How to Make the Switch to Organic Products

So you want to make the switch to organic and natural beauty products, good for you! We are here to help. Making the switch is going to be so rewarding and fun! With our tips, you will be well on your way to finding and using non-toxic skincare products.

First Things First - Find Your Why

Why are you making the switch? If you have a reason for doing what you are doing, you will be much more likely to stick with it - even if it gets frustrating.

Why Switch to Organic Skincare?

There are plenty of reasons to switch to organic and natural skincare - maybe you want to avoid toxins, or you want to make choices that are better for the planet - whatever your reason, it is a good enough one.

Here are some of my reasons for making the switch:

• Support small brands that take pride in what they do. 
• Avoid synthetic chemicals and toxins that may cause cancer and other health problems.
• A love of nature and the healing power of plants.  
• Support Eco-friendly alternatives that are created with the intention to minimize their impact on the environment. 
• Modern natural beauty products work just as well, or better than their synthetic counterparts, so why not use them?
• My skin deserves to be pampered and taken care of, and it responds well to natural ingredients.

What are your reasons? Leave them in the comments below!

Learn to Read Labels

Being able to read and discern ingredients lists and labels is the most crucial skill to develop if you want to avoid toxins in your skincare and beauty products.

You cannot just base your assessment of a product on its front label. Products can say, "all-natural" or that they contain argan oil, but unless you read the actual ingredients list - you can be easily fooled. Companies use marketing to convince you a product is natural when it isn't. It may contain argan oil, yes, but it also may include sodium lauryl sulfate - an ingredient you want to avoid.

Many synthetic ingredients, such as parabens and phthalates, come in a variety of names and can be hard to identify unless you know what to look for.

Also, there are safe and natural ingredients that may sound like they are bad - because you aren't sure what they are.

We have created a guide on how to read ingredients lists to help you learn to decipher labels, seals, and ingredients lists.

Start Slow and Be Patient

You don't need to throw everything out and replace it all at once! Instead, use up the products you have an replace them as you run out.

Be patient with yourself; you will get there. It takes time to test and find new products that you enjoy using - the important thing is that you are taking action - be proud!

Deciding What Products to Replace

The products you use the most are an excellent place to start. Products you use daily, and that stay on the skin will make the most impact. Examples are moisturizers, serums, and makeup.

Simplify Your Routine

By simplifying your skincare and makeup routine, you will have fewer products to replace, and you will save money. How do you simplify?

Use Products for Multiple Purposes  

• Many ​organic cream blushes can color the lips, eyes, and cheeks.
• Tinted moisturizers often contain spf, making them a moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen in one.
• Eyeshadow palettes combine a variety of colors.  
• Rituelle De Fille is an excellent example of a multi-use product brand. Their cream eyeshadows, blushes, and highlighters can be used on every area of the face. 

Stick to a Simple Routine

You only need a few products to have an effective skincare routine. A cleanser, moisturizer, and maybe a treatment serum for your face, and a shampoo and conditioner for your hair.

Make a list of your priority products and try a routine using only them and cut out unnecessary extras - at least at first. 

Test

Test, test, test. It may take a while for you to find the perfect green beauty product to replace your conventional one. Be patient and remember your why. You can do it!

Get samples, trail, or travel sizes of products. Online shops such as Credo Beauty send free samples with every order, and check out our articles on where to get samples. 

Read Blogs and Find Your Tribe

Having a support network of people going through the transition with you will help keep you motivated and give you a feeling of community. You will also learn about new products to try and where to find the best deals. There is a large group of us doing this green beauty thing!

DIY is Your Friend

Making your own skincare and beauty products is a fantastic way to know exactly what is going on your skin. 

We have a ton of recipes for you to enjoy! Head over to our DIY Section. 

You Might Go into Detox Mode

As your skin gets used to natural products, you may go through a bit of a detox period. Your skin may have to purge toxins, adjust its sebum production, and get acquainted with its new routine. You can reduce the adjustment effects by slowly weaning yourself off of your old products and onto your new ones. 

Where to Find Organic and Natural Products

The green beauty movement is gaining traction, and you can find many of the best organic skincare brands in stores such as Target, Whole Foods, and your local health food store. However, you have to be diligent about reading ingredients lists in these places, as they also carry non-natural or green-washed brands.

My favorite places to shop for green beauty are online. The shops I love are ones that have strict standards on the products they carry - that way, I don't have to do as much detective work in deciphering ingredients lists - I can trust that they have already done that part.

My Favorite Shops

The Detox Market is my top choice, they have both a Canadian and American store. They offer regular sales and bundles, and a sample program. 

Credo Beauty is another favorite, they send out free samples with every order and are based in the US. 

You can see all of our favorite shops on our Where to Shop page. 

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you in your transition to organic skincare! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below, I will do my best to help you out 🙂