Believe it or not, I wasn’t always this *waves arms wildly* crunchy. For the first 30(ish) years of my life I didn’t read nutrition labels (except to check the calorie count), covered my body in sparkles and cucumber melon-scented lotion (hiiiiiii my fellow Bath & Body Works-lovin’ millennials!), and threw plastic containers in the microwave without batting an eye. I also had awful acne, painful periods, and both endometriosis & PCOS diagnoses. Oufff.
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My ah-ha moment arrived when I decided to get off birth control and try to manage my endometriosis holistically. The goal was to also (ideally) get pregnant, but I was told for years it would be nearly impossible to naturally conceive, so that pipe dream was in the background as I pursued balanced hormones, lower inflammation, and better blood sugar. Spoiler alert – I got pregnant in four months, had a healthy baby girl in my arms nine months after that, and officially became a believer in all-natural living.
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The very first toxin-free step I took was buying a stick of Primally Pure deodorant. I’ll never forget how fancy I felt opening that pristine packaging, the clean smell of lavender instead of harsh chemicals, aaaaaaaand how excessive it seemed to spend over $10 on deodorant. But knowing I was finally starting to take control of my health? Like I said…I’ve been hooked ever since.
Why using all-natural skincare matters
What we put in, on, and around our body all make a big difference, and more specifically, what touches the skin can significantly influence the health and function of every other system. The skin is the body’s largest organ with the face, armpits, and genitals being the most permeable, and between skincare products, makeup, deodorant, and bodywash, these areas are also some of the most regularly exposed to harmful chemicals.
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The average woman is inundated with an estimated 168 unique chemical ingredients daily from personal care products alone. And many of these products commonly contain endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and phthalates that have been linked to reproductive issues, cancer, and hormone imbalances. In other words, eliminating ingredients like parabens, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and fragrance (to name a few) from our self-care routines and making the switch to all-natural skincare is an easy and essential step in promoting and improving overall health and preventing avoidable ailments.
PS – It can be soooooo hard to identify & understand all the different chemicals out there. That’s why I love Primally Pure – nearly all of their ingredients are things you can 1) recognize, 2) pronounce, and 3) even find on a farm or in a backyard garden. No matter where you end up getting your all-natural skincare, this list of toxic ingredients is a great place to start when learning what to avoid. And if you end up trying Primally Pure, make sure to use code DRDAVIS for 10% off your purchase 😉
How to (realistically) switch to all-natural skincare
Believe it or not, even research shows that switching to all-natural skincare can make a really big difference…and quickly! A study from 2016 found it only takes three days of discontinued chemical use (this paper looked at phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and benzophenone-3) to reduce the amount of toxins in the blood by 27% to 44% depending on the substance. Not only does this demonstrate the amazing detoxifying power of the liver and lymphatic system (!!?!), but it’s exciting & empowering to see how effective & efficient this one act can be.
As someone who vividly remembers making her first all-natural skincare swap, and is still, to this day, finding toxic chemicals hidden throughout her habits & home, I know how overwhelming it can be to search for (like…where do you even start!?) and find products that are truly toxin-free and that you actually like. Here are a few steps to make this as approachable, affordable, and intentional as possible.
Add instead of subtract. Most of us don’t like getting things taken away but thoroughly enjoy it when we’re given something. Rather than eliminate everything that doesn’t pass the toxin-free test, try adding in something that does. This makes going all-natural feel like a treat instead of torture, and you’re a lot more likely to enjoy the process.
Upgrade one thing at a time. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the brainpower, bandwidth, or bank account to upgrade every product with a less-than-clean ingredient in one fell swoop. Pick one thing at a time – when each product runs out, what you use most, or something you’re not totally in love with – and exchange it for a better version. This process is slow, but I find that doing things steadily is always more sustainable.
Use the Think Dirty App. I’ve already shared a good resource for common chemicals, but the Think Dirty App is one of my favorite places to find some of the best all-natural products. Not only do they have hundreds if not thousands of recommendations for everything from shampoo to nail polish, but you can even scan products to rate how clean they are, and they have subscription boxes that make it easy to try new things that you can be confident are totally toxin-free.
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Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes I have a tendency to self-sabotage by making things harder than they have to be, but when it comes to all-natural skincare, I’ve learned to stop trying to fix what’s not broken. Once you find a product that checks all the boxes – works great, smells good, only contains clean ingredients, and comes from a company you feel confident supporting – go all in! This is how I became obsessed with all things Primally Pure. I originally fell in love with their deodorant, then everything else worked just as well…now I’ve been a customer for over seven years and haven’t had a reason to look anywhere else.
Expect to make mistakes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has only tested 200 of 83,000 chemicals on the US market, and if they’re allowed to make a mistake like that, we are too. Switching to all-natural skincare has a learning curve that requires reading ingredient labels, finding the fine print, and returning some duds before landing on those dream products. Don’t get frustrated, stay committed to the process, and remember that every success story has a messy middle.
Why I’m obsessed with Primally Pure
You know when you find that brand & cut & wash & fit of jeans and breathe a sign of relief because you will never have to search for the perfect pair again? Or when you stumble across the shade of blush that excellently accentuates everything? [That] is how I feel about Primally Pure. I originally fell in love with this company simply because they create all-natural products that work great on my skin, but the longer I’ve been a customer and the more I’ve learned about their company, I just keep getting more and more obsessed.
As all-natural as it gets. I’ve been in the crunchy community long enough to know that “all-natural” doesn’t always mean totally toxin-free. But when it comes to Primally Pure, a majority of their ingredients are organic, you can recognize and pronounce them, and can be found in a farm, forest, or field. You can find a list of every ingredient they use in their products here.
Beautiful (& sustainable) packaging. If it doesn’t look beautiful sitting on my bathroom sink, I’m probably not going to use it. Primally Pure’s minimalist packaging is not only easy on the eyes, but also environmentally friendly. All of their jars and bottles are recyclable, and they even have a rewards program where you get money off your next purchase when you mail back your empty containers.
Top-notch education. Sometimes the most confusing part about switching to all-natural skincare is how to use the products and tools correctly. Primally Pure’s packaging comes with clear and helpful directions, and they also have an extensive blog and educational podcast that answers just about any question you could have about holistic living.
A phenomenal loyalty program. Call me crazy, but I’m a sucker for a good loyalty program. If I’m going to be buying and subscribing to a product on the regular, I love getting a little kickback for my commitment to the company. I’ve earned “pure points” for everything from leaving a review to taking a skin quiz (seriously…so fun!) to following on Instagram to having a birthday and have saved hundreds of dollars in the process.
Most importantly…it actually works. Here’s the deal – all of ^^that^^ means nothing if the products don’t work. And in full transparency, I’ve had people tell me that their skin doesn’t like certain sprays or serums. I personally have never had any problems with their products (aaaaand I’ve tried them all *nervous shrug*) – my face has never been clearer, the deodorant works all day, and their tools have transformed how I treat my skin.
I’ve already gotten all my friends and family hooked on these products, now it’s your turn. When you’re ready to experience the manyyyyyy benefits of becoming a Primally Pure user, make sure to reap even more rewards by using code DRDAVIS at checkout for 10% off.
The Primally Pure products I (literally) use every day
Ok, finally to the fun stuff. Whether you scanned through my soap box on all-natural skincare or scrolled right down here to my ride-or-die Primally Pure products, the time has come to share what I, a busy millennial mama, literally use every single day (my honest favorites – no product is sponsored but the code DRDAVIS will get you 10% off). Primally Pure has become so much more than a skincare routine for me…their products are a ritual that encourages me to slow down, feel & smell the amazing ingredients, and acknowledge each spray, swipe, and smudge as a step in prioritizing myself and my health.
THE *INFAMOUS* DEODORANT
You probably didn’t think I could mention Primally Pure’s deodorant one more time, but here we are. Let’s be honest…there are random, maybe once or twice a month days where I don’t use EV-ERY-THING on this list, but this deodorant gets packed in my camping bag, stuffed in my carry-on, and swiped on my underarms rain or shine, on both busy and lazy days.
Everyone needs an aluminum – and fragrance-free deodorant that can keep up with their busy life, and this one is truly effective, smells incredible (the blue tansy and charcoal are my favorite), doesn’t clog your pores or mess with your hormones. I have backups of backups of this deodorant because I never want to run out (& Bob steals them for the fire station on the regular).
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THE MUST-HAVE CLEANSING BAR
More often than not, my nighttime skincare routine looks like this – cleansing oil -> clarifying bar -> soothing mist -> plumping serum -> antioxidant balm (more on that last one later) – but on those busy nights where all ^^that^^ isn’t happening, the clarifying bar alone is what I use to remove my makeup, cleanse my skin, beat breakouts, and protect my face’s microbiome.
Unlike the ol’ apricot scrub or the days where harsher meant better, this bar cleans my skin without leaving it feeling stripped or sore. With ingredients like coconut oil, raw honey, activated charcoal, and calendula flower, it even seems safe enough to eat (although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it).
A LIFE-SAVING SLEEP SPRAY
I don’t think I’m quite in peri-menopause…yet, but my sleep in the second half of my cycle has gone to sh*t over the last few years. While I’m working with an acupuncturist and naturopath on hormone health and nervous system regulation, this sleep spray has been a life-saver in helping me get a little extra shut-eye.
If you’re someone who’s also staring at the ceiling at 2 AM with intrusive thoughts or mentally running through tomorrow’s to-do list, a few spritzes of this magnesium & lavender combo on your feet or forearms before bed is a *must* to help quiet the mind and calm the body. This is always on my night stand (unless Bob snags this too) and it’s even helped Sloan in her seasons of difficult sleep.
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THE ONLY HAND SANITIZER I’LL EVER USE
I’m not necessarily someone who’s obsessed with using hand sanitizer every ten seconds, but being in the medical profession and owning a pelvic health practice means I’m required to keep my hands clean and regularly sanitize between patients. This hand sanitizer has the cleanest ingredients I’ve ever been able to find while still being antifungal, antibacterial, and able to reduce germs and viruses.
I keep one of these in my clinic, one in my car, and one in my purse at all times because my profession demands it and life with a five-year-old can be disgusting. Pro Tip: Get the “regular” version – the smell is not at strong but it works just as well.
THE ALL-IN-ONE BABY BALM
Primally Pure’s MVP is, hands-down, this baby balm. I thought it had a lot of uses before becoming a mom – perfect eye cream, cures cracked heels, heals chapped lips, tames wild brows, smoothes pesky flyaways – but this six-ingredient miracle cream has also proven to stave off stretch marks, prevent diaper rash, and soothe cracked nipples…seriously, I could go on.
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This has been a staple in the Davis home since before Sloan was in my belly, and at least one of us is using it in some way every day. This would make the perfect gift for soon-to-be moms…new moms…any mom…or anyone looking for an all-in-one gateway product to all-natural skincare.
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THE SPRAY THAT DOES…WELL…EVERYTHING
Primally Pure made a bold move when they called this the everything spray, but they weren’t wrong. With ingredients like witch hazel, magnesium, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil, this stuff does everything from balance pH levels, soothe irritated skin, disinfect & deodorize, and promote hydration & healing. This blog post (& the comments section ;)) shows just how versatile this spray can be!
I apply this as a toner before applying my moisturizer and makeup. I’ve also been known to use it on my bikini line post-shave to prevent ingrown hairs, on my underarms after an especially hard sweat sesh, with skin that spent a little too much time in the sun, and even on Sloan’s scraped knees. In other words, this is another great all-in-one place to start when making the all-natural skincare switch.
AN ANTIOXIDANT BALM I THOUGHT ONLY I KNEW ABOUT
I think I’ve tried almost every Primally Pure product there is, and when I stumbled across the antioxidant balm, I thought I had found a hidden gem that no one else knew about. Turns out this miracle, better-than-botox cream filled with organic tallow, green coffee oil, beeswax, and vitamin E has nearly 5,000 five-star reviews and I hoard it as if it regularly sells out (because, well…it does).
This is the moisturizer I use before applying my makeup and it’s the last step in my nightly skincare routine. I love how it visibly lifts and brightens my face while also protecting it from UV damage, inflammation, and premature aging. I don’t know if I could pick one favorite Primally Pure product, but this one would definitely make the top-five list.
THE HOLY GRAIL OF LIP BALMS
Believe me when I say you’ll magically stop losing your chapstick once you get your hands, or…ummmm…lips on this one. With flavors like cocoa, creamsicle, grapefruit, and lavender (but no nasty chemicals, remember?), these lip balms are fun to use while being full of fatty acids that heal and hydrate the lips with one single swipe.
I especially like the tinted lip balm for its rose and mint flavor and soft, sheer pink color – I can put it on with or without a face of makeup and feel totally put-together. Kind of like the hand sanitizer, I keep one everywhere, because this is an all-natural skincare staple that I find myself reaching for all day long.
A DRY SHAMPOO THAT SAVES THE DAY
Fun fact – your girl has thinnnnn hair. And before I found this dry shampoo (that comes in both dark & light versions, btw), I thought I was destined to wash my hair daily (or suffer the consequences and walk around looking like a damp rat). Now I use this right after styling my hair to add texture and volume, and it buys me an extra day (without having to rock a mom bun) before washing again.
My favorite thing about this dry shampoo is that it’s so natural, Primally Pure even has a blog post on how to DIY your own with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No gate keeping here! I actually tried this first (#noshame) then bought the real deal after seeing and feeling the positive effects.
The Primally Pure gems I don’t use *every* day (but would be a crime to keep from you)
While some Primally Pure products have made their way into my daily routine, there are others I still swear by even though I don’t use them quite so regularly. My all-natural skincare has become a form of self-care, and the benefit of how these gems make me *feel* might be even better than the less wrinkles and clear skin. If you also take the #treatyoself approach when it comes to wellness, you’re gonna love these finds that take skincare to the next level.
Facial cupping set. As a physical therapist, I’ve known the benefits of cupping and have used this tool in my practice for some time. So when Primally Pure came out with facial cups, I just knew I had to try them out. Not only have I seen a significant improvement in my fine lines and forehead wrinkles, but using these cups feels like the face massage you didn’t know you need. I love using these with the plumping serum snuck into my regular skincare routine or while I’m in the sauna.
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Sea salt bath soak. I’ve been making a homemade detox bath mix for years and use it weekly for myself and whenever someone in our home is sick. Then I saw that Primally Pure’s sea soak basically has the same ingredients (but smells even better) and I’ve never pushed the “easy” button faster in my life.
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Plumping lip polish. No matter how much water I drank or lip balm I used, I still tended to get chapped lips. Then I added this lip polish that naturally exfoliates & hydrates & smoothes & plumps the lips and have seen a complete 180 in how my lips look and feel with just a few uses each week. This is one of the products that sits on my bathroom counter so I remember to use it regularly.
Cycle soothing spray. I treat painful periods for a living, but improvement never happens overnight. When my patients are looking for quick relief from period cramps, this cycle soothing spray is my go-to recommendation. Between the magnesium and therapeutic essential oils, this decreases muscle tension, improves circulation, and calms the nervous system – all helpful in reducing menstrual cycle symptoms. Even though the pain during my periods is now little to none, I spritz (then spread) this on my abdomen and low back on the first day of my cycle for almost instant relief.
Warm citrus spice candle. Feral would be an appropriate word for how I used to feel about the 3-wick “autumn leaves” Bath & Body Works candle. Primally Pure’s warm citrus spice candle smells almost identical but without the underlying aroma of chemicals. Because this candle is made of beeswax, it actually emits negative ions and purifies the air as it burns, making this a splurge that you’ll never be able to settle for less.
I *genuinely* can’t wait for you to experience the difference of all-natural skincare
It’s no secret that finding products that work can feel like an uphill battle. Now add in the caveat that they need to be clean too, and chaos and confusion can settle in quickly. Once I found Primally Pure on my all-natural skincare journey, the overwhelm turned into a straight-up obsession and now I can’t-stop-won’t-stop talking about these sprays and serums that I truly believe changed my life.
There are very few products I take the time and energy to promote over here in my little corner of the world wide web, but Primally Pure has proven tried and true, and I hand-over-heart can’t wait for you to get the same results. Once you’re finally ready to make the switch (or even if you’re in the stock-up phase like me), use code DRDAVIS at check out for 10% off your order. Every time I see a purchase come in, I pray you love your products just as much as I do.
Amanda
Disclaimer: The content provided here does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for personalized healthcare. I’m a doctor, but I’m not your doctor. If you have concerns about a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
