My original safer swaps post was written back in April of 2019, and a lot has changed since then; some of the products have been replaced with new versions, and some companies are no longer on my list of brands I promote or partner with.
I have always been selective about the brands and products I choose to tell you about. You’ll never see me promoting something I don’t genuinely love / use / think you would want to know about. Over the past year, I’ve added another metric to who makes the cut:
I need to align with their values. Some will think I’m participating in cancel culture here, but that’s not it. Just as I won’t recommend a product that has an ingredient I don’t think is safe, I won’t recommend a brand that contributes to the oppression of BIPOC communities, or spread disinformation. I choose to vote with my dollars.
Safer Swaps- Cleaners

Seventh Generation has always been one of my go-to brands for cleaning products. And after seeing this instagram post, I am even happier to support them. I love their laundry detergent, dish soap (both hand wash and dishwasher detergent) and disinfecting cleaners (and have been using more of that this past year than usual).

The OG cleaner cleaner: Dr Bronner’s was the only skincare I used back when I was a hippie living in a converted garage. Now, I’m a whole lot higher maintenance (see skincare below), but Dr Bronner’s is still one of my go-tos for house cleaning. Their castile soaps are great for all your soap needs, and Sal Sud’s is my Use It For Everything Cleaner for my home.
Safer Swaps – Skincare

The majority of my skincare products are from Beautycounter. They have unparalleled safety screening, 100% ingredient transparency, are environmentally conscious, and the products work. I use the entire Countertime Line as well as the Balancing Charcoal Mask, The Overnight Resurfacing Peel, and the All Bright Vitamin C Serum.
Their makeup is great too; I love the Skin Twin Foundation, the Skin Twin Creamy Concealer, and Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer for daily SPF protection.

I just started using Fatco products again after somehow forgetting about them for years. What was I thinking? This stuff is awesome. Their deodorant is my new favorite: It smells great, works great, and doesn’t irritate my (very) sensitive pits. Their body butter, pit spritz (because NO deodorant is a match for stress sweat), and fat stick are excellent too.
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Sue says
No more Branch Basics?
zenbelly says
Sadly no. They’re a little too covid denier-y for me to feel good about partnering with.
Sue says
I agree 100%.