We all have our favorite beauty and personal care products, and I’m no exception. But I’ve spent the last few years slowly trying to replace most of my conventional products with safer alternatives, and that’s meant having to say goodbye to some of my favorites. The problem was, there were some products I was so attached to, it took me a while to find the right “non-toxic” replacements. After all, it’s one thing to find products that are made with all the right (i.e. safe) ingredients, but it’s another thing to find clean products that actually perform like our conventional favorites! That’s why, after a lot of experimenting, I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite natural beauty swaps today.
Although it’s taken me a while to find the right replacement products, these natural beauty swaps certainly fit the bill. Not only are they made with cleaner, safer ingredients than their conventional counterparts, but they also perform just as well.
So after searching high and low, here are some of my favorite natural beauty swaps. They are all cruelty-free, gluten-free, and free of parabens, synthetic fragrance, and other toxic ingredients (and most are vegan, too):
(Note: this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. To learn more, click here.)
10 Must-Try Natural Beauty Swaps
Conventional Product: GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment
↓
Natural Swap: KYPRIS Beauty Deep Forest Clay
I loved my GLAMGLOW exfoliant mask, and it took me forever to find a replacement. After experimenting with many other masks, I eventually stumbled across KYPRIS Beauty Deep Forest Clay. The stars had finally aligned! This mask alternative not only detoxifies, but it exfoliates and leaves my skin smooth as could be. Just remember that, like its conventional counterpart, it’s pretty strong. So those with sensitive skin should leave it on for shorter amounts of time, until you figure out what amount of application time works best for you.
For me, KYPRIS Beauty Deep Forest Clay works just as well as GLAMGLOW, and without ingredients such as synthetic fragrance and benzyl benzoate. I use it about once a week, so it lasts me a while.
KYPRIS Beauty Deep Forest Clay Ingredients:
Water/Aqua, Montmorillonite, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Algae, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Sea Salt, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Squalane, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Asiaticoside, Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Maltodextrin, Phytosterols, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Abies Sibirica Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Silica
You can also find KYPRIS Beauty Deep Forest Clay here.
Conventional Product: Moroccanoil Treatment
↓
Natural Swaps: Prim Botanicals The Hair Oil, Captain Blankenship Mermaid Hair Oil, Kate Blanc’s Moroccan Argan Oil
This was another product that took me a long time to replace because I really loved the conventional version. Not only did Moroccanoil Treatment work well, but the biggest benefit to using it was the fact that I could use it generously, and it never left my hair greasy. Unfortunately with natural hair oils, it’s all too easy to end up with greasy looking hair.
So I held on to my Moroccanoil for as long as I could. That is, until the eczema on my hands spun out of control, and I had to replace EVERY product that came into contact with my hands. Fortunately, I eventually found three natural beauty swaps that work well, and none of these aggravate my eczema (yay!). They are all made of organic oils and free of synthetic fragrance and artificial colors (yay again!).
Note: when using it for styling, the trick to using natural hair oil is to ONLY USE A SMALL AMOUNT (excuse me for shouting, but this point is very important). All you need is a small amount to do the job, and any more will leave your hair looking greasy. That being said, these oils can also be used in larger amounts as conditioning treatments. I like to apply a good amount to my hair and leave it in for about 30 minutes before washing it. Any one of these three options leave my hair so silky after washing and conditioning. You can’t go wrong with any one of them:
Prim Botanicals The Hair Oil: this rockstar blend of mostly organic oils leaves my hair soft and smooth, and it smells absolutely lovely!
Prim Botanicals The Hair Oil Ingredients:
Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut Oil*), Camellia Oleifera (Camellia Oil*), Argania Spinosa (Argan Oil*), Moringa Oleifera (Moringa Oil*), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose Oil), Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu Oil), Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula Oil**), Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin Seed Oil*), Proprietary Blend of: Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender Essential Oil*), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Essential Oil*), Citrus Aurantium (Orange Bitter Essential Oil), Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Oil) *Organic **Wildcrafted
Captain Blankenship Mermaid Hair Oil: another blend of organic oils which leaves my hair smooth and silky.
Captain Blankenship Mermaid Hair Oil Ingredients:
Organic Argan Oil, Organic Kukui Nut Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Wildharvested Wild Sweet Orange Essential Oil, Organic Fir Needle Essential Oil, Organic Rosemary Essential Oil & Organic Cedarwood Essential Oil
Kate Blanc’s Moroccan Argan Oil: if you’re not wanting to spend a lot on a hair oil, this is a great cost effective, clean alternative. There are many pure argan oil brands out there, but this organic version is the one I use.
Kate Blanc’s Moroccan Argan Oil Ingredients:
Organic Argan Oil
Conventional Product: Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask
↓
Natural Swap: MaryRuth Organics Vitamin Enzyme Mask
Years ago, as esthetician told me that I really needed to use an enzyme mask to prep my skin and make exfoliation more effective. And boy, was she right: it was the piece of the puzzle I was missing in my beauty routine. So at the advice of a Sephora rep, I began using Ole Henriksen’s Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask. It worked perfectly, but I eventually knew I didn’t want a product that contained parabens and synthetic fragrance.
Enter MaryRuth Organics Vitamin Enzyme Mask, which uses natural (and many organic) ingredients to accomplish the same thing, prepping my skin for exfoliation.
MaryRuth Organics Vitamin Enzyme Mask Ingredients:
Purified Water, Organic Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe), Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Oil), Glyceryl Stearate, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Octyl Palmitate, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter), Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Stearate, Organic Beeswax, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu Oil), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame Oil), Camphor, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil), Spirulina Maxima (Spirulina), Salix Alba (White Willow Bark ), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange Peel Tincture), Mel (Honey), Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender), Methyl Salicylate (Wintergreen Oil), Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin Enzymes), Carica Papaya (Papaya Enzymes), Glycolic Acid, Organic Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Organic Ganoderma Lucidum (Kojic Acid/Reishi), Organic Borago Officinalis (Borage Oil), Organic Linum Usitatissimum (Flax Seed Oil), Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose Oil), Organic Rosa Canina (Rose Hip Oil), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Organic Arnica Montana (Arnica), Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed Oil), Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia Nut Oil), Sodium Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin
Conventional Product: TRESemmé Thermal Creations Protective Spray Heat Tamer
↓
Natural Swap: Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner
I really loved my thermal heat protectant spray from TRESemmé. It worked well and was an easily accessible, affordable drugstore brand. But I knew I had to find an alternative due to its long list of questionable ingredients.
I tried many heat protectant products that did not work (leaving my hair dry or frizzy) before finally discovering Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner. I love this formula of mostly organic ingredients, and it really works, leaving my hair soft and silky (and never greasy)! I spray it on my damp hair before blow drying and styling.
Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner Ingredients:
Water, Aqua- EAU, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Gel*1, Behentrimonium Methosulfate2, Glycerin4, Rice Amino Acids*, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein*, Nelumbiaum Speciosum (Lotus)Flower Oil*, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil*9, Caprylic Triglyceride, Calophyllum Tacamahaca Seed Oil3, Rosemarium Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract* Agropyron (Wheatgrass) Extract*, Honey Extract*, Cinnamomum Zelyanicum Bark Extract*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) RootExtract*, Thymus Valgaris (Thyme) Extract**, Nelumbium Specoisum (Lotus) Flower Extract*, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract5, Aspalathus Linearis Extract6**, Cymbopogon Schoenan-thus Extract7*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil*, Echinacea Angustifolio Extract8**, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract9**, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate. *Certified Organic
You can also find Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave in Conditioner here.
Conventional Product: Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Super Smooth Body Lotion (or any other scents)
↓
Natural Swap: 100% Pure Vanilla Bean Nourishing Body Cream (or any other scents)
Guys, I used to be addicted to this lotion from Bath & Body Works. Anyone who knows me knows that I love any type of sugary, cookie-inspired, vanilla-y scents (yes, I’ve made “vanilla-y” a word). And Warm Vanilla Sugar was my favorite. Actually, I loved most of the scents from Bath & Body Works, because, let’s face it — they pretty much all smell delicious.
But what I don’t like are the ingredients used in Bath & Body Works products, such as synthetic fragrance, parabens, petrolatum, and artificial colors. Fortunately, I discovered the body creams at 100% Pure. These body creams are naturally-scented and filled with nourishing ingredients, and they smell just as delicious! They have been my go-to for the last couple of years for yummy-smelling body lotion. In particular, 100% Pure Vanilla Bean Nourishing Body Cream is the perfect replacement for my prior vanilla lotion favorite.
By the way, if you don’t care for vanilla, 100% Pure offers several other yummy-smelling scents.
100% Pure Vanilla Bean Nourishing Body Cream Ingredients:
Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Organic Rose Hydrosol)*, Theobroma Cacao Seed (Cocoa) Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Butter), Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrant) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Vanilla Planifolia Fruit (Vanilla Absolute) Extract, Corylus Avellana Seed (Hazelnut) Oil, Extracts of Coffea Arabica Seed (Organic Kona Green Coffee)*, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Rubus Idaeus Fruit (Raspberry), Rubus Fruticosus Fruit (Blackberry) and Camelia Sinensis Leaf (Organic White Tea) Leaf*, Citric Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Water (Witch Hazel), Extract of Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf , Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf (Thyme), Hydrastis Canadersis (Goldenseal), Ethyl Alcohol (Grain Alcohol), Extracts of Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit, Resveratrol, Camellia Sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Leaf*, Garcinia Mangosteen (Mangosteen) Peel, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry), Sambucus Canadensis (Elderberry) and Vitis Vinifera (Muscadine Grape) Skin *Certified Organic
You can also find 100% Pure Vanilla Bean Nourishing Body Cream here.
Conventional Product: Jaqua Buttercream Frosting Body Butter
↓
Natural Swap: 100% Pure Coconut Whipped Body Butter
Much like my mention of Bath & Body Works body lotion, I used to love the sweet scent of this body butter from Jaqua. Combined with a luxurious feel, applying this body butter always felt like a special indulgence.
Unfortunately, Jaqua Buttercream Frosting Body Butter contains some undesirable ingredients, including artificial fragrance and synthetic preservatives.
So I was thrilled to find a cleaner version in 100% Pure’s Coconut Whipped Body Butter. It also smells sweet and delicious, and provides luxurious, silky moisture. It’s filled with nourishing, natural (and some organic) ingredients. And once again, 100% Pure offers other scents, if coconut is not your thing.
100% Pure Coconut Whipped Body Butter Ingredients:
Theobroma Cacao Seed (Cocoa) Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Butter), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter),Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera)* Leaf Juice, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Extracts of Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit, Resveratrol, Camellia Sinensis (Organic Green Tea)* Leaf, Garcinia Mangosteen (Mangosteen) Peel, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry), Sambucus Canadensis (Elderberry) and Vitis Vinifera (Muscadine Grape) Skin, Extract of Lonicera Caprifolium Flower, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf (Thyme), Ethyl Alcohol (Grain Alcohol), Cocos (Coconut Flavor) Nucifera Extract *Certified Organic
You can also find 100% Pure Coconut Whipped Body Butter here.
Conventional Product: Crest 3D White Whitestrips
↓
Natural Swap: Oral Essentials Whitening Strips
I have to admit, I haven’t yet had the chance to personally try out these last two natural beauty swaps. But I used to use Crest White Strips, and I’ve heard great things about this clean alternative. In particular, these clinically-tested Whitening Strips from Oral Essentials whiten teeth without the use of hydrogen peroxide or baking soda, two ingredients which can cause sensitivity or wear down tooth enamel over time. This is great news for those of us with sensitive teeth, or those of us who are concerned about preserving the health of our tooth enamel.
I can’t wait to try out these clean and gentle (yet effective) whitening strips.
Oral Essentials Whitening Strips Ingredients:
Vegetable Glycerin, Deionized Water, Carbomer, Carboxymethyl, Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera), Dead Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Sage Oil (Salvia Officinalis), Lemon Peel Oil (Citrus Medica Limonum)
Conventional Product: 3D White Whitestrips with Light – Teeth Whitening Kit
↓
Natural Swap: Primal Life Organics LED Natural Teeth Whitening System
Just like the whitening strips, I admittedly haven’t yet tried out this LED teeth whitening kit. Both the Crest version and the Primal Life Organics version use LED blue light technology to enhance the whitening process. But Primal Life Organics omits those harsh ingredients (like hydrogen peroxide) and instead, uses organic extra virgin olive oil, essential oils, several clays, and charcoal to do the whitening.
Once again, it’s the perfect scenario for those with sensitive teeth who want to avoid the harshness of peroxide, while using only clean, natural ingredients. The Primal Life Organics LED Natural Teeth Whitening System is definitely on my “must-try” list!
Primal Life Organics LED Natural Teeth Whitening System Ingredients:
Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Fruit Oil*, Bentonite**, Solum Diatomeae (Diatomaceous Earth) Clay**, Sodium Bicarbonate (Aluminum Free)**, Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Oil*, Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Oil*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil*, Eugenia Caryophyllata (Clovebud) Oil*, Citrus Limonium (Lemon) Oil*, Activated Charcoal**, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Leaf Oil*, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil*, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Oil*, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Oil* *Certified Organic **Food-grade
You can also find Primal Life Organics’ LED Natural Teeth Whitening System here on Amazon.
So now it’s your turn. What are some of your favorite natural beauty swaps? Please comment and share!
*All ingredients listed are accurate as of the time of this posting on 5/5/18. In the future, be sure to please check with the individual brands for any potential ingredient changes.
*For more natural beauty and personal care alternatives, be sure to check out my suggestions for Best Natural Shampoo and Conditioner and Best Natural Deodorants for Sensitive Skin.*
Leave a Reply