Making the switch to clean beauty was something I’d been putting off for a while. I cared about sustainability, but the idea of overhauling my bathroom shelf felt… a bit overwhelming. Sound familiar?
But when I started learning more about what was actually in my products—and how those ingredients impact not just my skin but also the planet—I knew it was time to take action.
If you’re just getting started with building a more clean beauty routine, I get it. It can be confusing at first, but I promise it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. These simple swaps helped me ease into it, and I was able to gradually replace items as they ran out.
Let’s walk through the exact changes I made, using sustainable beauty products that are kind to your skin and the planet.
What Is Clean Beauty Anyway?
Clean beauty is all about using products that are made without harsh chemicals or toxic ingredients—think no parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances. Instead, they’re full of nourishing, natural ingredients that support your skin’s health.
But clean beauty is also about transparency, ethical sourcing, and yes—sustainability. So when I look for products, I try to choose ones that not only feel good on my skin but align with my values too.
My Favourite Clean Beauty Swaps for Beginners
1. Foundation Swap: ILIA’s True Skin Serum Foundation
My old foundation was clinging to dry patches and packed with synthetic ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. When I tried ILIA’s True Skin Serum Foundation, I was hooked. It gives me that “your skin but better” look, with a lightweight, breathable feel.
Bonus: It’s cruelty-free, vegan, and comes in eco-friendly packaging.
2. Deodorant Swap: Fussy Natural Deodorant
This one scared me a little at first—I mean, what if it didn’t work? But honestly, switching to Fussy was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s refillable, comes in amazing scents, and is made from ingredients I can trust.
I actually wrote a full blog post about my switch to natural deodorant if you’re curious or nervous about making the leap too:
I Made the Switch to Natural Deodorant—Here’s What Happened
3. Shampoo Swap: Lush’s Jason and the Argan Oil Bar
One of the easiest (and most surprisingly delightful) swaps I’ve made is switching to a shampoo bar, and the Jason and the Argan Oil bar from Lush is my go-to. It’s designed to smooth and hydrate, and it smells absolutely gorgeous with its subtle rose scent. Best of all? No plastic bottle. It’s totally packaging-free, lasts for ages, and leaves my hair soft, clean, and shiny. Lush is also cruelty-free and committed to ethical sourcing, which makes this feel like such a win for my hair and the planet.
3. Makeup Removing Swap: Reusable Bamboo Makeup Pads
These are a total game-changer. Instead of going through cotton pads every week, I now use soft bamboo reusable pads. They’re gentle on my skin, easy to wash, and last ages. Plus, they help reduce bathroom waste—win!
4. Skincare Swap: Pai Rosehip Oil
Alongside a moisturiser, I now use a gentle face oil with nourishing, natural ingredients. Oils like rosehip, jojoba, or squalane work beautifully on my skin and give me a healthy, hydrated glow without clogging pores.
They also feel like a little spa moment at the end of a busy day. Pai Rosehip oil is one of my favourites.
It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Progress
You don’t have to switch everything at once. Start with one or two products that you use every day—like deodorant or foundation—and build from there. That’s what I did, and now my routine is simpler, cleaner, and more aligned with the kind of life I want to live.
Clean beauty isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good in your skin and in your choices.
Have You Tried Any Clean Beauty Swaps Yet?
Let me know what your favourite sustainable beauty product is in the comments—or if there’s a product you’re curious to swap out but unsure where to start. Let’s figure it out together.