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!).
April Gleeton says
http://www.amazon.com/Badger-SPF-Sunscreen-Face-Body/dp/B0012ZMBDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395347522&sr=8-1&keywords=badger+lavender+sunscreen
Some of their other options are hard to rub in leaving that "zinc" look, but this one is thinner and easier to rub in. Also, it's no nano particles which is also important when finding a natural barrier sunscreen
Samina says
I love Green Beaver products. Especially their conditioner. I haven't found a natural shampoo that I like so I will have to try out Yes to Carrots! @Shannon I switched to Juice Beauty products for my face. I use their moisturizer and face wash. It has done wonders for my skin (along with changing my diet/lifestyle). Plus it has a good score on EWG!
Patty says
Have you tried the aveda products?
Natalie says
I found a fabulous web based Health and Wellness company that sells all of these products and more in one location. It is Melaleuca. All of the products: makeup, shampoo, soap, lotion, fabulous sunscreen, cleaning products, etc are natural and use Tea Tree oil. I can't speak highly enough of these products. I agree that a good and safe sunscreen is hard to find but this one is amazing. Everyone in our family can use it (even my toddler) and it works amazingly on our pale, freckly skin. If you want more info, let me know. I would be happy to share more.
Christin says
I've heard the Tea Tree Oil and Lavender are Xenoestrogens and should be avoided.
Jessica says
Check out 3rd Rock Sunblock. By FAR the best natural sunscreen out there (and I've tried more than a dozen). Edible grade ingredients, UVA and UVB protection and no "white out." I'm a Southern California girl and spend lots of time out in the sun all year long...including 90 degree swimming weather in January! I love Juice Beauty, Beauty without Cruelty, and Honeybee Gardens for makeup. Check out Honeybee Gardens or Barielle for nail polish. Thanks for posting this article. Over the years I have found most of my natural beauty products from reading posts like these and the related comments from followers. :)
Allison says
Have you used any essential oils? We begin using them as part of our switch to clean living and are beyond happy with the results. We make most of our own lotions, lip balms, hand sanitizers, etc. We also make detergents and cleaning products. I use Young Living because they are 100%. We also use them in place of OTC medications and have had great success. I must feel that if I am going to live clean in one area of my life it is most beneficial to go all out. If you have not looked in to Young Living and essential oils I think you would love them!
Funrun says
My only problem with YL oils, among several other brands, is that they are not organic. If I am putting highly concentrated doses of oils that will be absorbed quickly into my skin, I want organic oils that don't have the potential for pesticides and chemicals in them from when they were grown as plants. There are several brands out there that use oils from organically grown plants and they say they are organic on the label. Some of these brands have been around for decades, others are newer companies. It's my understanding that it is against the law to use organic on the label if it is not actually so (correct me if I'm wrong) and the YL ones that I have seen in person are not labeled as organic and I can't find anything on their website that they are organic. Otherwise, I think essential oils are a good addition to clean eating.
Allison says
Young Living oils go beyond organic in their standards. This article has good information about how the company farms in a sustainable manner and protects the purity of the oils: http://blog.younglivingcircle.com/2012/01/08/are-young-living-oils-organic/
To be considered pure an oil only has to contain 5% of the ingredient on the label. I guess these are fine for aromatic purposes but I would be very careful about what I put on my skin or in my body. This article has great information about the standards and the differences in oils:
http://raisingolives.com/oils/what-is-therapeutic-grade/
Not only are we careful about what we eat but also the quality of the products that we use. "Organic" isn't always the most important label to look for on all products. Before making this move for my family I was researched very thoroughly and there are only two brands of essential oils I would feel comfortable using topically or ingesting. The outcome has been so amazing for our family we will never go back!
Funrun says
Interesting reading. Thank you for the info. I appreciate it!
Renee says
I use Faerie Organic mineral makeup. You have to order online, but it definitely beats bare minerals.
Nichole says
I was using Nature's Gate herbal shampoo and conditioner which I LOVED until I used the EWG guide (have been using this for months now to make informed decisions and it is a time saver for sure). I recently switched over to Hugo Naturals liquid hand soap and have also purchased their shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, body spray, lotion, and shower gel. I have yet to try it (I am using up my old stuff first) but I am hoping it works. I really strive for the 0 as for as the EWG score but refuse anything above a 2. I have recently been researching baby wipes and Jessica Alba's Honest wipes are one of the best scored next to Water Wipes. I am going to be giving them a shot soon. I have used Seventh Generation for years (I have three kids three and under) but they are scored at a 2 and the Honest Wipes and Water Wipes are a 0. The shipping time through their website isn't quite as quick as I am needing (spoiled by Amazon Prime) so in the mean time I am trying Jackson Reece All Natural Wipes (purely because I need them yesterday). Thanks for all your research and I will be looking into the Pit Paste...deodorant has been really tricky for us.
Diana says
If you want an EWG rating of 0, you should definitely check out Ava Anderson. Almost all their products are 0 or 1. Their baby line is wonderful for kids or anyone with sensitive skin! avaandersonnontoxic.com/dianathomson
Mollie says
love Ava Anderson!!
Hayley P says
I love BareMinerals; I've been using it for almost a year now. It's a great match for my sensitive skin! And we love the Güd shampoo & conditioner by Burt's Bees, although it too is a bit pricey.
Bonnie says
Bare minerls is not a safe makeup
Christin says
Why not?
Shannon says
I am looking for a natural face wash. I am now over 40 and want to use something that promotes healthy skin as well as help to slow the effects of aging. I already use coconut oil as eye makeup remover and moisturizer, but just can't seem to get away from the commercial face wash. Help!
Samina says
I switched to Juice Beauty products for my face. I use their moisturizer and face wash. It has done wonders for my skin (along with changing my diet/lifestyle). Plus it has a good score on EWG!
Sarah says
You should give radiantly you a try! I love it! http://www.radiantlyyou.com/Sarah
Christin says
I've been using Acure products and have been really happy with them, good ratings on EWG.
Kerry says
Haven't tried them yet, but heard good things about Acure. They are sold at Whole Foods -
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/524960/Acure_Organics_Shampoo%2C_Moroccan_Argan_Oil_%26_Argan_Stem_Cell/
And looks like they don't test on animals either: http://www.acureorganics.com/Acure-Organics-Commitments-s/64.htm.
Krista says
Try Pai Skin Care! A little pricey but well worth the money! They have oils for your face as well that have made a huge difference in my skin. You can find it cheaper on some third party websites but just with slower shipping.
Diana says
Try Abbey St. Clare. You can order them online. They are handmade and their cleansers are heavenly! The White Tea cleanser is my favorite!
Tasha says
I was making lots of my own products, but now I found and love and became a consultant with Lemongrass Spa Products. We have great prices. We have facial line that is wonderful. You can even try our travel kit which gives you a sample of some of the products. If you want more info, or want to check out the ingredients and products, check out http://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/tasha
Mollie says
I am almost 42 and thought I'd been using clean products for years. Well, I was fooled by "greenwashing." I had planned to make my own when I discovered Ava Anderson Non Toxic through Food Babe. I've been trying the skin care line and love it! The shampoo, like all the "natural" ones, is tough to get used to to be honest. The best beauty product in the line is one Food Babe recommended. The mascara actually is making my lashes GROW! I'm still not ready to give up my "bad" kind yet, so I've been wearing the Ava mascara as the first coat. Anyway, look into it. If it's not for you, please make sure you read the labels. You should be able to read the ingredients and actually understand them. You can check it out at http://www.AvaAndersonNonToxic.com/MollieSmith
Best of luck to all of us as we muddle through all this! ;)
Anna says
I use the kiss my face brand shampoos and Hugo naturals conditioner. I think that the conditioner works south better than the regular conditioner you can get at walmart or something. I buy them from Amazon and while they are a little pricier than dove or Pantene they are about the same cost as salon brands like redken and they last so much longer.
Alix says
DevaCurl no-poo and one condition are hands down the best shampoo and conditioner I've ever tried. They're not marketed as "natural" but ewg skin deep gives them fantastic ratings.
Elizabeth says
Have you checked out any of Melaleuca's products? I especially like the hair products and their sunscreen.
Amy says
Thank you for this! I'm glad to see I'm using a lot of the same things you've recommended! I love my bare minerals and was so happy to see their score on ewg. I do the same thing with coconut oil as makeup remover and deodorant too- I make my own, but keep a nasty one on hand, which I used, for example, when my husband and I were in Puerto Rico. :)
Betsy Fisher says
Bare Minerals is NOT natural make-up. Need to read the ingredients.
MK says
I didn't think so either. I use Arbonne products.
Mollie says
Sadly, Arbonne is not either! I sadly found that out. I can send you the evidence if you need (I sure wanted to see it!) :)
rachel @ lou lou belle says
Can you send the evidence about Arbonne to me please? I use entirely Arbonne products right now, hair, face, body. My email is [email protected]. Thanks!
Caecilia K says
For skin care, I started using Ole Henriksen range of products which I buy from Sephora. They are clean products and work wonders.
Viv says
http://www.blockislandorganics.com/
Only sunscreen that does not irritate my insanely sensitive skin, organic, non-toxic and smells great!
Kerry L says
My favorite products are:
-(similar to bareMinerals) EverydayMinerals for makeup,
-for facial cleansing/makeup remover, I use the oil cleansing method, which involves organic jojoba and castor oil, warm water and a facecloth - this has made the most incredible difference in my skin!
-face moisturizer, I use Weleda's Skin Food (daytime) and Bee Balm from ClearHillsHoney (nighttime)
-soap we order online from Windrift Hill (goats milk with various EOs)
-sunscreen, this year I've purchased Kiss My Face's sun spray lotion mineral sunscreen, but we haven't tried it yet (still winter here!), previously we have used Alba Botanica's mineral sunscreens, and yes, they leave you white. However, we don't use sunscreen all the time, because I believe some sun exposure is vital for your health, but of course nobody wants to be burned, so we apply sunscreen as needed.
Amy says
I used to use Bare Minerals & liked it, but then I found Jane Iredale & am obsessed! Also, my skin is really hormonal/sensitive/breakout-prone, and the best cleanser/toner/moisturizer routine I've found is the "Earth-Sourced" line by Paula's Choice. Love your suggestions - I'm going to give a few of them a try :-).
Tara says
Does anyone reccomends a good night cream and day cream with sunscreen for the face? I currently use Bare Minerals but am looking for something even more natural.
Mollie says
check our products! http://www.AvaAndersonNonToxic.com/MollieSmith
If these don't work for you, please check your labels of other products. Too many companies claim to be healthy but are not. You can see a list on my site for red flags! I discovered Ava from Food Babe. Go to her site and see if she offers other suggestions, too.
Best of luck on your journey :)
Deanne says
I love the Yes To shampoos and conditioner. I was trying to find an even more natural one and tried Avalon Organics Peppermint Strengthening- and I DO NOT recommend wasting your money on those. I have fine long hair and unfortunately all it did was leave me with a tangled mess. The conditioner didn't help de tangle AT ALL and I could barely get a comb through. So- for now I'm going back to Yes To!
Krista says
Have you tried the Adidas cotton tech deodorant? It works as a great antiperspirant and is aluminum free. It does have fragrance in it though. I use it on those days that I really don't need to sweat such as special occasions. To me it is still a better option than a traditional deodorant/antiperspirant. I also really like Livestrong sunscreen. I have tried probably 20 or more in my quest to find the best natural sunscreen but also one that doesn't leave a white haze. This is especially important to me since I am a melanoma survivor. Close seconds are California Baby and Honest Company sunscreens.
Liz Woolever says
I used to use the Adidas cotton tech, but couldn't find it for the longest time. I'll have to start looking again. Thanks for mentioning it.
sherry says
Are you finding these products based on the Dirty dozen list for cosmetics etc? I am just curious
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Sherry. The EWG's Skin Deep website screens for those ingredients and more an then rates products on a safety scale.
Leslie says
I also love Yes to Carrots shampoo and conditioner! I've been using Juice Beauty and/or Tarte Cosmetics for makeup and skin care products and love both. I use the Nutiva Coconut Oil for eye makeup remover as well and am going to start adding a couple drops of Frankincense Essential Oil to it and try it for an eye cream. I really like the castile soap too and just started using Young Living deo which I like so far!
Melanie says
I just started using Crystal Roll-On Deodorant about a week ago and am happy with it. I had previously tried Tom's of Maine and it was definitely not for me.
Pam says
I use the coconut oil as lotion. All by itself, as is (other than I put it in a container that I can put in the shower, so that it melts and is ready to use in liquid form).
I don't think I'll ever go back to another lotion. Makes my skin look so much better. Admittedly, it takes some time to absorb, and is a little troublesome if you use too much.
On a good note, if I'm pretty consistent about it I never get the winter skin peeling and itching that I get when we use the heater- no "lotion" has done that for me before and I get far more compliments about my skin when I'm doing this consistently.
While I'm sure some people will have concerns that it clogs pores, I've found my skin clearer too. Don't know why, it just works!
Megan says
I use honey and sugar as a facial scrub at night, then olive oil as a moisturiser, and it's wonderful. I used to use ProActive for my acne, but I stopped using it because it was too harsh on my skin. I have had no major acne problems since I switched, except for the period at the beginning of the switch when my skin was getting used to the new stuff. I feel much better about using this instead of ProActive, because it's all-natural, and plus my skin looks and feels great.
Renee says
It works because pure coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties. Some people swear it helps stave off infection and ingest it daily in order to deep those benefits.
Cassidy says
Have you ever heard of Jane Iredale make up? It's an even better mineral make up than BareMinerals, minus the talc that can leave your skin itchy. I live by it, all of the products I have tried have been amazing!
Christie Williams says
You should check out Mommy's Club. They have amazing products!! My favorite is one called CLEAN, it replaces over 10 household products. It cleans your windows, floors, counters, laundry, jewelry, fruits and veggies, even your dog!! All organic, EcoCert, and committed to informing people about the dangers in their household products. http://www.mommysclub.com/ChristieWilliams
Emily says
I've heard that coconut oil has an SPF of 10 naturally. I haven't tried it yet but my sister uses it all the time. Definitely not a huge SPF but would provide some protection.
Claire says
I use pevonia suncream. All their products are 100% natural organic etc I used to work for a salon that used them and the products were great. It's an SPF 30 as you normally need chemicals for a higher SPF
Rachael Logan says
i've started making my own body scrub, lip balm/srcub, toner & face masks with coconut oil, essential oils, lemon juice etc. easy, cheaper in the longer run & actually fun to make!
Jess says
We've recently started using the shampoo/body wash from honest.com. It's tear-free, so I can use it for my little ones and myself - and the scent is great!
Natalie Pugh says
Tom's deodorant is fantastic, and I use Burt's Bees lip balm as my all natural chapstick. Upon researching the Chapstick brand medicated tube, it was one of the highest risk chapsticks out there!
sherry says
so glad you posted this!! I have been researching for myself and was actually going to submit this question to you to see if this is an area you have done research on. thanks so much! love your blog!
Shannon says
I love EWG! They have been so helpful in so many "switching over" decisions! Thank you for sharing what you've found that you like that also works.
Courtney @ Family Gone Healthy says
I agree with BareMinerals. I started using it last summer and love it! I also use coconut oil as a lip balm and a diaper cream on my youngest daughter. For natural sunscreen I like Badger.
Kathryn says
Try All Terrain Spray http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DKX89O/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Supergoop. We had to have spray for my kids at daycare. They seem to less opaque-ness
Ashley says
I started making my own deodorant and it's super easy and works great. Just 1 part each of coconut oil, cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and baking soda. I use it as my daily and then like you said, I keep some of my old stuff on hand for special occasions. I add a few drops of essential oil for a nice smell too. My husband actually uses it too!