6 Personal Care Product Swaps for the Toxin-Concious Mom
From soap to shampoo to lip balm, find low toxic options that are better for your health and the environment.
*This article contains affiliate links that pay a very small commission should you buy one of my recommended suggestions . I only recommend products that I have personally tested and believe will bring value to you.
Personal Care Swaps That Work Well and are Better for Your Health
When I started creating a healthier home, I realized the choices I made in my bathroom mattered just as much as the ones in my kitchen. We all use personal care products daily, sometimes multiple times a day, and they can be a hidden source of unnecessary toxins. Many conventional options contain endocrine disruptors, synthetic fragrances, or harsh preservatives that build up in our bodies and impact long-term health.
Instead of treating my bathroom shelf like a chemistry lab, I’ve slowly swapped out the products I use most for safer, non-toxic alternatives. These swaps are simple, effective, and have helped me save money in the long run.
Here are six swaps that have made the biggest difference for me:
1. Body Wash, Bubble Bath, Shampoo
Instead of juggling multiple bottles filled with sulfates, silicones, and synthetic fragrances, I simplified my routine with a clean 3-in-1 option. The one I love is scented with calming lavender essential oil and aloe extract because it makes me feel like I’m having a mini spa moment every time I shower.
It’s EWG Verified® and made without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. It is crafted in small batches with ingredients from organic and regenerative growers and I appreciate that it comes from a family-owned B Corp in Marin County, California, where the products are created in a zero-waste, solar-powered facility.
This single swap replaced three different products in my bathroom, reducing clutter, and gives me peace of mind knowing I’m supporting my health and the planet at the same time. My hair also feels soft and nourished without stripping it of the natural oils and color like other harsh shampoos. I also have sensitive skin and can still use this product as a body wash without breaking out or seeing any redness,
Conventional toothpaste often contains fluoride, triclosan, artificial dyes, and even microplastics. While fluoride has benefits for cavity prevention, there are safer, remineralizing alternatives that use ingredients like hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and calcium carbonate. I made the switch because I wanted to strengthen my teeth naturally, without swallowing unnecessary additives.
If you’re looking for a toothpaste that goes beyond just freshening your breath, Boka is a clean and innovative option. Instead of fluoride, it uses nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), the same mineral that makes up 97% of your enamel. This ingredient helps support strong, healthy teeth while keeping your routine toxin-free.
• Biocompatible & Non-Toxic – Free from fluoride, sulfates, parabens, and artificial flavors or colors.
• Safe for Sensitive Teeth – Gentle, soothing, and effective enough for everyday use.
• Flavor Upgrade – A refreshing blend of lemon and lavender, inspired by the Amalfi Coast, for a luxurious brushing experience.
This swap is perfect if you want a fluoride-free, clean, and science-backed toothpaste that still tastes great and supports a healthy smile.
Most traditional deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrance. Aluminum blocks sweat glands (your body’s natural detox process), while parabens and fragrance chemicals are linked to hormone disruption. I swapped to this recipe as I like making my own natural deodorant made with ingredients that include tallow, coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. It took my body a couple of weeks to adjust, but now I stay fresh without compromising my health.
4. Body Lotion
Our skin is our largest organ—it absorbs what we put on it. Many body lotions are full of parabens, phthalates, and petroleum-based ingredients. I swapped to making my own non-toxic version made with 1 cup of grassfed tallow + lavendar essential oil + geranium essential oil. It’s deeply hydrating, and I love that my skin drinks up nutrients instead of synthetic fillers.
Why these ingredients work:
• Grass-Fed Tallow – Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as fatty acids that closely mimic the structure of human skin lipids. This makes tallow highly absorbable, deeply moisturizing, and supportive for skin barrier repair. It’s especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.
• Lavender Essential Oil – Known for its calming properties, lavender helps soothe skin irritation, reduce redness, and promote relaxation. Its gentle antimicrobial qualities may also support clearer skin.
• Geranium Essential Oil – Balancing and toning, geranium oil helps regulate sebum production, improves skin elasticity, and has mild astringent properties. It’s often used to promote an even, healthy-looking complexion.
My DIY Body Lotion Recipe:
• 1 cup of my favorite grass-fed tallow
• 5 to 10 drops of a good quality lavender essential oil
• 5 to 10 drops of a good quality geranium essential oil
Together, these ingredients create a deeply moisturizing, soothing, and balancing lotion that’s free from synthetic additives and supports overall skin health.
Chemical sunscreens often contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, both linked to hormone disruption and environmental harm. I try to limit my time in the sun during the afternoon, and only use a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. This suncreen is a little bit more pricey than others, but offers the same level of protection as chemical sunscreens, without the health or reef safety concerns, and leaves my skin nourished and hydrated.
6. Lip Balm
Whatever you put on your lips, you end up ingesting. Conventional lip balms can contain petroleum, synthetic flavors, and preservatives. My go-to now is a simple balm made from beeswax and grassfed beef tallow. It’s nourishing and safe enough to eat (which, let’s face it, we all do in tiny amounts). Here’s my recipe for a clean, effective balm that’s as functional as it is fun to make.
Supplies
• A glass or metal mexing bowl to use as a double boiler
A small glass jar with a non-leaking lid (I love reusing the tiny Bonne Maman jam jars!)
• 1 tbsp grass-fed tallow
• 1 tsp beeswax flakes
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil or lemon essential oil
• Boiling water
Instructions
1. Placce tallow and beeswax together in the small glass jar you will be using
2. Place the small glass jar into the metal bowl and poor boiling water into the metal bowl to heat up the glass jar and its ingredients
3. Stir in the essential oils and mix with a toothpick
4. Let the mixture cool and apply as needed for soft, refreshed lips.
Why it works
• Beef Tallow – Moisturizes and nourishes with skin-friendly vitamins and fatty acids.
• Beeswax – Creates a natural protective barrier to lock in moisture.
• Peppermint Oil – Adds a refreshing tingle and supports circulation for plump, healthy lips.
Why These Swaps Matter
I didn’t make all these changes overnight. I started small and first finished what I had before replacing it with something better. Step-by-step, these swaps helped me feel more aligned with how I want to live: intentionally, healthfully, and in harmony with my values. Every product we bring into our homes impacts our health in some way. When we choose cleaner alternatives, we reduce our body’s toxic load and create a safer, more supportive environment for ourselves and our families.
If you’re just starting out, I suggest picking one swap from the list above and trying it out. Notice how your body feels. Chances are, you’ll be surprised at how simple—and satisfying—it can be to make a healthier choice.
Living Positively STRONG isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Each swap is a small but powerful step toward a healthier, more purposeful home.
