CLEAN LIVING WITH DANNY

A question, a recipe and a new product pick from environmental lifestyle pro Danny Seo, a leading expert on modern, eco-friendly food, entertaining and more

- Danny Seo

KNOW

Q: What's the best way to clean up my personal-care products?

Clean beauty is no longer a niche movement. It's mainstream, and it's easy to understand why: We're all looking for ways to lessen our exposure to toxic chemicals.

One way to start is to think about going back to basics, like making a switch to bar soaps over body wash. Soap is more concentrated, so it'll last longer. Try goat milk soap, which is gentle on skin and has a close match to the pH level of human skin. A favorite is Beekman 1802 Pure Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Bar Soap, which is loaded with exfoliating lactic acid and vitamins. You can also try richly formulated shampoo and conditioner bars that work wonderfully. HiBar makes bars for all hair types. (You can find both brands on Amazon.)

If I had to pick one ingredient to avoid, it's petroleum jelly. The by-product of the oil industry is designed to lock in moisture. But it can also cause irritation. Plus, studies suggest longterm use of non-refined petroleum jelly could lead to cancer. (The U.S. has no requirement that it be fully refined; the European Union does.) Instead, opt for natural alternatives like shea butter, which is rich in vitamins and fatty acids. Karité shea butter (MyKarite.​com) is my pick. It's 100% natural, formulated by a dermatologist and appropriate for all skin types.