Ever glance at your skincare shelf and wonder, “How did I end up with so many products I don’t really trust anymore?”
Maybe your skin’s been reacting to things, or a friend mentioned something about parabens or fragrance, and now you’re side-eyeing your shampoo wondering what’s really in it.
If you’ve been feeling the nudge to clean up your beauty routine, but getting overwhelmed and aren’t sure where to start… you’re in the right place!
In this post, I’ll help you spot the telltale signs that your current products might not be serving you anymore. I’m not one for fear or perfectionism! I’m just here to help you feel more confident in what you’re putting on your skin.
And if any of these hit home, I’ve got a free quiz-style guide to help you figure out exactly what to swap first. You don’t have to change everything at once, I’ll help you start with what matters most!
Sign #1: Your skin feels constantly irritated or unpredictable
If your skin has been flaring up out of nowhere with dry patches one week, breakouts the next, or just an overall sense that nothing’s really working… you’re not alone. A lot of the products we use every day are packed with synthetic fragrances, harsh preservatives, and other ingredients that can quietly chip away at your skin’s natural balance.
You might be layering on creams and serums trying to calm things down, only to find that it’s getting worse. That’s often a sign that your skincare products are doing more harm than good.
The good news? Skincare is one of the most effective places to start your clean beauty journey. Because when your skin is happy, everything else feels easier too.
Sign #2: You’ve started wondering what’s actually in your products
Maybe it started with a random ingredient you couldn’t pronounce. Or a late-night scroll that sent you down the rabbit hole of “endocrine disruptors” and “fragrance loopholes.” Either way, if you’ve found yourself flipping over bottles and Googling ingredients, that curiosity is worth paying attention to.
You don’t have to become an expert overnight (and no, you don’t need a chemistry degree to make better choices)! But the moment you start asking what’s really in this? That’s the moment your clean beauty journey has already begun.
If you’re unsure what to look out for, here’s a breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients and why they’re worth avoiding in your routine.
Sign #3: You keep hearing about ‘clean’ or ‘non-toxic’ beauty and feel curious, but also confused
Maybe you’ve spotted the terms while shopping online, seen a few influencers throw them around, or noticed them popping up on product labels. But when every brand defines them differently (and some not at all), it can be confusing to know what’s actually worth trusting.
You’re not alone if you’ve been wondering whether there’s a difference between “natural” and “clean,” or if “organic” really matters in beauty. These labels can sound reassuring, but they’re not always regulated or clearly explained.
My guide to clean, natural, and organic beauty breaks it all down in simple terms, so you can ditch the confusion and shop with confidence.
Remember you don’t have to master all the lingo before you start making better choices. You’re already doing the hard part by paying attention and asking questions!
Want help figuring out your personal starting point? Grab the free quiz-style download and learn where clean swaps will make the biggest difference for you.
Sign #4: You’re feeling overwhelmed by where to even start
You’ve looked into clean beauty, and now your brain feels like a browser with 28 tabs open. One article says to toss everything immediately. Another says only ingredients with unpronounceable 14-letter names matter. Some products are £5, others are £60+ and somehow, everything is either “life-changing” or “greenwashed.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or second-guessing every purchase, take a breath! You don’t have to change your entire routine overnight.
Most people find it easier (and way less stressful) to start small, choosing one product, one swap at a time. Here are some practical tips for How to Switch to Non-Toxic Beauty Without the Stress.
Sign #5: You want products that align with your values without compromising results
You care about your health. You care about the planet. But let’s be real… you also care that your mascara doesn’t smudge by noon and your moisturiser actually moisturises!
One of the biggest myths about clean beauty is that you have to settle for less performance, less luxury, less joy. But that’s honestly not true anymore. Today’s clean products can be even more effective than their conventional counterparts, just without the questionable ingredients.
Whether your values lean toward sustainability, ingredient safety, cruelty-free formulas, or supporting smaller ethical brands, clean beauty can meet you there. You don’t have to sacrifice results to stick to what matters most.
If you’re wondering where to begin building a routine that reflects your values, the free guide will help you prioritise the swaps that make the most impact. No pressure to change everything at once!
You don’t have to go all-in to start moving forward
If you’ve nodded along to even one of these signs, you’re already on your way. You’re paying attention, asking questions, and looking for better options. That matters!
Clean beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about curiosity, making conscious swaps and choosing what feels right for you.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or you’re ready to make a few swaps, you don’t need to figure it all out alone. I’m here to help you discover the clean beauty swaps that make the most sense for your routine, based on your habits, needs, and goals!
