Our Journey to Natural Living

Our family’s path toward a healthier, more natural lifestyle began with a commitment to eat biblically clean and eliminate artificial dyes and chemicals from our pantry. This gradual transformation soon extended to our home cleaning and hygiene products. Rather than opting for an all-at-once overhaul, we chose to make one replacement at a time—balancing our budget, lifestyle, and habits along the way. This shift became even more crucial when my son was diagnosed with ADHD and tested positive for wheat and gluten allergies, compounded by an antibiotic reaction that led to an ER visit last year. I also manage Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune condition that affects the endocrine system. With our bodies already in a state of imbalance, embracing natural alternatives isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity. Our ultimate goal is to restore naturally balanced health in our lives.

Ingredient Concerns in Conventional Skincare

As concern is growing about the potential risks of chemicals in skincare, more people are turning to natural alternatives. To aid in researching ingredients in products, I utilized Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s SkinDeep Database. Learn How SkinDeep works here. For instance, Clinique’s products contain a lengthy list of chemicals and have a concerning rating of 5 on the EWG Skin Deep database. One of the most problematic ingredients is Octinoxate, which is associated with allergies and immunotoxicity. Immunotoxicity is defined as “damage to the immune system caused by exposure to toxic substances, leading to adverse effects like allergies, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infections and cancer.”

Meanwhile, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has a relatively safe EWG rating of 1, but its moisturizing cream is rated a 4 due to ingredients like propylene glycol and benzyl alcohol, which are linked to allergies and immune toxicity. Similarly, Blistex Fruit Smoothies Lip Moisturizer holds a rating of 3, with diethylhexyl adipate raising concerns due to its potential links to cancer, reproductive toxicity, and organ system effects.

As someone with Hashimoto’s, the risks posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals are especially alarming. Endocrine disruptors are defined as “chemicals that interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which regulates hormone production and function. They can mimic or block natural hormones, causing a range of health issues.” For example, Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Blush has a troubling rating of 6, with talc (rated 8) being a significant concern due to its links to cancer risks and contamination.

What to Expect

In this article, I’ll share my personal journey of transitioning to cleaner skincare and makeup alternatives. All products were purchased with my own money. This is my personal, unpaid review with honest feedback. After consulting various natural-living, crunchy groups, I discovered four highly recommended brands: Toups & Co, Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques, Root Pretty, and Well People. I explored each brand’s pricing and EWG ratings where available, and I’ve also included a video comparing my current skincare and makeup routine to these natural alternatives.

I tested each brand on my sensitive, mature 40+ skin to see which products caused reactions, and which delivered results. One brand impressed me so much that I applied for an affiliate partnership—and was accepted!

Given my autoimmune condition, switching to cleaner products is not just a preference but a necessity. The redness and flushing I experienced immediately after applying Cetaphil moisturizer highlight how conventional products can aggravate symptoms. However, even some natural alternatives, like those from Root Pretty, caused reactions—likely due to essential oils. For instance, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, an ingredient in Well People’s Juice Cleanse Soothing Aloe Face Cleanser, is linked to immunotoxicity and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs, according to the EWG. Finding products that align with both my health needs and ingredient standards has been a learning experience—but it’s one I’m committed to continuing.

Natural Skincare Showdown for 40+ Sensitive Skin | Toups & Co, Lauren Brooke, Root Pretty, Well People vs. Clinique & Cetaphil

My Current Skincare Routine: The Baseline

• Cetaphil Facewash (EWG Rating: 1)
• Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (EWG Rating: 4)
• Clinique Tinted Moisturizer (EWG Rating: 5)
• Blistex Fruit Smoothies Lip Moisturizer (EWG Rating: 3)
• Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Blush (EWG Rating: 6)

Ingredient Concerns:

• Clinique: Octinoxate — allergies & immunotoxicity.
• Cetaphil Moisturizer: Propylene glycol & benzyl alcohol.
• Blistex: Diethylhexyl adipate.
• Physicians Formula: Talc and fragrance.

Personal Reaction: Immediate redness and flushing from Cetaphil moisturizer.

Natural Alternatives: Brand Reviews

Toups & Co 🌿

Founded by Emilie Toups, Toups & Co creates natural skincare using organic tallow and pure ingredients. Inspired by a clean, simple lifestyle, their products are handcrafted in small batches to ensure quality and transparency—free from artificial chemicals and full of nourishing benefits.

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques 🌸

Offers handcrafted, natural makeup made with organic botanicals and minerals. Committed to clean beauty, their products are free from synthetic chemicals, focusing on nourishing and enhancing skin health.

Root Pretty 🌱

Specializes in natural, cruelty-free makeup and skincare made with organic and non-toxic ingredients. Dedicated to transparency and quality, they offer a wide range of EWG-rated products for clean beauty enthusiasts.

What I Love: A variety of products available, some ranging from a 1–2 on the EWG database, pleasant scents, and the option to purchase samples.
What I Don’t Love: I experienced a reaction to something in the makeup that caused slight itching, tingling, and raised red patches—suggesting it may not be suitable for sensitive skin.

The Verdict: Root Pretty has a lot to offer in terms of variety and EWG ratings, but those with sensitive skin should proceed cautiously. The availability of samples is a plus, allowing you to test products before committing.

Well People 🌺

Commitment to creating clean, dermatologist-developed makeup and skincare without harmful chemicals. With a focus on plant-powered ingredients and EWG-certified products, they blend performance with wellness for a healthier beauty routine.

Ingredient Rating
When it comes to ingredients, Toups & Co Organics truly shines with its straightforward and clean formulations. I appreciate that their ingredient lists are so transparent and trustworthy that I don’t feel the need to run them through the EWG database for safety checks. In contrast, I wish more of Lauren Brooke’s and Root Pretty’s products were EWG-rated, as only a few currently fall between 1-2 on the scale. While Well People’s transparency is commendable, their product range is a bit of a mixed bag—some items contain problematic ingredients, making it harder to shop confidently without cross-checking. That said, I’d use their EWG-verified products without hesitation. Overall, in terms of ingredient integrity, Toups & Co is the clear winner, with Well People’s EWG-verified offerings coming in second.

Products

• Best Cleanser: Toups & Co takes the top spot with their charcoal face bar, priced at $18, which effectively cleanses without stripping the skin. Lauren Brooke Cosmetique’s oil cleanser is a close second for its ability to gently remove impurities without leaving a greasy residue.
• Best Moisturizer: Toups & Co’s whipped tallow and frankincense moisturizer is an absolute standout. Its creamy and luxurious texture feels amazing on the skin and provides deep hydration without heaviness.
• Best Tinted Moisturizer / Foundation: Toups & Co’s foundation glides on effortlessly, providing smooth, even coverage with no stickiness—a true winner in this category. Well People’s Bio Tint Tinted Moisturizer is a solid runner-up with its EWG verification and adequate coverage, though it doesn’t blend as seamlessly as Toups & Co’s.
• Best Lip Product: Toups & Co’s lip products impressed me with their all-natural color that glides on smoothly without causing irritation. Lauren Brooke’s Botanical Color Stick is also a favorite for its versatility, adding a natural pop of color to both lips and cheeks. While I liked the feel of Well People’s lip balm, the inclusion of potentially allergenic dyes like Red 7 Lake and Red 33 Lake is a concern—especially since my lips tend to peel easily.

Pricing
Pricing among Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques, Root Pretty, and Well People is quite comparable, with only a few dollars’ difference between them. Root Pretty offers good prices and plenty of sample options, but unfortunately, their products didn’t work well with my sensitive skin. Lauren Brooke seems to strike a balance between organic ingredients and budget-friendliness. On the other hand, Toups & Co is slightly on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, but the superior ingredient quality and performance make it worth the investment. For those prioritizing purity and effectiveness, Toups & Co’s products offer excellent value despite the slightly higher cost.

Comparison Matrix: Natural vs. Conventional

Category	Toups & Co 🌿	Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques 🌸	Root Pretty 🌱	Well People 🌺
Ingredient Rating	Not EWG-rated, but uses simple, clean ingredients	Some products rated 1-2, others unrated	Some products rated 1-2, others unrated	Over 100 EWG-rated, some EWG Verified, others unrated
Products Tried	Charcoal Face Soap, Tallow Face Balm, Foundation, Tinted Lip Balm	Anti-Aging Cleanser System, Creme Foundation, Colour Stick	Charcoal Cleanser, Beauty Balm, Foundations, Pretty Paint	Aloe Cleanser, Exfoliant, Moisturizer, Tinted Moisturizer, Lip Butter
Pricing	$14 – $48	$17 – $34.50	$16 – $28	$15 – $30
Highlights	Rich hydration, smooth foundation, moisturizing lip balm	Effective cleanser, versatile colour stick	Effective cleanser, pleasant scent in balm	Smooth moisturizer, EWG Verified options, rich lip butter
Concerns or Reactions	Higher price point	Strong scents, some products unrated	Texture issues, irritation of skin	Scent issues, some products rated 3-5 on EWG
Best For	Ingredient purity	Budget-friendly organic options	Product variety	EWG transparency

Final Thoughts: Making the Switch

After testing these natural brands, I’m convinced that cleaner skincare is the way forward—especially for those managing autoimmune conditions and aiming to reduce their toxic load. While I won’t be overhauling everything immediately, Toups & Co and Well People’s EWG-verified options have certainly earned a spot in my daily routine.

Switching to natural skincare is a journey. While some conventional products performed well, the ingredient transparency and effectiveness of these natural brands were truly impressive. I’m particularly thrilled with the charcoal soap and the luxurious tallow moisturizer from Toups & Co. The sample sizes are generous, so I’ll continue using them until it’s time for replacements.

Since the Well People starter kit includes a full-sized tube of the EWG-verified Bio Tint Tinted Moisturizer, I’ll stick with that as my foundation for now. However, I’m already eyeing the full-sized foundation from Toups & Co once the Well People product runs out. The Lauren Brooke Botanical Color Stick has proven to be wonderfully versatile for adding a pop of color, and I’m also interested in trying Toups & Co’s cheek color. As for lip care, the Toups & Co lip balm is a standout—I know it will last a while since I purchased a full tube at $14.

I was so impressed with Toups & Co Organics that I applied for their affiliate partnership program while working on this project—and was thrilled to be accepted! If you’re inspired to make the switch to natural products, consider supporting the blog’s operating costs by shopping through my affiliate link. It won’t cost you anything extra, but it helps keep this blog running and promotes a company that creates incredible, all-natural products. Your support means a lot!
👉 Shop Toups & Co

Let’s Talk!

Have you checked the ingredients in your skincare products lately? Share your experiences with natural brands in the comments—I’d love to hear your recommendations! And don’t forget to watch the video for an in-depth review!