Tips for affordably transitioning to clean intimate care
Being short on money doesn't mean you can't use clean products.
If you're like many people, you might be on a budget. Maybe you have a family to raise or maybe you're just paying back an extraordinary amount of student loan. At Bloomi, we want everyone to have access to clean, healthier options. As such, we've put together a guide to help people transition to clean intimate care affordably.
It doesn't have to be all or nothing.
As people have become more aware of what’s in their goods, there has been a greater push toward “going clean” in what we eat, the makeup we wear and, increasingly, the intimate care products we use. While this is an important step forward for our health, it does mean that more people are being inundated with heavy marketing telling them that everything they own is going to make them sick and that they MUST have non-toxic products in their entire home.
This marketing promotes an extreme transition that might be overwhelming and, as a result, counterintuitive because it sets people up for failure.In reality, just limiting some of your exposure to products with toxic ingredients can still significantly reduce their negative impact on your health.
Making the switch to clean intimate care products, specifically, can be a great way to start your clean living journey since period, hygiene and sex products touch the most sensitive parts of our bodies.
But instead of thinking you need to drop an entire paycheck on revamping your whole routine, consider staring with one or two products you use regularly and begin your research there. When you make slow transitions like this, it makes the process easier to stick with and more budget-friendly.
Begin your transition with the items you use most often.
Naturally, you probably use multiple intimate care items every day, but which ones are you reaching for most often? Are there certain products that you're more concerned about than others? Are there some products that have more natural alternatives than others?
For example, using a natural and clean lubricant is awesome for sex, but if you’re someone who rarely uses lube, it might be better to first swap another product you do use more regularly. For instance, perhaps an intimate wash or menstrual item might be a better place to start. Ultimately, picking things that you use regularly is going to have the greatest impact on your health.
Consider the long-term savings.
Reusable items are a great space to begin making your switch to clean as they’re usually healthier for you, better for the environment and are typically more affordable. While they may appear costly upfront, reusables will often save you more money over time. For example, reusable menstrual products may run you somewhere between $15 to $60 at first purchase, but they can last you several years.
When compared to the average $8 to $10 a month people spend on disposable tampons and pads alone, your reusables will pay for themselves relatively quickly. If you’re a DIY person, there are also several websites out there that will teach you how to sew your own reusable pads.
Buy in bulk, on sale and know their refund policy.
Once you find some companies or products that you're interested in, make sure to get on their email lists. These lists usually have regular discount codes, and they will also tip you off to upcoming sales. Some companies also have membership rewards if you are a regular customer.
Alternatively, if you have some friends or relatives that are interested in transitioning over, team up with them and buy in bulk direct from the manufacturer for a cheaper, per unit price. Buying online is usually your best option for cheaper prices on clean intimate care products.
However, if you find a brick-and-mortar that sells items you’re interested, try to pair those purchases with in-store coupons or ask if they can match an online retailer price.You should also become familiar with return policies.
Using clean products is important, but it’s ultimately a waste of money and energy if you end up hating the way an item works or smells. Most companies that believe in their products will offer you a full refund or replacement item if you’re unsatisfied, so be sure to reach out if something doesn’t quite meet your expectations.
Don’t blindly trust marketing language
The FDA doesn’t regulate most cosmetics or intimate care items, meaning that words like “natural” don’t necessarily mean that a product is a safe option. Additionally, some manufacturers like to say their products are “pH balanced”, but if they don’t list the range (which should be between 4.5 and 5.5. for items that touch your genital area), it may be a false claim.
Wait until you run out, and use the right amount.
There is no need to go throw away everything you currently own. Go ahead and use up what you have, and make a plan to replace them with alternatives once you're done. It's less wasteful and better for your budget.
Also, many non-toxic products are higher quality, meaning that you aren’t going to have to use as much of a product to get the same effect. Experiment with the amount you use as you can often use half the suggested amount of liquids or powders and still get the intended results.