A Non-Toxic Guide to Skincare & Our Favorite Clean Brands

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If you're reading this, chances are you're already pretty intentional about what you put into your body.

You might look for organic produce, pasture-raised meat, grass-fed dairy, or regenerative ingredients. You may have started paying attention to things like glyphosate, food dyes, seed oils, preservatives, and ultra-processed foods.

At Restorative Roots, we think about this a lot. That is the standard for all the meals we craft and deliver. Food is one of the biggest ways we nourish ourselves, especially during pregnancy and postpartum when your body is doing an incredible amount of work. That's why we're so particular about the ingredients we put into our meals and where those ingredients come from.

But there's another question worth asking:

What are you putting on your body every single day? On average, women use around 12–13 personal-care products every day, which means applying over 100 different chemical ingredients to her skin. This may seem like a lot but think about your:

• Moisturizer

• Body wash

• Deodorant

• Shampoo

• Styling Products

• Makeup

• Perfume

• Sunscreen

We believe it's worth being intentional about the food we eat AND the products we use on our bodies, too. Especially during pregnancy and postpartum. We’re going to give you a deep-dive into the importance of cleaning up your skincare routine and a list of our current favorite holistic skincare products to help you live a little more non tox through pregnancy and postpartum. 

PS: These make such a good baby registry gift, too! Gifts aren’t just for baby. Mama will appreciate anything that helps her feel a little more like herself (and a little more put together) during those early weeks and months.

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Why Pregnancy + Postpartum Are a Good Time to Pay Attention

Pregnancy brings some of the biggest hormonal and physiological changes your body will ever experience.

At the same time, your baby's development is highly sensitive to its environment. Researchers are studying how exposure to certain environmental chemicals, including some found in personal-care products, may affect hormones, reproduction, and fetal development. Personal-care products are recognized as an important source of exposure to chemicals such as phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting compounds.

This might sound like we’re saying to go throw away everything you own in a panic, please don’t! Instead, simplify where you can, read labels, replace products as they run out, and choose brands that are transparent about what they're putting into their products.

Small changes add up!

What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

You've probably heard the term endocrine disruptor thrown around a lot in the clean-living world. Your endocrine system is your hormone system. It produces and regulates hormones involved in reproduction, metabolism, growth and development, thyroid function, mood, and immune function.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that may mimic, block, or otherwise interfere with hormone activity. Researchers are studying EDC exposure across many areas of health, including reproductive and developmental health.

Keep in mind "Chemical" does not automatically mean "bad."

Water is a chemical. Vitamin C is a chemical. Everything in our food, including naturally occurring compounds, is made up of chemicals. The goal isn't to live in fear of the word "chemical." It’s to become more informed and intentional about the exposures you can control.

Ingredients Worth Knowing About

There are hundreds of ingredients used in personal-care products, and we're not going to tell you that you need to memorize them all. Instead, here are a few categories worth knowing about if you're trying to simplify your beauty routine.

1. Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used for different purposes, including as solvents and fragrance ingredients. The FDA notes that phthalates have historically been used in products such as nail polish, hair spray, cleansers, shampoos, and fragrances.

While the FDA hasn’t made an official claim that phthalates in cosmetics cause direct harm, other countries take a much more precautionary approach to what’s even allowed in cosmetic ingredients. The UK has strict restrictions or bans on certain substances that are permitted in some products in the U.S. 

Many phthalates have been found to be endocrine disrupters and are frequently discussed for their potential harm when it comes to pregnancy and environmental exposures. If you're looking to reduce unnecessary exposure, choosing products with simple ingredient lists and no added fragrance can be an easy place to start.

Look for and avoid:

• Phthalate

• DBP

• DEP

• DMP

• "Fragrance" or "Parfum" when the brand doesn't disclose what makes up the fragrance

2. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used to help prevent bacteria and mold from growing in cosmetics and personal-care products. The concern around parabens centers around their potential effects on fertility and reproductive health, possible impacts on birth outcomes, and their potential role in cancer risk.

Common examples include:

• Methylparaben

• Propylparaben

• Butylparaben

• Ethylparaben

3. Fragrance / Parfum

Fragrance is one of the big ones we personally pay attention to because they’re so vague. They can also cause allergies and respiratory distress according to the EWG. 

In the U.S., fragrance ingredients can generally be listed collectively as "fragrance" rather than individually because fragrance formulas can be considered proprietary, meaning, companies aren’t forced to release all ingredients since they’re considered “secret formulas”. The FDA confirms that consumers may therefore not be able to determine every individual ingredient in a fragrance mixture from the label.

So when you see “fragrance” listed it basically means the ingredients are being gate kept. If you're trying to simplify your routine, fragrance-free or naturally scented products with transparent ingredient lists can be an easy swap.

4. PFAS

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often referred to as "forever chemicals” because unlike other chemicals, they don’t break down so they build up and stay in the body for a long period of time. 

When shopping for makeup, look for brands that specifically disclose their PFAS policies or formulate without intentionally added PFAS.

5. Triclosan + Triclocarban

These antimicrobial ingredients have been used in a wide range of personal-care and household products. Triclosan and triclocarban have raised concerns because of their potential effects on our hormones and overall health.

More than 200 scientists and medical professionals signed the Florence Statement, which reviewed the research on these chemicals and raised concerns about their potential effects on people and the environment. The statement concluded that triclosan and triclocarban can interfere with the endocrine system and persist in the environment. It also questioned whether these ingredients provide enough health benefits to justify their widespread use.

6. Formaldehyde + Formaldehyde-Releasing Ingredients

Formaldehyde is especially worth knowing about if you regularly use certain hair-smoothing or straightening treatments. The National Toxicology Program, listed formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen in its Report on Carcinogens.

If you're pregnant or postpartum and considering a chemical hair treatment, it's worth asking exactly what ingredients are being used and what ventilation and safety measures are in place.

When "Clean Beauty" May Be A Marketing Ploy 

Most beauty brands have caught on to the fact that consumers are looking for cleaner products. Unfortunately, instead of changing ingredients many are jumping onto using deceptive marketing claims, instead with words like: 

• Natural

• Clean

• Non-toxic

• Green

• Plant-based

Many of these terms don’t have one clear definition or aren’t tightly regulated. So instead of trusting the front of the bottle, flip it over and read the ingredient list.

Ask yourself:

• Can I recognize most of the ingredients?

• Is the brand transparent about what’s inside?

• Does it contain unnecessary fragrance?

• Does the company have higher ingredient standards than the legal minimum?

• Does the brand clearly list the ingredients it chooses to avoid?

This matters because cosmetics in the U.S. generally don’t require FDA approval before they hit the shelves. Companies are responsible for making sure their products are safe and properly labeled, but the system is different from how drugs are regulated. You can also search your exact products in the EWG’s Cosmetics Database if you’re not sure!

Other countries regulate cosmetics differently. The EU and UK have more extensive lists of restricted and prohibited ingredients and require safety assessments before products are sold. We like to follow the guidelines for these countries as a precautionary measure when it comes to skincare ingredients.

So What Does "Better" Skincare Actually Look Like?

Here’s the thing, skincare starts with your food. You can buy the most expensive serum in the world, but it can't replace adequate protein, nourishing fats, vitamins and minerals, hydration, sleep, and the nutrients your body needs to repair and rebuild.

This is especially true postpartum.

Pregnancy and birth can leave you depleted, and your body needs real nourishment to replenish those stores and support recovery. That’s why we use the highest quality ingredients for all of our postpartum meals.

It’s why we're so passionate about meals made with things like:

• Pasture-raised and regenerative meats

• Bone broth

• Organ meats

• Organic produce

• Nourishing fats

• High-quality protein

• Whole-food ingredients

Holistic Skincare Product Recommendations

A few years ago, I started seeing Katie and Meagan, two holistic estheticians, and it completely changed the way I think about skincare.

My skin was never “bad.” I rarely broke out and didn’t have any major skin concerns to work through. But after implementing their philosophy and product recommendations, I noticed my skin felt more hydrated, glowy, and naturally radiant. Even my wrinkles seem to be progressing a little more slowly… maybe? Haha.

The biggest takeaway for me has been going more gentle.

I stopped doing microdermabrasion and using harsh products and treatments. I also simplified my routine and stopped using topical hyaluronic acid. Instead of constantly trying to exfoliate, strip, or add more products, I’ve focused on supporting my skin with gentle cleansing and nourishing oils and moisturizers.

These days, I wash my face at night, but I typically don’t wash it in the morning. If I have time, I’ll do a quick “face bath” with a clean washcloth and cool water.

And when it comes to the products I use, I look for the same things we value in food: simple, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and transparency from the company.

From ToupsOrganics.com

One of Our Favorite Clean Beauty Brands: Toups & Co. Organics

One brand we’ve been loving is Toups & Co. Organics.

Their ingredient philosophy feels very aligned with ours: recognizable ingredients, an emphasis on natural materials, and transparency around what they intentionally leave out. Their published “Never List” includes things like artificial colors and fragrances, synthetic fillers, microplastics, and other ingredients they choose not to formulate with.

We also appreciate how thoughtful they are about their tallow sourcing. Toups says its tallow skincare is made from 100% grass-fed and grass-finished cows sourced through regenerative farming partners.

Use code: RESTORATIVEROOTS for 15% off!

A Few Toups Favorites

Baby Balm
One of those products we always like having around. We’ve used it as a diaper balm and for dry patches, especially during the colder months. Simple, rich, and made with ingredients we feel good about putting on baby’s skin.

Tallow Balm
If you want to simplify your skincare routine, this is exactly the kind of product we love. Simple, rich, and versatile. Sometimes your skin doesn’t need another complicated serum. It just needs a good moisturizer.

Body Oil
A beautiful option for keeping skin moisturized without relying on synthetic fragrance. Blue Tansy is one of our favorite scents.

Deodorant
Deodorant is an easy place to start if you’re looking to make a few cleaner swaps because it’s something you use every single day. Toups offers options with and without baking soda, which is helpful if your skin is sensitive to it.

Cheek Tint + Natural Pressed Blush
For the days when you want to look a little more alive without doing a full face. A little color goes a long way, especially when you’re postpartum, sleep-deprived, or just running on mom life. The pink frost is like a light highlighter that goes on beautifully over a darker tone or alone for some shimmer. 

Liquid Foundation
Made with grass-fed tallow, organic olive oil, non-nano zinc oxide, coconut CO₂, and vanilla extract. A nice option to look at if you’re interested in mineral-based sun protection.

A Few Other Skincare Favorites

Here are some products that have become staples in my own routine:

Ulmo Honey + Live Botanical Gentle Cleansing Gel
I rotate between these two for my evening cleanse. Both leave my skin feeling clean without that stripped, tight feeling.

Live Botanical Hydrosoil Mist
This is probably my favorite product on the entire list. It has made the biggest difference in how hydrated my skin feels. My favorite scents are Blossom and Root, but if I could only choose one, I’d pick Blossom. Use code ROOTS for 10% off.

Live Botanical First Light Brightening Serum
Definitely an investment, but one I’ve found worth it. It smells amazing and has made a noticeable difference for me. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, plain organic rosehip oil is a great place to start.

Live Botanical Restoring Complex
I use this when I want a little more moisture and nourishment, especially layered over an oil or serum.

Owaci Face Oil
Another favorite for keeping skin nourished and moisturized. Use code ROOTS for 30% off.

Frownies
These have become a favorite for supporting the appearance of smoother skin, and consistency really does seem to make a difference. Use code ROOTS for 10% off.

Organic Cotton Washcloths
I keep several packs on hand and use a fresh one each time I wash my face. It’s a simple way to avoid repeatedly putting bacteria from a used washcloth back onto your skin.

And finally, one of my favorite simple morning rituals: a quick cold-water face rinse or ice bath. It’s refreshing, wakes me up, and gives my skin a little boost first thing in the morning.

The bigger lesson I’ve taken from all of this is that more isn’t always better when it comes to skincare. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simplify, go gentle, and be more intentional about the ingredients you’re using every single day.

Nourishment Starts From Within

Good skincare isn’t just about what you put on your body. It’s also about what you put in it. Nourish your body from the inside out with real, nutrient-dense meals made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Shop Restorative Roots healing postpartum meals today.

Sources

• The Endocrine Society. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs).
  Endocrine Society: Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

• National Library of Medicine. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Their Impact on Human Health.
  PubMed Central article

• Environmental Working Group. What Are Parabens?
  EWG: What Are Parabens?

• Environmental Working Group. Fragrance. Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database.
  EWG Skin Deep: Fragrance

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS.
  EPA: PFAS Health and Environmental Risks

• National Library of Medicine. Phthalates and Their Impact on Human Health.
  PubMed Central article

• Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Formaldehyde.
  Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde

• Environmental Working Group. Protecting Consumers from Toxics in Cosmetics: The U.S. Lags Behind at Least 80 Countries.
  EWG: Toxics in Cosmetics