Once I started feeling comfortable with the "real food" changes I was making in our kitchen, it took me no time at all to realize I needed to move on to other areas of my house! I most certainly don't have it all figured out, but since this question is asked so often I thought I'd share some of what you'll find in my bathroom cabinets these days.
Natural Bar Soap
Recommended by my friend Carrie Vitt, we have switched to Dr. Bronner's Magic Bar Soap. I am by no means claiming it's truly "magical," but it's pretty darn pure and totally does the trick. Plus it comes in a lot of fun natural scents so there are plenty of options to choose from. I've found it for sale at both Target and our health food store (Earth Fare), and surprisingly the price is almost the same. It's also available in bulk on Amazon.
Natural Make Up (that I love!)
After being a long time Lancome user I was hesitant to make the switch, but I finally did and have never.looked.back! To my surprise I like my new bareMinerals make up (recommended by my friend Vani Hari) even better than the old stuff I was so loyal to. And funny enough, after running out of my new powder one day I had to supplement with a little bit of my old Lancome powder. I couldn't believe the smell of it, which I'd never noticed before, and seemed very artificial to me. I am becoming such a sensitive being in my old age - ha!
BareMinerals comes in both powder and packed form. The powder is supposed to be the most natural option they offer, but it's not always realistic (due to the mess factor) so I thought a combination would be best for my needs. I got the starter kit (with powder, blush, etc.) in powder form and the eye shadows in packed form. Did I mention that I love it? :)
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Natural Eye Make Up Remover
Believe it or not, the same exact coconut oil that you cook with in your kitchen has all sorts of uses - including eye make up remover! I used to also buy eye make up remover from my old make up source (Lancome) and was fairly reluctant to make the switch. It was one of those things you consider for a long time before you do it, but now I see the light because it truly works like a charm and is so simple!
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Natural Shampoo and Conditioner
Now, I am not saying this is the perfect shampoo and conditioner option (when it comes to natural ingredients), but it's pretty darn close AND it's available at Target (LOL - huge bonus for me). One downside though is that it's kind of pricey; I've tried several other natural shampoo alternatives (basically the ones offered at Target - yes, this limitation is often my reality), but my girls and I definitely like Yes to Carrots the best out of those options. As a result, I keep going back to it. And I do like their pump style lotion as well because I sure do need lots of lotion in the winter around here. So it is our favorite at the moment, but I am still open to trying others that fit the bill. I'd love to hear your favorites in the comments!
Natural Deodorant (and lip balm)
Conveniently enough, I also want to make sure you know about our sponsor Primal Pit Paste today, who happens to offer a super pure, organic deodorant! Available in a variety of natural scents it is paraben-free, aluminum-free, and actually works. Just be sure you are aware that Primal Pit Paste (and most other natural deodorants) do not act as an antiperspirant. And that's because sweating, while not lovely, is natural for your body to do so preventing it from happening isn't exactly ideal.
So here's what I do when it comes to this sort of thing. I have my old (probably toxic) deodorant still on hand for when I know I am going to be on live TV (or something else out of the ordinary, especially if it's a hot day), and I'll whip it back out for those occasions. And I happened to read in Jessica Alba's new book, The Honest Life, that even in her quest to lead as natural a life as possible she does the very same thing with her deodorant for red carpet events and such. So that made me feel a little bit better about that decision! It's all about balance, right? :)
PS - While you are there ordering your natural deodorant pick up some of Primal Pit Paste's orange creamsicle lip balm. It's my favorite (trust me, it's the bomb as far as lip balms go)! And don't forget our "100Days" coupon code for 15% off.
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A Tip for Finding Good Products
As I've mentioned, I am still navigating the personal care world as I continue to seek out the optimal shampoo and conditioner (as well as the "perfect" sunscreen). So each time I consider trying a new product I've found the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database (which is also available as a smartphone app) to be a great resource. They've taken the time to rate thousands of products so I always check their list to see how a product measures up before I give it a go.
And, in case anyone is wondering, the specific problem I am having with sunscreen is that all the EWG top rated options leave me - and my dark colored bathing suits - looking rather white and pasty. I've tried dozens of brands with no luck. So if you've found a natural sunscreen you love - that uses safe ingredients and somewhat soaks into your skin - please share it with me in the comments below so I can try it out (if I haven't already!).
Aubree says
Some time ago you mentioned what you mix together with cotton rounds for eye makeup remover. I’ve looked and can’t find where you shared this. Does that sound familiar? Would you mind sharing again what you do and how you do it? Thanks!
Dawn Behrens says
I use Toms of Maine deodorant. It keeps me fresh all day and is a lot cheaper than Native! We use Mrs. Meyers products for dish soap, hand soap etc. They are all made with natural oils. We use Natures Promise for dish tabs and Method or Seventh Generation for washing clothes. Seventh Generation has all natural toilet bowl cleaner too! Ask me, I have done the research!
Raven Brett says
Have you tried Blue Lizard sunscreen? It's supposed to be really good.
Lisa says
I love the makeup from:
https://www.100percentpure.com
Courtney says
We love just natural hair care products especially the frizzy hair collection.
Marla Dietz says
Auctiv sunsvreeen is a great face stick option!
Kassie Stansbery says
Beauty Counter all the way! I made the decision to become a consultant after switching my entire family to safer products. With all the "green washing" I knew I wanted a reliable company with transparency!
We use this platform to generate more momentum for better regulations and legislation so one day every product on the shelf is made with ingredients we can trust.
Jennifer says
Have you tried Beautycounter's sunscreen? Safe, effective, and EWG of 1
Shelly Thomas Rogers says
Beautycounter has wonderful sunscreen that does not leave white residue AND it is safer.
I used to use Bare Minerals too and I know it is touted as being "natural" but have you liked it up on EWG? Most of their ratings are not very good on safety ratings.
Sometimes it appears that the products have an ok rating yet it says limited under that rating. That could be in part because they list vague ingredients like "fragrance." Fragrance is considered a trade secret and can actually contain hundreds of different chemicals that could be harmful for you and your family. The companies can keep these quiet all in the name of trade secret. I am a Beautycounter consultant and love educating others about safer choices whether or not they purchase Beautycounter products. Let me know if I can help you.
Deb Jordan says
I am extremely chemical sensitive. No artificial fragrance and mostly natural products. I use Dr Bronners liquid for shampoo and body wash. We also like Trader Joe Tea Tree shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. I make my own deodorant and have good success with it. Thanks for sharing your picks. It's always fun to see what others are using.
Linda says
The best deodorant is Native. It is available online in a subscription with free shipping.
Ann says
Just tried Native and LOVE it!
Susan says
I have tried a few natural deodorants and I like Native the best by far.
Austin says
ThinkSport and ThinkBaby (my whole family uses both) are awesome! And rated well on the EWG site. Also, IVE FOUND A NATURAL DEODORANT THAT HOLDS UP TO ALL DAY BAD SWEAT! It's called "Native". Best stuff. Even my husband uses it and he held on TIGHT to his Old Spice deodorant through all the others we tried!
Lauren says
Badger now makes a tinted sunscreen! It won't work for all skin tones, as it is on the lighter side, but it works great for our family. No more ghost face. I bought it for myself but even my 8 year old insists on it now.
Gail Mathiesen says
I second Beauty Counter and I'm not a consultant. Love their make-up but especially love their skincare and sunscreen. You should give it a try, it has changed my skin for the better.
Elisabeth G says
I would also suggest researching Arbonne products! They follow (and exceed) European standards for make-up and personal care products, which are much more strict than our country's standards ( if we can even call them that!)
Tamara says
I used to use bareMinerals but after some research I've found a lot of their foundation products aren't as non-toxic and natural as they claim, although they are better than most popular brands. I use the ThinkDirty app and most of the bareMinerals foundations rate in the 7/10 range (0 is best). I've switched most of my makeup to 100% Pure which ranks between 0-4/10. I also love Everyday Shea shampoo and conditioner as well as Dr. Bonner soaps. Thank you for your blog. I love it and yours was the first real food site I followed.
Julie says
The coconut oil breaks me out if I used it anywhere near my face. However, 100 % pure jojoba oil works great as an eye makeup remover for me. Thank you for posting this as it is very important we concern ourselves with what we place on our skin.
Carol Cochrane says
I have been buying natural goat milk products from Beekman 1802. Their "fresh air" shampoo and conditioner works great and their goat milk soap leaves my skin so soft. Natural ingredients.
Rosella Wagner says
I recently started using PiperWei deodorant and absolutely love it.
Wanda Urie says
I use Pure Haven Essentials shampoo and conditioner and deodorant. Can recommend all of those!
Question about using the coconut oil as eye make-up remover. I have read that if you are going to use coconut oil on your skin it should be fractionated, or something close to that. Know anything about that? I'm lost!
Sandy Carr says
Hi Wanda...fractionated oil means it has been put into a constant liquid form, not solid like it usually comes. I sell essential oils and sometimes we mix the oil with some fractionated coconut oil for people with sensitive skin. Hope that helps!
Alyssa Britson says
You need Beautycounter in your life!!! I'm just north of Charlotte if you're ever interested in learning more!
We've banned over 1,500 ingredients from our beauty and personal care products and have the strictest ingredient screening process in the industry. We are very transparent, and the best part is that we don't compromise performance for safety. I've tried so many supposedly "safe" brands, but they just don't perform well.
The shampoo you're using isn't horrible...it rates a 3 on EWG but it does have fragrance which I avoid at all costs. Our Daily Shampoo is a 2 and though the price is also steep ($22), you don't need a lot at a time; therefore it should last.
I love Dr. Bronner's too. I definitely would stick with that.
I would be very skeptical and careful of BareMinerals, however. I used to use their products as well, and though they have made improvements, many are still not safely formulated.
Primal Pit Paste also rocks! Great choice there.
Anyways, just thought I'd share my 2 cents. Would love love love to have your opinion or support for Beautycounter, considering you are basically a legend in my house and the Charlotte area for your real food recipes and pioneering for more wholesome eating habits among families. Just made your whole wheat bread today and have the steak chili in the crockpot plus the skillet cornbread going in the oven soon to accompany it! LOVE it! Take care Lisa!
Here's my Beautycounter site (and my blog is relativeredhead.com): http://www.beautycounter.com/alyssabritson
I can send samples your way anytime as well since I'm local to you!
ss says
wonderful products
AnnaB says
Another line you should check out is Pure Haven Essentials. They use no toxic chemicals (even many of the organic ones mentioned here have ingredients that are toxic in some way). I spend less $ using these products as well. http://www.PureHavenEssentials.com/annabellfy
Lisa says
I use Dr. Bronner's liquid soap as shampoo and their citrus hair condition rinse after. I love it! And the bottles last a long time since they're quite concentrated.
Kristin walsh says
Try Beautycounter products which all rate 0, 1, and 2 on EWG!
Sara says
Coola spray sunscreen rates at. 3 and to not be pasty white I'll sacrifice the lower rating ;-)
Holly says
I love my juice beauty makeup and skin care!
Marca says
My current favorite is Perfectly Posh. Products are naturally based, cruelty free, and use essential oils. Ingredients are high quality and products are affordable. Check it out here: http://marca_perfectly.po.sh
Liz says
Check out RMS beauty! I love their coconut oil based "un-cover up" as a concealer and foundation. Bare Minerals makes my dry skin look chalky.
Lori Zapotosky says
I don't mean to sound unkind, but I think you might want to check the Environmental Working Group's skin deep data base. Bare Minerals products are not always as safe as people think. I was very disappointed in their scores.
Nena says
I started using Norwex bath cloths almost a year ago, giving up soap of any kind in the shower! These cloths are amazing! I no longer need a bath bar or shower gel. Better for the skin, too! I still use Dr. Bronner's on my face to remove make-up more easily. I also love the Norwex crystal deodorant. ( I am not a distributor for Norwex! I just love these products!)