The Benefits of Natural Products

 

Why the Ingredients in Your Daily Products Matter More Than You Think

Most of us use way more personal care products than we realize. A little shampoo here, a body wash there, a swipe of deodorant, a lotion, a lip balm, maybe a spritz of perfume - it adds up really fast. And even though each product may contain a tiny amount of synthetic ingredients, we're putting them on our skin every single day...sometimes multiple times a day.

So the real question becomes: What does long-term, repeated exposure look like?

I'm not a chemist or a medical expert, but after learning more about common ingredients, I think it's worth paying attention to how certain synthetic chemicals can interact with our skin and bodies over time. Here are some of the things researchers are looking into:

Skin Sensitivity That Builds Over Time

You know how you can use a product for years and suddenly your skin decides it hates it? That can happen when ingredients like artificial fragrances, dyes, or certain preservatives slowly wear down the skin barrier or trigger irritation.

Over time some people may notice:

• more dryness
• recurring redness
• newly developed sensitivities
• flare-ups they never used to have

It's not always one dramatic reaction - sometimes it's just a slow, quiet buildup.

Possible Hormone Disruption

Some ingredients (like parabens, phthalates, and a few chemical sunscreen fillers) have been studied for how they interfere with the bodies hormone systems.

This doesn't mean "one use is dangerous." The concern is more about years of small exposures stacking up, especially when they're in lots of different products.

Respiratory Irritation From Scented Sprays

If you've ever walked through a cloud of strong perfume or dry shampoo and immediately felt your throat or head tighten - you're not alone.

A lot of mists and aerosols contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and breathing those in day after day can contribute to:

• scent sensitivity
• headaches
• irritation in the nose or chest

Even people who don't normally have allergies can become more reactive over time.

Ingredients That Stick Around in the Body

Some synthetic compounds don't break down very easily - either in the body or in the environment. Certain silicones, preservatives, and UV filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone) have been detected in blood and tissue samples.

This doesn't automatically mean danger, but it does make me think about how much our bodies are being asked to carry.

Environmental Buildup That Cycles Back to Us

Everything we rinse off eventually goes somewhere. Ingredients that don't biodegrade can build up in waterways and soil, and tiny amounts can make their way back into our water and food systems.

So long-term exposure isn't just personal - it's environmental too.

A Tired, Overworked Immune System

When our bodies are constantly dealing with a bunch of different chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances, it can sometimes feel like they just get...tired.

Some people find they develop sensitivities, allergies, or reactions they never had before, not because of one ingredient, but because of the accumulation of many.

So, Why Choose Simpler Products?

I don't think anyone needs to panic, throw out everything they own, or strive for perfection. But I do think it's empowering to choose products with fewer questionable ingredients. Especially the things you use every day. Small switches matter. And over time, those switches can lighten the load on both your skin and your environment.

If a product uses simpler, more natural ingredients and still does the job beautifully? That's a win.

Healthier Alternatives to Look For

Here are some ingredient swaps and alternatives that tend to be more skin friendly and environmentally mindful.

Instead of Synthetic Fragrance - Look for Essential Oils or Unscented Options

Essential oils add scent using distillation instead of lab-made blends. Or if you're sensitive, fragrance-free products are a great way to give your skin a break.

Instead of Harsh Surfactants like SLS - Look for Mild, Plant-Based Cleansers

More gentle option include:

• coco-glucoside (derived from coconut oil + sugar)
• decyl-glucoside ( derived from combining a fatty alcohol from coconut/corn + sugar)
• sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) (derived from coconut oil + isethionic acid)

These cleanse effectively without stripping the skin barrier.

Instead of Parabens - Look for Cleaner Preservatives (When Needed)

• potassium sorbate (used in creams, lotions)
• sodium benzoate (used in most skincare, hair )
• gluconolactone ( polyhydroxy acid derived from sugar ) and sodium benzoate blend (used in sensitive products)

These ingredients are valued for their mildness, safety, and suitability in preserving natural and sensitive formulas.

Instead of Mineral Oil or Silicones - Look For Plant Oils & Butters or Tallow

• sweet almond oil
• jojoba oil
• shea butter
• cocoa butter
• beef tallow

These not only moisturize but also support the skin's natural barrier.

Instead of Chemical UV Filters - Look for Mineral Sunscreens

If sunscreen or daily products contain UV filters you're unsure about, mineral options offer a gentle route:

• zinc oxide (non-nano)
• titanium dioxide

They sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them.

Instead of Synthetic Exfoliants - Look for Natural Exfoliants

Better options include:

• finely ground oats
• coffee grounds
• sugar
• herbs or botanicals
• clays

They break down naturally and are softer on the environment.

Instead of Artificial Dyes - Look for Botanical Colorants

• beetroot powder
• spirulina
• turmeric
• cocoa
• pink clay

These look lovely and keep formulas simple.

This is not a comprehensive list but rather a starting point. Remember you don't have to switch everything overnight. Just start with a few products you use every day and go from there. Those tiny daily choices really do add up.

You can find products made with these natural alternatives in a lot of places, you just have to know where to look. Many small-batch makers, artisan soap makers, eco-friendly boutiques, and clean beauty shops focused on simple, ingredients and are transparent about what goes into their formulas.

 Farmers markets and local craft fairs are also great places to discover handmade options with fewer synthetics. And of course, many of these gentler products are available online from brands (like mine) that clearly list every ingredient so you can shop with confidence. Choosing companies that value minimal, natural ingredients makes it much easier to build a routine that feels healthier for your skin and the environment.

If you've made the switch to natural ingredients, I'd love to hear your experience.

Until next time,

Stone & Sparrow Soaps