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!).
Jenelle says
I love Rocky Mountain Soap company. Especially their "tot" wash for my kids and their belly body butter for growing prego belly. They have deodorant too! http://www.rockymountainsoap.com
Cathleen says
I use Dr. Bronners for everything as well. It works great. I actually use the liquid form, diluted with some water as it lasts longer and is more cost effective. For sunscreen and lotion, I make my own with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, essential oils, bees wax and zinc for the sunscreen. I started following http://www.hardlotion.com and purchased an ebook of recipes. It's really easy and she's great with answering any questions you might have. I'm going to look into the makeup you recommend as I have been looking to make a switch for awhile now. Thanks for your tips!
Jolene says
First off, I'm soo glad you found Bare Minerals! I've been in love with their products for well over 10 years. And I love their motto because it's so true: 'makeup so pure, you can sleep in it'. I also use their sunscreen. It's a mineral one, and a powder. When my kids were babies, it would rub off easily while I was holding them, but now that they're bigger, it stays on better. I have fair hair and skin and I love that I can brush it in my part to keep my head from burning. It's super easy to apply so reapplying often isn't a nuisance to me.
I've just switched to Primal Pit Paste too and I love it so far. It has definitely taken some adjusting now that I actually sweat for probably the first time, ever. But I'm finding that I'm not minding it too much. Of course I'm never on tv or in tense situations (other than a drs office).
I just bought a tube of Tom's toothpaste to try, but it literally just arrived today so I can't comment on it just yet.
I've also received a sample kit from Honest. I'm not sure how I feel about them yet and would love to hear from others who've tried them. They carry everything from baby butt balm to laundry detergent to shampoo; all with a long list of chemicals they don't use.
Am very interested to see what everyone else has to offer to this post!
Jeanette Frump says
I LOOOOVE LUSH's bar shampoos! Expensive, but I only have to wash every 2nd or 3rd day. So it lasts a long time! They are round & u can buy a tin for them, which makes travel easy peasy!! I have used the "no-poo" method & it works okay for my short hair...but the ease of travel isn't so great!
Christy says
For about the last 6 months, I've been using Tom's brand that I got at my local health food store. It says it is 24 hour odor protection, natural, clinically proven, long lasting, aluminum free deodorant (I was mainly looking for one aluminum free). I have the honeysuckle rose scent. I am really liking it although I have heard of homemade recipes that I'd love to give a try since the ingredients are a lot less than what's in Tom's brand (a lot of the ingredients I'm not sure what they even are but I'm hoping they are safe to use!).
Here are the ingredients listed: propylene glycol, water, sodium stearate, organic Aloe barbadenis leaf juice, glyceryl laurate, natural fragrance, Humulus lupulu (hops) [CO2] extract, organic Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, ascorbic acid, organic Cymbopogan flexuosus oil
Diana says
Christy, the natural deodorant I make only has pure ingredients, most of which you can literally eat, and it works super well to control odor! Send me an email if you'd like a free sample. [email protected]
Maggie says
You readers are really helpful, so maybe you can lend me a hand as well. I'd love to go au naturale on my skin and hair, but I have three rather serious problems.
1) I have some serious scent allergies. Does any of this stuff come unscented? The more "artificial" the smell, the worse I am, but even some of the "natural" stuff at Earth Fare makes my eyes water.
2) I suffer from eczema. Does anyone have any specific recommendations for that? I've tried SO MANY things over the years, and still, I itch.
3) I have super-curly hair. I'm afraid my current shampoo and conditioner is making my head itchy, and I'd love to go paraben-free, but I need so much moisture it isn't funny. Any good go-to brands that either moisturize well or work on dry hair?
Thanks everyone!
Isabel says
Try MooGoo (http://www.moogoo.com.au/ or http://moogoousa.com/). I only use their products on my skin and my psoriasis is so much better (they have a special eczema and psoriasis cream). Their shampoo and conditioner is also fantastic; My hair is curly, super fine and dry as, and this stuff is just a charm. In fact I can't rave enough about all their products, I also love that they breakdown and explain the origin and reasons behind each of the ingredients that they use.
Amy says
Maggie--I was just diagnosed with an allergy to methylchloroisothiazolinone -- which is found in many beauty products, detergents, etc. You may look into that as a possible cause of your exzema--as that is the reaction to the allergen.
Sarah says
YOu should check out radiantly you. It is a line of chemical free, gluten, paraben, sls, free all natural products that are awesome! We have had many people use the products for eczema and love it! Check it out and email me if you have any questions! http://www.radiantlyyou.com/Sarah
Terri says
Dessert Essence Organics makes an unscented shampoo, conditioner and (I believe) moisturizer.
Frances says
I use apricot kernel oil as a face wash (massage in and wipe off with a hot damp washcloth) and then moisturize with the same oil. Some people mix the oil with castor oil for use as a cleanser but I've found I don't need it and the harvesting of castor oil exposes workers to neurotoxins (or so I've heard). I like to use coconut oil as body moisturizer in the summer and pure 100% shea butter as a moisturizer (love the shea butter!) in the winter. Have been using a deodorant stone which works great, but I'm not a fan of the aluminum in it - Going to look up the deodorant product you mentioned today! Thanks!
Diana says
Hi Frances, send me an email if you'd like a sample of the natural deodorant I make. I've started selling it locally, and everyone loves it. It works great. [email protected]
Katherine says
I use Nature's Gate shampoo and conditioner, and love it! They have varieties for all hair types but my favorite is their original (just called Herbal) which smells amazing. I have found it at both my local grocery store and most health food stores!
Christin says
I've been slowly switching over to healthier options this year too, but it's been hard. The skindeep database can be rather overwhelming and I have found that not all of the products are listed or up-to-date. And just because a product has a good rating doesn't mean it will work well. I have yet to find a mainstream make-up or product line that has all clean ratings that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and is readily available. Picking foundation colors or any makeup colors off of a website can be rather difficult.
As for sunscreens I've used California Baby from Target and last summer I purchased Sunology, think it was recommended on Food Babe's blog, and I feel like it rubs in the best out of all the ones I've tried.
Thanks for your post!
Stacey says
I LOVE Yes To. I have tried products from most of their different lines (carrots, blueberries, grapefruit, and cucumber). My husband hates their sunscreens (which is part of the Cucumber line), but I love them - the white ghost look is something we've learned to embrace. Insider tip - if you are a Yes To Carrots subscriber/member (which is free) you can get emails for sales/discount prices. And I don't know if they'll do it again next year, but this past year on Black Friday they had a $2 for 2 hours sale. For 2 hours everything was priced at $2.00. And when the site kind of crashed, they sent me a special coupon code to use to get the $2.00 price since I wasn't able to shop during the 2 hour timeframe. So you may be able to stock up!
Erin says
We use Ava Anderson nonToxic. The face powder is very similar to the Bare Mimerals but without the added hazards. Also Ava makes an awesome deodorant that works great.
Shelbye says
I use bare Minerals foundation and I have since I was about 15. For the past 10 years I have had less than 1 breakout a month and that number used to be MUCH higher.
shana says
My daughter and I use the Honest Company's shampoo and conditioner. We use the shampoo as a body wash as well. These products work great. I subscribe to their every 6 week bubdle, but recently saw the shampoo at Costco. I plan to try their sunscreen, which is zinc oxide based.
Amy says
Try Arbonne! They have a sunscreen but I've only sampled it. The lady I go through swears by it though for herself and her children. I also switched from Bare Minerals powder foundation to Arbonne's mineral make up and love it so much more. It's a bit pricey, and not available through stores (does that count as a double negative). I am happy to provide my rep's information (and she would love me for it) but I bet you know someone or can find a local rep to work with!
mswt says
I am currently using the Rocky Mountain Soap Company products. It is 100% all natural. The products are pricy but works really well for me as I have very sensitive, dry skin and excema I can't wait to try their other products, especially the shampoo & conditioner.
mswt says
I forgot to mention that this company is a Canadian company.
Sarah J says
Loooove coconut oil as an eye makeup remover! Two benefits I discovered: 1) No more need for eye cream! 2) the oil's anti-microbial benefits have helped prevent eye infections, at least for me! I used to get a stye or other infection at least once a year, but not since starting to remove my eye makeup with coconut oil.
Kim K says
I would be careful with the carrots as well. Our family too gave up sugar, flour, and non organic dairy per the advice of our chiropractor. Next came chemicals in our home. We use goodguide.com as our resource for checking everything out and carrots did not do as well as we had hoped. We use Kiss my Face for hair, tom's for a body soap, and dr. woods for face, and dessert essence for a moisturizer. I've switched to Sephora for most makeup. It really is disheartening when you being to read labels!
Lori C. says
I have been using Bare Minerals make up for the past 14 years and LOVE it! I always recommend it to friends too. Plus, I get so many compliments when I wear it too.
Sarina says
Sunscreen: BADGER brand, they have many varieties, including for children/babies. Wonderful stuff :)
Jessica(Guam) says
LOL!!! I was pleasantly surprised to see that your list of personal care products are so similar to what we've started using between reading Jessica Alba's book and Vani Hari's recommendation. From one of Miss Vani's blog posts, I tried the Giovanni brand hair care and it is fantastic!! It is a little pricey, but a little truly goes a long way, even those with long hair!! But, b/c the selection and availability here is not consistent, I also at times use a brand called RenPure that works well also. And, as far as makeup goes, after some research, and again what is available here, Physicians Formula has been pretty good, and I REALLY like their mascara!! And thanks so much for the comments on the primal pit paste b/c that has been one area I've struggled to find something for us that would keep us from getting all stinky!! ;)
Heather says
This aligns with my goal for 2014 - get more crunchy about my body care!
Shampoo & conditioner - Desert Essence. I have fine hair and find this detangles well and adds lots of body and shine. I've tried coconut and grape - raspberry is next!
Face wash & moisturizer - Derma E refining vitamin A line
Serum - Eminence Organics 8 greens youth serum (helps balance hormone impact on face)
Handwash - Method
Body oil - Desert Essence Desert Lime
I'm using E.L.F.'s mineral makeup.
Coconut oil for everything!
Still looking for a natural deo that works
Diana says
I make a natural deodorant that works really well. All my friends and friends of friends have started using it. I'll send you a free sample if you'd like to try it. Just email me at [email protected]
Jessica says
Have you tried L'bri? its skin care line that has shampoo too. no water, aloe based. they have make up. restores your skins pH balance. its nice stuff
virginia says
Be careful with Bare Minerals. While some of their products are great, many are still full of toxins. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/brand/Bareminerals/
Sarealia says
My family & I use all of the products you listed & we love them except one. I have not had good luck with Bare Minerals powder. I use Juice Beauty products. The mascara & eye liner are the only ones I have found that do not irritate my eyes. The powder goes on great- doesn't seem to make my skin feel heavy. The eye shadows are natural colors & the only complaint I have is that they do not offer but just a couple colors in eye shadows but they ones they have- I do love. I love the blushes & lip glosses also. Their moisturizer with sunblock I use as well- it does give me that white pale look. I have tried lots of different Natural Sunblock but haven't found that one that doesn't so I am anxious to see what others post. I tried several different types of natural Deoderant & Primal Pit Paste is the best!
Vanessa says
Also, everything Poofy Organics offers is rated 0-2 on EWG!!
Vanessa says
I followed the same path as you. I started using "natural" products that I got from Target and I also used Bareminerals make-up, until I found out that "natural" means absolutely nothing and Bareminerals wasn't nearly as safe and chemical free as I thought. A recommendation from a friend led me to Poofy Organics, and I fell in love! The products are truly safe, chemical free, usda certified organic, animal cruelty free, and truly work. Everything is handmade in small batches in the NJ facility. In an ideal world, it would be great if you could go to the store and but everything you need...but I don't mind paying a little more for shipping if it means I get safe, chemical free products!! If you spend so much time, energy, and money on eating an organic diet, doesn't it make sense to put safe, organic ingredients on the largest organ in your body? After all, whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body within 30 seconds. Poofy Organics all the way!!!!
Alicia says
Vanessa,
How do you know what color you should use from their foundation? Does it cover as well as BareMinerals?
Vanessa says
Honestly, I just picked one and went with it and it worked! The foundations are pretty translucent, so you have some wiggle room as far as matching perfectly. I have fair skin and use "Love." I know girls who use the really dark ones as bronzers. I think BareMinerals has more noticeable coverage whereas Poofy is more natural coverage. It was a change for me at first but after a few days it became my new normal and now I love it. This is coming from the girl who used to be ADDICTED to Sephora, and I've had no problem making the transition to Poofy makeup. :)
Rachel says
I love Dr. Bronner's! Have you tried Morrocan Method's line of hair products? Their shampoos and conditioners are great. Definitely pricy and exotic, but my hair has never been healthier. It took me a long time to find good natural makeup, but I now use a mix of different brands: Alima Pure's powder foundation and blush, RMS Beauty's "un-cover up", Real Purity's liquid foundation, and 100% Pure's fruit mascara. I also just discovered Acure Organic's ultra hydrating lotion, which is amazing. The sunscreen I used last summer was Nature's Gate Aqua Block … it worked for sure, but was very thick. I'm curious if anyone's found a better one!
Laura says
I just purchased Dr. Mercola's sunscreen and bug repellent. I am going to put it to the test while in Haiti. I'll update you upon my return.
Funrun says
California Baby sunscreen is pretty good but it's super expensive. I've compromised a bit and mostly use Aveeno Baby natural sunscreen now. It's listed as 3 on EWG but at least it's affordable
Kristen says
First off, I love your site and all your information. I am slowly but surely making my way to a full real food diet. I am fully convinced that it is better, it's just a challenge to cook every meal from scratch with a toddler and a baby. :) Anyway, I know that you said you are still working on it and finding your way with beauty products, but I want to challenge you to scrutinize ingredients in beauty products like you do with food. You said you switched to Bare Minerals. It may be better than what you used previously, but Bismuth Oxychloride is not an ingredient that you want in your make-up. While the rating might be low on skin deep, that doesn't mean that it is non-toxic or healthy. Just like in food, just because a product is "natural", it doesn't mean it is good for you. Plus, I prefer to support companies that have a mission to product good quality products in the first place, not ones that have products with toxicity ratings all over the place and change formulations based on consumer pressure to be more natural. Anyways, I know there is so much to go through, and it is hard to find good, non-toxic products that actually work. I am still working on the shampoo/conditioner, but for make-up, I really like Rejuva Minerals. It actually works and all products rate a 0-1 on EWG (not quite as good coverage as Bare Minerals, but good enough). For sunscreen, I like Honest Company for every day- goes on smooth and not as white as others and ThinkBaby for when I need thicker and more waterproof. Anyway, thanks for your post- I did get a few ideas to try, and I hope you will continue looking for better products :)
Debbie says
I used to use bare minerals but switched to mineral hygienics because it is so much better for your skin with very few ingredients. Application is just like bare minerals and it has great reviews.
Lacey says
Younique products is a new line of products that I love! They even have gluten free products:)
youniqueproducts.com/LaceyYeske
Kim says
The main ingredient in Bare Minerals is titanium dioxide which is a cancer concern when inhaled. Since the makeup fills the air when applied that is a major issue. Not the best alternative.
Andrea D. says
Arbonne is an excellent product line that is currently paraben-free. Their information is not up to date on Environmental Work Group. It was some political/financial reason I can't exactly remember, but the point is that they are not up to date. Their products work well. Good luck!
K (the Barking Baby Mama) says
The Badger KIDS sunblock rubs in better than the adults, and the tangerine vanilla smell is amazing! http://www.badgerbalm.com/p-504-spf-30-kids-sunscreen-lotion.aspx
But it looks like they had to do a recall, bummer!
Kim Hudson says
Have you ever shopped online at Vitacost.com? I buy a lot of my vitamins, almond butter, and soap through them. My favorite and my husbands favorite soap is Chandrika. All natural ayurvedic. Wakes you up in the morning. Also, FYI although I love Jessica Alba please tell me the article I read last week that she smokes is a lie!!??
Catherine says
I've found that http://www.allstarhealth.com/?cid=5ACE7CCD has had better prices on a lot of their stuff than Vitacost.com.
Kim Hudson says
Thanks Catherine...I've not shopped there before. Excited to check out their site.
Leah says
We've had good luck with Burnout Sunscreen. Soaks into my little girl and is a 1 or 2 on Skindeep (I can't remember)
Jessica says
Have you tried Giovanni hair products? They sell these at Earth Fare.
Jenny says
I love the YesTo products, too. I use Bare Minerals sparingly, but I don't think they're the safest. I just don't have time to find something better right now. I wear make-up very rarely. I LOVE Ava Anderson non-toxic for mascara, and their sunscreen is great. I also love California Baby sunscreen.
Kellee | FreeTime, Ltd. says
I make my own deodorant and it works great! Just coconut oil, arrowroot powder, corn starch, and a small amount of baking soda (plus some essential oil, if you want). Here's the recipe: http://www.freetimelimited.com/make-my-own-deodorant-check/ A number of my friends and family members have starting using it too, and we all swear by it.
I wash my face using the oil cleaning method, with a combo of avocado and castor oils. LOVE it. I get compliments on my skin all the time and (as a previous commenter mentioned), it can even work wonders for "problem" skin. It's also a fantastic makeup remover. Here's the recipe for that: http://www.freetimelimited.com/how-to-wash-your-face-with-oil-yes-oil-for-real/ About once a month, I'll wash my face with honey for a little extra spa-like experience. It's great too, but I find it dries out my skin if I do it too often.
I use straight coconut oil as a body moisturizer and a touch of olive or avocado oil as a facial moisturizer if I need it (but I don't usually need it, using the oil cleaning method). Coconut oil as a lip balm. Coconut oil as a mouth wash. Coconut oil as a... [insert just about ANY use here]. :)
I'm struggling to find a good sunscreen too. I use the white and pasty options for my kids (who don't seem to mind), but I'm still hunting for a good option for myself and wearing a lot of floppy sunhats in the meantime.