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The 2020s will be the decade that focuses on making eco-conscious swaps in household products. More consumers are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint and discovering how they can make their homes safer.

Beauty products are a top priority for making changes to natural products. As these goods are applied directly to the body, the impacts of chemicals and harmful additives cannot be understated.

Here are the most important natural beauty swaps to make in 2020.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It's porous in nature, absorbing trace amounts of whatever you apply into the bloodstream. Consider then, the implications of using face and body lotion with harmful additives every day during your life.

Swap out the store-bought face and body lotion for natural alternatives. Create natural face masks using oatmeal and argan oil. Whip your own body butter with shea butter and coconut oil. Nourish your face with pure aloe vera and rose water. Your body and your budget will thank you for making these swaps.

Sunscreen is a necessity for protecting the body from the sun's harmful rays. Not only does it reduce the risk of skin cancer, but it also plays a role in anti-aging and beauty routines. Unfortunately, most of the sunscreen options on grocery store shelves have harmful ingredients that are simply the lesser of two evils when compared to the sun.

Look for natural brands of sunscreen that use zinc as their main component. Learn to read the labels and watch out for products that use oxybenzone. The negative impacts of oxybenzone are two-fold: they cause hormonal disruption and cause coral bleaching and death when used in the water.

Deodorant is of particular concern for women. As this product is applied close to lymph nodes and breast tissue, women need to be extra cautious with the brands they use. Many mass-produced deodorant brands have trace amounts of hormone disruptors and heavy metals.

Create your own deodorant or buy a "clean" version that uses arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Many natural brands use baking soda, which can be irritating for those with sensitive skin. Try a few different blends to find the one that works for you.

Note that using natural deodorant is not the same as using antiperspirants. You'll still sweat, but there's a modicum of odor control. 

Lipstick is perhaps one of the scariest beauty products that people use. As the FDA doesn't closely regulate what goes in lipstick, a lot of chemicals and questionable ingredients make it through. Not only are you applying this product to your skin, but it's natural that trace amounts are ingested due to the proximity to your mouth. 

Look for natural brands of lipstick that don't have parabens or synthetic dyes. Instead, choose brands that use beeswax and natural pigments derived from plants, such as beets and cocoa. Natural lipsticks also tend to nourish the lips rather than dry them out as the day goes on.

By making natural beauty swaps, you'll start 2020 with a healthy mindset. Choose products that prioritize your well-being. Look beyond the ingredients and consider the other impacts on the environment, such as packaging and ethical sourcing.