NPR told us our lotion is killing us…

we investigated.

If you’ve followed us for a while, then you know we love a good bathing letter here at circle back.

We were disturbed by a recent episode of Life Kit, which was all about the dangers lurking in our medicine cabinets, showers, and dopp kits (e.g., phthalates and other endocrine-disrupters, which are linked to things like cancers, allergies, reproductive health issues, etc., etc). After listening to the episode, we couldn’t resist auditing our products and routine, using NPR’s recommended ingredient checker. ¹

To our surprise, the process had us spiraling about more than potential poisons. Read on to see.

SF: Sacrificial lessons

Not to be that person, but I feel like I’ve had a finger in the “natural” beauty thing before it was officially cool. I was in college when I swapped all my foundation for rms and whatever acne wash I used for Marie Veronique. Then, for a time, I shopped exclusively at CAP Beauty (which I’d happily do again), and I adapted natural deodorant very shortly after I arrived at Oberlin (where any deodorant could be considered a win).

It turns out, a lot of this natural stuff, or so they call it, isn’t all that great if you fall into the “problematic skin” category. That rms is filled with coconut oil, which clogged my pores. The Marie Veronique was never going to stand a chance against my hormonal pimples.

That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to find that most of the products I use today are not killing me, especially since very few come with the “natural” tagline.

More than giving me a chance to toot my own horn, though, this audit was an interesting exercise in what I’m willing to give up. For example, I wouldn’t give up my face products or tretinoin, because to me, a pimple-free face is worth the poison. I, however, will never use an aluminum-containing antiperspirant, but that’s because I’m blessed with being a light-sweater and not a generally smelly person (or so I think?). But that level 5 Weleda? I’ll happily replace it. Send me your favorite body moisturizer that you think will pass the test.

As you can see, I’m only willing to go so far. When you do your audit, I’ll be curious if you draw the lines similarly (or perhaps you’ll find you’re less superficial than I).

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Here’s a peek into our bathroom mirrors, if you care:

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IC: Spiraling in the Mirror

Let me tell you what it’s like to be at war with the skin on your face.

The year is 2009. I don’t remember my first pimple as I do my first period, although it likely also happened at a sleepover that year. Where tampons, heating pads, and ibuprofen offered a clear protocol, acne presented a new frontier for excavating, poking, and prodding. At that stage, skin care relied on guerrilla tactics: employing improvised and experimental layerings of witch hazel, toothpaste, and benzoyl peroxide, the latter of which left acid-wash streaking on every towel, pillowcase, and shirt collar my skin came in contact with.

In high school, I adopted a slightly more informed approach supported by a local esthetician who made seasonal appearances on the kitchen calendar (‘problematic’ skin was a family affliction). She sent me home with new serums from South Africa and sunscreens from Switzerland to stack into my adolescent routine. The introduction of exfoliants and actives (re: chemical warfare) at 16 finally made a problem-skin-free future imaginable. But, even with consistent use through college, I still wasn’t winning.

Meeting Jessie, my esthetician at Sofie Pavitt, rewired my brain, or, at least the part of my brain that for the better half of my 28 years, told me to be at odds with my skin and that I even had problematic skin in the first place. After thirty minutes of extractions and quiet observation, she slathered a freshly mixed aloe mask, the grand finale, on my face and décolletage. She remarked, “I’m very happy with your skin.” Cemented in by the gloopy gel, I couldn’t even express my surprise, satisfaction, and resolve at hearing this. After the appointment, I walked home across the Manhattan Bridge, no new products in hand (she was also happy with my routine!), and finally at peace with the skin on my face. Now, I’m ready to conquer the next frontier: hair. ;)

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1. In case you forget what room you’re in, consider the “Bath” mat

2. Summer-friendly, The Valentine Robe from New Orleans-based Lekha

3. Non-toxic, non-ugly Toilet bowl cleaner

4. A Nail Brush, especially important if you’re a bare nail girl

5. A just-plush-enough towel by Baggu. We recommend it in Cabana Stripe

6. Been eyeing these simple body washes in enamel

7. Some Kate Mcleod Pebbles for your bath, but you must have a bath; the effects are not the same in the shower

1. While we’re at it... are your products killing your skin?