When they are applied to the skin, they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream rather than digested through the gastrointestinal tract. These harmful ingredients are not only harmful to your skin but also to your overall health.

Do not use synthetic colors- Coal tar (petroleum) derived colors are added to skin care products such as bar soaps, lotions, lipsticks, and hair dyes. They are believed to be cancer-causing and may contain heavy metal impurities such as lead and arsenic, which are toxic to the brain. They are labeled as FD &C or D &C then a color and a number, e.g. FD &C Red 3

Do not use synthetic fragrance- When fragrance or parfum is listed on your skincare label, one cannot tell what the true ingredients are. There are as many as 200 ingredients may be used to make that synthetic fragrance. They also contain phthalates which are chemicals used to soften plastic and to stabilize fragrance. These phthalates are used in soaps, lotions, and nail polish. Studies have shown that they disrupt the endocrine system and may alter genital development see here.

Synthetic fragrances may cause headaches, dizziness and skin irritation, rashes. Use products that contain essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances to avoid harmful exposure.

Do not use parabens- Ethyl, Methyl, Propyl, and Butyl Paraben are chemical preservatives used to extend shelf life and are also used to prevent microbial growth. They are known to cause allergic skin reactions and rashes. They also mimic the hormone estrogen in the body; too much estrogen in the body may result in breast cancer, weight gain, and hormonal mood disturbances.

Do not use sodium laurel sulfate- (SLS) is a chemical used in bar soap, shampoo, laundry soap, toothpaste, bubble baths, and facial cream to give foam and bubbles. Due to its caustic nature of this chemical it may cause skin rashes, liver toxicity, eye irritation, and hair loss. This chemical is the same product that is used as a de-greaser for the car engine. It’s drying and harsh on the skin and hair and strips them of their natural oils.

Do not use petroleum and mineral oil -These are derived from crude oil. They coat the skin like plastic, clogging the pores, hindering the release of toxins. They cause the skin to be dry and chapped.

Do not use triclosan- This antibacterial agent used in antibacterial soaps, dishwashing liquids and toothpaste is believed to be creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They not only kill the disease causing bacteria that they are intended to but they also kill other susceptible bacteria. The resistant bacteria multiple and becomes a superbug due to the lack of competition. Remember triclosan is an antibiotic and antibiotic does not kill virus as found in colds and flu. Its’ use is accumulative in the fatty tissue, where it may be toxic to the liver, lungs and kidneys.

Do not use propylene glycol- It is a chemical solvent derived from petroleum added to creams, deodorants, lipsticks, lotions, soaps, and shampoos. It is also found in industrial antifreeze, wallpaper stripper, fabric softener, and paint. This solvent may cause skin irritation, headache, and dizziness.

Why is natural skincare different, you ask? Because all of our products are free of all the above harmful additives. They only contain plant- based oils, botanicals, and essential oils that are easily absorbed into, adds nourishment to, and hydrates the skin. Click Here to see all of our healthy, vegan, skin-care products.

HEALTHIER STEPS’ NATURAL SKINCARE

Natural skincare to condition and moisturize your skincare. Natural skincare has never felt so good…


Your skin is the largest organ and what you eat is as important as what you put on your skin. We use the finest vegetable oils, essential oils, herbs and plant extracts for your skin…

HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS-NOT MASS PRODUCED

Each batch of our products (soap, body butter, lip balm etc.) is made from scratch, without harmful parabens, sulfates or phthalates. I value you as a customer therefore I use only ingredients that are safe for my family and you. For my handmade soap, I use olive oil, coconut oil, and macadamia oil for their moisturizing, healing and skin-loving properties. Coconut oil gives lots of lather. Shea butter is added for its nourishing and healing properties. I also add oatmeal, lavender buds and dried peppermint leaves and other plant based additives for exfoliation. I never ever use artificial colors or dyes, instead I use clays and other natural plant extracts for color. I only use plant essential oils period, I never use synthetic oils. Essential oils have therapeutic healing benefits while synthetic fragrance oils are harmful for the body…

Essential oils are the aromatic oils that are derived by pressing or distilling the plant’s flowers, leaves, barks, peels or twigs.

Commercial soaps are manufactured using harsh detergents, preservatives, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. They usually cause dry skin or increased skin sensitivity. If you have never used hand made soaps before, you ought to give it a try to see what you have been missing.

 

This is what my customers are saying:

“Michelle’s soap is Fabulous! I love it and plan to NEVER AGAIN use any other Soap. It leaves your skin as soft as a New Born Baby! In the past, I used another type of oil to keep my skin soft and hydrated, but since using this soap, I no longer need to use any other oil, lotion or anything! It washes off clean leaving no film or residue, and you feel Fresh & Clean. I will always give it a 100% rating! ” Theresa-Georgia

“So beautifully wrapped and smell so good. I almost hate to open them. Thank you so much. I would love to just put them somewhere where they can scent up the place and look beautiful!!!! Guess I’ll just have to order some more!!! ” Dorothy

“This scent is so cheerful, it just makes me smile. I was having a bad day and so I just took some of this soap, laid down with it and sniffed! Just amazing what you do with these scents, Michelle”
Amy-Viginia

“Received the item very quick, the soap smells divine and thanks for the bonus!” Marijke Amsterdam

“Healthier Steps / Michelle Blackwood makes the absolute best soap bars that I have ever had! They are all natural, vegan ingredients. The fragrances are so gorgeous and lovely but not overpowering. The LATHER is amazingly perfect. The results are leaving my skin feeling so clean yet moisturized and relieved. This will never dry your skin, but instead makes your skin feel so rejuvenated and lovely and soft! Yay! Thank you so much! ” Karen- Ohio

Update: Since moving to Florida, I stopped making skincare products and have been working full time as a Vegan Recipe Developer, Caterer.