The 7 Benefits Of Switching To Natural Products
I get it… it’s hard switching from products or habits you’ve grown to love.
But trust me this switch is one you won’t regret. I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of switching to natural products and there’s no way I’m going back.
Now I’m not saying I’m perfect but I have become more mindful and intentional about using natural products from the oils I use on my curls to the ingredients I allow on my skin.
Let’s get into it. 🧴🌱
TL;DR
The 7 Benefits of Switching to Natural Products
- Non Toxic & Chemical-Free
- Cost-Effective
- Customizable Products
- Lower Risk of Side Effects
- Nutrient-Rich
- Improved Skin Health
- Sustainability
Benefits of Switching to Natural Products
1. Non-Toxic & Chemical-Free
Most conventional products are made using synthetic and even harmful ingredients that can build up in your body over time causing health issues.
But if you use natural products that are nontoxic certified, you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals like phthalates and PFAS.
Plus when you choose nontoxic products you buy from brands who promote transparency in their ingredients leaving no reason for you to have to guess what’s in their products or how natural and safe they are.
2. Cost-effective
I know we can often think about natural products as being more expensive but honestly a lot of the time that’s not the case at all.
Especially if you make it homemade and in bulk. BTW don’t let imposter syndrome keep you from doing so because you’re more than capable of making your own homemade natural products!!! I promise!❤️
When you make homemade natural products you can buy only the ingredients you need and make enough of a product to last you a long time.
One of the products we make at home is our homemade organic cocoa butter lotion and instead of paying for body butter on Amazon going for about $15-$20 for 5oz we make our own 28 oz organic cocoa butter for $34.
We save money and make a safer organic product that lasts us between 8-12 months! And that’s with both me and my husband using it!
Now don’t get me wrong some natural products are a bit more expensive because it’s harder to source certain ingredients but on the other hand some products appear to be natural but are just greenwashed or you’re paying for the brand name and not the actual ingredients👎🏽.
So just be careful. Calculate the cost of your ingredients and how long it will last you if you’re making a product at home and look for third-party-certifications if you’re buying in-store.
3. Customizable Products
For me, this is a big one because my skin likes to be “all of the above” at different times of the year. Sometimes oily, sometimes dry, and other times super sensitive.🙄
But what I love about switching to natural products is that you can get products that are better suited for your personal skincare needs, instead of getting a generic cocktail of chemicals.
You can either customize it at home or choose brands that are so transparent you know exactly what you’re buying. Some brands even allow you to take surveys and quizzes online so you can customize a product before buying it!
4. Lower Risk of Side Effects
Chemical ingredients both harmful(dyes and phthalates) and harmless in conventional products can sometimes cause unwanted side effects, such as hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions.
While they don’t eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction, natural products minimize exposure to toxic chemicals that can affect your body and health.
5. Nutrient-Rich
Natural skincare products are rich in beneficial nutrients from plants and natural sources. 🥑
These ingredients, like antioxidants and vitamins, can support the skin’s health and repair mechanisms more effectively.
6. Improved Skin Health
Natural products are typically gentler on the skin. Without harsh chemicals, they reduce(not eliminate) the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, and breakouts.
If you make a product at home you can make it specific to your personal skincare needs. This makes it even more ideal for sensitive skin types.
But just like chemical products, natural products don’t give you results overnight. Create a routine and use ingredients in safe amounts and frequently to get the best results.✨
7. Sustainability
The production of natural products often emphasizes sustainable practices but not always, so it’s important to look for certifications like Ecocert, Climate Neutral Certified, and NATRUE to make sure you’re buying a natural and eco-friendly product.
A natural brand can be sustainable by using ethically sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and even supporting local farming.
Ok, so we’ve discussed the benefits of switching to natural products now let’s look at an example and see how they compare.
Let’s Compare🔎
Here’s an example of cocoa butter I used to use throughout my whole childhood and some of my adulthood and my homemade cocoa butter lotion I use now.
Synthetic Product Example
First, just look at the ingredients… one has literally 6 ingredients and the other has almost 30 ingredients!
But the worst part is that some of the ingredients used in Queen Helene’s cocoa butter lotion are harmful. Parabens and synthetic dyes don’t belong anywhere in our cosmetic products.
It truly angers me when I see parabens and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals being used in products. These chemicals can disrupt hormones in both men and women and can cause reproductive challenges like decreased fertility, reproductive harm, and even cancer.
The synthetic dyes used in this product are some of the most harmful dyes known as azos dyes(FD&C Yellow 6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red 40 Aluminum Lake).
Azo dyes, which are widely used because of their low cost, can under certain conditions(like being absorbed through the human skin🙁) be reduced to aromatic amines. These amines are suspected to cause mutagenic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects.
Natural Product Example
Now, on the other hand, not only does our homemade cocoa butter not include any toxic ingredients but it’s made by me so I can customize it to meet my personal skincare needs.
In the wintertime, I need a bit more glycerin and jojoba oil to absorb and retain moisture, and because I make it myself I can make that adjustment.
But my favorite part is the smell!! It smells amazing! I get compliments all the time about it! When my husband and I gave my parents some to try my dad even thought it was edible because it smelt so good! 😂
You can have natural products that smell even better than overpowering, toxic synthetic lab-crafted fragrances 👎🏽
Final Thoughts
Don’t believe everything you hear on Instagram or TikTok because there are a lot of misconceptions about natural skincare.
And while natural products are both beneficial and effective it’s important to do research and fully understand the ingredients for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
More and more people are turning to natural products due to growing health and environmental concerns, as well as a desire for products with fewer synthetic chemicals and more transparent ingredients.
Most of the time natural products have a shorter shelf life than synthetic products because of the absence of strong preservatives.
Gradually replace your current items with natural alternatives, focusing on those with safe ingredient lists and certifications. You can start with a simple product like natural lotion or chapstick.
No, natural products are derived from natural sources, while vegan products contain no animal-derived ingredients, but both can overlap.