We think a lot about what we put in our bodies — but what we put on them matters just as much, especially when it comes to hormone health.
From deodorants and lotions to shampoos and toothpaste, many personal care products are full of ingredients that can quietly disrupt our hormones. Things like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates can sneak into our routines and slowly add to our body’s toxic load. These compounds are often linked to endocrine disruption, skin irritation, fertility struggles, and more.
The good news? You don’t need to toss everything out and start from scratch. I always suggest making simple, intentional swaps as you run out of products. One step at a time is the most sustainable way to build a low-tox lifestyle that actually works for you.
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Swap This for That: A Healthier Routine, One Product at a Time
💧Conventional deodorant ➡️ Aluminum-free natural deodorant
Most drugstore deodorants contain aluminum (which blocks sweat glands), synthetic fragrance, and parabens. Natural deodorants made with magnesium, baking soda, or arrowroot powder help control odor without disrupting your hormones.
- My tried & true:
- ✨ Primally Pure — you can use this link for 10% off your first order of $50+
- I’ve tried several natural deodorants, but nothing beats the feel and scent of Primally Pure. I love switching up the scents with the seasons!
- A quick tip:
- If you’re switching to a natural deodorant for the first time, be prepared for a “detox” phase. It’s a little awkward (yes, you might smell before you smell better 😅), but it’s temporary and worth it. Also, remember that deodorants aren’t antiperspirants — so you’ll still sweat, you’ll just smell better doing it.
🧴Fragrance-heavy body lotion ➡️ Fragrance-free or essential oil–based lotion
“Fragrance” can be a mix of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Instead, opt for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and use essential oils like lavender or chamomile for a subtle, natural scent.
- My tried & true:
- ✨ Primally Pure again — use this link for 10% off
I love the texture and scent, and a little goes a long way.
- ✨ Primally Pure again — use this link for 10% off
- Brands I would like to try:
- 🧼The Bend Soap Company-I already use (and love) their bar soap. Their lotions are next on my list. I’ll share a full review soon!
🪥Mainstream toothpaste ➡️ Fluoride-free or low-tox toothpaste
Most commercial toothpastes contain things like triclosan, artificial dyes, or sweeteners. Cleaner formulas with xylitol, hydroxyapatite, or baking soda can be just as effective — without the added junk.
- My tried & true:
- ✨Lumineaux— tastes great, cleans well, and makes your breath minty fresh. I’m planning to try their sensitive line and the whitening strips next.
💇♀️Drugstore shampoo & conditioner ➡️ Sulfate-free, paraben-free hair care
This one’s tricky. Sulfates strip your scalp and can irritate sensitive skin — but clean haircare that actually works can be hard to find. After some trial and error, I’ve found a rhythm that works (mostly 😅).
- My current routine:
- ✨ Innersense Organic Beauty
- What I’ve learned:
- I need to use the Detox Hair Mask about once a month to remove buildup (probably due to my water).
- Less is more when it comes to styling products — too much weighs down my fine but dense, wavy/curly hair.
- I can’t really layer products, which I think is more of a hair type/texture issue.
- Next on my list to try:
- 🌊 I Create Curl Memory, I Create Waves, & I Create Finish
I loved sea salt spray during the early stages of my curly hair journey, so I have high hopes here. I’ll keep you posted!
- 🌊 I Create Curl Memory, I Create Waves, & I Create Finish
🛁Standard body wash ➡️ Castile soap or natural bar soap
Most body washes contain sulfates and synthetic fragrances. Clean, simple soaps can cleanse just as well — and are much gentler on your skin.
- My tried & true:
- ✨The Bend Soap Company — soft scent, clean feel, and easy to order.
- Use BETH15 for a discount!
- ✨Dove Fragrance-Free — my go-to for travel and guest bathrooms. It’s widely available and gentle.
- ✨The Bend Soap Company — soft scent, clean feel, and easy to order.
- My tip:
- 🧼This is one product I go through quickly, so I opt for affordable options here. While I love brands like Primally Pure, body wash is a place I personally choose to save.
Makeup with synthetic dyes ➡️ Mineral-based or non-toxic makeup
Conventional makeup often contains heavy metals, parabens, and synthetic preservatives. Clean beauty brands now offer high-performance products without the toxic load.
- This one’s still a journey. I’ve tried so many brands — especially since I have oily, acne-prone skin — and I’m always on the lookout for lightweight, low-tox options.
- A quick note on my routine:
- I’m a true minimalist when it comes to makeup. My everyday look is basically the same as my “date night” look, with maybe one or two extra products. I don’t like the feel of makeup on my skin, so less is more for me.
- ✨My current favorites:
- SPF tinted moisturizer: “The Uniform” by MERIT Beauty – lightweight, doesn’t clog my pores, and evens out my redness.
- Foundation: True Skin Serum Foundation by ILIA – great for special events, though I can’t wear it multiple days in a row without some breakouts.
- Eyeshadow: Eye Stylus Shadow Stick & Liquid Powder Eye Tint by ILIA– easy to apply, buildable, and long-lasting.
- Mascara: Limitless Lash & Fullest Volumizing Mascara by ILIA– I like using them together for a fuller look. Planning to try the brown Limitless Lash for a softer daytime vibe.
- Lipgloss: Lip Butter Balm by Summer Fridays & Rose + Mint Tinted Lip Balm with Lip Oil by Primally Pure – light, hydrating, and non-sticky.
- Still on the hunt for:
- Blush, bronzer, highlighter, finishing powder (still unsure if I need this 🤷♀️), and a great clean lipstick. More to come in a future post!
Why Do These Swaps Matter?
Personal care products are absorbed through the skin — and most of them are used every single day. Even if each product contains just a small amount of a questionable ingredient, that exposure adds up.
A few of the biggest offenders to watch for:
- Parabens – mimic estrogen and are linked to hormone disruption
- Phthalates – often found in “fragrance”; tied to fertility issues and developmental concerns
- SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) – a foaming agent that can irritate skin and eyes
- Triclosan – found in some soaps and toothpastes; linked to thyroid issues and antibiotic resistance
Reducing your exposure where you can — especially in the products you use every day — can make a huge difference over time.
The Bottom Line
Going low-tox isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
Start small. Swap as you run out. Read your labels. Choose what works for your body and your budget.
You deserve products that support your body—not stress it out.
Let me know what products you’re curious about next—I’m always happy to review, research, and test right alongside you 💛
Warmly,
Beth S. Percle, MS, RD, LDN
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