Here I've rounded up my all time favorite brands and products – the ones that I trust with my own well-being a whopping 110%. In a world where labels can be deceiving and options are endless, I've done the legwork here to handpick the gems that I believe go above and beyond.

There are far too many brands that abuse greenwashing tactics. By this I mean they use the terms "clean" or "natural" because they mean absolutely nothing being unregulated terms. That said, these words have been tossed around so much in the industry that it's become devoid of any real meaning.

I’ll start this guide with what and why to avoid certain ingredients and then run through the few products I use.

Common ingredients to avoid

Fragrances

Listed as: Fragrance, Perfume, Parfum, Aroma, Essential oil “blend”, Aromatic Oils, Parfum Oil, etc.

Can cause irritation, allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, respiratory issues, headaches, hormonal disruption, and so much more. (PMID: 33520600)
Even essential oils are far too concentrated to be used topically as they are VOCs and release VOCs (source). Their anti-bacterial properties affect our skin’s delicate microbiome (PMID: 28930272). Many will also cause skin cell death (PMID: 15144499).

Parabens

Listed as: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl- and isobutylparaben, etc.
Used as preservatives in many cosmetics.
Long-chain parabens, propyl- and butyl-, are linked to strong estrogenic activity (PMID: 10746941 + PMID: 20132880). Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, and are constantly detected in human tissues and urine as they bioaccumulate in the body (EWG).

Phthalates

Listed as: Diethyl Phthalate, Dibutyl Phthalate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate,
Found to possibly impair brain development (1), increase risk of cancers (2, 3), and play a role in infertility (4).

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Listed as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Commonly used as a foaming agent.
Can strip the skin of its natural oils leading to dryness and irritation. (1)

These are just a few of far too many added to skincare. The best piece of advice I can give when it comes to looking for clean products is to ask if you would intentionally apply each ingredient to your skin. Is the ingredient added to enhance your skin or is it to enhance the shelf-life or looks of the product? If it’s the latter, I stay away.

6 products to replace 20+ products

Aleppo Soap (no essential oils)

Olive oil, laurel oil, and lye.
Made with the Ancient Hot Process Method.
Use as a face wash, body wash, and hair wash depending on the water in your house. Also great in place of a shaving cream.

Tallow balm (no essential oils)

Grass-fed & Grass-finished Suet Tallow, Organic Frankincense Resin. (EO-free)
Use as a face + body moisturizer.
Code MIAKAPRO

I avoid essential oils for many reasons when it comes to skincare. Most tallow balms add essential oils because they aren't aware of how concentrated essential oils are. They sound natural, but if you look up how they're really made, you’ll realize that they are way too potent for our skin. They release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the skin. They are also antibacterial, which is promoted as a benefit, but applying an antibacterial substance to our skin disrupts our skins natural microbiome which is needed for a healthy skin barrier. Just like our stomach has important bacteria for a healthy gut that we wouldn't want to kill, its the same with our skin.

Deodorant (no essential oils)

Arrowroot Powder*, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil*, Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows*, Beeswax*, Baking Soda, Non-nano Zinc Oxide, White Kaolin Clay, Rosemary Extract* and Non-GMO Vitamin E, *ORGANIC
Code MIA10

Makeup

Araza Beauty is the world's first paleo-certified makeup with organic extracts, healthy natural fats and natural earth minerals.
Code MIAKAPRO

Toothpaste

This toothpaste was originally under Dr. Mercola’s brand name but it was redesigned to Ola Botanicals. Each ingredient is intentional and pure.
Calcium Carbonate – Highly purified mild abrasive for cleaning. Extensively tested for heavy metals (especially lead, arsenic and mercury) and metal contaminants like aluminum, copper, and zinc.
Xylitol – Research shows it prevents dental caries and helps reverse early caries. Derived from non-GMO corn sources, so it’s not genetically modified.
Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Helps clean your teeth and gums while soothing your entire mouth.
Kosher Vegetable Glycerin – Promotes smoothness and taste. Tested for heavy metals and organic impurities.
Kosher Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) – Promotes whiteness and helps freshen breath. Tested for heavy metals and organic volatile impurities.
Lauryl Glucoside – Helps blend oils and water. Sourced from coconut.
Organic Tapioca Starch – Used traditionally in the West Indies for oral health.
Cellulose Gum – Helps make toothpaste thick and creamy. (would not consume, but you are not meant to consume toothpaste)
Cultured Dextrose – Enhances flavor and mouth-feel. Acts as a preservative. Ours is non-genetically modified and produced by natural fermentation using starter cultures.
Zinc Oxide – For whiteness. Tested for heavy metals.

Dry Shampoo

Kaolin clay and organic arrowroot powder absorb moisture while adding texture and volume.

Dark ingredients: Cocoa Powder*, Arrowroot Powder*, Kaolin Clay, Baking Soda, Essential Oils of Grapefruit*, Lavender* and Peppermint* *ORGANIC
Light ingredients: Arrowroot Powder*, Kaolin Clay, Cocoa Powder*, Baking Soda, Essential Oils of Grapefruit*, Lavender* and Peppermint* *ORGANIC
Code MIAKAPRO

ACV shampoo DIY

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons filtered water
Place the apple cider vinegar and water in a clean shampoo bottle. Shake well. Pour over hair in the shower and scrub it in. Rinse well. Use twice a week.
Note: clean shower water is important for effortless hair health. See this shower filter.

Hair mask/conditioner DIYs

My go-to is one egg blended with a splash of olive oil.
I add this to my hair and scalp and leave it on for 30-45mins with a hair cap on over it to keep it from drying. You want it to stay moist.
I then rinse it out well in the shower using the strongest showerhead setting.
Note: clean shower water is important for effortless hair health. See this shower filter.

Menstrual cup

I was nervous to make this switch for a while from organic tampons to a cup – but this is game-changing. No changing it every few hours and ideal for working out.
AllMatters “OrganiCup” is 100% soft medical-grade silicone that doesn’t mess with your body. Silicone resists high and low temperatures (-80F to 500F), repels water, and much more. It also does not create microplastic particles or leach harmful chemicals.
If you are sticking with tampons or pads, ensure you are using organic, unbleached 100% cotton with no fragrances: Organic cotton tampons/pads

Natural mosquito repellent

A good use for essential oils – repelling bugs.
Ingredients: Witch Hazel*, Distilled Water, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Castor Oil*, Grape Alcohol*, Essential Oils of Citronella*, Cedarwood*, Lemongrass*, Rosemary*, Geranium*, Peppermint* and Wintergreen* *ORGANIC
Citronella essential oil has been registered as a plant-based insect repellant in the US since 1948 and it works similarly to DEET (masking the smell our bodies produce that attract insects) but without any negative side effects.
Geranium is a strong wound healer and helps to repel mosquitos.
Peppermint and Rosemary combined create a smell that bugs can’t stand!
Cedarwood is incredibly effective against ants, ticks and other insects.
Code MIA10

My non-toxic product guide