As I’ve mentioned before {here} I’ve been pretty invested in clean beauty ever since becoming pregnant for the first time, roughly five years ago.

It was through a little bit of research way back then that I learned the importance of avoiding parabans and phthalates when pregnant. Immediately, I began switching over so many of the products I used on a daily basis; and I’ve been interested in clean, everyday swaps we can make at home ever since.

Recently, I sat down with Rhonda Sherwood, founder of Greenwich Avenue’s newest spot for clean beauty, Sherwood Green Life, to chat with her about her knowledge of beauty products, fertility and pregnancy.

While not a doctor herself, Sherwood’s research and relationships with doctors at Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center in New York led her to the conclusion that using products free of certain hormone disrupting chemicals is important not only when pregnant, but when trying to conceive as well; and have informed her careful selection of the clean products found at her store.

Trying to avoid these chemicals- like benzophones, triclosan and phthalates- can be overwhelming at times, so I asked Sherwood to share a few simple, clean, every day swaps that she recommends. Find her picks below and enjoy 10% off your entire order with code SherwoodGreenlife10:

*It is important to note that Sherwood is not a doctor herself and stresses the importance of consulting your doctor when trying new products both when trying to conceive and when pregnant.

Rhonda’s picks

Ursa Major Perfect Zen Body Lotion

WHAT: A hydrating body lotion with a fresh, unisex scent

WHY Rhonda says to make the swap: A phthalate free alternative for both men and women

little barn apothecary ylang ylang + Coriander Air Water

WHAT: An aromatherapy mist that freshens the air and uplifts the mood- spray into the air or directly onto linens

WHY Rhonda says to make the swap: A phthalate free alternative to Febreze to freshen the air

Juicy Bamboo Natural Facial Cleansing Cloths

WHAT: Bamboo cleansing cloths soaked in natural, organic ingredients such as honey, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, vitamins and essential oils

WHY Rhonda says to make the swap: A cleanser and makeup remover alternative that is free of synthetic chemicals

The Takesumi Detox Overnight Dry Shampoo

WHAT: A volume-boosting dry shampoo powered by detoxifying charcoal

WHY Rhonda says to make the swap: A phthalate free alternative to other dry shampoos

hurraw! Lip Balm

WHAT: Fresh smelling lip balms made from organic, vegan and raw ingredients

WHY Rhonda says to make the swap: A lip balm free of any artificial fragrance, which are hormone disrupters

suntegrity natural mineral sunscreen for body

WHAT: Natural mineral sunscreen free of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic dyes, sulfates, nanoparticles and chemical UV absorbers

WHY Rhonda says to make the swap: An octinoxate free + phthalate free alternative to conventional sunscreen

lily Lolo Lipgloss

WHAT: A natural lipgloss packed with Vitamin E and Jojoba and free from harsh chemicals

WHY Rhonda says to make the swap: A lead-free alternative to other lip glosses, that is free of both phthalates and petroleum-based ingredients

If you’re interested in reading more about hormone disrupting chemicals, Sherwood recommends the book Sicker, Fatter, Poorer: The Urgent Threat of Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals to Our Health and Future . . . and What We Can Do About It

photos by Julia Dags

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*some exclusions apply, see sherwoodgreenlife.com for excluded brands