From Plastic Bottles to Bars: Why I Made the Switch

Becoming a Conscious Consumer:

Not long ago, my bathroom shelf looked like most people’s—lined with plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash. I didn't think twice about it… until I did.

What started as a curiosity about ingredients quickly became a much bigger shift in how I care for my skin, my hair, and the planet. Today, I'm fully committed to bar products, and I'm never going back.

Here’s why.

1. I Got Curious About Ingredients

At first, I just wanted to know what was actually in the stuff I was using every day. What I found was not great, at best, or completely shocking, at worst.

Many commercial products are loaded with sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and other synthetics I couldn’t pronounce. And worst of all, they weren’t even that effective—especially on my sensitive skin and fine hair.

That’s when I discovered plant-powered, toxin-free, vegan bars from Balance Naturals. Every ingredient is purposeful, natural, and clearly listed. It felt good knowing exactly what I was putting on my body—and what I wasn’t.

2. I Was Tired of Plastic Waste

The second thing I noticed? The waste! One bathroom shelf could hold a dozen plastic containers—and most of them weren’t even recyclable.

“In the U.S., only about 5% of plastic actually gets recycled, despite what many consumers believe.”
— Associated Press

I couldn’t, in good conscience, continue to throw out dozens of plastic bottles anymore. I wanted something more sustainable for my kids' future.

Making the switch to zero-waste bar products meant fewer bottles in the trash, and fewer worries on my conscience. Bonus: I could travel without spill anxiety or TSA limitations!

3. The Microplastics Wake-Up Call

It’s not just about what goes into the landfill—it’s about what could be getting into my body!

Recent research shows that microplastics have been found in human tissue, including the brain, ovaries, and arteries—raising major concerns about our long-term health.

“Microplastics have infiltrated human organs, including the liver, kidney, and brain, with higher levels detected in more recent samples.”
— The Times

“Microplastics were detected in the ovarian follicular fluid of 14 out of 18 women undergoing fertility treatment.”
— The Guardian

“Significantly higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics were found in the arteries of stroke patients.”
— Business Insider

The takeaway? Reducing plastic use in your daily routine—starting with something as simple as your shampoo—can have a ripple effect on your health and the environment.

4. The Bars Actually Worked (Better Than I Expected)

I’ll admit—I was skeptical. Could a shampoo bar really clean my hair? Could a lotion bar actually hydrate my skin?

The answer was a big yes!

Here’s what I tried—and loved:

🧴 Lavender Vanilla Shampoo Bar: light and nourishing, perfect for my fine hair
💧 Cherry Blossom Lotion Bar: melts into my skin and lasts for hours
🧼 Avocado Clay Face Soap : smells like wildflowers and leaves my skin soft, not stripped

Each bar gave me the same (if not better) results than my old products—without the waste, the weird ingredients, or the plastic.

5. It Changed How I View Self-Care

Switching to bars was about more than products. It was about being more intentional--taking a moment to think about what I'm using and why. It helped me slow down and treat self-care as a ritual, not just a routine. After all, we only get one body.

And knowing that I was supporting a brand that aligns with my values made every shower feel just a little more grounding.