She Strengthens

The Quest for Safe and Healthy Beauty Products

As someone who’s struggled with sensitive, allergy-prone skin, I’ve learned to be meticulous about the products I use. Over the past year, I’ve made it a mission to find beauty products that are not only effective and affordable but also safe and healthy for my skin and body.

The Importance of Research

My mother, a fellow skin-conscious individual, introduced me to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep cosmetic database. This valuable resource analyzes the ingredients in various products, assigning a hazardous-ingredient rating from 1 to 10. While I acknowledge that this database isn’t foolproof, it’s a significant step towards making informed, healthful purchases.

Making Informed Choices

When considering a new product, I consult the EWG database to determine its hazard rating. I aim to use products with a low-hazard rating of 1-2, although I’m not quite there yet with all my products. I’ve discovered that high-quality, healthy ingredients often come at a higher price point. However, I believe that safe products and a strict beauty budget shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.

Affordable and Healthy Options

I’ve searched the EWG database for products that are both effective and affordable, available at local drugstores for under $20. Here are some of my finds:

• Foundation: Maybelline New York Fit Me! Oil-Free Stick Foundation (EWG Rating: 2, Price: $6.99)
• Powder: Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $5.99)
• Mascara: Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Jumbo Lash Mascara (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $8.47)
• Sunscreen: Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50 (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $10.49)
• Daily Moisturizer: Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Daily Shade Facial Lotion, SPF 18 (EWG Rating: 2, Price: $11.77)
• Night Cream: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream (EWG Rating: 2, Price: $13.98)
• Face Cleanser: Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $13.45)
• Shampoo: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $5.79)
• Conditioner: Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Conditioner (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $9.97)
• Body Lotion: Alaffia Shea Butter (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $14.95)
• Deodorant: Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Roll-On Deodorant (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $4.49)
• Nail Polish: Wet n Wild Shine Nail Color (EWG Rating: 1, Price: $0.98)

By being mindful of the products I use and doing my research, I’ve taken a significant step towards healthier, more informed beauty choices.