She Strengthens

My Journey to Clean Beauty: A Story of Triumph and Tribulation

As I embarked on a quest to replace my trusty bronzer, I stumbled upon a world of “clean” beauty products that would change my approach to skincare forever. Two of my coworkers raved about a brand that was talc-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, sparking my curiosity about the ingredients in my beauty products.

The High of Going Green

I dove headfirst into the world of clean beauty, convinced that I could revolutionize my skincare routine while saving the planet and my wallet. I devoured information on the Environmental Working Group’s website and commented on clean beauty influencers’ Instagram posts like we were old friends. I felt like a green goddess, ready to take on the world with my newfound knowledge.

The Reality Check

But my enthusiasm was short-lived. On my first shopping trip, I fell prey to a product labeled as “natural” that contained several flagged ingredients. I soon realized that terms like “clean” and “natural” are not regulated by the FDA, and brands can make claims without backing them up. I had to educate myself on the ingredients to avoid, including parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, which have been linked to health risks.

The Purge

As I learned more, I faced a dilemma: what to do with my existing products? I couldn’t bring myself to dump them down the drain, nor could I bear to waste them. I discovered that local waste facilities and companies like TerraCycle could help dispose of products properly.

The Experiment Begins

With my old products gone, I started experimenting with new ones. I found a sunscreen that worked just as well as previous brands, and I was thrilled to discover aluminum-free deodorant. The possibilities seemed endless, and I was excited to try new products.

The Inconvenience Factor

But as time went on, the process became tedious. I had to wait for online orders to arrive, and traveling became a challenge. I forgot my toiletries bag on a trip and struggled to find clean products on the go.

The Sticker Shock

When I returned from my trip, I was committed to continuing my clean beauty journey. But the cost was daunting. I spent $12 on deodorant, $17 on body wash, and $15 on sunscreen. I had to disassociate from my bank account to justify the expenses. However, I became more mindful of my spending and started canceling subscriptions, searching for coupons, and waiting for sales.

The Ups and Downs

As I continued on this journey, I encountered setbacks. I clogged my drain with coconut oil, and a beeswax lip balm didn’t live up to its promise. But I also noticed that my feet stayed moisturized throughout the summer, and my new products worked just as well as my old ones.

The Imperfect Green Goddess

In the end, I realized that making the switch to clean beauty wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. I learned to make smarter choices, minimized my potential health risks, and felt empowered to take control of my health. I may not be a perfect green goddess, but I’m an imperfect one who’s committed to making a difference.