what does it cost to switch to safer products?

Years ago, health concerns made me start consider the switch to safer personal products.

For some reason, though I was otherwise healthy, I couldn’t seem to get pregnant. As I did research, desperate for help, I read more about things that can cause or contribute to infertility. And I learned that so much of what we’re wearing and consuming can add to toxin burden in our bodies. And certain ingredients can actually affect hormone production and fertility.

The more I looked into it, I decided it was time to make some changes.

But really I’d thought about it so many times before. And even since then, though it’s important to me, I can still make compromises in the safety of my products. Why?

Honestly, it’s because of the cost.

It scares me to completely commit completely in the switch to safer products because of the price tag I assume comes with it.

Lately I am getting much more serious about these switches, not just for me, but for my family and friends, too. The more I learn about the lack of regulation in our beauty industry, the more determination I feel. I think it’s time to debunk the thinking about the cost of safer products.

First, safer products can sometimes cost more because of the more rigorous testing of products and the higher quality of ingredients.

Manufacturers currently do not have any standards to meet when it comes to safety of their products. They aren’t even required to test them.

Plus, the biggest shocker to me, the government doesn’t even have the power to recall products that cause adverse reactions. They can only request the manufacturer to make a recall. What is that?!

And then there’s the quality of the ingredients – take fragrance, for example. Manufacturers must list “fragrance,” but do not have to disclose the “trade secret” of the ingredients in their fragrance (or parfum).

Many of fragrance ingredients are cheap and often dangerous fillers. Whereas higher quality ingredients don’t need to be hidden behind this label.

Second, because people are becoming much more aware of safer products, many more options are coming on the market.

Competition and demand are good for the consumer. It means more products available at a variety of price ranges.

You may notice that more brands are creating products that make the “clean beauty” claim. It’s a trend that’s good for us. BUT it’s also a little dangerous. Because there’s no regulation on words like “clean,” “green,” “safe,” “healthy,” “organic,” or even “hypoallergenic”, those labels can be applied to pretty much anything.

When you’re looking to switch to safer, you have to be ready to do the research behind it. Make sure that those products live up to their names, and aren’t just “green-washing” to look good.

Third, most safer products are actually comparable in price to popular products on the market.

That might be surprising. But I’ll show you a few of my favorites as compared to top-rated products according to Google. You can do more research if you would like.

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Lavender + Sage – $4.99 // top rated women’s antiperspirant – $4.69

Burt’s Bees Glossy Lipstick – $7.49 // top rated lipstick – $30

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural Laundry Detergent – $12 // top rated laundry detergent – $8.92

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Shampoo (8 fl oz) – $20 // top rated women’s shampoo (8 fl oz) – $23

Kiehl’s Ultra Cream Cleanser – $24.90 // top rated women’s face wash – $28

Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen – $9.19 // top rated baby sunscreen – $8.49

In some cases, the difference is only a few dollars. (If the clean product isn’t cheaper than the top-rated one.) It IS POSSIBLE to find budget-friendly clean beauty products, and the idea that it’s too expensive to switch to safer products is a myth.

Fourth, proper product portions are important.

It’s easy to just see the price at face-value, rather than think about it in terms of how much you will use it.

If you use products in the amount intended for use, then you will see a difference in longevity of your product. Here’s a perfect graphic for how much you should be using.

And finally, where you put your money makes a difference.

I’m a deal hunter, and I used to go for whatever would get me the better bargain in terms of cosmetics, hair care, skin care, etc.

Here’s the truth about that mentality: The more products we consume that are cheap quality and contain dangerous ingredients, the more the industry will keep producing them.

BUT if I choose safer products and brands, and if you do, and if we all start making changes – we will turn the tide in the beauty industry. We will demand change.

So, at the end of the day, will you spend more on safer products?

It can happen. Be smart, do your research, ask for recommendations.

And consider the cost of not switching – health problems, allergies, a multi-billion dollar beauty industry that has zero regulation and testing, and cares little for its consumers. I say the switch is worth it.