Hi lovelies,

Today I am writing about my green beauty swaps since making the change gradually over the space of around 6 years. As you may know, I have been on a green beauty journey since discovering natural ingredients and plant-based beauty cleared my adult acne. Even when I started this blog back then, I was still transitioning.

For example, I used to think the only way to clear my acne was to go for the strongest chemicals and newest technology in order to obtain clear skin. I tried everything from Proactiv – which bleached my pillowcases and face cloths (yikes) to Clearasil – full of harsh chemicals and overpowering smell. They just seemed to either not work or actually aggravate my skin and strip it of its natural oils.

I was still transitioning from those products to greener, less harsh chemical products when I began this blog. For example, I used to have a La Roche Posay cleanser which seemed to have a good effect on my skin. I did notice after a while that my skin that I was experiencing dryness and even some sensitivity. I had a look at the ingredients and realised it contained SLS. I started looking into chemicals and which ones to avoid in cosmetics.

After a lot of research I decided to write a blog post on the alarming amount of man-made chemicals in beauty products. Here is the article if you’re interested Toxic Beauty Products in your Cupboards. Know What You’re Applying.

Once I became aware of the potential effect these ingredients were having on my skin, I began putting the pieces together as to why my skin was irritated and seemed to react to certain products. I knew then, it was time to start researching the best green beauty swaps. I thought for years that I needed stronger ingredients to help my acne and skin issues when all along, I needed to be more gentle with it.

After shying away from natural and green beauty, I began my transition. As I started making my own natural beauty products at home, I realised my skin clearing within a few days to a week! I then started swapping out my old products with greener less chemical-laden products and cleared out my bathroom cupboard completely! After that, my skin got better and better and the rest is history!

So I decided to list some of the swaps I have made. I still use some products that have certain ingredients that are mad in a lab, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and niacinamide. I will use them but I normally only try them when mixed with other natural ingredients. I know these are beneficial to skin so I am ok with them and they do improve my skin.

There is a big hype over hyaluronic acid as being ultra-moisturising. Retinol is the only scientifically proven ingredient to combat ageing skin. Because of this, I decided to go ahead and try La Roche Posay’s Hyalu B5 serum. It seemed to have rave reviews and I hadn’t seen it included in any of my green beauty buys. I noticed it did have a hydrating effect but my skin started to get oily.

I haven’t had an oil problem for a long time, since I had acne. I decided to give up using it and swapped it for a 100% natural alternative. I know that when skin needs oil it over-produces so went for an oil instead.

I swapped the Hyalu B5 for Black Chicken Remedies Nocturnalist night serum. I received this product from CertClean in association with PurPicks whilst judging for the CertClean Beauty Awards. It is the most beautiful mixture of organic oils and works through the night as you sleep to help moisturise, reduce inflammation and promote collagen production. It smells divine too, I love it so much! Here are the ingredients –

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam Oil), Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear Oil), Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Virgin Oil), Argania Spinosa* (Argan oil), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis* (Almond oil), Boswellia Carterii* (Frankincense essential oil), Citrus Limon* (Lemon essential oil), Citrus Aurantium Amara* (Neroli essential oil), Pelargonium Graveolens* (Geranium Bourbon essential oil), Commiphora Myrrha* (Myrrh essential oil), Cupressus Sempervirens* (Cypress essential oil) and Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E oil).

I thought I would use this opportunity to announce the Winners of the CertClean Beauty Awards serums that I was part of judging –

Caldera & Lab The Good

Immersion Botanica Rosehip Facial Serum for Dry/Damaged Skin

Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm Sensitive Skin Face Serum

Click on the link above to see the winners in all categories. I will definitely be checking some of the winning products out in the near future. Some really great new ones on the market. I was surprised the Black Chicken Remedies Nocturnalist Night serum didn’t win to be honest! They did however have winners in the hair care categories so I will be dying to try those hair products.

Anyways, getting back to the point of this article, here are my top fave green beauty swaps!

Cleanser – I have tried a LOT of natural cleansers over the years since my transition and it is hard to pick a fave but for now it is Antipodes Juliet Cleanser. It is so calming and nourishing, my skin feels so moisturised and clean after using The bottle lasts ages and it has Manuka honey which is one of my fave skincare ingredients. A little pricey but it pays for itself!

Green beauty cleanser swap – La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleanser > Bye-bye

Antipodes Juliet Cleanser > Hello!

Green beauty moisturiser swap – Aldi Caviar Range > Bye-bye

Kleem Organics moisturiser >Hello!

Green beauty facial exfoliator swap – Nutrogena Daily facial exfoliator > Bye-bye

Acure Brilliantly Brightening facial scrub > Hello!

Green beauty hair product swap – Schwartzkopf Gliss shampoo & conditioner > Bye-bye

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine shampoo & conditioner > Hello!

Green beauty deodorant swap – Dove anti-perspirant spray > Bye-bye

Coconut Matter natural deodorant stick > Hello!

Green beauty body lotion swap – Dove body lotion > Bye-bye

BAO body lotion > Hello!

Green beauty lip balm swap – Nivea lip balm > Bye-bye

Frank Body lip balm > Hello!

So those are my top fave green beauty swaps and so far my skin, hair and body are loving them! I will never regret my decision to move to green cosmetics as the results speak for themselves. A lot of the products I was using in the past contained drying ingredients and toxins. Some would irritate my skin, especially silicones, SLS, mineral oil, parabens and various other irritants. Not to mention, some of the known carcinogens that can be found in regular everyday cosmetics.

I honestly believe that everyone should read the ingredients on their skincare carefully or else opt for a certified organic product. I personally love having such a huge choice nowadays and by reviewing brands and products with certification on sites such as CertClean and Purpicks it takes the legwork out of it! Also check out some of the certification symbols to look out for here.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and maybe I inspired you to go green in 2020?! Do stay in touch if you want to read more about green clean beauty. I am obsessed and blog about it regularly so do subscribe or give me a follow to stay updated by clicking any of the symbols at the top of the blog page. Feel free to share my article too, I would love that!!

I will be back soon with a lifestyle post since I haven’t done one of those for a while. Take care and be kind to yourself.

Chat then,

Ciara xxx