and mine until that Glorious Day when my body is made new.

I get asked often what switches I've made, so as promised, I have composed a list [with links] for anyone who may like to use it as reference as they begin to consider safer alternatives. I have made more progress than Nick. I'm slowly switching the skeptic to safer...just takes longer..

Me:

Shampoo: Avalon Organics
Body Wash: Beautycounter Citrus Mimosa Body Bar
Shaving Cream: Beautycounter Not a Knot Kids Conditioner
Lotion: Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer
Make Up Remover Wipes: Cest Moi Gentle Makeup Remover Wipes
Face Wash: Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar - this is a super product; used for umteen thousand things!
Skin Care/Moisturizer: Countercontrol Regimen
Spot Treatment/Acne Care: Beautycounter No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask
Hyperpigmentation/Dark Spots: Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel
Eye Cream: Countermatch Eye Cream
Makeup Primer: Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream OR Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer in Light-Medium
Makeup: Beautycounter Flawless in Five: Beautycounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation in Linen, Touchup Skin Concealer Pen, Satin Powder Blush in Sorbet, Volumizing Mascara, Color Define Brow Pencil, Beautycounter Lipgloss; Bronzer: Mineral Fusion Bronzer ordered on Amazon
Nail Polish: cote
Toothpaste: JASON
Hairspray: Loma
Deodorant: Jury's still out on this one; currently using Toms

Nick:

Shampoo: Beautycounter Daily Shampoo
Body Wash: Counterman Charcoal Body Bar
Lotion: Hydrating Body Lotion in Citrus Mimosa (chuckle)
*He doesn't wash his face*
Face Lotion: Counterman Oil Free Face Lotion

Kids:

Bath: Baby Gentle All-Over Wash (Fields); Kids Bath Collection (Reaves)
Lotion: Baby Daily Protective Balm and Baby Soothing Oil
*I occassionally use Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizer if necessary (EWG rating of 2)*

My rule of thumb for EWG ratings when using products that are not EWG-verified, "4 or more, OUT THE DOOR." So I will occassionally use a 1, 2, or 3 if it's a product that I have to have.

Diaper Cream: Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream

Family:

Sunscreen: Countersun Mineral Sunscreen (Mist)
SunBURN: Cleansing Balm - this is also a super product; used for umteen thousand things!
Bugspray: Greenerways Organic Bugspray
Hand Sanitizer: doTERRA
Hand Lotion: Beautycounter Hand Cream

 Household:

Dish soap: Better Life
Multi-purpose cleaner: I make my own with vinegar, water, and baking soda
Laundry Detergent: Molly's Suds
Stain Remover: Beautycounter Charcoal Bar or hand soap + the sun :)
Hand soap: Everyone
Static/Dryer Sheets: NONE. I use Wool Dryer Balls instead


We still have a ways to go on Household Cleaners. We have started diffusing essential oils, and only purchasing Soy candles. I've determined the brands we will buy, but again, we are not wasteful people...so we will be using up our remaining cleaners before purchasing safer for those. All about doing better, not being perfect.