When I first started trying to heal my hormones, thyroid, and liver, I did what so many of us do—I started swapping out the obvious things. Not just my skincare, but my whole home. Cleaning products, soaps, laundry detergent, body care—I went down the list. I was determined to reduce the chemical load on my body and create a healthier environment for myself and my family.
I thought if something was labeled “natural” or “clean,” it would be safe. But I quickly learned that natural doesn’t always mean gentle—or safe.
Instead of relief, I was still experiencing flare-ups, breakouts, hormone imbalances, and that nagging feeling of why isn’t this working?
That’s when I realized something I’ve never forgotten: Just because a product says “natural” doesn’t mean it’s truly supportive for healing skin or overall health.
The Problem with Modern “Clean” Skincare (and Household Products)
In the rush to avoid conventional toxins, many of us fall for “natural” alternatives that still contain ingredients that can overwhelm sensitive systems. These ingredients may be sourced from nature, but their concentration, method of extraction, or sheer potency can make them too much for already-stressed skin—or for a body working to rebalance hormones.
Some of the biggest offenders include:
- Essential oils – Highly concentrated plant compounds that, while natural, can disrupt the skin barrier, trigger allergies, and in some cases, contribute to hormone disruption—especially with daily use.
- Fragrance (even labeled “natural”) – Often proprietary blends that don’t disclose all ingredients and can contain allergens, irritants, and potential hormone-disrupting compounds
- Phenoxyethanol – A common preservative in “clean” products, but associated with skin irritation and immune response concerns.
- Polysorbates & PEGs – Emulsifiers that can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and increase permeability, allowing more irritants in.
- Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate – Preservatives that may be plant-derived or lab-made but can still be harsh on sensitive skin and the microbiome.
What Truly Gentle Looks Like
For me, skincare changed when I stopped chasing trends and started asking: What does my skin actually need to heal?
The answer wasn’t complicated—but it was hard to find.
Truly gentle skincare isn’t about how many steps you use or how pretty the jar looks. It’s about what’s inside. It’s about using ingredients that are whole, intentional, and not trying to do too much at once.
At Our Simple Things, we formulate every product with this principle:
- Fewer ingredients, thoughtfully chosen
- No essential oils, no synthetic fragrances, no unnecessary emulsifiers
- No lab-made preservatives or stabilizers
- Slow, mindful infusion processes to draw out plant benefits in a gentle way
It’s Not Just About You—It’s About Everyone You Touch
What we put on our skin doesn’t just stay there. If you’re wearing a lotion or balm loaded with questionable ingredients, it transfers to everyone you touch—your partner, your baby, your pets. That’s why our choices matter.
I believe in skincare that’s safe for you, but also for the people (and little ones) you share your life with.
Handmade, Not White-Labeled or Corporate-Owned
Let’s clear this up, too: We’re not a white-label brand.
Nothing here is mass-produced or private-labeled. I don’t buy pre-made bases or outsource formulation.
Every balm, oil, and salve is crafted by hand—by me and my husband—in small batches. We source the ingredients, create the blends, and follow a proprietary process that’s been built through years of research and refinement.
And no, it’s not just tossing herbs or essential oil into some melted fat.
I’ve studied which herbs extract best under certain conditions, how to preserve their properties without compromise, and how to build skincare that truly supports healing skin—not just soothes it temporarily.
This isn’t DIY. It’s intentional, researched, and deeply personal work.
And while a lot of “small” brands are actually owned by bigger corporations running multiple micro-brands with the same formulas and varied marketing niches, we are truly a family-owned and operated business. I mean, I do hope someday to actually grow enough to hire staff and marketing, but even then, I want to be transparent about everything.
Yes, Our Products Have a Shelf Life—And That’s a Good Thing
Because we don’t use synthetic preservatives or stabilizers, our products have a natural shelf life. And that’s the point.
We’re not trying to extend life with chemicals. We’re trying to give your skin something fresh, potent, and real.
Real skincare has a rhythm. It’s alive. It’s meant to be used, not stored away on a shelf for years.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
If you’ve ever felt let down by a “clean” brand, you’re not alone. So many people come to Our Simple Things after trying it all—eczema creams, postpartum balms, essential oil-heavy solutions—only to find they don’t work, or worse, make things flare up. Often, they’re dealing with eczema, PUPPs rash, postpartum skin changes, mystery rashes, painful scars, or just plain irritation.
They’re not looking for another pretty label. They’re looking for relief they can trust.
And that’s what we offer—simple, deeply researched, truly gentle skincare that honors your skin’s needs without pushing it past its limits.
Want to Find What’s Right for You?
Take our Skincare Quiz to discover the best gentle products for your skin—or explore our Ingredients Page to see what makes our process different.
We’ll never claim to fix everything. But we’re here for the individuals and families who need something calm, honest, and deeply thoughtful.
Because simple should mean simple—and supportive.
Resources
- Henley DV, Lipson N, Korach KS, Bloch CA. “Prepubertal Gynecomastia Linked to Lavender and Tea Tree Oils.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;356(5):479–485.
- Kimber I, Basketter DA, Gerberick GF, Dearman RJ. “Allergic Contact Dermatitis.” International Immunopharmacology. 2002;2(2–3):201–211.
- Loden M, Andersson AC. “Effect of Polyethylene Glycol 400 on the Penetration of Drugs Through Human Skin.” Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2001;81(6):418–421.
- Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA. “Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, and Potassium Sorbate.” International Journal of Toxicology. 2002;21(Suppl 2):1–27.
- Lundov MD, Johansen JD, Zachariae C, et al. “Fragrance Allergy: A Clinical Review.” Contact Dermatitis. 2010;62(3):133–142.
- Elias PM. “The Skin Barrier as an Innate Immune Element.” Seminars in Immunopathology. 2007;29(1):3–14.
- Hostýnek JJ, Maibach HI. “Skin Irritation Potential of Fragrance Ingredients.” Contact Dermatitis. 2004.
- Kimber I, Basketter DA, Gerberick GF, Dearman RJ. “Allergenicity of Phenoxyethanol.” Contact Dermatitis. 2008.
- Griffiths DE. “Psi-screen, an in vitro toxicity test system: applications in the bioassay of perfumes and fragrance chemicals.” Altern Lab Anim. 2005;33(5):471–486.
