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? :)
-
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!
-
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.
-
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!).
Isabel says
MooGoo all the way. I only use their products and they're amazing, I'll never go back. The only thing Natural I don't use on my skin is sunscreen (and even there I am careful), living in Australia I'd burn to a crisp if I didn't wear the chemical stuff.
ann says
Funny you mention Jessica Alba as I have switched to using many of her products from the Honest Company. Love the hair/body soap, conditioner, body lotion, etc. Most get a really low rating on EWG and Costco sells the hair/body soap at a really good price. The rest can be ordered through the website
Kristen Gonzalez says
I encourage you to check out Whispering Willow. They are based right here in NC and have an ever growing inventory of all natural, organic soaps, laundry detergents, candles, hair care, lotions, etc. Packaging is even made of recycled material. I've used many of their products and they are wonderful. Their lemongrass shea soap is my favorite! http://www.whisperingwillow.net
Julie says
I second the comment on Arbonne. I LOVE their products. They are all natural and vegan. They have a baby wash, lotion, and sunscreen that my whole family uses instead of the more expensive adult line if lotions. I did a test on their baby body lotion versus eucerin on a cracker. Within an hour, the cracker with Arbonne on it was soft. 24 hours after putting eucerin on the cracker, it was still hard! I also use their make up and facial care products which I love. The anti aging line has helped me repair my acne scars (the mask) and the serium has helped my skin feel so soft and soften a few fine lines I've started getting.
April says
I really like Jane Iredale mineral makeup. Much better than bare minerals who redo emulated a few years ago and now has a lot of fillers. Also have you tried vbeaute skincare? It's vegan, paraben and sulfate free, frangrance free, gluten free, and nut and pay free. I love it!!!
Nicole says
I LOVE Hugo Naturals products. They have body soap, shampoo, conditioner, baby products, etc. most products are 0 and 1 on ewg.
Kayla says
Alba sunscreen soaks in for me and vitacost.com is the best for natural products and cheap shipping!
Heather says
Nature's Gate Herbal Cleansing Daily Shampoo & Conditioner
Everyday Shea Lemon or Eucalyptus Bubble Bath or California Baby Calming
Everyday Shea Lavender Body Lotion
Kiss My Face Aloe Vera Anti-Cavity toothpaste
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Natural Sun Block (Kids)
Kiss My Face Olive Oil Bar Soap
I get most of these through vitacost.com or iherb.com
Green Shield Organic Laundry Detergent, free & clear (Costco carries this)
Green Shield Automatic Dishwasher Liquid Detergent
Krys says
My favorite sunscreen is Devita Solar Body Moisturizer. It's vegan, non-nano, zinc-oxide based formula that blends into my skin with very little effort. Plus it's full of lots of great ingredients that are good for your skin. They make a face moisturizer too, but the body one is a better deal and I've had no problems even with my ultra sensitive facial skin.
Tess Daniels says
Onesta Haircare products offers a full line of Haircare from shampoos and conditioners to gels and hairsprays. All natural, organic extracts, no synthetic fragrance and EU compliant. Available in salons.
Amy says
I like Dr. Mercola's natural sunscreen - it passes the ingredients test AND does not leave a thick white residue. I agree with another poster about bare minerals containing some negative ingredients - I switched to Aubrey Organics Silken Earth. It's very similar to bareMinerals. And it smells like cinnamon! :)
Deborah says
Vanicream sunscreen
Deborah says
Spreads easier than other "white" natural sunscreens
Randi says
Have you tried Arbonne? Arbonne is a safe, pure, beneficial health and wellness company. The products are all botanically-based, plant based, vegan, mineral oil free, and never tested on animals, and the list goes on and on. The products range from skin care to make up to nutrition such as protein powders and vitamins. I'd love to give you more info if you are interested.
Angel Radick says
I have been making the personal and household product switch for a while now. I use inly Dr. Bronners and have used Yes to Carrots but they changed their formula and I'm not a fan anymore. I had a hard time giving up my Estee Lauder and Mary Kay. But I found out about a new company, Younique. They are too new for EWG do I customized reports. Everything is naturally based, with no parabens, pthalates or talc. Most products are gluten free and/or vegan. For the first time in my life I bit the bullet and joined a direct sales company. Yes, it was that worth it to me. I'm not trying to sell you anything, but seriously...Check it out.
mel says
I can pit out a shirt better than a taxi driver on a hot summer day but meowmeow tweet's lavendar cream is the first thing I've found that seriously leaves me confidant confidant! I also love Suki Naturals for my face- they are a very special treat for me!
Jessica says
I love Suki also. Their products really helped my rosacea when everything else just made it worse!
Francoise says
I tried Yes to Carrots, but much prefer Yes to Blueberries for shampoo and conditioner. I find that my hair is softer with the Blueberries version - just don't rinse the conditioner completely out. My daughter and I have fine hair.
Kids' toothpaste - mine usually use Tom's Strawberry. They also like Nature's Gate cherry for kids. I could use suggestions for mouthwash = the kids haven't liked any of the chemical free/food coloring free options.
Thanks for all the posts - I need to update some other things.
Mindy says
Have you tried Cavity Zapper? My kid hates mint and I don't want anything with coloring added so it made our options limited. She likes this one though.
rebekah says
my favorite make up line is tarte - a good rating on ewg and really great, reliable product. the basic mascara is the best "safe" mascara i've tried, and they have lip tints that are wonderful, a decent bit of color and moisture in the same go.
i really want to try the primal pit paste, hate to use the ick on the shelves, thanks for the recommendation!
Mona Cameron-Ball says
Have you tried any of the Tarte foundations?
rebekah says
i haven't - i've heard great things, but i tend to stray away from foundation in general because my skin is SUPER sensitive and breaks out easily. sorry i can't give you a solid review, i do think tarte foundation is what i would turn to if i had a need for it for a special occasion or such.
Jill says
I have! I only use Tarte and Josie Maran makeup and love it all. I previously used BareMinerals until I realized it wasn't as natural as I thought :(
Frances says
Oh my goodness - Tarte has a good rating? Yay! (I'm new to all of this)
I just started using Tarte last year and have been dreading switching makeups as my chemical awareness has grown. I love Tarte!
I have struggled with breakouts for close to 15 years (perfect skin as a teen). I switched to oil cleansing about 1 1/2 years ago and that helped tremendously and began using tarte foundatin/powder about a year ago and let me say their makeup is amazing. I feel like my face actually does better when I'm using the makeup then when I'm not. I am almost 100% breakout free now. Also if you're sensitive to the perfumes in makeup/shampoo (I am) I've found the scent of tarte foundation/powder to be quite pleasant and not as "chemically" as many products.
One note: Tarte foundation is the "good stuff" -- i.e. its not going anywhere. I typically use the back of my hand as a palette and I have showered with soap and water without the makeup coming off. You will absolutely need some sort of makeup remover. I use apricot kernel oil as a remover and it works beautifully. Also - although it is pricey it lasts a long time - I'm easily going to make it a year on a single bottle (I don't use the pump though -- it dispenses too much)
Thanks for sharing Rebekah. You made my day.
Amber says
I used to use bareMinerals all the time. Then I realized that they had a lot of not so natural not so nice ingredients in them. Though I loved how my face looked, my face would often itch. It appears they have taken out some of the bad ingredients due to complaints such as parabens in the mineral veil. The original foundation which comes in the starter kit still has bismuth oxychloride in it, which is a skin irritant and causes itching. I don't think that it is a mineral, I think it's actually a metal which comes from tin or copper and is very cheap material. At any rate I'm not a fan, but I have replaced it with something that I love even more! I now use Inika mineral foundation. They sell truly natural, organic cosmetics and the quality is great! I buy from Birchbox.com because it is a little pricey from Inika's website. Just my two cents! Love your site!
Laura says
I would also recommend the Jason products on vitacost - the color treated shampoo and conditioner smells great and doesn't leave that sticky feel that some natural shampoos do!
Kelly says
I started using the honest company and nourish organics. I love that the whole family can use the honest company stuff. I have the primal pit orange cream deodorant and the stick. I get that wet feeling with this deodorant but I don't stink. It's a bummer cause I was so excited to find this organic deodorant. The honest company is by far my favorite. Nourish organics you can get some of it at target Also. Thanks for this post.
Brittany says
I love Yes to Carrots products! Their face wash is one of my favorites. I also love the Organix line of shampoos; the ingredients aren't "perfect" again (re natural products), but the shampoo and conditioners are seriously the best I've used and available at Walmart, Target, grocery stores. Right now I'm loving the Moroccan Argan Creme set and the Macademia Oil hair mask to treat myself :)
One caveat about bare minerals: I used them for several months and while I loved the makeup, it gave me some of the worst acne I've ever had. Cystic, itchy, ahhh!! A little research uncovered that my skin is too sensitive for the minerals in there. I also saw that "bismuth oxychloride" (one of the ingredients) can cause that kind of skin irritation. Me, sensitive skin? No surprises there! But just as a warning to others!
Jen says
I have been using Honest products for about a year and love everything about them. I came across Honest products when I was searching for a sunscreen that wasn't filled with chemicals and stumbled upon Honest. I signed up for their "bundles" and get deliveries every 6 weeks of different products. I have 2 girls and mostly get hair products, sunscreen, bath wash and even bubbles for the bathtub. I have also used their laundry detergent and multi-purpose spray and like those too. Give them a try! You won't be disappointed.
Kim Packard says
Kuddos to you for being willing to share even though you are still in the "figuring it out stage". There are a lot of great suggestions in the comments. Here are mine:
1) Make-up: I LOVE Jane Iredale foundation. It is the only foundation I've used that does not cause me to break out. It is a little expensive but I can usually go six months or more before I have to purchase again. I use the Pure Pressed Base and love it. Minimal mess and great coverage, especially when used with the hydration sprays and or Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer. Most of their products come score a 2 on EWG. I'd be interested to try Rejuva Minerals since they come in at a 0. It's a process.
2) We use essential oils for a lot of our personal and health care. I've heard good things about Primal Pit Paste and for an antiperspirant you might try adding a drop of Cypress oil to the paste before rubbing it in or applying it afterward. I haven't tried it myself so I'd be interested to hear how it works.
Happy shopping!
Emily says
I love Badger Balm sunscreens. They have lotions and creams available and the lotions are very lightweight and not at all greasy! The creams are thicker and sometimes leave a bit of white residue, so I generally use those for days when we are spending a really long time outside, but I really enjoy the lotions.
Shellie Maggio says
Hi, I was wondering if you have ever tried Poofy Organics. All the products are made in a USDA certified organic facility. we have over 200 TOXIC FREE products taht are 100% Gluten free and for the whole family or home. We make all our products by hand in small batches and do not source out!! Everything is rated 0-2 on the EWG's site. You also NEVER have to worry about hidden chemicals, or ingredients not listed bc we formulate and make it all right @ Poofy Organics in New Jersey :)
Lois says
With three VERY fair kids under 6, I have tried many sunscreens with top ratings on EWG. My favorite BY FAR is Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen Kids. We use it for the whole family as an all-over sunscreen. It is moisturizing but not too greasy or thick, does not stink, and does not make us look pasty or leave residue on clothes. Make sure you get the one in the BLUE bottle. Tried the pink one for face and the purple lavender scented one, neither even comes close. Trust me on this, you will not be disappointed!
Jennifer says
NYR Organics has some of the best products I've tried (yes, I am a consultant--I signed up because it was just too addicting). I also love Wen cleansing conditioner for shampoo (I use their kids line--it rinses much more easily).
Amanda says
As far as shampoos - I have recently been on the hunt for a shampoo.... Has anyone tried NaturOli? It is organic and free of ALL the bad chemicals, etc.
so I am leaning towards trying that soon. Anyone have any experience with this?
Diana says
I have used Naturoli shampoo, and it works pretty well. I would definitely give it a try. If you have never used soap nuts before in personal care products or for laundry, I highly recommend trying them. I have been using soap nuts from Naturoli for my laundry for over a year, and I will never use any kind of detergent again. They are so awesome! $30 worth of soap nuts will last you a year. They are literally a berry from a tree, so the ecological impact of using them instead of detergent is huge. Try them!
Heather says
I second the wide-brimmed hat for sun exposure. I am also quite fair. I live in Charleston, SC where I take long hikes outside. Pair the hat with lightweight, breathable long-sleeved blouse and similar slacks to provide complete sun- and bug-protection. No chemicals, no greasy or sticky feeling gunk, and no weird smells!
As for deodorant, I am unfamiliar with this pit paste. I have been using a natural deodorant Crystal for many years. Just moisten the stick and swipe on. I don't mind sweating but would use under pads if I needed to be on camera.
Karen says
I really like the Shea Moisture Shampoos and Conditioners. These can be found at Target, but don't be intimidated that they are in the "multi-ethnic" section! Some of the best products can be found there. I've also tried to "train" mr hair so that it only needs to be washed every 2-3 days.
Lisa says
Death by lavender is hand down the best natural deodorant. I love it!!
S.S says
I have been using The Honest Company for over a year for shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. and have been very happy with it. http://honest.com/accept_invitation/230939
Leila says
No need for sunscreen. Just wear a wide brimmed hat and cover up as much as possible.
There have been some studies that have shown that not only is sunscreen not necessarily effective, it can increase risks for cancer because of the chemicals in them.
I have a wide brimmed hat from Target that I wear out in the sun. I haven't gotten burned since I started wearing it.
Lisa says
Arbonne has such a phenomenal team of scientists to analyze all this junk science before it even becomes an issue. It should also confirm any doubts about why Arbonne hasn't and does not intend to join the EWG...seems that there may be an alternative agenda within that agency....when it is clear they do not evaluate studies for sound procedure practices and study design.
Dr. Steven Wang, is Director of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Basking Ridge, NJ. Dr. Wang and his team recently made news by publishing a commentary in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology on recent reports that sunscreens could be carcinogenic. He points out that the study cited in the EWG's sunscreen report was animal-based and that the mice used are "highly susceptible to develop skin cancer after UV exposure", with or without retinyl palmitate. Therefore it isn't surprising that they developed lesions. Additionally, the retinyl palmitate was analyzed by itself in test tubes, and not as it would behave on human skin, where it works in conjunction with other antioxidants. According to Dr. Wang, vitamin A derivatives have been used safely used in skincare problems for years with no problems."In conclusion", Dr. Wang says, "based on currently available data from in vitro, human, and animal studies, there is no convincing evidence to support the notion that retinyl palmitae in sunscreens is photocarcinogenic".
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/research-institute/sunscreen-safety-study
Ashley says
An added bonus is that all these products you mentioned are cruelty free (don't test on animals)!! something I have recently become passionate about. :)
Heidi says
I stopped using make-up at all because I hated the way it smelled and felt on my skin. About a month ago, I decided to give Bare Minerals a try. I LOVE IT! I was so excited to see it one your site. I've also been looking for a natural deodorant. My 9 year old already needs one and I've been very concerned about how toxic they can be. I'm going to try the Primal Pit Paste next.
Karla Shea says
Wondered if anyone has every used Enkido products (cleanser, mositurizers, etc.)? They are out of Austrailia and they come up with great scores on the EWG's Skin Deep website...I also found one of their local distributors in Ohio that carries their products, which cuts down on shipping charges...Any one ever tried this line?
Lisa says
Our favorite sunscreen of all the ones we tried is BabyGanics Sunscreen. BabyGanics has a whole line of products and they sell them at Target! They are in the baby section of the store.
Lee says
For sunscreen I really like Loving Naturals. They have a facial sunscreen that goes on pretty clear, I use this one all over.