If you had told me a few years ago that I would care about the ingredients in cosmetics, I probably would have just smiled. For a long time, I was one of those women who mainly chose products based on what worked, was easy to find, and could be picked up at the drugstore on the way home from work. No complicated orders, no long label-reading — just a product that did what it was supposed to do.
But then came a moment when I realized that self-care does not have to be complicated to be effective. I am not the type for a ten-step skin care routine. I have one rule: my routine has to be simple, pleasant, and sustainable.
The bigger change came after a consultation with my functional medicine doctor. Because of my hypothyroidism, as a first step she recommended to reduce the amount of chemicals and heavy metals I come into contact with. In other words, it was time to look at the cosmetics in my bathroom and search for more natural alternatives. At first, I was a little afraid of it — I had no idea where to begin, and I did not want to spend money on endless experiments. In the end, though, I found products that suit me and that I happily return to.
A quick note before we begin: this article may contain affiliate links. Several products that I mention below are available either only in Slovakia or in the Central Europe region.
Skin Care: Sensitivity, Redness, and Minimal Steps
I am 41 years old and have sensitive skin prone to redness, so I choose products that do not irritate my skin unnecessarily. I am not looking for miracles in a jar — rather a stable routine that leaves my skin hydrated, calmer, and does not require too much thought.
Morning and evening, I start with Alverde’s cleansing gel for sensitive skin. Since I only wear makeup occasionally, I do not need strong makeup removers. This gel usually removes my mascara on the first try as well, so I do not have to irritate my skin with cotton pads or makeup wipes.
After cleansing, I apply Purity Vision hyaluronic serum, which helps keep moisture in the skin. Then I use Weleda eye cream with pomegranate extracts and a serum to even out skin tone and calm the skin — depending on availability, either a niacinamide serum or a calendula serum from Purity Vision. Finally, I seal everything in with a Weleda face cream from the same range as the eye cream. So far, it is the only cream that does not leave my skin feeling tight or greasy, while still keeping it pleasantly hydrated.
The only downside is that it does not contain SPF, so sun protection has to be handled separately. For my lips, Alverde’s calendula lip balm has worked well for me, and I often keep it nearby throughout the day.
In the evening, I keep the routine similarly simple. After washing my face, I apply Purity Vision retinol serum and Weleda night cream. Once a week, I use Alverde’s fruit acid peel, but on that evening I skip retinol because this combination could irritate sensitive skin.
Hair: Switching to Gentler Shampoos Takes Patience
In the shower, I alternate between CBD shampoo from CBD Apothecary and rosemary shampoo from Botanica Slavica. They do not contain silicones or sulfates and also focus on scalp health. As a conditioner, I use Garnier Hair Food masks. They are more commercial, but they contain a high proportion of ingredients of natural origin and work very well for my hair.
If you are currently thinking about switching to more natural shampoos, be prepared for a short adjustment period. Silicones coat the hair and make it look smoother, so once you stop using them, the real condition of the hair fiber may first become visible. Hair may seem drier or lifeless at first, but after a few weeks it often adjusts and can better absorb nourishment from masks or oils.
When I used to wear a layered cut and wanted to enhance my waves more, I applied Aloe Vera gel to wet hair. It defined the waves beautifully. These days, I prefer a smoother hairstyle — I blow-dry my hair with a round brush and rub a drop of natural argan oil into the lengths to make them shinier and smoother.
Body: A Fresh Shower and Minimal Moisturizing
For my body, I use Alverde’s bergamot shower gel. It smells beautifully fresh, is also available in a larger size, and since I started using a shower gel with a more natural formula, my skin has not been drying out as much as before.
Once a week, I moisturize with Garnier cocoa body butter with ceramides. Yes, only once a week — mainly because, honestly, applying body lotion is not one of my favorite activities. Luckily, this butter feels like it lasts a really long time on my skin, and in summer, when my skin is not as dry as it is in winter, I often do not need more. I use Alverde balm on my heels.
When it comes to deodorants, Wild has been my favorite brand so far. I like not only the choice of scents, but also the practical packaging concept, where only the refill is replaced. You can try both the solid and roll-on versions, and the scents are truly pleasant — the unisex Fresh Cotton and Sea Salt scent suited me the most, but I was pleasantly surprised by several other options as well.
However, it is only fair to say that it is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant. That means it does not prevent sweating, but helps keeping you smelling fresh throughout the day. So wet patches are something you have to get used to — for me, that was probably the biggest challenge. It took me some time to accept that sweating is a natural process of the body and something we do not necessarily have to block at all costs. Of the two versions, I prefer the roll-on: it takes longer to dry, but it does not leave stains, lasts longer for me, and I feel that it works more reliably than the solid version. As with everything, though, what works best can be different for each person.
Teeth: A Simple Toothpaste and Occasional Whitening
I brush my teeth with Biomed toothpaste with coconut and bromelain extracts. It does not contain fluoride, and I feel that it brightens my teeth nicely.
Products Where I Still Stick with the Classics
Not everything in my bathroom is one hundred percent natural — and I do not want to pretend otherwise. The first example is hair dye. For many years I used L’Oréal Preference. I also tried Herbatint, but my hair started falling out noticeably more after using it, so I decided not to experiment too much in this area. I dye my hair at home about once every two months, so I do not see it as a daily burden.
I am currently trying to switch to L’Oréal Casting, which is gentler, ammonia-free, and according to many experiences can be a good at-home alternative for softer grey blending. I will see how it works for me — once I have tested it properly, I will definitely share my experience.
The second exception is Crest whitening strips. I last used them about three years ago, and my teeth stayed in good condition mainly thanks to the toothpaste I use regularly. This time, I only wanted to brighten them a little, and since it is an occasional use once every few years, I do not feel too guilty about it.
Makeup: A Natural Look and a Few Tried-and-Tested Favorites
Makeup is a specific category for me. Since I do not wear makeup every day and prefer the most natural look possible, I have not searched for natural alternatives as intensely. For a long time, Garnier’s BB cream for oily skin suited me well, but it is discontinued. I currently use the version with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, but it is not completely ideal for me — my skin gets quite shiny after using it. Under mattifying powder, however, it is usable. I also bought Mádara CC City, but I have not tested it properly yet.
From decorative cosmetics, I use Lash Paradise mascara by L’Oréal and a nude eyeliner by Dermacol. Among the more natural products from Alverde, the eyebrow gel, transparent powder, and tinted lip balm have worked well for me over the long term. I also tried their foundation, but it was too thick for my taste and looked like a mask on my skin.
What Has This Change Brought Me?
The biggest realization for me was that switching to more natural cosmetics does not have to be perfect or extreme. You do not have to throw out your entire bathroom overnight and start from scratch. What worked best for me was gradually replacing products as they ran out with gentler and more natural alternatives — while also allowing myself exceptions where I have not yet found a better replacement.
This routine suits me very well today. It is simple, accessible, and I can stick to it even during more demanding periods. To be safe, I have even stocked up for the next few months, because a new life in Costa Rica awaits me and I have no idea how long it will take me to find products there that suit me just as well.
I hope this article has helped you, especially if you are also looking for a simpler path toward more natural self-care without unnecessary stress or perfectionism. If you have questions or your own tips for products that work for you, send me an email or get in touch on Instagram or Facebook.
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