Written by Mukti, Founder of Mukti Organics
Every day we are exposed to a number of personal care products as we go throughout our daily lives. If you close your eyes for a minute and think back to when you got ready this morning, chances are you’ve used a few! At a bare minimum you likely went to the toilet, hopefully washed your hands with soap or a wash, then brushed your teeth, showered, washed, cleansed your face, conditioned, preened and styled your hair. You likely then used a deodorant, and applied a serum, moisturiser, SPF, and topped that off with some makeup including foundation, blush, mascara, and lipstick. And let’s not forget the final step of spritzing yourself with aftershave, cologne, or perfume. Phew! That’s a lot of products.
On average a woman will use 12-15 products, a man will use 7-8, and for a teenager you can double that number again. Which means the number of chemicals that we come into contact with on a daily basis can amount to anywhere between a couple of hundred to well over 500 or more. Perfume alone has up to 50 chemicals. But why does this matter?
Well, many conventional products contain some not-so-nice ingredients that can mess with our hormones (read more from Mukti here), irritate our skin, and even contribute to long-term health issues. That’s where a personal care audit comes in handy – it’s like a health check-up for your beauty routine.
First things first, channel your inner Marie Kondo and empty everything out –
I mean everything – from your bathroom cabinets to your makeup bag. Spread it all out where you can see it. Now, take a deep breath (and maybe grab a cup of tea), because we’re about to dive in.
Next step is checking those expiry dates –
You’d be surprised how many products we keep way past their prime. If it’s old, toss it. Haven’t used something in six months? Say goodbye. Broken, empty, or just plain gross? In the bin it goes.
Now comes the fun part, reading labels –
Look out for nasties like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Not sure what an ingredient is? Find out more here, or better yet, check out the A-Z Blacklist I’ve put together in my book Truth in Beauty (it’s like a cheat sheet for clean beauty).
As you’re going through your products, start separating them into piles –
Keep your daily essentials separate – these are the products you use all the time and can’t live without. For everything else, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”
Now, I’m not saying you need to toss everything and start from scratch. That would be wasteful (and expensive!). Instead, let’s take a gradual approach. Focus on the products that stay on your skin the longest first – think moisturisers, serums, and foundations. These have the biggest impact because they’re in contact with your skin for hours. Maybe you swap out one product this month, another next month. Over time, you’ll build a beauty routine that not only makes you look good but feels good too – both for your skin and your conscience.
Next up, look at your shower products –
You might not think about these as much, but consider how often you use them and how much product you’re using each time. It adds up!
Consider starting a product journal –
I know it sounds a bit extra, but hear me out. Jot down how products make your skin feel, any reactions you notice, and whether you actually enjoy using them. It’s a great way to track what works for you and what doesn’t.
Now, let’s talk about making better choices moving forward –
When you’re shopping for new products, ask yourself some questions. Does the brand align with your values? Are their products certified organic? Do they disclose all their ingredients? Are they cruelty-free and vegan? These might seem like small details, but they add up to make a big difference.
As you start to simplify your routine and choose cleaner products, you might notice some changes. Your skin might become clearer, you might have fewer reactions, and you’ll definitely feel good knowing you’re reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Mukti (/MOOKH tee/) is a cosmetic formulator, skin therapist, author and the founder of Mukti Organics (her eponymous skincare brand). Mukti launched her award-winning skincare brand Mukti Organics in 2000, after identifying a gap in the market for organic products that are both results-driven and backed by science.
Mukti is an avid writer and researcher, with her best-selling book “Truth In Beauty”, second edition, released in 2024. Truth in Beauty is an insider’s guide into the industry, helping readers to navigate the clean beauty movement and achieve a healthier lifestyle. Her easy-to-follow companion is full of need-to-know information that exposes the harmful ingredients found in everyday skincare, cosmetics, and personal care products.
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