Why I Switched to a Non-Toxic Skincare Routine

At the end of 2020, after nearly a year of trying to conceive, we found out we were pregnant. The world was consumed by the pandemic, and we (especially me) were consumed by the idea of starting our family. But in 2021, I had a miscarriage, and my heart broke. Over and over again, as I thought of the baby who wouldn’t be joining us. It felt like a living nightmare. My mother remarked that the day will come when I finally stop sighing in sadness every fifteen minutes. 

My hormones were all over the place. My doctors had me coming in every few days to do bloodwork, until my hCG leveled out. I knew I needed to focus on my recovery. A friend recommended an acupuncturist who specialized in fertility. "Her name is Whitney. She owns 'Grand Teton Acupuncture'." After meeting and after hearing about my irregular cycle patterns leading up to my pregnancy, Whitney told me she could use acupuncture to help regulate my cycle, by helping regulate my hormones through acupuncture. I became eager to get started. Because Lord knows, when you decide you are ready to get pregnant, you want it to have happened yesterday. 

I’m an acupuncture enthusiast now and will recommend to anyone who will listen! Taking a chance on it opened my eyes to how my body and hormones function. My wish for every girl and woman is to know the importance of her hormones. I really got to dig into my cycle charts and learn about how with one simple tool, you can gain so much insight into how your body is functioning. I'm talking about a thermometer. You can learn so much from your body's temperature. More on that later. But something else Whitney asked me early on has stuck with me ever since: "Are you under any stress?" At the time, I didn’t think so, but what I didn’t realize was that the products I was using and the food I was consuming were added stressors on my body. 

At one point while trying to conceive, I was using a topical progesterone--derived from yams--to aid my hormone levels. It's like a lightbulb went on-- if you can absorb your prescription yam progesterone then you can and will absorb everything else you are putting on your body. 

On average, women are exposed to over 150 chemicals daily through personal care products—things like skincare, makeup, haircare, and deodorant. These chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, building up toxins in the body. This constant exposure stresses our detox systems, disrupts hormones, and can affect everything from metabolism to fertility, making it harder to balance our natural processes.

I used to think that if a skincare product was labeled “natural," it was safe. But after learning about the toxins—like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances— hidden in many mainstream beauty brands, I realized I could help my body by making one small change at a time. And I am happy to share that after working with Whitney periodically over 2021-2023 and slowly making changes in the products I use and the food I consume, my hormones and cycles regulated. My cycles used to range from 55-65 days. Now they range from 33-35 days!

Here’s why I made the switch:
✔️ Many conventional skincare products contain endocrine disruptors that mess with hormones. I know we hear this all the time, but it is true--our skin is our largest organ. What we put on it matters. 
✔️ Artificial fragrances and preservatives can cause headaches, skin irritation, redness, and breakouts.
✔️ Plant-based ingredients are just as powerful (if not more) than their synthetic counterparts when it comes to what we feed our skin. 

When that light bulb turned on, I knew it was time to make changes. But I didn’t overhaul everything overnight. Over the past four years, I’ve been slowly making the shift to a low-tox lifestyle—and I’m still not done. I started with swapping my deodorant, then made one more change, and then another. It’s been a journey of small, intentional steps, and along the way, I discovered Crunchi—a brand that makes clean beauty a priority without compromising on performance. A brand that has had such an impact on me, I actually want to share about it with you. I love feeling confident about what I am not putting on my skin and even more confident about what I am putting on my skin.

If you’re looking for a skincare routine that’s effective, non-toxic, and helps hydrate, firm, and brighten, this guide will walk you through my step-by-step process of using plant-based ingredients, to support my skin and health. 

Why Clean Beauty Isn’t Just a Trend—It’s a Non-Negotiable

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and what you put on it matters—a lot. The ingredients in your skincare don’t just sit on the surface; they absorb directly into your bloodstream. That’s why choosing clean, non-toxic products isn’t just a preference—it’s a priority in our house. 

Here's what I avoid (and why):

🚫 Parabens –  linked to hormone disruption. Hard pass.
🚫 Phthalates – found in synthetic fragrance and harmful to reproductive health. Reproductive health. 
🚫 Sulfates – strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier. 
🚫 PEGs + Artificial Preservatives – often contaminated with carcinogens. No thanks.

Instead, I go for nutrient-rich, plant-powered ingredients that actually support my skin—hydrating, protecting, and delivering real results without the side effects.

The Plant-Powered Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

When I started using Crunchi skincare, I noticed a dramatic difference in my skin’s hydration, texture, and glow. Their products contain clinically proven plant-based ingredients that work just as well—if not better—than synthetic formulas.

Some of the star ingredients in my routine include:
🌱 Hyaluronic Acid – Boosts hydration and plumps fine lines
🌱 Bakuchiol – A plant-based retinol alternative that smooths wrinkles without irritation
🌱 Sea Buckthorn Extract – Packed with antioxidants for a youthful glow
🌱 Vitamin C – Brightens skin tone and fights free radical damage

Why I Ditched the Toxins and Fell Hard for Crunchi

After deep-diving into the world of “clean beauty” (and rolling my eyes at a lot of greenwashing), I finally found the one—Crunchi. They’re not just clean, they’re actually clean. Like, receipts-in-hand, no-sketchy-ingredients, mama-approved clean.

Here’s why I’m obsessed:

✔️ Powered by safe, nourishing, high-performance ingredients (because your skin deserves more than basic)
✔️ Zero toxins, zero endocrine disruptors, and absolutely no synthetic “fragrance” hiding who-knows-what
✔️ For women who want results and standards—because we’re not compromising, period.

Crunchi is EWG Verified®, Leaping Bunny Certified, 4ocean Plastic Neutral, Non-GMO, Silicone-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free... the whole gold-star lineup. Basically, they walk the walk so I don’t have to stress about what’s in my skincare—and that’s a level of peace I live for.

My Step-by-Step Non-Toxic Skincare Routine

Step 1: Detox & Cleanse

✨ Crunchi Charcoal Facial Bar

• Why? Gently removes impurities, excess oil, and environmental toxins.
• Key Ingredients:
  • Charcoal & Kaolin Clays – Detoxify and balance the skin.
  • Organic Lemon & Tea Tree Essential Oils – Brighten and promote a clear complexion.

Step 2: Hydrate & Tone

✨ Clarilight Facial Essence Toner

• Why? Preps the skin for better absorption and locks in moisture.
• Key Ingredients:
  • Birch & Willow Leaf Extracts – Brighten and even skin tone.
  • Fruit Extracts – Provide gentle exfoliation for a smoother texture.
  • Hyaluronic Acid – Delivers intense hydration.

Step 3: Repair & Rejuvenate

✨ Golden Light Multi-Peptide Facial Serum

• Why? Firms, lifts, and deeply hydrates for an anti-aging effect.
• Key Ingredients:
  • 15% Multi-Peptide Complex – Boosts collagen and elastin for sculpted, firmer skin.
  • Sea Buckthorn Extract – Packed with antioxidants for youthful radiance.
  • Arnica Montana Flower Extract – Soothes and calms inflammation.

Step 4: Nourish and Restore

✨ I AM Luminous® Facial Oil

• Why? This lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil replenishes hydration, balances oil production, and soothes irritation—leaving your skin radiant, smooth, and renewed. Plus, it has the most intoxicating smell from pure neroli essential oil.
• Key Ingredients:
  • Sea Fennel Extract – Helps regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores.
  • Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil – Calms redness and reduces irritation.
  • Argan Oil – Visibly smoothes and reduces flaking.

Bonus: Safe and effective for all skin types, including sensitive, oily, acne-prone, dry, and even teen skin.

Step 5: Brighten & Depuff

✨ Powerlight Eye Cream

• Why? Reduces puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
• Key Ingredients:
  • Bio-positive Peptides – Smooth crow’s feet and wrinkles.
  • Niacinamide & Vitamin C – Brighten dark circles.
  • Naturally-derived Caffeine – Instantly reduces under-eye puffiness. 

This is my routine..for now. I like to mix up my serums every now and then. If you're not a fan of an oil for moisturizer, Crunchi has some other great options, like their Daylight Advanced Facial Cream and their Nightlight Advanced Youth-Activating Cream. (In case you're curious, a jar of each of these lasted me six months using each once a day.) I enjoyed taking the skin care quiz and looking through their best sellers and making a plan to work for me. 

Final Thoughts: My Experience with Non-Toxic Skincare

Switching to a non-toxic skincare routine has been one of the best decisions because I want to be confident I am doing what's best for my skin and my health. Overall, my goal is to be mindful of the toxic burden on me and my family. It doesn't mean every choice is perfect, but I'm just doing my best-- one decision at a time. Since using Crunchi, I’ve noticed:
✔️ Brighter, more even skin tone. I had so much yellowing before. 
✔️ Fewer fine lines and improved hydration
✔️ A healthier, more radiant glow

If you’ve been thinking about cleaning up your skincare routine, I encourage you to start small—swap out one product at a time and see how your skin transforms. Clean beauty is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to a healthier, lower-tox lifestyle.

💚 Ready to make the switch? Check out Crunchi’s skincare line and experience the power of non-toxic beauty! Use my code Advocate10 for 10% your first order over $50. Click here!

What Others Are Saying About Their Experience: