Essential Ingredients

You work out regularly. You eat healthfully. You recycle, avoid plastic and maybe even gluten; so why is your beauty or skincare routine so potentially toxic? It's time to clean up your act. I'm not even remotely suggesting that you give up all mass-produced products, but the next time you're shopping, consider trying or buying something infused with essential oils.

In case you're not sure of what exactly essential oils are, think of the last time you were in a spring garden or a field of flowers. You inhaled deeply and there. You smelled it- the purest essence of a plant or flower. Pure essential oil products are usually cold-pressed or otherwise produced to retain the most potent version of the core oil. If it's all new to you, try one of the below.

Sage

Many native cultures use some variation of smudging, or burning sage leaves to purify their spaces. If your house feels musty after a long winter, or houseguests that wouldn't leave, consider a sage essential oil spray to perk things up. Add a few drops of orange or grapefruit essential oil for a brightening scent.

Carrot Seed Oil

Used on its own it can be too strong and intense. Blended with a carrier oil (think Sweet Almond Oil or even Coconut Oil), Carrot Seed Oil may be beneficial as an anti-aging ingredient.

Lavender

There's a reason this is one of the most popular ever. Use a few drops in your bath (but check with a doctor first, since essential oils can react with some medications) for a relaxing soak. Add Eucalyptus or Juniper essential oil if you want to clear out your sinuses or blend a few drops together with Atlas Cedarwood for a hair tonic.