Your skin is your largest organ, so naturally it is one of the most important. Up to 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into the body - affecting our overall health and well-being.
Since there are almost zero federal regulations of the cosmetics industry in the US, ingredients with proven harmful effects can be found in many traditional skincare products. Scientific studies have linked harmful ingredients in skincare to health issues such as allergies, hormonal disruption, and even cancer.
There are over 1,300 chemicals banned for cosmetics in the EU, as compared to only 11 banned in the US. Scary right? With little regulation of personal care products, it is up to you to choose safer skincare. Below are the 10 common ingredients to avoid when looking for skincare and beauty products.
Most skincare and makeup products contain artificial fragrances. Manufacturers are not required to reveal what's in their “fragrance” so it is a term often used for hundreds of chemicals that brand aren’t required to disclose. Fragrance is also found in many other household products such as candles, air fresheners, and more.
Listed as: Parfum, perfume
Parabens are preservatives found in everything such as shampoo, makeup, deodorant, and much more. Parabens are known hormone disruptors that mimic estrogen in the body and has even been linked to breast cancer. A recent study shows 99% of all cancerous breast tumors contained parabens.
Listed as: Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Benzylparaben
Used as an antiperspirant, aluminium is most commonly found in deodorants. Exposure to this toxic metal could elevate your risk of diseases such as alzheimers, breast cancer and other neurological disorders.
Listed as: Aluminum Chloride, Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Hydroxybromide
Looking for an aluminium free deodorant that actually works? Try Holly's Keeping it Real All Natural Deodorant.
Chemicals used in everything from plastic to cosmetics (scary), phthalates can be found in many personal care products such as nail polish and hairspray. Like parabens, phosphates are hormone disruptors which can cause reproductive problems and even birth defects.
Listed as: Bensybutyl Phthalate (BzBP), Bi-n-butyl Phthalate or Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) DEP DEHP and fragrance
Nail polish to try: Ella + Mila Nail Polish
Hairspray alternative to try: Qet Organic Natural Sea Salt Spray
A by-product from the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline (EW!), this colorless, odorless oil is used to reduce water loss from the skin. Found in lotions, creams and more, mineral oil coats the skin like plastic, clogging your pores. This interferes with the skin's natural ability to eliminate toxins which increases the likelihood of acne and other disorders. Aside from clogging your pores, mineral oil and the petroleum industry have a huge environmental impact. Petroleum is carcinogenic and causes eco-disasters.
Listed as: Liquid Petroleum, Paraffin Oil and White Mineral Oil
Try Lumi Basics Everyday Facial Oil and Lotion Bars
Many personal care products contain different types of PEGs. Used as emollients, emulsifiers and as vehicles that help penetrate other ingredients deeper into the skin. Polyethylene is a chemical byproduct often contaminated with ethylene oxide (known carcinogen). Ethylene oxide is highly toxic even in small doses, it was used in WW1 nerve gas.
Listed as: ingredients with the prefix word or syllables "PEG" Polyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol, Polysorbate or Polyxyethylene and words with containing "eth" or "oxynol" in them
These clear, viscous liquids are typically found in products that foam such as facial cleansers and soaps. TEA and MEA are both byproducts of DEA which can be contaminated with chemicals like Nitrosamines. These chemicals are linked to cancer.
Listed as: 2-Aminoethanol, Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine, DEA, TEA, Cocamide DEA, Cocamide MEA, DEA-Cetyl Phosphate, DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate, Lauramide DEA, Linoleamide MEA, Myristamide DEA, Oleamide DEA, Stearamide MEA, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate
Found in moisturizers to soften and smooth skin. Siloxanes is a suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant. They are also known to be harmful to fish and wildlife.
Listed as: ingredients ending in "-siloxane" or "-methicone
Used in shampoo and personal care products, sulfates make products lather, foam and bubble. Commonly known to cause skin irritations or trigger allergies. Additionally, chemical compounds known as nitrosamines are a by-products of the sulphation process. 90% of nitrosamines are believed to be carcinogenic.
Listed as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Found in nail polish, deodorants, soap, shampoos, and more. This antibacterial preservative is a known carcinogen and is linked to immune system toxicity and respiratory irritation. Some retailers (such as Wholefoods and Target) are even starting to ban products that contain formaldehyde.
Not typically listed as an ingredient however these Formaldehyde "releasers" are often listed on ingredient labels as: DMDM Hydantoin, Diaxzolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methanamine, Quaternium-15 and Sodium hHydroxymethylglycincate. May also appear as Cormalin, Formicaldehyde, Methanol, Methyl aldehyde
It is YOUR job to take control of what you are putting on your body! The next time you are shopping for skincare, make sure you take the extra steps to read through the ingredient lists. A good rule of thumb is to look out for ingredients you can’t pronounce.
Our promise at lumi basics is to always be transparent about our ingredients. We will always produce the highest quality products and use pure, conflict-free ingredients.
If you’re like us and you consider yourself to live a fairly sustainable, low waste lifestyle then you have probably already heard of Plastic Free July. But if you haven’t, we’re excited you’re here and we can’t wait to tell you more. Plastic Free July is an initiative created by the Plastic Free Foundation to spread awareness about plastic pollution and work towards a plastic free world.
Every year, the Plastic Free Foundation encourages people to use the month of July to take inventory of their daily plastic use and make efforts to reduce it in hopes of these practices becoming part of their everyday lives. In 2019 alone, it is estimated that 250 million people around the world took part in the challenge from 177 countries. The Plastic Free Foundation also estimated that 9 out of every 10 people who completed the challenge made changes that become daily habits after completing the challenge, contributing to a total saving of 825 million kg of plastic waste each year. How incredible is that?!
Whether you’re a zero waste junky who participates in Plastic Free July annually or not, you have likely seen or heard of the alarming statistic stating that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. That is a number that, quite frankly, scares the sh&*t out of us. However, it’s the small, grassroots efforts such as those by the Plastic Free Foundation getting more notoriety that are helping to move the plastic free movement more mainstream… and also people like you taking the time to learn about the efforts because you care!
As you also most likely already know, we at Lumi Basics deeply care about the health of our planet which led us to create our company in the first place. We firmly believe that personal care products should be just as beneficial for the planet and environment as they are for your skin. It is that very thought that leads us in every move we make and product we create. All of our products are formulated using 100% natural ingredients straight from nature; sourcing sustainably, organically, and fair trade is always our first priority. But beyond that, we package all products in little to no plastic, offer bottle back and label free programs, as well as ship 100% plastic free and give back to our community.
Recently, we launched our first two completely plastic free products that we could not be more proud of:
dry shampoo - available in blonde and brunette
lotion bars - available in 3 scents.
So, in honor of Plastic Free July we would like to share our personal tips and tricks we practice in our everyday lives outside of our business to help reduce our waste and carbon footprint in hopes that it may help you reduce yours. These tips are simple and attainable for anyone on any budget. Truthfully, they will most likely save you money in the long run.
Keep a few reusable bags in your car. By storing your bags in your car, you’ll always be prepared for the grocery store or a Target shopping trip. You can easily start a collection for free as many events and/or stores will hand out free promotional reusable bags! If you forget your reusable bags (no one is perfect) you can reuse your plastic or paper bags from the store, or recycle them. We love Eco Bags!
Pro tip: After you bring your items inside and unload, hang the empty bags on your front door handle so you don’t forget to put them back in your car!
other reusable items to invest in:
There truly is an eco-friendly swap for almost anything. Here are a few other brands we love that offer reusable swaps:
Want a one-stop-shop for all your reusable needs? Check out one of our favorite stores, Package Free Shop.
Thrifting is great for the planet and your wallet. The clothing industry has a huge impact on the environment and sustainable fashion does not always fit in our budgets. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the US alone throws away 13 million tons of clothing every year. Buying second hand will keep plastic out of landfills (e.g. polyester, nylon, etc.) and positively contribute to the decrease in textile demand and subsequent waste associated. Here are some of our go-to’s for thrifting online:
Cutting back on energy consumption is one of the most impactful ways to be greener and it can also save you some money on your energy bill. Here are some super easy ways to reduce your energy consumption everyday:
Most food waste ends up in landfills, giving off CO2 emissions and contributing to negative environmental impact. Be mindful when food shopping to only buy what you are going to use right away. Being prepared with a list at the grocery store is a great way to ensure you only leave with what you need!
It is also important to be mindful of how you store your fruits and veggies to make sure they last as long as they can.
A very important part of living plastic free and more sustainably is to repurpose what you already have. Yes that trendy all organic cleaning spray is better for the environment than one filled with toxins, but what if you can make one that’s just as good out of ingredients you already have at home? Get creative! No matter what it is you are in need of, we are willing to bet someone has a solution for you that you can easily find on google. Here are some easy things to make at home:
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, there is no getting around having little bits of plastic in the things that we buy… and that’s ok! You can make a difference just by choosing items that, while they may be packaged in plastic, are recyclable or made from recycled materials. Or maybe you choose to purchase from a local small business that isn’t necessarily plastic free but uses quality ingredients and gives back to the community. These things matter too!
These small steps are just the beginning. Once you get started making more sustainable, environmentally swaps and actions for your household and other everyday items you will naturally want to do more. However, we do suggest going easy on yourself and not attempting to tackle too many things all at once. Start with bringing reusable grocery bags to the store or investing in a reusable water bottle. Trying to go all in at first might be too overwhelming and cause you to give up. It is also important to know that you absolutely do not have to get rid of every plastic item you already have any use (we’re looking at you, tupperware). As we mentioned, part of living a more sustainable life is making use of what you already have. If you have a reusable water bottle, use it! If you can repurpose something instead of tossing it out, do that!
To celebrate Plastic Free July this year, we are offering 20% off all of our plastic free products! Yes, we know we (literally) just said that you don’t have to go out and buy all new things when you’re starting out, but sometimes rewarding yourself is part of the excitement. Plus, these products are 100% plastic free and organic… how can you say no to that??
Use code PLASTICFREE at checkout for 20% off our plastic free dry shampoo and plastic free lotion bars!
If you're like us, lotion is a staple product in your routine. From the salt water and sun in the summer to the moisture sucking heaters and cold air in the winter, frequent full-body moisturizing is a must year round to avoid dry skin.
Although liquid lotion is universally available, you might be looking for a more sustainable option. We have the perfect solution for you.
A lotion bar is a solid, concentrated lotion packed full of natural and nourishing oils to hydrate and moisture the skin. Lotion bars resemble a bar of soap, however they act as a skin hydrator just like liquid lotion. When applied to the skin, your natural body heat will slightly melt the lotion and absorb into the skin.
Oh so many reasons! Here are a few.
no plastic bottle:
Over 40% of plastic comes from product packaging alone. Only about 10% of plastic is actually being recycled and about 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. Our lotion bars are packaged with 100% plastic-free and compostable materials. One Lumi Basics Lotion Bar is equivalent to three (or more!) bottles of liquid lotion. By making this earth-friendly swap you’re preventing plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.
natural ingredients:
Many liquid lotions contain hazardous chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and petroleum. Lotion bars do not contain water and are far more concentrated than traditional liquid lotions. Because they do not contain water, lotion bars do not require preservatives and are shelf stable for at least 6 months.
Best used right after a shower on damp skin but can be used anytime anywhere! Since they are super concentrated, a little goes a long way. Just take the lotion bar into your hands and warm it. Your body heat will soften the bar and melt a small portion. You can either rub the bar directly on the parts of your skin that need moisturizing or first in your hands and then massage in until absorbed.
- We source all of our ingredients organically, ethically, and use a low-impact production process.
- Our skin formula is chemical-free, palm oil free, vegan and 100% organic.
- Our packaging is 100% plastic-free and compostable, even the closure sticker.
- Comes in three unique scents to choose from
What more could you want? Shop lotion bars
REDUCE.REUSE.RECYCLE. In that order!
The first step to create a more sustainable life is to reduce your waste. At lumi basics we use minimal packaging for all of our products. This includes no outer packaging, and as little plastic as possible.
The second step is reusing what you have. Below are 5 ways to reuse your lumi basics containers.
We know our jars are so pretty that you just don’t want to throw them out.
Our sugar scrub containers make the perfect little pots. Added bonus, since they are clear you can see through to the soil and roots of your plant babies.
Our toner bottles can be used as tiny vases for flowers and herbs.
Before carefully repotting your plants, simply wash your containers out with warm water and soap to make sure that all of the product is removed.
We all know that diet affects your skin. Part of eating healthy is planning ahead and having healthy snacks ready to go whenever you need them. Use your Lumi Basics Sugar Scrub glass containers to store your snacks when you are on-the-go.
Glass jars are a stylish and easy way to organize your vanity. Consider using them to store cotton balls, makeup brushes, hair ties, and much more. You may even be able to fit them inside your medicine cabinet.
If you’ve ever traveled by plane before, you already know about the liquid limit. Rather than buying the travel-size for all your full-size products, hold onto your empty lumi basics containers once you finish the product. Wash the container out and store it for when you’re ready.
Not sure if any of these upcycle projects are for you but still want to participate? We have the perfect program for you.
Imagine yourself at the spa getting the most relaxing facial of your life, while enjoying a crisp, juicy strawberry. Now imagine instead of spending hundreds of dollars for that experience, you were just in your bathroom washing your face. Meet: The NEW Strawberry Cleansing Serum. We all know how good strawberries are for our body, with just three meeting our daily intake for Vitamin C, now imagine what it can do when applied to your skin. Hint: think clearer, brighter, and hella moisturized.
Produced by cold-pressing all those tiny little seeds you see in strawberries (that are a by-product of the food industry!), strawberry seed oil is packed with amazing skin-loving nutrients like essential fatty acids, tons of antioxidants, vitamin E and C. These powerful nutrients work together to protect your skin from free-radical damage, boost collagen production, as well as brighten your skin and remove imperfections like dark spots over time. Strawberry seed oil is also high in salicylic acid which helps to eliminate dead skin cells and tighten pores making it the perfect choice for cleansing.
If you’re new to oil cleansing and are on the fence about removing oil with oil, bare with us. As we’ve mentioned before in a previous blog post, oil fights oil. Using an oil based cleanser is an extremely effective and nourishing method of cleansing the skin. Instead of stripping your skin of it’s natural oils and protective microbiome with harsh alcohol based cleansers that only end up drying out your face and creating even more oil, the Strawberry Cleansing Serum is going to feed your skin while removing only what doesn’t belong: the excess dirt, oil and makeup. Your skin will be left glowing, hydrated, and oh so clean.
Step 1: Apply a 4 - 5 drops to fingertips and massage gently into skin for about 30 second to 1 minute
Step 2: Saturate a washcloth with hot water and gently remove the oil, makeup and any impurities from your face
Step 3: Follow with either the Lavender Rose or Turmeric Sage Facial toner, and then apply your Everyday Facial Oil
We recommend saturating a wash cloth with hot water and letting it sit on your face for 30 second to 1 minute before wiping the oil off. Using the washcloth this way will actually mimic the effects of a facial steam and will open up your pores. The Strawberry Cleansing Serum is going to pull out all of the ‘gunk’ that has gotten stuck in them. Your pores will be smaller and your face even cleaner! Buh bye black heads!
]]>The day I discovered facial oils, is the day that my love for my skin became real. Like, REALLY REAL. What if I told you that my skincare “routine” consisted of only harsh cleansers and absolutely zero moisturizers until I was probably 25? Yep. That is the scary truth that hurts my face even as I type this. But it’s true. I grew up with naturally oily skin and was always told that oil was bad and I needed to get it off of my face. I thought that putting any type of moisturizer on was unnecessary since my skin already had so much oil on it. But I was wrong. So wrong.
The natural oils on our skin, called sebum, are there to ultimately protect our skin and keep it moisturized and healthy. When you are constantly stripping your face of it’s natural oils, it’s going to over compensate by producing more. The more your strip, the more it produces. Over time, this can lead to acne and other pesky skin conditions. Adding a facial oil to your skincare routine can actually help balance out your skin’s natural oil production and therefore lead to healthier, more hydrated and happy skin. It seems counterintuitive to put oil on your skin, I get it, but the simple truth is: oil fights oil.
Simply put, the answer is no. There are two main things to think about when shopping for a facial oil or serum: Ingredients + Your Skin Type.
1. Ingredients:
Obviously we want to make sure that the oils we are putting on our face are high quality and preferably organic. Our skin is our largest organ and our face is the money maker, am I right? Treat it with the respect it deserves.
Beyond looking for just organic, you want to make sure you’re only putting what’s necessary on your skin. Keep away with anything that includes alcohol, water, or fragrances/perfumes. These are unnecessary and open up a whole other can of worms which leads to preservatives, toxins, and ultimately unhappy skin.
2. Your Skin Type:
This may actually be the most important thing to consider when venturing into facial oils and serums (or any products, really). Different oils contain different properties. Some may be better for dryer skin, others for more oily or combination skin. Read the labels and learn about the products and what skin types they are made for. For instance, one of the main ingredients in the Lumi Everyday Facial Oil is Jojoba oil. Jojoba is actually considered a wax and mimics your skin’s natural sebum which makes it easy to absorb and great for all skin types.
Oil is not something you should be afraid to add to your skincare routine. It is such a powerful tool that can truly help transform your skin.
After cleansing and toning, add 4-5 drops of the cleansing oil to your hands. Massage gently into your skin in small, upward motion circles for about 30 seconds. Allow to soak into the skin completely applying makeup or SPF.
It is worth mentioning, that if you are switching to oils for the first time, you may encounter an adjustment period, depending on how you have treated your skin in the past. You may experience a “purge” where your skin may begin to breakout more than normal as it adjusts to your new skincare routine. Not to worry, this does not happen to everyone and generally does not last longer than a few weeks to a month. Remember, it is important to remain consistent in your new skincare routine to begin seeing results!
Dry Shampoo is probably one of the best inventions of the 21st Century. I think we can ALL AGREE on that. What I cannot wrap my head around, however, is why it has to be in an aerosol can, fumigating my bathroom and hair with extremely flammable (and toxic) ingredients when I’m just trying to delay the dreaded shampoo + conditioning process for one more day. Don’t believe me? Turn that can around and take a look at your dry shampoo ingredients; I promise you your jaw will DROP!
I bet you’re looking at a combination of the following: BUTANE, ISOBUTANE, PROPANE AND ALCOHOL
Yep, you read that right. The same ingredients used to grill your burger on the 4th of July are the same ones used to conveniently “clean” your hair. Not only are these ingredients highly flammable, but they are not great for your hair. They are extremely drying and over time can actually lead to hair loss. No thanks!
So what is the alternative? Well, the truth of the matter is the only way to actually clean your hair is to wash it. But we all have those mornings when the snooze button is looking a lot friendlier than a full on head to toe shower. [Enter dry shampoo] But the fact is, dry shampoo does not actually rid your hair of the oils, it simply absorbs them. Over time this causes buildup and buildup that can lead to damage. This is why it is so important to make sure that the products we are allowing to sit on our scalp for an extra day or two are as clean as they can be. We want to be helping our hair, not hurting it.
What should you be looking for? First and foremost, ditch the aerosol can. After that you should be looking for a dry shampoo that is formulated with all natural, ideally organic ingredients. Stay away from anything with a fragrance (or parfum) as that brings up a whole other wealth of issues we’ll cover in a later blog post. We also don’t need a laundry list of ingredients in our dry shampoo. It’s unnecessary and will usually only lead to extra additives that your hair won’t be fond of. The simpler the better here.
Ready to make the switch? Check out our all natural, organic dry shampoo that is specially formulated with only the ingredients you need and nothing more, that are actually going to nourish your scalp rather than harm it.
Our Ingredients:
Arrowroot Powder: Extracted from the roots of the arrowroot plant, this lightweight, starch rich powder will absorb oil and give your hair texture (yes please!)
Cacao Powder: Not only known for its rich color, Cacao contains sulfur and protein which aids in helping hair grow healthy and prevents breakage
You guys know we like to keep things simple around here and our dry shampoo is no different. We use only ingredients you and your scalp will feel good about because, after all, that is our philosophy. Available in 2 shades!
Sometimes washing your face at night can seem like a daunting task. Whether you’ve stayed up too late or after a few too many cocktails (or both) all you really want to do is climb beneath the covers and lights out.
Skipping this crucial step before bed can be more damaging to your skin than you realize. Before you cross off “face-washing” from your night time routine here are 6 reasons why you shouldn’t skip it.
After touching your face all day and exposing your skin to dirt and pollution, your face is one of the dirtiest parts parts of your body. Facial skin that is not cleansed is more likely to get clogged pores which can lead directly to breakouts, no matter what your skin type. Keep in mind - washing your face at night doesn’t just mean rinsing it with water. Give yourself enough time to remove makeup, use a cleaner and follow up with a moisturizer.
Not washing can lead to premature aging. Makeup tends to hold on to the free radicals our skin is exposed to every day. If you don’t wash your face at night, your skin has to fight off these free radicals which causes the breakdown of healthy collagen. This eventually leads to fine lines and wrinkles.
While you sleep your skin works to naturally repair and restore itself, these efforts are maximized when your skin isn’t fighting off the pollution from the day. Since there is less damage control, the moisturizer you apply may be more effective in aiding restoration.
If you aren’t washing your face at night you are losing out on both the skin-healing effects of sleep and your skin treatments.
Our skin needs oxygen to repair itself. Sleeping with your makeup on derived your skin of this vital nutrient. During our sleep cycle our bodies produce fewer oils. If you skin moisturizing before bed, your skin will feel drier throughout the day which can cause redness and irritation.
While you sleep, lingering eye makeup can migrate into your eyes and cause irritation. If you make a habit of sleeping in your eye makeup the hair follicles and oil glands may clog and lead to a buildup of bacteria. This can cause inflammation and even styes or hordeolums. When washing your face at night be sure to take extra care to remove any traces of any eye makeup.
No one likes dirty makeup stains on their pillowcases. Not only does it look gross, but the pollution and impurities from your day will go to bed with you if you don’t wash your face before bed. Keep in mind, every night after that you will be exposing your skin to the impurities left on your pillowcase from the previous night.