Over ten years ago, I listened to a podcast that completely changed my perspective on beauty and self-care. It exposed the hidden toxins in everyday beauty products—chemicals linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, and long-term health risks.

I remember sitting there, stunned. I had never questioned what was in my skincare, makeup, and personal care products before. Like most people, I just assumed that if something was on the shelves, it was safe. But once you learn, you can’t unlearn.

That episode sent me down a rabbit hole of research, and before I knew it, I was standing in my bathroom with a garbage bag, tossing everything that didn’t align with my values. It was a full detox—literally. And I haven’t looked back since.

But let me tell you, I wish someone had made an episode like this back then. One that clearly explained:
✅ Why these products are harmful
✅ How to transition without the overwhelm
✅ Which brands are actually worth trying

If you’ve ever felt confused about where to start with low-tox beauty, I’ve got you. Today, I’m taking you inside my bathroom and sharing all the tried-and-tested brands I love and trust.

The Hidden Dangers in Your Beauty Routine

Did you know the average woman applies 168 chemicals to her body every single day? And that’s just from personal care products!

Here are some of the biggest toxic offenders:

• Parabens – Linked to hormone disruption
• Phthalates – Found in fragrances, can mess with your reproductive system
• Synthetic fragrances – A mix of unregulated chemicals that can trigger allergies and irritation
• Aluminum (in deodorant) – A potential endocrine disruptor linked to hormone imbalances

And here’s the scary part—the beauty industry is barely regulated. Companies can put almost anything in their products without long-term safety testing.

That’s why I choose to be intentional about what I put on my skin, hair, and body.

Two Ways to Start Your Low-Tox Beauty Journey

So, how do you actually start making the switch?

1️⃣ The "All-or-Nothing" Approach (The Garbage Bag Method)

This is what I did. Once I knew what was lurking in my products, I couldn’t unsee it. So I grabbed a garbage bag, marched into my bathroom, and tossed everything that didn’t align with my values. It felt SO freeing to start fresh.

2️⃣ The "Slow & Steady" Approach (One Product at a Time)

If the thought of throwing everything away feels overwhelming (or expensive!), just replace each product as you run out. Start with the things you use the most—like **body wash, deodorant, and skincare—**then gradually swap the rest.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Do what feels right for you.

Trial & Error: Finding What Works for YOU

Not going to lie—switching to low-tox beauty involves a bit of trial and error. Some products work amazingly, others… not so much. And sometimes, your body needs time to adjust—especially when switching to natural deodorant.

Hot tip: If you’re making the switch, detox your pits in winter! Not like me, who went all-in the same week I flew to Bali!

My Low-Tox Beauty Staples (Come Inside My Bathroom!)

I choose to spend money on quality over quantity, keeping my routine minimal and intentional. Below are my go-to products across skincare, makeup, haircare, and personal care.

Skincare I’m Loving

I rotate between these and change them up often!

• Antipodes – Gospel Vitamin C Skin Glow Gel Cleanser (I love their whole range!)
• Ritual Oils – 100% Pure Cold-Pressed Moringa Oil with Blue Lotus
• Xali – Glow Oil
• Lamav – Face masks, skincare packs, and body oil
• Weleda – Revitalising Body Oil
• Sukin – Body Lotion
• Mukti Organics – Skincare range (budget-friendly alternative: Acure!)
• Luxury Pick: Synthesis – Renew Enzyme Cleanser, Notox Ageless Glow Serum, Replenish Elixir

Makeup I’m Loving

• Ere Perez – Oat Milk Foundation, Arnica All-Cover Pot Concealer, Lychee Crème Corrector, Almond Brow Pencil, Rice Powder Blush & Bronzer
• INIKA – Long Lash Mascara, Eyeshadow Palette
• Pureceuticals – Tinted BB SPF 50 (from Body Transformation Institute – divine!)
• Nude by Nature – Mineral Finishing Powder

Hair Care I’m Loving

• Shampoo & Conditioner: Giovanni Smooth As Silk, Everescents Blonde Shampoo & Treatment, Vegamour GRO Essentials Kit
• Leave-in Conditioner: O&M Know Knott Conditioning Detangler (not 100% organic, but I love it!)
• Dry Shampoo: Giovanni, Moo Goo, Acure
• Hair Spray: Giovanni L.A Hold Hair Spritz
• Hairbrush: Holistic Hair

Personal Care Items I’m Loving

• Period Products: Tom’s Tampons & Pads, Modibodi Period Underwear
• Body Wash: EcoStore, Sukin
• Deodorant: No Pong (bicarb-free, used for 9+ years!), Noosa Basics, Woohoo, Eco Tan
• Toothpaste: Grants of Australia, MooGoo, Eco Store, Primal Life
• Sunscreen: Avocado Zinc, Simple As That, Eco Tan
• Perfume: DIY with essential oils or Doterra Whisper
• Fake Tan: Eco Tan Cacao Tanning Mousse, 3 Warriors
• Hand Wash: Eco Store, Koala Eco, Enviro Clean
• Oral Hygiene: Oral B Electric Toothbrush, Piksters, Grin Charcoal/Bamboo Floss Sticks
• Razors: POPi Shave 5 Razor with replaceable blades
• Lip Balm: Hurraw, Noosa Basics, MooGoo, Weleda, Dr. Bronner’s

A Note on Nail Polish

You can’t get 100% low-tox nail polish, but you can choose safer options by looking for "free" formulas that remove toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates.

What does "free" mean?

• 3-Free = No formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP
• 5-Free = Also removes formaldehyde resin & camphor
• 7-Free, 10-Free+ = Eliminates even more harmful ingredients

I personally bring my own low-tox polish to the salon and use acetone-free removers, like Life Basics Nail Polish Remover.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun & Simple

Going low-tox shouldn’t be overwhelming. Instead of grabbing random products, be intentional about what you buy:

✔ Align purchases with your values
✔ Choose quality over quantity
✔ Give your body time to adjust

And most importantly—remember that less is more. When you’re nourishing your body from the inside out, your skincare and makeup are simply a complement to your natural glow.

I’d love to hear from you! What low-tox products are you loving right now? DM me, leave a comment, or tag me in your favorites!

👉 For more on toxic ingredients to avoid, check out Episode 77: “How to Harness a Low-Tox Life” with Emma Plush.