I want to begin by clarifying that my intention is not to criticize or single out any company. Instead, I’d like to share why learning about the products that so many including myself have used for years is important and also why using more natural products has been so important in my life. I’m not claiming that all products from these companies are harmful, but I do believe it is vital to be aware of the ingredients that they contain. These simply are my personal views and reasons for choosing a more natural approach.

1. Personal Health Benefits

One of the biggest reasons I’ve chosen natural products is for the health benefits they offer. After dealing with some health issues that effected my everyday life and being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease, I knew I had to make some changes. Not fully understanding why this autoimmune disease reared its ugly face, after I had spent years eating so healthy and exercising almost everyday, I was ready to tackle it head on. I started researching, learning and looking at the products that I was using every single day. There is so many useful resources on the internet that helped to open my eyes and mind to learning more. I was shocked to say the least to have learned that about 90% of the products that I had been using had ingredients that have been deemed HAZARDOUS to your health. More specifically endocrine disruptors in every single thing I used. Do you know what is in the products you use? Well, let me share some examples of the things I was using.

Lotions that I used every day, multiple times a day contained a petroleum derivative.  What does that mean… Well, short answer is in the European Union it is banned for use. This ingredient has been shown to accumulate in the body, especially in lymph nodes & liver, and cause inflammatory reactions. Oh, and the smell good lotions that also advertise Shea butter & Vitamin E and you think your making a great choice? Umm hmmm, forget it… I was disappointed too. So, I have decided to focus on creating body butters that I know are safe, smell good, and are phthalates free without the toxins that will give me more healthy benefits than the other ever could.

Another example: A soap that I used every day, in every room of the house blew my mind! Click on those underlined links to see. So many of them show cancer causing ingredients, endocrine disrupters, allergies/immunotoxicity & skin, eye & lung irritants. Not all but pretty much all of the ones that I have wasted my money on over the years.

You can imagine that it didn’t take me long to go through and clean out our house. I literally threw full bottles in the garbage. Yes, it was a disappointment considering all the money that I had spent on it but I wasn’t about to use it or share it with the ones I love.

2. Positive Environmental Impact

Choosing natural products also means making a positive impact on the environment. Many synthetic chemicals found in conventional products can contribute to pollution and environmental harm. Natural products are typically biodegradable and made with sustainable practices, which helps reduce our ecological footprint. For example, I love that I can create natural soaps that come in eco-friendly packaging, which helps minimize waste and plastic pollution. I am doing my best to make sure my products are eco-friendly for the most part. I often use recycled boxes and packing peanuts to reduce waste. Anything that I am not able to use I break down and take down to the recycling bins downtown.

3. Fewer Toxins

We’re all exposed to harmful chemicals in our daily lives, and many products contain ingredients like parabens and phthalates that can accumulate in our bodies over time. By opting for natural products, I’m able to avoid these toxins and reduce the risk of long-term health issues. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in our overall well-being.

4. Transparency and Trust

One of the things I appreciate most about natural products is the transparency that often comes with them. Brands that focus on natural ingredients tend to be more open about what goes into their products, allowing us to make informed choices. This level of transparency helps me feel more confident about the products I use and ensures they align with my values.

5. Supporting Sustainable Practices

When I choose natural products, I’m also supporting brands that are committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Many of these companies emphasize eco-friendly sourcing, fair trade, and cruelty-free testing. By supporting these brands, I feel like I’m contributing to a positive shift in the market and encouraging more companies to adopt these practices.

6. Encouraging a Healthier Lifestyle

Switching to natural products is more than just a choice about what we use; it’s about fostering a healthier lifestyle overall. It encourages us to be more mindful of what we put on and into our bodies. By making these conscious choices, I’ve become more attuned to my health and well-being, which has positively impacted other areas of my life.

In a Nutshell….

I highly recommend that you download the YUKA app or EWG app and scan your products. Know what you are bringing into your household and sharing with your loved ones.

Focusing on cleaner, more natural products has been a transformative choice for me. I have learned that conventional products often contain synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and additives that can irritate our skin or trigger allergies, and/or may contain endocrine disrupters.. The list can go on and on. Natural products, however, use ingredients derived from nature, which are generally much gentler and less likely to cause issues.

I am determined to live my life with my eyes wide open, doing all that I can do to make sure I am taking care of this body that God has given me. So, I’m excited to be on this journey, continuing to learn and share, and I hope it inspires others to make similar choices for a healthier future!