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!).
jaclyn says
I use Zija's GenM skin care line. completely natural and contains moringa oil. I use 100% pure for foundation and concealer and powder and mascara. I use the Honest company for body wash and body lotion for me and the kids. I use shea moisture for shampoo and conditioner. it seems to work better than the Aveda shampoo I was using before. I can't use tom's deodorant so I have been searching for others. I have the crystal stick that seems to work and I also have the deodorant cream from bella organics that I'm trying.
Frank M says
Switched over to that soap and like it - BUT - If you travel, be careful of Castile if you use Go Toob containers. I liked those for travel, found out hard way though something in that reacts to the soap and can cause the containers to leak. Luckily it's always in a zip loc bag. Plus don't know if anyone else, but my peppermint brand leaves a huge mess in the soap dish when using.
kandy pople says
We started using the Crystal Deodorant. Works well.
stephanie says
We use Sun Bum for sunscreen. It works awesome for our fair skinned family.
Mona Cameron-Ball says
I am loving all this discussion of skin care and makeup options! I've been making the switch too. The household cleaner switch has been easier. I'm using Molly's Suds for laundry and The Honest Company products for the dishwasher and really like them so far. Just be sure to check EVERY product in a companies offerings on EWG or a similar site. Don't just assume that because one products rates well, all the others will too. For example, The Honest Company's toothpaste does not rate as well as Tom's of Maine so we stayed with Tom's. For skin care, I use Avalon Organics CoQ10 Cleansing Milk and Kiss My Face Potent & pure moisturizer which both rate well on EWG. We use The Honest Company shower wash/shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and healing balm. I've been really struggling to find makeup though and there have been many good suggestions on this thread. I found Jane Iredale cosmetics locally and will be giving them a try. Thanks for getting this started, Lisa!
Catherine says
So about the BareMinerals.... I'm glad it works so well for you, but it contains an ingredient called bismuth that causes some people to get horrible cystic acne (not the little bumps... the BIG bumps that are extremely painful and take a week or two to go away and cause serious scarring, even if you don't pick them).
I should know. I'm one of those people. Upon quick search, there seem to be many others as well.
Becky J says
For bath soap, Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap is great and it has only 3 ingredients :)
https://www.kissmyface.com/product/pure-olive-bar-soap/
Brighid says
Badger Balm has some terrific lotions and balms. Their bug balm works well against black flies *if* it's not too bad and you can move some. If you're stuck in one place weeding and there's no breeze, it's not working for me.
Dr. Bonner's peppermint soap is the go-to soap my three guys (teens and hubby) who can get can really dirty on the weekends.
I also love RInse Bath & Body products made in Monroe, GA. I found them last winter and while all their products are not 100% natural, many of them are. Many others are very close. Their Skin Sticks (think solid lotion for your hands, etc.) are great to toss into your purse.
Casey says
I LOVE Toadstool's Shampoo from Etsy.com
They're all natural, handmade, the ingredients are all listed on the website and the owner Cheryl is very nice! The only problem is you can only get them online and the price is slightly high. But my hair loves the stuff and I love the ingredients, no sulfates, parabens, or silicones. The deep conditioning treatment is great too. I use it as a leave in.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/toadstoolsoaps
She also has lotions and soap but I haven't tried them. Etsy has a ton of shops selling handmade body products it's awesome!
Anna says
I did the same thing...we've been eating as clean as possible but then go and put toxins on our largest organ - our skin! In my search for safe shampoo and soap, I found Beautycounter and I am loving it. I love the mission of the company so much I signed up to sell it (and because the company is only a year old it has been a fantastic biz opportunity too which was unexpected, but awesome)! Check it out here: http://www.anna.beautycounter.com and if you have any thoughts, I'd love to hear them. There is a video on that page link that gives a really good overview. I'd also be happy to mail you some to try out!
Danielle Clouse says
I Love say yes to Carrots, and use their stuff for my kiddos too, including the foaming bodywash/shampoo combo and the bubble bath. I also use the Say to Carrots body wash! My other favorites are Ava Anderson!! I absolutely LOVE their hard surface cleaner and pretty much use it for everything around the house! http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/ They have a TON of great products so if you have any questions about them, let me know! My good friend April Krabill is awesome and she is a distributor!
Judy says
If you get the urge to try something new, check out White Sage Botanicals. She has a Facebook page, and website. It's a small business, and her products are organic, and amazing. We LOVE her shampoo bars, and also her artisan soaps. She also makes seasonal "fun" soaps your girls would probably enjoy. She has an Easter one right now that has little eggs in it! Katie also was recently in Charlotte for a show, and is participating in another one in the Southern Pines area April 26!
I only plug things I really like- we have sensitive skin, and her products have worked so well we are sharing with everyone! :)
Karen says
When making the switch to natural beauty products & cleaning products I decided to make my own to ensure they were natural and also not expensive. My homemade deodorant works better than "regular" ones with aluminum and its just equal parts coconut oil and baking soda. I really thought it wouldn't work but was shocked and now will wear it even on particularly stressful days! I sweat less now, too. You have to try it to believe me.
For shampoo, I mix equal parts coconut milk and liquid Dr. Bronners soap with a little vitamin E oil. When I used Pantene, I didn't need conditioner, but now I keep a bottle in my shower with a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar diluted in water and scented with essential oils and it works great to make my hair soft& I only need about a half ounce or so each time. As for lotions, Chapstick and cleaning products, I use recipes found on Wellnessmama.com--what a fabulous resource! Oh, and she has a recipe for chocolate (either use cocoa butter OR coconut oil with cooa powder, maple syrup or honey and vanilla extract) that I will be using for making chocolate Easter bunnies for my kids, too! It's unbelievable.
carrie sorenson says
https://www.daisybluenaturals.com
Courtenay says
I use Dr. Bronners in liquid form for my kids and it's great. Little Twig makes nice shampoos and conditioners I use on them. I try to find products that score well with EWG and are not too expensive. Kiss My Face has been my go to for my own shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and body lotion.
I've also searched and searched for sunscreen. California Baby is great and never causes reactions for me or my son, which chemical sunscreens have in the past. Badger was good too, but very difficult to wash off.
Michelle T says
BareMinerals is not all natural. You need to check each items ingredients listing as many of them still have butylene glycol, parabens, sodium laurel sulfate and EDTA! For any makeup, skincare or hair care products, you can visit ew.org and view that products safety/natural ratings in their database.
Mari says
Half Pint Minerals makes wonderful mineral makeup. Bare Minerals isn't as natural as they claim (lots of fillers!) and they're ridiculously expensive. Half Pint Minerals is inexpensive and it is a small company. Their website is http://halfpintminerals.info/
Acure Organics makes amazing shampoo, conditioner, bath products and lotions. http://acureorganics.com/
LUSH is not all natural. They have lots of synthetics and chemicals in their products. If you have sensitive skin, they itch like crazy. Burt's Bees used to be all natural before Unilever bought them. And for the gal who asked about The Body Shop, they're not all natural. Lots of synthetics and chemicals in their products. Same with Bath & Body Works.
Melissa says
I have been on a mission to find a natural shampoo and conditioner that i actually like and after quite a while I finally found one that I LOVE! It is Aubrey organics honey suckle rose. It make s my hair feel and look awesome!
Victoria says
I am a big fan of Burt's Bees products. A great like for babies and also for grown ups. My daughters have very sensitive skin and it's the only shampoo I have ever found that won't give them sever rashes on their little heads.
Dawn @ Reveal Natural Health says
I had been loyal to my Mary Kay products until I learned more about the ingredients. Once I use up my make up products, I will probably try Bare Minerals.
As for skin care, I love Releve by Emerald Essentials and THAT Skin Care. Releve (available through my website) is an all organic skin care line. THAT Skin Care (available on Amazon) is not organic, but is less expensive than Releve and doesn't contain harmful parabens.
I also like Nourish Organic Deodorant, available on Amazon.
laramealor.com says
Love all these product , I have not tried the soap but I will.
http://www.laramealor.com/woot-woot-wednesday-defrazzle-4-stress-busters-really-work/
Heather M says
Any thoughts on The Body Shop products? I have been using them recently and noticed a big difference but want to make sure they are as natural as the claim to be.
Leigh says
I like some of The Body Shop's products too, but it definitely pays to check the ingredients. When I looked at the body butters, some scents contained parabens while others didn't. I guess it's a matter of checking the ingredients on everything, as the advertised claims are often misleading (note: I shop at The Body Shop in Australia, but I'm sure a lot of the products are the same).
Diana says
Check out Coconut Clean natural bath products (www.coconutclean.com). They are all handmade one bottle at a time from the purest ingredients on the planet, and they come in the most delicious scents. I use the scented oil after my shower, and it leaves my skin super soft. Their lotion contains physical sunscreen and is very light, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a white residue. It's great as an everyday sunscreen.
For the pool or beach, I use Burn Out Kids. It has a lighter texture and rubs in much better than their regular one. I have tried almost everything out there, and I like this one the best so far.
For facial products, I've just recently found Abbey St. Clare, and I LOVE everything I've tried so far.
Meghan says
I really like Tom's of Maine, the Badger products, and the Yes To lines. I have also really enjoyed making some of my own skin care and health products. You can buy organic oils, soaps, etc online and make them exactly to the scents/ textures you like AND you know exactly whats in it. I started doing this because I found products saying "natural" but looking at the ingredients was NOT true (LUSH). Trader joes is also a great resource for mostly natural home health products.
Danielle says
I love Giavanni products, especially their bar soaps. They are more moisturizing than the castile soaps.
Christin says
Hi, I will recommend naturaljoybeauty.com, for make up, love Lauren Brookes Cosmetiques creme foundation for make up, because bare minerals still isn't the greatest. I used bare minerals before I went natural and switched to the creme foundation and love it. Then I use corn starch as my finishing powder. And I love bubbleandbee.com for deoderant, shampoo, lotions, face, love everything they have and NO BAD STUFF ever.
Keri says
My kids are allergic to so many things. The one brand of sunscreen that everyone can wear is Badger, which I buy at Sprouts. Badger makes a great natural sunscreen/bug repellant combo (essential here in TX) which I love.
Kris M says
For shampoo and conditioner I use "100% Pure" products. They are great, and have nothing nasty in them. For sunscreen, we use "The Honest Co" sunscreen. It goes on a little bit thicker, but it works well and doesn't rub off on our swim suites/clothes.
P Shapiro says
Bar soap is ok, but can get gooey. I save old foam pump soap bottles, fill them about a quarter full of doctor Bonners liquid soap, and add filtered water to the top. Inexpensive, and about a third the price of organic pump soaps.
Diana says
I do exactly the same thing! I also add a little bit of olive oil, which keeps the pump working and softens our hands, and our favorite essential oils. Every sink in the house has a bottle of my "homemade" hand soap, and I can change the scents just by adding different essential oils!
Mandy says
Have you tried the method of cleaning your hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar? It is something I have been looking into and am hesitant because it can take some time for your body to adjust (with some not so great hair days in between.). Your hair is supposed to be incredible once the switch is complete though! Here is a great resource: http://www.howtohairgirl.com/2013/10/shamphree-ph-scale-works/
M.A. Nord says
After trying dozens of products, my two favorite lines are 100 Percent Pure https://www.100percentpure.com and Nvey Eco line of cosmetics (available at Ulta). I LOVE all of the 100 Percent Pure skin care products - especially their anti-aging serums, moisturizers and lotions. Fantastic and just as the name says - 100% pure and clean. LOVE them. Nvey Eco liquid foundation and compact powder are the best I've found and again, very clean ingredients. Highly recommend both lines.
Madison says
I've been a reader of your blog for a while but havent made the switch the real... Anything! But I just went to a class tonight about essential oils that can be used as medicine and other things that are awesome. Do you use essential oils? The class was by doterra and it was very interesting! I bought some oils and I'll see how it goes!
Maja Fyfe says
Invisible Zinc sun protection products!! Their sunscreens are great but their tinted and makeup products are even better. Not sure if this is available over there. Its an Australian product I think.
am says
Desert Essence Shampoo and Conditioner (and baby products etc!) Quality ingredients and very affordable. I buy at Vitacost.com but I've seen at Sprouts, Whole Foods etc as well.
Brandy says
One word. LUSH. Love all of their products!!!! Love love love!!
Kristen says
I'm new to LUSH, but so far have loved everything as well!! Natural ingredients and all handmade, you can't beat that. I'm lucky I have a store close by but many of their products are available online as well. Everyone should check them out! :)
Michelle T says
Lush maybe freshly made but it is definitely NOT all natural! Here's the ingredient list from their skin jellies: = natural ingredients = safe synthetics
Glycerine , Water , Cherry Infusion (Prunus cerasus) , Sodium Laureth Sulfate , Coconut Infusion (Cocos nucifera) , Propylene Glycol , Carrageenan Extract (Chondrus crispus) , Fragrance , Bergamot Oil (Citrus bergamia) , Cassis Absolute (Ribes nigrum) , Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens) , *Limonene , *Linalool , Snowflake Lustre (Potassium Silicate & Titanium Dioxide) , FD&C Blue No. 1 , D&C Red No. 33 , Methylparaben , Propylparaben
They may call SLS, parabens, propylene glycol and artificial colors 'safe synthetics' but that's a lie.....
Kristen says
Interesting Michelle, I haven't used any skin jellies, like I said, I am new to LUSH. But my skin has reacted far better than the other big cosmetic brands and I have tried soooo many. I do like how they list ingredients and provide "their" research on them if you click the ingredient. I will definitely research further as I consider purchasing other products from them. Thanks!
Erin says
I use Youngevity products. They have a mineral makeup that is fabulous!! I also love their waterless Vitamin C -it's a great foundation for the mineral makeup, not to mention what it does for wrinkles. Youngevity has a very broad range of natural products that I LOVE! Vitamins, supplements, high quality essential oils and much much more!
Heidi says
Have you checked out the ingredients in the BareMinerals make up? It might be beneficial to look into the ingredients of BareMinerals and some of the other make-up brands being suggested. Are the products made by hand in small batches? Are they USDA certified organic? Fair trade?
If products are made by distributors then shipped to some warehouse just so the company can put their label on it, that is a red flag to me. If you cannot easily access the product ingredients without purchasing the product, that is a red flag as well.
I personally use and recommend Poofy Organics but most importantly I think we all need to educate ourselves on what is truly in some of these "natural" products.
Heather says
For sunscreen, coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4...I use it in place of chemical-laden sunscreen (unless we are at the ocean). I have not burned yet and I have very fair Irish skin.
Alysha says
I have made the switch to a lot of Jessica Alba's Honest Co. products as well! The shampoo, hand soap, laundry detergent, body oil and so much more have worked wonders for me! Her book, The Honest Life, is also a great resource for various makeup options! Plus, getting all your goods delivered right to your door doesn't hurt either :)
Maureen Martel says
From a Canadian follower, my favourite place to order natural make up is from a company called Raindance cosmetics. You can order from their website, raindancecosmetics.com. You can eat their products although I would not recommend that. Excellent mascara is the Real Purity mascara. I think it even follows your less than 5 ingredients rule. :)