You want the basics – no preservatives or unpronounceable ingredients. That’s why you stick with chemical-free cleaners for your home and all-natural detergent for the wash. But, have you boarded the natural beauty bandwagon yet? Get glowing with beauty essentials that are safer for you, and the environment. Here are some ways to make sure you’re choosing the best products:

Let your inner beauty shine: Outer beauty starts with inner health. Give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs from fresh, whole foods, and fill in nutritional gaps with supplements that support your skin, hair and nail health. For instance, antioxidant-rich supplements may protect your cells from free radical damage, which can lead to wrinkles, discoloration and general dullness. Keep that youthful glow – or revive it – with antioxidant powerhouses, such as vitamin C, resveratrol or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

Apply yourself: You can buy all-natural serums, shampoos, moisturizers and more to apply directly to skin, hair or nails. But not all natural beauty products are created equal. When you’re unsure of which brand to choose, look to the National Products Association (NPA) for guidance. The NPA has established standards and a seal of approval for all qualifying “natural” personal care products. An NPA-certified natural product contains mostly (if not all) natural and biodegradable ingredients, was not tested on animals and is packaged in the most environmentally friendly manner possible.

Save face – and a buck: You don’t have to spend a fortune on natural beauty products. Homemade solutions for skin, hair and nails are great, because you can customize your concoction. Stock your beauty bar with natural blends by using whole foods and essential oils (lemon and banana hair conditioner, anyone?). And because you can use common kitchen items, you’ll be saving money – pure and simple!

This article has been provided by the folks at Vitacost.com. They know that a healthy lifestyle is more than organic vitamins and natural supplements.  That’s why Vitacost.com offers essentials for your home, your baby, your pantry, your beauty routine – even your furry, four-legged friends! Since 1994, Vitacost.com has been taking the cost out of healthy living. Today, you can shop over 30,000 products such as Raspberry Ketones and Chia Seeds from your computer, tablet or smartphone with just a click of a button. Some might say Vitacost.com is the silver platter of healthy living – let them serve you. Vitacost.com is not affiliated with this blog and isn’t responsible for content outside of this article.

By: +Elizabeth Lotts writer for Vitacost.com