Tag: cleanliving

I Used to Trust the Labels on My Products… Until I Learned How Misleading They Were. Let’s Break It All Down Together!

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For the longest time, I thought I was making healthy choices for my family. I’d see words like “natural,” “plant-based,” or “eco-friendly” on a label and assume it meant the product was safe. But then I started digging deeper—and what I found was shocking.

Did you know that companies can put “natural” on a label even if a product is filled with synthetic chemicals? Or that the word “fragrance” can hide dozens of undisclosed ingredients—some of which are linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and even more serious health concerns? 😳

The truth is, brands have gotten really good at looking clean while cutting corners behind the scenes. They use feel-good buzzwords, green packaging, and misleading claims to gain our trust—all while keeping harmful ingredients right where they’ve always been. It’s called greenwashing, and it’s everywhere.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be fooled anymore.

This Saturday, March 22nd, at 11 AM EST, my team is hosting a FREE live masterclass on Zoom, where we’ll teach you how to:

✅ Read labels with confidence (so you know exactly what you’re bringing into your home)
✅ Spot greenwashing tricks that companies use to make products seem cleaner than they really are
✅ Make simple, effective swaps for truly non-toxic living—without overwhelm

If you’ve ever felt frustrated or confused about what’s actually safe, this masterclass is for you. Send me an email at raisingclean@gmail.com to get the Zoom link! Let’s take back control of our choices and shop smarter, together. 💚

Water in your Skincare?

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🤔 Let’s bust a beauty myth 🤔

▶️▶️ Myth – a skincare product is not good/effective if water is the first or second ingredient

If you’ve heard that water should not be in skincare because it makes it less effective let me just tell you that I have found very few brands that do not use water in their products (including ones that claim to be waterless…) + I’d be much more concerned about a brand using toxins in their products than water, but that’s just me 🤷‍♀️

The brand that has built itself on bashing companies for using water in their formula USES WATER… Sometimes it’s even the second ingredient. They also use fragrance (while claiming to be fragrance free). They claim to be organic without a single organic ingredient in their labels. Their brand is built on misleading consumers and tearing down other companies. It’s very sad. (This brand is Oliveda if you’re curious).

But let’s actually bust this myth…

Water is a crucial ingredient in skincare for several reasons:

💧Hydration: Water hydrates the skin, keeping it moist and supple. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing dryness and flakiness.

💧Nutrient Delivery: Water helps deliver essential nutrients to skin cells, ensuring proper functioning and overall skin health.

💧Detoxification: Water helps flush out toxins from the skin, promoting a clear complexion and reducing the risk of breakouts.

💧pH Balance: Water helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance, which is important for healthy skin function and protection against environmental stressors.

💧Cooling Effect: Water has a cooling effect on the skin, which can help soothe irritation and inflammation.

💧Enhanced Absorption: Water-based products can be absorbed more easily into the skin, allowing for better penetration of beneficial ingredients.

Overall, water is an essential ingredient in skincare products and plays a key role in maintaining healthy, radiant skin.

I hope this post helps clear up a common misconception!

Here’s to safe, healthy skincare!

If you liked this post, make sure you join my wellness community -> https://www.facebook.com/share/VwtiHeNLmwiS7AZQ/

If you want to try my favorite skincare brand that has the best ingredients + best performance + is eco-friendly shoot me a message here for a custom recommendation & link ->
M.me/Jessie.rae.31

One of my daily must haves

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This oceanic wonder has been making waves in the health and wellness community for its impressive array of benefits. From solving common health issues to boosting overall well-being, incorporating this into your daily routine can lead to transformative results.

Digestive Health: rich in prebiotic fibers, which act as fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, it can alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

Immune Support: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron, it helps strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption can boost your body’s defenses against common illnesses and infections.

Thyroid Function: it is a natural source of iodine, a mineral crucial for thyroid health. By supporting optimal thyroid function, it can help regulate metabolism, energy levels, and hormone balance.

Skin Health: When consumed internally, it nourishes the skin from within, promoting a clear, radiant complexion and helping to alleviate conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Weight Management: Thanks to its high fiber content, it helps promote feelings of fullness and satiety, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, it supports metabolic function, aiding in fat metabolism and energy production.

Detoxification: it acts as a gentle detoxifier, helping to remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. By supporting liver function and promoting regular bowel movements, it aids in the elimination of waste and impurities.

Is this something you would like to add to your daily regimen?

For more content like this and/or to reach out to chat more about this specific product or anything I else I have to offer to help you feel your best, hop over to my wellness community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean

Slay your Sleep Struggles

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Safe Swaps for Melatonin

I have always struggled with sleep. So, I’ve tried A LOT of safe sleep aid products.

I have a really hard time turning my brain off at night so it takes me a LONG time to fall asleep. I’m also a light sleeper, so little things wake me, and then I have trouble falling back asleep. I’ve been learning about the importance of sleep lately and the effects sleep deprivation have on your daily life and it’s pretty scary. The more “sleep debt” you have, the less executive function you have during the day. This means it’s harder to make decisions, think, and function as a human… Lack of sleep can even increase your risk of dying earlier than those who get enough sleep. Sleep is truly not something to be taken lightly. But, neither are the long term side effects of Melatonin. Despite my very serious sleep struggles, I would not touch melatonin. So, what are some safe alternatives? I’m glad you asked!

What I’ve used for the kids and/or myself:

Lavender Essential Oil – rolled on bottom of feet and/or back of neck

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – dropped in mouth

Earthley’s Goodnight Lotion – rubbed on tummy and legs

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – consumed during the day

Epsom Salt baths before bed – in bath

Green Compass Sleep Boost – taken orally

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 2+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

Green Compass Full Spectrum Nano Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 5+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

My thoughts/experiences:

Lavender oil used on Willow – Noticed no improvement

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Helps me fall and stay asleep a little bit. Helps Adeline fall and stay asleep as far as I can tell.

Eathley’s Goodnight Lotion – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Adeline loves it. Does nothing for me.

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – Noticed no improvement for Willow.

Epsom Salt baths before bed – Noticed no improvement for sleeping but does help calm both kids and make bedtime routine easier.

Green Compass Sleep Boost – Helps me fall and stay asleep more than the Earthly tincture but not as well as the jellies.

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – These work amazingly. They are my favorite thing I’ve used for myself. These help me sleep the best of anything I’ve tried. I fall asleep faster and stay asleep ALL NIGHT!

Green Compass Full Spectrum Nano Jellies – These also work amazingly. They knock me out really fast and put me into a DEEP sleep. If you want a really good, restorative deep sleep, these are for you.

Links (it means the world to my family when you use my links to shop!):

Earthley – https://earthley.com/ref/dericoj/

Cherry Juice –https://amzn.to/3SUFwKI

Green Compass – https://jessicaderico.greencompassglobal.com/share/573327

*the Green Compass link gets you $10 off your first order*

Safe Swaps for Melatonin

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I’ve seen so many desperate mommas lately looking for help with either their sleep or their kids’ sleep. Anyone who knows me personally knows my 16 month old Willow has struggled with sleep since she was born. I also have never been a good sleeper with my biggest issue being falling asleep. Because of this, I’ve tried A LOT of safe sleep aid products for myself and Willow.

What I’ve used for the girls and/or myself:

Lavender Essential Oil – rolled on bottom of feet

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – dropped in mouth

Earthley’s Goodnight Lotion – rubbed on tummy and legs

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – consumed during the day

Epsom Salt baths before bed – in bath

Green Compass Sleep Boost – in belly button

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 3+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

My thoughts/experiences:

Lavender oil used on Willow & myself – Noticed no improvement

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Helps me fall and stay asleep but not the best thing I’ve tried. Helps Adeline fall and stay asleep.

Eathley’s Goodnight Lotion – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Adeline loves it for her growing pains.

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – Noticed no improvement for Willow.

Epsom Salt baths before bed – Noticed no improvement for sleeping but does help calm both kids and make bedtime routine a little easier.

Green Compass Sleep Boost – The FIRST thing that has genuinely improved Willow’s sleep. Since starting it she went from waking 4-5 times a night to 1-2 and sleeping 2-3 hour stretches to over 6! All the hallelujah hands for this one 🙌🙌🙌🙌

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – Only tried myself so far and they work amazingly. These help me fall and stay asleep the best of anything I’ve tried.

Links (it means the world to my family when you use my links to shop!):

$10 off Green Compass – https://jessicaderico.greencompassglobal.com/share/573327

Cherry Juice – https://amzn.to/3SUFwKI

Epsom Salt – https://amzn.to/49I5tCW

Earthley – https://earthley.com/ref/dericoj/

Let me know if you try any of these and how they work for you! And for more content like this, make sure you’re in my wellness community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Stay well!

Mother’s Day

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Give the gift of Clean Beauty this Mother’s Day!

Whether you have a mother figure you are looking for something special for or you’re a mom and want to treat yourself or give a great idea to a spouse or child, what gift is more special than clean beauty. It is a way to feel beautiful, practice self care, and it doesn’t cause you harm or disrupt your hormones like other makeup and skincare out there!

 So, I present to you… our Mothers Day Offers! 

Available through May 14th – or while supplies last!

Daylight & Nightlight Facial Cream Bundle w/ a complimentary Crunchi Spa Headband

Advocate Price: $91.20

Client Retail Price: $114

Everluxe® Lip Crayon in Limited Edition shade, Sienna Red

Advocate Price: $22.40

Client Retail Price: $28

Everluxe® Lip Crayon in Limited Edition shade, French Mauve

Advocate Price: $22.40

Client Retail Price: $28

Limited Edition Lip Dream Duo ( Lip Scrub + Lip Treatment )

Advocate Price: $33.60

Client Price: $38 – (Retail $42 – $4 savings!)

✨

Special Client Bundle

Snag all four of the offers and receive special 20% off – making this deal just $175 PLUS free shipping!

If you are ready to make the change to clean beauty and/or skincare this link will get you entered to win a free facial essence + half priced coupons! You also get $10 off your first $50 order using this link if you are new to Crunchi!

http://Crunchi.com/Jessicaderico/event/36077

And… if those Advocate prices look good to you, just click Get Involved then Advocate Enrollment to choose the best discounted kit for you, start getting 20% off your orders immediately, and get an affiliate link to share with others and make 20-40% in commission!

(Make sure you see shopping with Jessica DeRico in the top right corner to be entered to win rewards)

Dropping Some Truth

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I wanted to drop some truth in here really quickly… 😙

I want everyone to feel comfortable commenting on this blog and joining me over in my wellness community on FB no matter where you’re at on your toxin free journey. If you’re as crunchy as it gets or if you haven’t started going toxin free at all yet, but you’re interested in learning about it, I don’t ever want anyone to feel judged or to ever feel like I am perfect. So, I want to share the real me, flaws and all, with all of you! ☺️

I started my toxin free journey in March of 2018 and I’m STILL not 100% toxin free in all areas of my life, and to tell you the truth, I may never be. My fiancé and I talk about balance a lot and how important it is to us to keep our sanity.

THERE ARE A FEW SAFE SWAPS THAT WE JUST MADE, ALMOST TWO YEARS INTO OUR JOURNEY. THOSE ARE:

Switching razors

Switching toothpaste (I was still using Toms even though I knew it wasn’t the best option)

Going from ziplock bags to reusable silicone bag

Switching things in our kitchen like cookware, food storage containers, and mugs

THERE ARE A FEW SAFE SWAPS I AM STILL PLANNING ON MAKING BUT HAVEN’T YET BECAUSE OF TIME, MONEY, ETC. THOSE ARE:

Plastic wrap

Using plastic straws when out

Water filter

Birth Control

AND, THERE ARE A FEW SAFE SWAPS I MAY NEVER MAKE BECAUSE I FEEL MY HAPPINESS HONESTLY DEPENDS ON HAVING BALANCE IN THESE AREAS. THOSE ARE:

Dunkin’ Donuts coffee

Candy (while I don’t buy the toxic stuff for myself anymore, if someone gives it to me, I’m gonna eat it, I just am)

Mani/Pedis

Not worrying about what we eat outside of our house (or special occasions like when I wanted cookie cake and wine for Mother’s Day!)

Moral of the story: Just because you see me posting about living a clean, toxin free life that doesn’t mean I’m perfect in every area all the time. So, whether you haven’t started your toxin free journey yet, you’re in the beginning steps, or super duper crunchy, you have a place in my group! I’d love to welcome you in with open arms https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Being a Green Beauty Advocate

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You probably don’t know this just from reading this blog, but I actually work from home, full time as a Green Beauty Advocate. I have the honor and privilege of educating other women and helping them reduce their toxic body burden and live their best and healthiest lives. And I get paid for it!

As of just a couple of weeks ago…the company I am blessed to be partnered with has completely redone the starter kits and dropped the price points on them to help women get the financial freedom so many need right now while keeping it affordable enough to start when cash flow is low! I’m SO JEALOUS right now. I wish I could rejoin! (For real…we didn’t even have eyeliner when I joined and I got 3 foundation shades I didn’t wear. We’ve come a long way!)

If you are looking to detox your makeup bag quickly, affordably, and with a brand you can trust – I would suggest picking up one of our enrollment kits!


We’ve had over 1,300 Advocates join us since April 1st! 😍 #jawdropping and I tripled just my team alone during the month of April… Because – HELLO! The momentum is HIGH and escalating quickly! More and more women are seeing the mvalue in this community, our Business Portfolio, and these collections.

Partnering with this company comes with countless benefits, but I want to share just a couple that are closest to my heart:

Revolutionary products: With unprecedented performance, ingredient safety, and eco-conscious packaging, we are setting the new gold standard for clean beauty.

Work from home: Be your own boss, choose the people you work with, control your hours, work around the needs of your family – all from the comfort of your own home.

Make a difference: Education is at the forefront of our mission. Women deserve to know about the potentially harmful products they are using everyday and how they can make healthier choices.

Earn income: By following our Smart Start System, you have the potential to earn back your initial investment & turn a profit in your first month!

Join a supportive community: Our collaborative culture is second to none and fosters personal growth, lifelong friendships, and sisterhood. We are empowering women to grow personally and professionally.


Please comment below or hop on over to my Wellness Community (https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/?ref=bookmarks) if you would like to chat! The more women who join this movement, the more lives changed 🙂

Is It Your Moment?

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We are wrapping up an amazing MyMoment promotion today at midnight and I’ve been pouring my heart out over in my clean living community on Facebook this past week. One thing I did was answer some questions that I get frequently about my job and I’d like to share one with all of you…

“How has being a green beauty advocate impacted your life?”
I could go on and on about all the ways that this business has blessed my life.
I am so thankful to work alongside all the inspiring women I do everyday. I am so inspired by the flexibility that I have to work in my sweats, when I want, and knowing that what I put into my business is what I will get out of it. I am so jazzed that there is no ceiling on what I can earn as an advocate with this phenomenal company. Most corporate jobs you can only work up so high. But no matter when you enroll to be a green beauty advocate, you have the ability to work your way to the top.

I had been with another company for four years when I decided to close that door and open the door to this toxin free life. I received a higher paycheck in October of 2018 (FOUR months after starting this journey) than I had in my FOUR years with my previous company..

It’s all because of the difference in the compensation plans and how unbelievably different ours is from any other company I’ve seen. It’s truly inspiring and genuinely life changing.

To learn more about how a busy mom like me works a business online sharing clean beauty tips and products and also grab my safe swap recommendations -> https://forms.gle/j39yLgwiVcHaLYKR9

I’d also love to see all of your beautiful faces in my clean living community to chat about living healthy, happy life! Check it out 🍂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Nanoparticles

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🌷 Today over in my Clean Living Community, https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/, it was Thirsty for Knowledge Thursday 🌷

I work alongside some of the most knowledgeable women I have EVER known and they are kind enough to share their wisdom! ❤️I love that we are all teaching each other! I also love that my company has a blacklist of ingredients we will NEVER use to ensure our products are 100% toxin free and safe. I recently learned about nanos from one of these brilliant women.

This is HUGE! Well, actually it’s very small. Like, nanoparticle small–but the impact is huge. The size of a nanoparticle can be difficult to grasp, so to make an analogy: if a nanoparticle were the size of an orange, an orange would be as big as the earth!! Before I was introduced to this toxin free lifestyle, I was unaware of nanotechnology and its application in cosmetics. After learning from others, I found some scary stuff!! Nanotechnology allows for cosmetics to be constructed nanoparticle by nanoparticle in a very controlled way preventing makeup from running and allowing lipstick to stay on the lips for days. Sounds cool, right?! Wrong. Unfortunately, nanotechnology has essentially taken over the manufacturing of cosmetics in many companies in the industry, but thankfully many studies on the potential risks caused to both human life and the environment have been underway. One of the many scary things about nanoparticles is that the materials are small enough to penetrate the skin or get inside the body through inhalation. Just to list a few common nanoparticles they are: titanium dioxide, zinc, silver, and fullerene. When these nanoparticles are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried around the body it can cause DNA and cell function damage, brain damage, liver damage, and affects on the immune system. On top of all of that, titanium dioxide specifically has shown MAJOR potential repercussions in offspring.

I am SO thankful to have found a beauty and skincare company that will NEVER put these in their products! Ladies, we don’t have to jeopardize our health for our beauty or our beauty for our health!