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!).
Courtney Griffin says
100% Pure cannot be beat. They use vegetables and fruits as the main components in their products. Their mascara and face moisturizers are my favorite!
As for makeup, I prefer Everyday Minerals over Bare Escentuals. They are much more reasonably priced too!
100percentpure.com
https://www.everydayminerals.com/store/
Karissa says
Piper Wai is the best natural deodorant I've found. I've also used Pit Paste. Love BeautyCounter products. Especially their sunscreen.
Erin says
We use Pure Haven essentials (formerly Ava Anderson Nontoxic) for everything from shampoo to cleaning supplies, to their BB cream for makeup!
Denise says
Alima pure has an awesome line of mineral makeup. And they have lip coloring that reminds me of burts bees but without the lead. I have been using kiss my face olive oil bar -very few ingredients and foams up great.
Hand soap hack- fill a foaming dispenser (I use an empty method bottle) with 1/4 dr bronners liquid Castile soap, a couple drops of lemon oil and water -great natural hand soap and super cheap!
Rebecca says
I would also recommend Beautycounter for their sunscreen. It has kept not only my children but also my father from sunburns- which until using as a rare occurance. They also have a full line of wonderful and safe products!
Jo says
Not sure if it's available in the US but I love Faith in Nature shampoo & conditioner. The normal size bottles are a little pricey, but I buy their 5 litre containers and decant into normal bottles to use. It works out the same price as the branded shampoo & conditioner that way. Less packaging too, so a win-win!!
BMineralsFan says
I love love love bare minerals! Have been using it for years now. I switched the loose foundation and kabuki brush for pressed foundation with the precision face brush and like it even more. I recommend the eye primer under shadows (or well rested eye powder) and their long lasting 8 pm eye pencil (my favorite pencil ever!).
GingerB says
Personnaly, I worked for Lance email for years and too a fan. My daughter actually could smell my powder when I put it on a few weeks ago! I'm becoming sensitive to smells in my old age too! Ha! I've found many of my personal care items I now buy from Melaleuca.com and I really like all of their products. Their sunscreen is my favorite.
Valerie says
Beautycounter is a line free of toxins, endocrine disruptors, one other cancer causing ingredients that is safe for the whole family. Love their shampoo and conditioner ...sunscreen is awesome as well.
Jamie says
Yes! Beautycounter everything! They have the strictest ingredient screening process and their products are incredibly high performing! I've completely switched over!
TP says
Loving Naturals clear sunscreen and sunscreen stick are fantastic. My children and I have seriously had no burns in the 3-4 summers we've used it (and one of my kids is very pale with blonde hair and blue eyes). You do have to rub it in very well, but a little goes a long way, and some extra effort during application is a small price to pay for me to know I'm not smothering my kids in chemicals.
Carina Organics for shampoo and conditioner. I was a Salon Naturals user for quite some time but they shut down, reopened under a different name (Simplifica), and still don't seem to quite have it all together. All of these products are ordered online. I understand your love of being able to shop at a local store for products...it makes life easier for sure.
Courtney says
Ava Anderson products are good and non toxic. However, I don't recommend their deodorant. It stains clothes!
Amber says
Suggestions for nail polish ?
Heather Anderson says
Jamberry has 5-free nail lacquers (no DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor). They also have nail wraps, a adhesive nail covering that lasts up to 2 weeks on fingernails/6 weeks on toenails, that are also non-toxic. In full disclosure, I am a Jamberry Independent Consultant (heathersmanipedi.jamberry.com) and would love to send samples if it is something you think you would be interested in.
Sarah says
I loved Juice sunscreen! http://www.amazon.com/Juice-Beauty-Sport-Moisturizer-3-75/dp/B00C9O4EQ6
melissa says
have you ever tried Beautycounter's sun screen? I think you will be pleasantly surprised!!!
ES says
I wish there were more solutions that were fragrance-free, even free from essential oil scents. I am particularly sensitive to all added fragrances, but even the so-called natural and hypo-allergenic products almost always have added scent.
Megan says
Have you tried Dr. Bronners Baby castile soap?
Jill says
I've been on the hunt for a good natural shampoo and conditioner for over two years. The best I found for my hair type (curly, thick, and dry) is Alba Gardenia. The condition moisturizes really well.
I also just bought Dr. Bonners castile bar soap for my 2 year old with eczema. It lathers up well.
I make my own hand soap with Dr. Bronners unscented LIQUID castile soap. It's the easiest thing. I bought a glass foaming soap dispenser (from home goods). I add the soap, water & essential oils and voila! Non-toxic hand soap that doesn't dry out your hands!
Alexcia says
Best non toxic shampoo and conditioner is "immersense beauty" online. Seriously the best non toxic natural stuff I've found and works great won't go back to my expensive salon stuff ever!
Angie says
Arbonne products are vegan, toxin free, gluten free, pure and safe. I use the skin care line, cosmetics and nutrition line. They also have a deodorant that is paraben free that is not an antiperspirant. Check it out!
Jennifer says
I love Lemongrass Spa products! They are all 97-100% natural and made in the U.S. They have amazing bath products, mineral makeup, bug spray and sunscreen. I was introduced to the company through Amy Murray. You can view a catalog with all the products on her website here: http://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/2406
Amber says
have you tried Melaleuca's products, they have an awesome makeup/skin care line that is amazing!
Kelly says
derma e (dermae.com) has a large assortment of products. I have never tried the sunscreen, but have tried & use many of the products. They use non-GMO ingredients & are paraben free among other things. Check the FAQ section. Plus they offer a sampler collection.. They also include a couple of samples w/every order. AND have sales! http://www.dermae.com
Judy W says
What about St. Ives products? I like their lotions and Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer. I try to look for Paraben free products. What other ingredients should I be avoiding?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. This will help guide you: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2015/10/07/5-synthetic-ingredients-avoid-personal-care-products/.
Kristy says
We love looking at safe mama cheat sheets (Google "safe mama cheat sheets) for all kinds of products, from toothpaste to sunscreen. We use badger sunscreen (we also bought some YesTo sunscreen at walmart this year), Bubble & bee pit putty and KissMyFace toothpaste.
Jacqueline says
I have developed allergies to a lot of cleaning products and conventional dyes over the years, so here is what I use:
Shampoo: Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo
Conditioner: Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner
Body wash: Dr. Bronner's Organic Baby Unscented Castille Soap
Hand wash: Dr. Bronner's Organic Shikakai Baby Unscented Hand & Body Soap
General Beauty Products: Lush Cosmetics (check the ingredients though as some products may contain ingredients you are trying to avoid)
Products for the seriously skin sensitive: all Vanicream products (I especially love their lotion and sunscreen) - can be found at Target or online easily.
Hypoallergenic makeup: Almay (I really love their mascara) - easily found at your local drugstore and grocery store
General household cleaning (including carpet pet incidents): 50/50 solution of distiller water and vinegar (a few added drops of pure essential oils optional) - do NOT use on tile grout
If you need to tote around your own hand wash or just looking for good liquid travel containers, I highly recommend the Humangear GoToobs.
AMBER says
Thanks for the practical suggestions! We like thinksport sunscreen.
Amanda Ives says
I love Beautycounters sunscreen and all their beauty products. Their makeup is amazing! I use their sunscreen daily. They have a stick, which is great to keep in my purse and i use on my kids and my face. They also have a liquid sunscreen that is the best I have tried!
samantha s says
How about natural insect repellent? Mosquitos are out of control in our area, but I don't know what to use for my young children. They get eaten alive!
Cheryl says
We have always used a mixture of Avons Skin so Soft original bath oil, Apple cider vinegar, 10 drops of citronella oil,
same of lemongrass oil, water, and a few drops of baby shampoo. Ratio varies depending on the bugs but : 2/4 water. 1/4 Apple cider vinegar 1/4 or a little less Skin so soft. Mix in a spray bottle and shake before spraying. We started using this for our horse years ago and noticed we were not getting bitten either. I did not want toxic horse spray falling onto my girls
Gia says
I make my own. There's an essential oil blend I buy on Amazon called Insect Shield, and I make a homemade lotion bar (using a mixture of coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax) with this in it. Then we just rob it on. This oil is a mixture of Citronella, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Lavender, Litsea, Tea Tree, Patchouli & Catnip essential oils. I also sell the bars I make, but I'm not hawking my products on this page. :)
It's pretty easy to make, and you can probably find a recipe easily online.
Gia says
Ack! *rub it on!
Jacqueline says
We use Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, 4-Ounce Pump Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N59OFU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_t1U-vb07C5TYN
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Yep, Lemon Eucalyptus has worked great for my family.
Melissa says
I really like the Honest products (Jessica Alba's line). They rate really well with EWG and I love their scents-nice but not overpowering. They are very concentrated so you don't have to use much. I'm having the same problem you are with the sunscreens. I know the titanium oxide/zinc oxide formulas are the best but I hate that they don't rub in well and don't wash off well either. Wish there was a happy medium!
Shannon says
I'm better at natural skin care than eating. I need to get on the bandwagon! That said I love 100% Pure products, including their nail polish. And I purchase homemade shampoo bars from Etsy. They are inexpensive, natural, and last a long time
Trish says
Have you heard of Ava Anderson?? What are your thoughts. I haven't researched it yet.
Racquel Ray says
I have used it. I'm from Rhode Island where Eva Anderson is a local product! So, I was excited to try it. I was disappointed. The produces are OK but for the price of great. There are much better quality 'real' products available for the same price. There were some products that were good: lip gloss, lip sugar scrub, mascara. Those I didn't love: shampoo, face wash, face scrub, face moisturizer, tinted moisturizer (beads up on my face), pet shampoo, pet deodorizer. The hand soap and hand lotion are OK. Their products are available only on-line or through a direct sales consultant. So, there's no anonymous way to try before you buy. I ended up spending over $200 just to try what I would normally use. Good Luck.
Heidi says
Did you know that Ava Anderson NonToxic has a 30-day money-back guarantee? I'm sorry to hear that it didn't work out for you. I have been using the skin care for 1 1/2 yrs and my skin has never looked or felt so good!
Alexcia tucker says
target has a brand called "Shea moisture" that is a pretty clean line I love there body wash and lotion and they also have shampoo and conditioner! It's way better and cleaner then the "carrots one"
Also target has "acure" brand that is cleaner for facial moisturizers, and they have a great exfoliant too!! They carry "Pacifica" too which has some makeup stuff and is a cleaner line.
Patty H. says
I use http://www.getsimplifica.com for my family's shampoo & conditioner-Love their products and for deodorant I have been using http://www.facenaturals.com. All these products are natural with none of that toxic stuff. I have been using them for several years and will continue to do so. And love, love, love dr bronners castile soaps. That is all I use for hand soap and even use for cleaning.
Jillian says
I love all of the Acure products I've tried - shampoo, conditioner, face wash, argan oil, body wash, etc... I've been trying different natural makeup brands, but I haven't found anything that works for my skin tone, so I have cut back on using it only for special occasions.
Danielle says
You should really take a look at Ava Anderson Non-Toxic. Their products are amazing!!!
Suzanne Tennant says
I found something that is amazing - and I'm the original skeptic. I have not used soap on my body for over a month. Google Norwex and look at the science behind their cloths. I shower using only water and a Norwex body cloth. Skin is clean clean clean. No bacteria remains to attract dirt. Yes, I use a deodorant (I live in Texas and it gets hot here), but I can work all day after my morning shower and not smell. I'm an Interior Decorator so often am moving furniture, shopping for hours on end, climbing ladders, etc. I can do all that and still remain fresh and clean. Since you are so into natural I thought you'd like to know. Check it out for yourself.
Tracy says
Blue Lizard Australian sunscreen! I scour the Skin Deep website every year when the sunscreen list come out. I have tried and used several of the top ranked sunscreens and while they work well, they are thick and greasy and stain your dark bathing suits and let's not forget the whitish, purple haze on everyone's skin. Blue lizard absorbs well, and no haze! Plus, we used it all summer and no burns! Not an easy feat living in Florida!
Patty says
I like the Acure brand shampoo and conditioner (and face wash, and lotion, etc).
MW says
i like the honest brand sunscreen also badger brand is really good.
teddi says
I use coconut oil as lotion. Works great, smells great. Just a bit does the trick. Too much and I feel greasy.
Stephanie says
My favorite hair and skin products are from Shea moisture. Another fantastic use for coconut oil: shaving! I used to get horrible razor burn and bumps after every shave but haven't had any in a few years since using coconut oil. I also use it as a hair mask once a week. Let it sit on your hair for a few hours or overnight and wash it out. So soft and silky! I use a face oil (I used to make my own but now I use burts bees for convince) instead of wash and my skin has cleared up a lot. And cleaning products, I love Mrs Meyers!