It’s been a few months since I jumped on the non-toxic skincare bandwagon. And it’s definitely taken me time to transition most of my routine over. Mostly because of budgeting reasons and my hatred of wasting products. But also because I’ve had to try things one product at a time. So today I thought I’d talk you through all the non-toxic skincare I’m current loving. I’ve included everything from the items I’m using, the ones I might not repurchase and the odd ball I have yet to swap out. Let’s talk skincare!
Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser*
This is one product I can’t seem to get enough of in my routine. And it’s also the product that showed me I needed to switch my cleansers. I’m a massive fan of grabbing samples before making the plunge. Why spend $50+ on something your skin hates when that money could by food or shoes? Priorities. I snagged a sample when I was in Birmingham in May and I instantly fell in love.
Tata makes some amazing products but they aren’t always the most budget friendly. I use a pump of this in the morning to cleanse my face and a pump at night as my second cleanse. And it’s done wonders. Just be sure you apply with dry hands on a dry face. I like to pair this with my foreo luna* after a little bit of massaging in. It’s gentle but calming on the skin because of the peppermint in the cleanser. It also feels very cooling. I’d say I get about two or more months out of the bottle using two pumps per day.
TULA PRO-GLYCOLIC GEL*
For the past few months, I’ve been dutifully using my Indie Lee CoQ10 toner*. It’s fab. But I find I go through a bottle fairly quickly and it’s a product that likes to sell out. So I recently decided to finally give Tula a try. It’s the newest in my skincare routine but it seems to be working pretty well. And a little goes a long way if you skip the cotton pad application by using your hands. The gel is thick enough that you really don’t need anything else to apply it. I use two pumps every morning after my cleanser and two pumps at night when I’m not using an acid toner. (Possible Non-Toxic Skincare Alternative: Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner*)
SUNDAY RILEY U.F.O. OIL*
Now depending on your definitely of non-toxic skincare, Sunday Riley might not make the cut. Personally, I like to read ingredients per product and go from there. This was a bit of Youtuber discovery but I ended up snagging it because it met my current needs. I’ve been enjoying oils for my acne prone skin. Hydration plays a massive key in how your skin looks so don’t be afraid of oils. But this one also has a bit of salicylic acid to help combat acne. I use two-three drops of this in the morning after my toner. And it’s done a great job of keeping my skincare hydrated while also fighting off acne. Win win! (Possible Non-Toxic Skincare Alternative: Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum*)
PAI GERMANIUM & THISTLE REBALANCING DAY CREAM*
A few months ago one of my favorite UK beauty stores had a sale. And since they ship to the US, I decided to see if there was anything I’d need to replace in my routine soon that I could get at a deal. My morning moisturizer was on the list. I’ve begrudgingly acknowledge the fact that my non-toxic skincare needs to be geared towards acne. But I’m also not a teenage so it’s a challenge. After reading loads of reviews, I ended up taking the plunge and I’m so glad I did. I typically only use this in the mornings as my last step. It’s great at hydrating my skin but not feeling too heavy. And I can get away with using only one pump so it’s going to last a while.
ALPHA-H LIQUID GOLD*
If you haven’t added acids into your routine, let me introduce you. I first learned about acids from Caroline Hirons. Her blog is a wealth of information and her facebook group is hilarious & incredibly helpful. I use Alpha-H on alternating nights in the place of my toner. It has 5% glycolic acid in it which works to exfoliate your skin. Instead of harsh, gritty scrubs, I use this every other night.
And it makes a difference. When I got a facial last month, even my esthetician commented on how well my exfoliating routine was working for my skin. I know the term acid seems quite scary when thinking about your skincare. So please feel free to dig into Caroline’s blog and learn more. There is a range of acids available on the market so don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune. Start small and build up. You’ll be amazed at how your skin reacts. (Possible Non-Toxic Skincare Alternatve: Pixi Glow Tonic*)
MAY LINDSTROM YOUTH DEW*
I think most people who have every tried this non-toxic skincare wonder will wax on poetically about it. It’s just that good. I’m currently on my 2nd bottle of Youth Dew and my love has only grown. But since my budget needs reigned in, I’ve been on the hunt for alternatives. I’m also only using this at night after my toner/acid. It’s incredibly hydrating, calming and amazing on your skin. The nutrient combo just seems to work and my skin can’t get enough. Sometimes I’ll opt for just this without another moisturizer. Other times I’ll use it as a serum. Either way, I’m a massive fan of May’s products and Youth Dew is a favorite. (Possible Non-Toxic Skincare Alternatives: Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil)
MAY LINDSTROM BLUE COCOON*
I’ve been diligently working my way through my pot of this since March. So it’s safe to say you can make it last if you try. I use a pinky nail size amount nightly to moisturizer my face. But it’s done an incredible job at softening my skin on my hands, face and arms. Side note: I always swipe extra product on the back of my arms. I’ve recently hit the bottom of the pot and I’m contemplating what I’ll do when I finish it off. If you have really dry or sensitive skin, I can not recommend this product enough. It’s an invest one for sure but it does amazing things. It’s truly a gem in the May Lindstrom collection.
OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE
I’m a massive fan of double cleaning at night. But I don’t like to use my more treatment like products (i.e. Tata Harper) to breakdown my make up. It’s a waste. So I’m currently using through a few Kiehls Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil*, Omorovicza Cleansing Foam* and Origin’s Ginzing Cleanser*. I don’t plan on repurchasing any of them for various reasons. Either they aren’t worth the cost, don’t work for my 2nd cleanse or I can find an alternative options for cheaper. But they are in my skincare rotation.
There’s also a few pumps left of my Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer*. This was in my Lydia Elise Millen x Cult Beauty box a few months ago. Again, a lovely product but just not the right one for me. And on stand by, I currently have Herbivore’s Phoenix Face Oil to replace my May Lindstrom Youth Dew. I’ll keep you posted on how that works out.
Are you using non-toxic skincare? What’s in your routine currently? Leave me a comment below and let me know! I love hearing from you guys.
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