Thinking about switching to non-toxic beauty products but feeling overwhelmed by all the options, ingredient lists, and conflicting advice?
You’re not alone! Since I first started thinking seriously about “going green” way back in 2012, I’ve learnt a lot about what switching to cleaner beauty really looks like. I only wish I’d had a guide to help me then! If you’re just starting out (or even if you’ve already begun), I hope these tips make the process feel simpler, more empowering, and way less overwhelming.
Why Switch to Natural, Organic, Non-Toxic & Clean Beauty?
Everyone has their own reasons for making the switch. For me, it was that lightbulb moment – realising that your skin is your largest organ and absorbs so much of what you put on it. I’d always paid close attention to what I was putting in my body nutritionally, but I hadn’t really considered what I was putting on it.
I’ve also always had sensitive skin and occasional flare-ups of dyshidrotic eczema, so switching to more gentle, low-tox formulas felt like a natural next step. Of course, it’s important to remember that natural doesn’t automatically mean irritant-free. Everyone’s skin is unique.
Your motivation might be skin health, hormone balance, sustainability, or simply wanting more transparency around what’s in your beauty products. For example, many conventional products contain synthetic ingredients linked to endocrine disruption, skin microbiome changes, and more. Regulations in the UK and EU are generally stricter than in the US, but it still pays to be informed no matter where you live.
Related reading: Natural vs Organic Beauty – What’s the Difference?
Do Your Ingredient Research
One of the biggest challenges when going non-toxic? Navigating the long (and often confusing) ingredient lists.
Luckily, you don’t need a science degree – just a few trusted resources and a sense of what you want to avoid. The EWG Skin Deep database is a great tool that rates the hazard level of cosmetic ingredients and products. Just note: sometimes an ingredient gets a high score due to limited data rather than actual risk, so always read context when available.
The clean beauty space isn’t perfect. There’s greenwashing, conflicting advice, and a fair bit of scaremongering. Decide what “clean” means for you, focus on the ingredients that matter most to your values and skin, and let the rest go.
You don’t have to be a total purist, unless you want to of course! Just be mindful of the pressure to be “perfect” and remember that it’s perfectly natural not to be – especially when you are first learning about different ingredients.
Related reading: Clean Beauty Made Simple: 10 Ingredients to Avoid First
Use The 80/20 Rule
In the beginning, I followed an 80/20 rule, aiming for 80% of my products to be clean, and allowing myself flexibility with the other 20%. That way, I didn’t feel pressured to be perfect or throw everything out at once.
Later on down the line you may find you don’t need the goal anymore as you start to find effective natural replacements for most of your current products. Years later, my ratio’s closer to 95/5. But that shift came slowly through research, trial and error, and finding the right swaps that actually worked for me.
Let go of perfection. Give yourself room to transition gradually. That flexibility is key to making the switch feel sustainable.
Take It One Product at a Time
You don’t need to bin everything and start over (unless you’re in the mood for a big refresh!).
If you do decide to get rid of everything and start from scratch though, try to give some of your old products to family or friends who will make use of them, or research if there is a local charity looking for donations.
A slower, more mindful approach can be gentler on your stress levels, your skin and your budget.
Start with what you use most often – think daily moisturiser, body wash, deodorant – and look for cleaner swaps as you use things up. When I began, it took me around six months to overhaul my skincare and shower routine. My makeup bag took much longer, and that’s totally normal!
Mistakes are part of the process. You might pick up a “clean” product only to later discover it contains something you’d rather avoid. We’ve all been there! That’s OK too, it’s all part of learning.
Not sure what products to swap next? Download my free quiz here.
Be Cautious of Greenwashing
More brands are jumping on the “clean beauty” trend, but without strong industry regulation, terms like natural, clean, or non-toxic don’t always mean what they suggest.
Learn to read labels and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Transparency matters – a truly clean brand won’t shy away from sharing full ingredients, sourcing info, or certifications.
Related reading: How to Spot Greenwashing & Find Truly Clean Beauty Brands
Where to Shop Clean & Natural Beauty in the UK
One of my favourite places to shop online for natural beauty products in the UK is Content Beauty. You can also find an increasing number of more natural products on the high street and even supermarkets now too.
You can also check out my Natural & Organic Beauty Brand Directory for more recommendations.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t need a perfect, 100% clean beauty routine overnight. Honestly, that kind of pressure can steal the joy from the process.
Give yourself permission to learn as you go. One better swap at a time really does add up. Be kind to yourself, stay curious, and celebrate the little wins along the way.
And remember: progress beats perfection every time.