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!).
Joyce says
Arbonne all the way!!! There is a safe sunscreen with SPF 30, one formulated for babies with SPF 30, AND a Self-Tanner with SPF 15. Tons of other products as well that are all pure, safe and beneficial!
Réa says
Personal care products are hugely important and I'm glad you're talking about this again. Wish you'd look at some of your local body-care folks too. Mood Indigo Soaps in Davidson has a great product line of soaps, butters, scrubs and more... smaller carbon foot print et al. http://www.moodindigosoaps.com or http://www.facebook.com/moodindigosoaps
Natasha d says
I also use Arbonne and really like the product. Although they claim that the product is much better for us, I'm a little skeptical. Has anyone really looked into it??
thanks!
Kathryn says
Autumn - I just started using the Diva Cup a couple of days ago, and I love it!! Wish I found it years ago!
For shampoo and conditioner, I love http://www.salonnaturalsonline.com/ Great ratings on the EWG.org website, and fantastic customer service if you have any questions. Can't get it at Target , but more reasonable than most, and once you decide the products you like, the 64 ozers are a great deal!
Michelle says
I use Hugo Naturals:
http://www.amazon.com/Hugo-Naturals-Volumizing-Shampoo-Vanilla/dp/B004L96O10/ref=pd_sim_bt_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1AKQFSQAKEF18D1GGPW7
You can find on amazon. Most of the scents rate a 1 on EWG, I just noticed coconut rates a 0 in the shampoo. I really like it when I consider price and availability. They have lots of other products too but I'd look each up on EWG to see what the rating is.
Ava Anderson checks on well on the non-toxic scale but dang its expensive! I've been meaning to try their make-up, namely eyeliner and mascara. Any feedback with those?
We also use Dr. Bronnors liquid, Baby mild. I put some oils in it and put in a foaming dispenser in our shower and use it as face wash and body soap and baby soap when needed. Also use as dish soap and for the floors. its so versatile and cheap when you mix with water (for the foaming dispenser) and buy by the gallon.
For cleaning counters, bathroom, kitchen, etc... I cut up used citrus peels and put in vinegar in a spray bottle. Use for anything I used to use bleach for and also add baking soda when I need to scrub. Works awesome and even has a bleaching effect when doing bathroom, porcelain sink, etc.
Tracy Stone says
No one has mentioned Annmarie Gianni skincare products. I found out about her from Kris Carr's site. Love the cleansing oil and the rosemary spray toner. She is also coming out with a sunscreen in the very near future.
Ree Mikkelsen says
Dr. Bronners products are wonderful. The liquid variety of the soaps are far less expensive than the bars and it literally takes a few drops to bath and wash your hair if so inclined. If your skin is on the dry side, the Almond is very moisturizing. On their website you can also purchase cream rinses and conditioners - I have not found these in the stores yet. Lavendar and Peppermint are my next favorites - Peppermint to wake up in the early morning shower and Lavendar to use in a nice relaxing bath at night. They also have a product called Sal Suds, not for body use but it cleans floors, tile, tub, washes dishes and clothes, the list goes on. A fairly large bottle is about $9.00 but if I try hard enough I can stretch it for a month.
Mollie says
I learned about Ava Anderson Non Toxic from Food Babe, too! She has so many great products that she has discovered! My plan was to make all of these non toxic products myself, but ....! I'd also recommend ACTIVE CHARCOAL to whiten teeth. It's messy but it works! Coconut oil is also great for oil pulling for your teeth, too. Thanks for your great resources and information! Remember to always check your labels- don't be deceived by the "greenwashing" companies! There are several of those mentioned here already. http://www.AvaAndersonNonToxic.com/MollieSmith
Autumn says
Oh and someone had asked about natural feminine hygiene products. The Diva cup is a great alternative and I pair it with cloth washable pads I had bought on etsy.
Sarah says
I use shampoo bars from chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com The ingredients are all natural, gmo free and organic. Dr. Bronner 's is my choice for body wash and hand soap. For hair conditioner I mix apple cider vinegar with water in a spray bottle, makes my hair shiny and smooth!
Autumn says
Real Purity (online) has very natural products, LOVE their deoderant and hairspray they have lots of makeup too and you can buy sample sizes first to try. Green Beaver kids spray sunscreen is great, also like their cilantro mint toothpaste. If it is hard to find in the US I think well.ca also ships for free to the US from Canada.
We use Dr. Bronner's baby mild liquid soap, just a couple squirts and fill the rest of the foamer bottle with distilled water (as we have very hard water here) for hand soap.
Azil Malan says
You know what's funny - I never thought to use coconut oil as a makeup remover, though I do use it as a moisturizer for both my face and my body. I tend to have greasy skin, so was concerned about using it on my face, but I LOVE IT. All natural, and performs as well as (or better) than any other natural moisturizer. Also, it has a natural SPF of 8 ... awesome for everyday use. I am not sure how it would perform when you spend a day in the sun, though. (I'm heading to Cancun in a couple of weeks and will try it out then...)
As for makeup, look into Arbonne. All natural, no parabens, no animal testing, and looks and smells great!
Michele says
Honeybee Naturals makes a nice line of mineral makeup. I love their foundation powder. We also like Dr. Woods castile soaps as an alternative to Dr. Bronners--less expensive and you don't get all the...interesting...philosophical stuff printed on the packaging. You can order both online at Vitacost or Amazon.
Here's my issue with the shampoos and conditioners--I've tried tons of "natural" shampoos and conditioners--Jason, Avalon Organics, Yes to Carrots, among others. They either dry my hair out or leave a weird coating on it. And they are expensive. I could maybe get over that if I thought they were better for me, chemicals-wise. But when I look them up on Skin Deep's database, they all get a 3 or a 4. My Tresemme which is way cheaper and leaves my hair silky and soft gets a 4. So I wonder if ANY shampoo and conditioner is really much better in the long run, unless you're going to do baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Might as well use the "non natural" salon stuff that works and is easier on the wallet.
Kristin says
I'm with you, I tried natural shampoo/conditioner from target and Whole Foods, besides being ridiculously expensive they didn't work as well as conventional brands. I decided to compromise and switched to tresemee naturals for my husband and I. Though my girls do use natural stuff. Burt's Bees baby shampoo, Earth's Best tangle taming shampoo and conditioner and detangling spray.
As for other personal care products, I like Tom's of Maine sensitive bar soap (bar soap is cheaper then body wash), my girls use Burt's Bee's bubble bath. I also use Burt's Bees radiance face wash and cranberry and pomegranate sugar scrub. Earth Science (whole foods) makes a great almond aloe facial moisturizer, gentle face scrub and eye make up remover. Skin by Ann Webb makes an eye (and lip balm)that lasts FOREVER, my whole foods stopped carrying it, but I found it online. I use whole food's brand organic vanilla honey lip balm. For Toothpaste, my husband and I use Burt's Bee's multi-care and my girls use kiss my face kids toothpaste (both brands are sodium laurel sulphate free :). I try to avoid animal testing and scents as much as possible.
As for sunscreen, I can't seem to find a natural one that actually works and is affordable for a family of five to use at the rate recommended by dermatologists. Currently I buy a brand that is rated better then some by EWG but still not perfect, and try to have my kids avoid peak sun times, cover up with hats, clothing, so we can use sunscreen less often.
Heather says
We use TruKids sunscreen and I use the Suntegrity 5 in 1 tinted moisturizer. Love both products!
Anita says
For the Yes To products, subscribe to their email list - sometimes things are cheaper there and around Christmas last year they did a special for people on their list where you could buy full sized items for $2 each - it was amazing, I have a stockpile to last me quite a while - I especially use their Blueberry line face care.
Dawn says
As far as sunscreens go, I'm feel the same as you. For my daughter, I've always used California Baby brand and she has never had a sunburn! I trust that brand for her as she has extremely sensitive skin and gets eczema from time to time. I'm sure it would work on me as well, but I also wear dark colored bathing suits and I'm not sure that the white streaks would look very appealing on a black suit!! I actually prefer the spray on sunscreens but unfortunately none of them are very good for you :-/
Teresa says
Everything seems to have coconut and nuts in them. Allergies are a problem in my house so its hard to find products
Leslie says
Natural Happiness Skincare is a great place to order natural products including deodorant and sunscreen. Tracy, the owner, also has killer lip balms, body butters, and foot treatment for dry heals. Give her a try and I hope you like it as much as we have. Thank you for your insight into natural products because we also have made the switch to clean eating and slowly working our way to natural products in our home as well.
michelle murray says
honestly, I make my own deodorant and my own lip balm, I use baking soda for shampoo, I make my own bar and liquid soap, I make my own liquid dish soap. There are only a few cleaning agents that I buy, such as the laundry detergent for our cloth diapers.
Ree Mikkelsen says
Good for you Michelle! Try Dr. Bronners Sal Suds for laundry or make your own with Baking Soda - Borax - and some dried Herbs for a little scent. We should ALL be following your example and it makes my heart sing to know there are many of us out there who have just stopped buying into the chemical madness of modern life!
Gabrielle says
Could you give the amount of baking soda and borax? I tried a recipe awhile back, but it was not enough to get the clothes clean. I have been using them with a greatly reduced amount of regular detergent, but would like to get away from the detergent completely. I don't mind the lack of fragrance, but I can't go the smell of rancid body oil or ground in dirt that doesn't come out. Thanks!
Ree says
I fill a large glass jar with one full box of Borax and add a 16 oz box of baking soda. I sometimes purchase Arm & Hammer laundry boost, it is in a yellow box and add half of it. I do find that if clothes are really dirty, I will let them soak for 30 minutes before turning the washer back on to finish the wash cycle. Sometimes I add a 1/4 cup of dried lavender blooms - makes it smell nice. Dr. Bronners "Sal Suds" is great for clothes as well, they are really clean and do not have any smell - just clean. I little bit of that stuff goes a long long way.
Anne says
Have you heard of/tried Frontier Natural Products Co-op? You can start a buying club with their wholesale side, and get organic/natural products for much less than retail. They have many favorite brands (Burt's Bees, Dr. Bronner, etc), plus they also sell bulk teas, spices, baking ingredients, etc etc. I started a buying club in my area almost two years ago. It's not a large buying club (about 10-12 people), but even with our small orders, I've managed to earn dividends and stock in the company! This month, I got my annual dividend check, and it was almost $200.00! Yay! I get money back for buying natural products at wholesale prices!! :-)
Samantha says
Unfortunately Bare Minerals is owned by Shisheido, a company that tests on animals. And worse, Bare Minerals itself has decided to go into China, where animal testing is REQUIRED. So they can claim to be cruelty free but of you look at the fine print, they say "except when required." Big loophole. I love their products but hate to give my money to animal testing. Tarte cosmetics is a truly cruelty-free alternative - I just tried their blush and eyeshadow (I ran out of. BM) and they are lovely.
Delores says
I love Tarte as well!
Penny says
We use bronners in liquid form for EVERYTHING. mix with a little baking soda makes a great dish soap for sink washing and also as shampoo. Mix with a few drops of oil (like coconut or grapeseed) makes a nice body wash, face wash or shaving lotion. We've used the peppermint for toothpaste too.
As for sunscreen, I've been more concerned with ingredients than what it looks like, and Im already pretty pasty, so I can't really answer that part, but we love Ava Anderson Non toxic. It's the cleanest I've found. For cosmetics, try 100 percent pure (haircare, makeup, etc) and everyday minerals. (makeup) Very clean and reasonable prices.
katie says
Try the Coola spray sunscreen. Recommended by EWG. I love the citrus mimosa scent. Goes on really well for a spray, easy to rub in and no mess/white stuff.
Darcy B says
We use Honest Company body wash (it was too harsh on my hair) and I recently started started using DermOrganics shampoo & hair masque. So far I like it. Last summer we used BabayGanics sunscreen & face stick (I have a 2 & 4 yr old). It worked well & is available at Target, buy buy baby & even my local grocery store. It does take some effort to run in completely & not have any white showing. Btw I love the EWG app!
Carol says
I love Seven Willows Soaps, Soys and Stationeries products but I am biased as it is my company!! Nonetheless, our natural milk soaps are awesome.
Mel says
I have been searching for a better alternative to 'brand name' feminine-care products at several health food stores and have been unsuccessful. Does anyone have a suggestion to a brand that may be online? Thanks
Lita says
There are some good options with menstrual cups....
http://www.menstrualcups.org/
Mel says
Thanks! I'll look into that.
Sarah says
I love party in my pants washable pads (funny name, but nice product). You get them on their website.
Mel says
Thank you! You are right. Funny name but definitely a better alternative to what's available for the mainstream market!
Kristina says
I like LUSH products. Any comments ?
Katy says
Kristina, unfortunately Lush is a company that deceives with what their brand stands for (it's homemade with little packaging!). When I looked at their catalog, I was appalled to find almost NONE of their products have all natural ingredients. Actually, most of the bath bombs have artificial dyes and fragrance, and only one of their fragrances at the time didn't have any synthetic fragrance. Almost everything has parabens too. Be careful with all the companies until you check ingredients. :/
Sue @ When Did It Get So Complicated says
I love Pangea Organics. They have been around for 12+ years in Whole Foods, but recently went off the shelves to direct sales.
http://whendiditgetsocomplicated.wordpress.com/
They have won numerous awards for best natural products, best eco-packaging and most environmentally and socially conscious business practices.
https://www.pangeaorganics.com/
The best overall mission I have seen for any non-toxic personal care products.
Contact me for more information: susan.m.macomber (at) gmail (dot) com
Kinga says
I used Pangea couple of times and yes, it's nice but too expensive. So... back to coconut oil.
Sue @ When Did It Get So Complicated says
Well, I think 'expensive' is relative. I have used coconut oil in the past and it just doesn't give me the results that Pangea does. Additionally, one of the most common feedback comments I get from people is how a little goes a long way and that Pangea products last much longer than other products. They are also very competitively priced with other products of similar effectiveness and quality, but they have the added bonus of organic, fair trade and eco-packaging. I understand though that it is not in everyone's budget. I personally have made natural skin care a priority and have given up cable, my car and my smart phone instead. Thanks for the comment!
Jennifer says
Thanks for posting this, Lisa. Have you guys tried the Jessica Alba products from her company; The Honest Company. I keep running across her products in online advertisements and at Costco, and I wondered if you had tried them or vetted them.
Thanks,
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jennifer. I use their body wash/shampoo and really like it. You can find more info here: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/brand/The_Honest_Company/. ~Amy
Carley says
Try Mineral Hygienics for all natural make-up. It doesn't contain bismuth and the foundation has only four ingredients. I switch from Bare Minerals and like Mineral Hygienics much better.
Steph says
I love J.R. Watkins lotion and shampoo and conditioner. Unfortunately the shampoo and conditioner are limited edition in one scent so I don't know if they will have any after it is gone. I also like Avalon Organics unscented aloe hand and body lotion (it's not 100% natural, but very close). We use Burt's Bess lip balm but it has soy in it and our son is allergic to soy so we need to find a different brand. Finding all natural/organic bath products is rather difficult for us because of our sons allergies to Peanuts, tree nuts, soy. So far J.R. Watkins seems to be the best for us but for him we found the brand Little Twig.
Leslie says
I do like Dr. Bonners soap, it just dries out my skin. I use the liquid, 1/2 Bonners, 1/2 water to spray on my plants to get rid of aphids and white flies. It might take a couple times of spraying, but works great. Better than pesticides!
Sharon says
There is another fantastic company based out of New Mexico that makes great natural products--including SUNSCREEN. They are the Super Salve company (supersalve.com). Their sunscreen has no preservatives (it should be stored in the refrigerator), smells great, and it works! It should be applied frequently, especially after water play. Check out http://supersalve.com/creams.html#sierramadresuncream (active ingredients are zinc oxide and avobenzone; I don't think you're going to get the "perfect" sunscreen).
This company also makes great make-up and other skin care products. The bug spray works pretty good and is safe (we keep it in the refrigerator also).
Sarah says
I totally eliminated all lotions from my beauty routines with a single container of refined organic coconut oil. It's perfect on the body for this long (never ending) winter and I even use it on my face. I swear my skin has never looked better. For my face, I wash with just HOT water and a washcloth/face flannel (no soap) and then use coconut oil.
Kate says
Does anyone have any favorite natural body spray? I love perfume but its full of toxins and I'm looking for a good alternative. Thanks!!
Tracy Stone says
Check out BlueMoonElise.com. She's in the mountains of North Carolina and makes her own stuff because of her own health scare years ago.
Lonny says
Sweet Sweat organic homemade deodorant works for me. Can find it at Lassen's
Silvia says
I've been using "natural" deoderant for years and Tom's of Maine has a nice one with no aluminum. Be careful, not all of Tom's of Maine is aluminum-free. You have to read the labels. Salt crystals work even better than T of M, but they are harder to find in pharmacies and grocery stores; you have to make a special trip to a "natural" store, which in my case is out of the way. However, salt crystals hold out even during an aerobics class. You roll it on like any other deoderant stick.
Kate says
Hey has anybody tried an Aveda products? I've heard that all their products are natural and make from plant based materials. I recently started going to an Aveda salon but have never tried their products. I also like the Yes to Carrots line- their lotion especially!
Marcy says
Sometimes the Yes to Carrots line is available at Ross Dress for Less- much cheaper than Target!
garima says
Hi! I am looking for a good lipstick, which is lead free too. Would you have any recommendations? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Garima. Use the EWG's Skin Deep data base: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. They have a comprehensive list of the best and worst offenders. :) ~Amy