Both my Google calendar and weather app have confirmed that summer is here, so I’m pullin’ out the patio furniture faster than you can pour the shot(s) of espresso I’ll be sipping on it every breezy, sunny morning from here on out. There are aspects of each season that I love, but IMO summer takes the cake with a looooooong list of pros including (but definitely not limited to) patio dinners, drive-in movies, backyard bonfires, and any excuse to throw on a swimsuit. How can you ~not~ be in love?!
Maybe it’s just me, but with these special, season-specific activities I tend to have extra “essentials” to pack in my bag and a couple more checklists to create and cross off. From drinking more water to shaving more often, diggin’ out the sandals from the back of the closet, and planning weekend adventures around nap time…days are just “different”.
While my bedtime gets a bit later this time of year and I consume more burnt hotdogs than I care to admit, I’m still adamant about maintaining a health-focused and toxin-free life as much as possible. For some reason it seems harder to “keep it clean” as summer rolls around with lotions and sprays and good ol’ convenience all just feeling a bit more…necessary. But hormone health, reproductive health, and mental health are all affected by what we put in, on, and around our bodies, and I’ve become ridiculously intentional in how I prepare for the summer season to protect my and my family’s health in every sense of the word.
Now…I believe that making the shift to all-natural living should be done slowly and mindfully, switching staples and replacing products as the opportunity arises and your wallet allows. And while I think everyone would benefit from eliminating as many toxins as possible from their cabinets, kitchens, showers, and bathroom counter sinks, I also subscribe to the “waste not, want not” mentality and believe you should use what you have first to eliminate unnecessary waste.
But if the stars align and you find yourself shopping for new summer staples, consider the chemical-free alternatives I’ve shared below. When you know that the products you’re using are safe ~and~ amazingly effective (you better believe I only put my recommendation behind things that are both), you can soak in the sun and play with peace of mind all summer long.
~THEE~ ESSENTIALS
Bug spray- Primally Pure has done it again! This mosquito repellant not only smells amazing, but it’s safe for everyone in the family (including Lolo) and crazy effective at keeping bugs away. With ingredients like citronella essential oil that acts like DEET but without the negative side effects, as well as peppermint, rosemary, and cedarwood which repel ants, ticks, and other insects, I was sold. We’re so impressed with this “let’s give it a try” purchase that the Davis fam now has one bottle in the diaper bag, one in the house, and one stashed away as a must-pack camping essential. (PS- use code MANDM10 for 10% off your entire Primally Pure purchase.)
Water bottle- We all know water is a ~must~ no matter what season it is, but hydration is especially important as the temperatures rise, and where you get your water can make a big difference. Plastic water bottles are not only wasteful and extremely expensive, but they’re also shown to cause chemical leaching and toxicity including mold, lead, benzene, chlorine, bacteria, and pesticides. And FYI- this only gets worse as the plastic heats up in the summer sun.
Instead, aim for filtered water when possible and invest in a few water bottles you can fill and have with you throughout the day. This takes a little more effort and a bigger up-front cost, but the long-term benefits for your health, your wallet, and the planet are undeniable.
Sunscreen- Hiiiiiii from a recovering sun-bather and baby-oil-wearer. I’m now a whole lot smarter about how I spend my time in the sun, and that includes the type of protection I wear. Oxybenzone is a chemical and known endocrine disruptor found in 96% of sunscreens, so our family opts for this mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide as the active ingredient instead. Not only does it work just as well as the “regular” stuff, but (a) it’s not oily – I can put in on my face with zero breakouts afterwards, and (b) I can pronounce every ingredient in it.
I could go on and on about why conventional sunscreens are harmful, but this article sums it up really well and I highly recommend giving it a read before you purchase your spf this year.
Deodorant- I’m a sweater (this is normal, btw), and this time of year I rely on my deodorant to keep me as dry as possible and smelling clean, but you better believe I no longer reach for any ol’ brand that promises “clinical strength” and “fresh fragrance”. The armpits are a very porous area filled with lymph nodes and breast tissue, and your average deodorant is laden with chemicals and carcinogens that can negatively affect both.
I’ve tried over a handful (like…so many) of natural deodorants, and surprise surprise, Primally Pure deodorant takes the cake in smell, effectiveness, and toxin-free ingredients. Bob likes the charcoal one, I’m in love with the lavender, and I may have heard that they’re coming out with a new scent early next month that I can’t wait to try *wink wink*! Primally Pure also has a subscription service that’s too convenient to pass up, and right now you can get 50% off your first three tubes of deodorant (PS- each 2.5 oz tube lasts me at least 3 months) plus an extra 10% off with code MANDM10.
RELATED POST: Simple Swaps to Optimize Your All-Natural Underarm Care
Razor- Shaving is definitely not a summer requirement, especially if the person you’re spending 90% of your time with is a toddler who cares solely about what snacks you’ve packed for the day. But if going bare wherever is a priority you subscribe to, this razor is the bees knees and worth the investment.
RELATED POST: The 411 on Pubic Hair + Your Ultimate Guide to Care For “Down There”
Most disposable razors have that little blue “moisture” strip that’s laden with chemicals and seeps into every pore as you shave in some preeeeeety delicate areas. A single blade, reusable razor can be a bit pricey, but it’s a one time buy, produces less plastic waste, provides a superior shave compared to anything you’d get at a department store, and is ultimately better for your health.
Tanning Oil- If you want that summertime glow and are looking to do it as safely as possible, this clean ingredient self-tanner is s’good. It’s super easy to use (take it from a girl who still has no idea how to contour, apply fake lashes, or paint her own nails), has no weird smell, has caused zero breakouts, and it actually works. I’ve only used the face water on my face, neck, and chest, but to say I’m ~impressed~ is an understatement. I can’t wait to try their full body collection soon *fingers crossed*.
Mascara- I’m not a full face of makeup kinda gal in the summer, but I love giving my lashes a little boost before running out the door and this chemical-free mascara has become my go-to. I know what you’re thinking – there’s no way this compares to that trusty pink tube from the drug store – but it does…and then some. It lifts, lengthens, curls, and adds that perfect amount of volume all without smudging (unless Lolo does something absolutely adorable that makes me cry) or toxic ingredients.
Summer is a time where ease is essential and convenience is king (aaaaand leftovers are life – anyone else hate cooking in a hot kitchen??), but you don’t have to sacrifice health and safety for easygoing and accessible if you plan ahead and know what to look for in the products you purchase. Education and intention are half the battle when it comes to living “clean”, and the seven swaps I shared above are all simple places to set your summer up for success.
If you try something on this list and love it (PS- you will), hop back over here and let me know! Then be sure to share your newfound obsession with a friend who could use a few less chemicals in her life too (PPS- everyone can use less chemicals in their lives). Forget bikini bodies and calendars you can’t keep up with, let’s make this season about clean living and hormone health instead! I’ll cheers a lakeside hard cider to that any day.
– Amanda
Disclaimer: The content provided here does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for personalized healthcare. If you have concerns about a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
