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!).
Maureen says
You do know that you can make your own deodorant, right?! Super easy and only 4 ingredients?! Coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch and whichever essential oils you prefer! No need to buy another product from a website...
Jennifer Boom says
I also bought an Eye Makeup Remover from the store until I read the label, "CAUTION: Do not use near eyes!!" Seriously!? That's when I made the switch to my Norwex Body Cloth. I can remove all of my makeup with just water and the cloth, which saves me tons of money!!
Mandi says
This sunscreen is the best Alba kids. It comes in a spray pump, but you still have to rub it on (haven't found a non-toxic one that is as easy as the easy toxic spray). Works really well for our pale skined family. It is thinner and rubs nice into the skin. Not at all chunky, but I apply often if playing in the water. I use the Trader Joe (I am sure it's not the best) stuff if we are playing in the water for extended hours.
http://www.amazon.com/Alba-Botanica-Sunscreen-Spray-Ounce/dp/B00776CLLG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1396407057&sr=8-4&keywords=alba+sunscreen
Jennifer Brown says
Help! I need a suggestion for a natural makeup that does not have metals. I'm 33 and have always had breakouts. I just found out through an allergy test I am allergic to metal and the Bare Minerals I am using has titanium dioxide. I hope by finding one without metals, that my skin will improve:)
Ginger says
Check out Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques. Their crème foundation is amazing. I also really like their powder foundation. I use the creme with a little powder and it works great!
Sara says
I also have allergy problems with Bare Minerals & other mineral makeup. I think it's from the mica since I've also had reactions from eye shadows with mica in it. I started using Origins a few years ago and absolutely love it. If you have an Origins store or Macy's nearby they will give you a free facial to try out products and find out what works best for you. I have pretty sensitive skin and have never had an issue with Origins products.
Lay Lay says
Check out Rejuva Minerals! It's the only Powder I can wear and love. Mica free as well as dioxide free.. If u feel it's too dry, spritz a facial mist over your face or brush before u blend :)
Janet says
Our daughter led us to "100 Days of Real Food" and you have truly changed our eating and buying habits...even though we're in our late 60's/early 70's. The book, "Coconut Oil for Beginners...Rockridge Press", (Page 68) states that "Pacific Islanders have beautiful, bronze skin without cancer...due in large part to their use of coconuts both internally and topically. Coconut oil is shown to protect you from damaging UVA and UVB rays by blocking up to 70 percent of those rays from ever touching your skin". I now use only coconut oil on my face and body in place of over-the-counter lotions. Thank you for your informative blogs and recipes!
Lisa says
Regarding the Yes To Carrots shampoo and conditioner, have your kids complained that it stings their eyes? Mine still aren't great at keeping their eyes closed when they wash their hair. Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lisa. I would avoid the eyes. My boys, who are old enough to keep soap out of their eyes, still aren't great at it and complain that it is a little irritating. ~Amy
Rachel says
I've done lots of experimenting with these things...
Primal pit paste is probably the best "natural" deodorant I tried...but the absolute best and by far the cheapest - just smear on a little coconut oil, and add a dusting of baking soda (use an old powder brush). Super simple and crazy cheap.
For hair - soap nuts work amazingly well, are all natural, and again, super cheap (buy in quantity from Naturoli). The only problem is that most of the recipes out there are way too mild. I boil 40 nuts in 2 cups of water, let it soak and cool, put it through the blender along with chunks of a lemon (so it stays good longer), let it sit a day or two to let the foam settle, strain out the chunks (and compost!), and you have a funny brown liquid that does a great job of cleaning your hair. Just keep it in the fridge, and use a little on your hair for washing. No other hair products (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) needed. The only hard part is letting go of the need for lather.
For face & skin - a makeup removal cloth and body cloth (microfiber) from Norwex do a fabulous job with just water. My skin is so much happier, and no soap required (and I smell great!).
Teeth - plain old baking soda, or just water does as well or better than toothpaste. Add in oil pulling and you'll be better off than with toothpaste (and again, super cheap).
No need to buy lots of expensive products, with a little investigation and some trial and error, you can find simple solutions that are also much less expensive.
Tricia says
My family has also struggled finding a sunscreen that isn't harmful but doesn't leave white paste on you. Last summer we tried Blue Lizard and absolutely love it! Another plus is you can find it at regular retail stores and it's not quite as expensive as some of the others. Think we got ours on sale at CVS last year.
Anuja says
Any idea/comments on Aveda products? They claim to be 90% natural!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. Use the EWG's database to see how they rate: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. ~Amy
sarah says
I haven't tried it myself, but I recently came across this sunscreen recommendation. Apparently it's pretty new
http://grainsandmore.com/2014/03/sunscreen-thats-uv-protective/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+miradessy+%28grains%26more%29
Lisa Schwarz says
My family uses "Blue Lizard" Australian sunscreen. Even though it has a high percentage of zinc oxide, it rubs in really well without the pasty white look! I buy it at Drugstore.com. Here's info from the company's website: http://www.bluelizard.net/about.php?dept=bl&line=Sunscreen&cart=0&items=0&return=bl
Susan says
I use African Black soap and Everyday Shea lotion (even on my face!) I love both of them. I get the soap on Amazon and the lotion at Whole Foods.
Wendy says
Arbonne is my favorite. I was nervous about switching deodorant, but both my husband and I love it! Aluminum free, the way to be. ;) Arbonne is petroleum-free, paraben-free, plant based. Their makeup is amazing, and conclaer is the best I've ever used. Just a heads up, the EWG is a pay to play site. Companies pay to get them to endorse their products, and EWG does not verify the products contains the ingredients listed on the label or police products in any way. Arbonne follows European standards, which ban over 1,000 chemicals.
Ecomaven says
Why do you think that EWG is a "pay to play" site? I think they are very reputable and wonder where you are getting that information.
rachel @ lou lou belle says
Agreed! I love their deodorant too! And while pricey up front, it has lasted me months!
Kim says
The Dr. Bronner soap, do you use that as a facial soap or just body?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kim. I've used Dr. Bronner's for years; both the bar soap and the liquid. How you use it is up to you. This might help: http://lisa.drbronner.com/?p=675. ~Amy
Maggie says
We grate our Dr. Bronner's and use it for laundry detergent (mixed with washing soda and borax). It smells so good, cleans great and we love not wearing the toxins that are in regular laundry detergent.
Rhonda Hill says
BTW, has anyone had any luck with a line of hair products like gel or hair spray that is actually not toxic?? I can't figure that one out!
Maggie says
Garnier Fructis has come out with a new "pure clean" line. I really like the hair gel and styling paste. You can look it up on Amazon but I've bought it a regular stores.
rachel @ lou lou belle says
Arbonne has a pure, clean, non toxic mousse now!!! It works great! And while the bottle is small, it has lasted me a long time, months!
http://www.arbonne.com/products/PureVibrance/mousse.asp
Riley says
Arbonne also has hairspray and a great hair serum now!
Rhonda Hill says
I just started being aware and am on the search for all the same kinds of natural and safe products! I must say, I KNOW for a fact that L'Bri Pure and Natural products for personal care and make-up are truly the safest ones I know of! I used to sell their products, still use them and they are amazing! Also, Young Living Essential oils has become a life saver for me for other options that L'Bri didn't carry and they have a lot of safe personal care items down to toothpaste, which btw, has horrible toxins in it as well! So, L'Bri and Young Living! And, I'm also finding tons of recipes for making my own shampoo, conditioner, lotions, lip balms, and salves, as well as bug repellant that you can make using all natural ingredients as well as adding a few amazing essential oils for added benefit and fragrance! :)
Rachel says
Dr Bronner (liquid) - love the lavender (use the most), rose, almond, and I use the peppermint all summer. It's such a throwback, been using it for 20 years haha!! I now use the baby Bronner on my toddler for body wash or shampoo. Works great.
Earthpaste toothpaste - love the cinnamon and wintergreen. I give the lemon to my little one to use. He loves it. Was so disgusted with the ingredients in all of the other "natural" baby/toddler toothpastes out there, including Tom's (carageenan among others). Bad ingredients.
Tarte cosmetics - I don't use and buy much makeup and never have really. But I use Tarte (mascara and a bit of bronzer) and love it. Luckily I have good, healthy skin with an even tone, and fortunately look younger than my 46 years : ). Keep it moisturized for a nice glow. I haven't checked EWG for the face cleanser and moisturizer line (Dermalogica) that I've been using for over 10 years, probably because I'm scared to be disappointed and like how it works for me. I hope it's not bad.... I thought it was natural, plant-based, cruelty free etc...
Pit Paste - loved loved loved it for a while. The best and safest I have tried so far (hate Tom's). Not sure it's working for me now, or maybe my chemistry has changed? Thinking about trying Bubble & Bee ... anyone have a preference?
Hair - not satisfied with any natural shampoo and conditioner yet, but use them anyway (and not particularly loyal to 1) because I don't want a product with the nasties. Will try some of the suggestions in the comments. Thanks! In the meantime, using WF 365 Premium Body Care line (the lavender).
Jen E says
I LOVE Bare Minerals!! Used them for years! I think I may have to try out the Primal Pit Paste.
Jane says
The cheapest price we have found for Dr. Bronner's is from Bed Bath and Beyond with one of their 20% off coupons. I don't shop there on a regular basis but I will go out of my way when I need my Dr. B! You can also add purified water to thin it out at a one to one ration without sacrificing quality.
Stephanie says
A few products that I love:
Poofy Organics has a great shaving gel, bar soap, and deodorant that really works!
Also, John Masters lavender and rosemary shampoo.
Christie Zumm says
I use Coconut Oil not just to remove make up but to wash my face with. I was a total skeptic at first, as I am prone to breakouts and have red, dry cheeks almost bordering on rosecia. I have now been washing my face and using it as my moisturizer for 3 months and cannot believe the difference. My skin isn't oily (totally thought it would be) and looks and feels so much better than it did! My makeup no longer looks like it's just laying on top of my shin, it looks smooth and like it's a part of my skin (yes, I dried my skin out that much trying to calm the breakouts and redness). No breakouts either. I hear it's great for hair too, but I'm still a skeptic about that =)
Shannon says
I am like you and even though I am 40, I still have breakouts and red cheeks. I thought a facial would help but it just inflamed my skin worse. What brand, or does it matter, of Coconut Oil do you use? Do you feel your skin get really clean after having makeup on all day?
Kerrie says
AMBRE BLENDS!!!! Awesome products. The natural deodorant is incredible. :)
Stephanie says
So I just thought I would throw this out there really quickly that you might want to check out Norwex, it is a cleaning system that is incredible. It only uses water and the silver cleaning clothes which our antibacterial. We have kids with food allergies and it eliminates the proteins in foods also making it easy to clean and be safe for kids with food allergies. And since you use only water it is environmentally friendly, safe for kids, easy to use and has made my cleaning routine possible to get done in one nap (my entire house) for my kids which is huge for me being a working mom of a small buiness that I run.
Hope you love it as much as I do!
Kristen says
I agree 100% on the Norwex recommendation! I was reading along thinking, why is everyone still using x,y,z when all you need is a cloth and water. I've kept the travel cloths in the car as wipes for a few years. Their products have really cut down on our disposable products (paper towels, wipes) cost. Even though I know they self-sanitize I still color code my cloths (blue for bathrooms, yellow and pink for kitchen.) They have skin care products too, but I haven't tried them.
Kelly says
I have to say, first, I am just beginning this journey and I LOVE this blog! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I took a bit of an unconventional route to "getting real" and started working on my personal care and household products before my food (though I'm well started on my food journey now, too!). I started with Healthy Home/Mommy's Club products. It is an awesome line of toxic free, non-GMO, cruelty free, organic personal care and household products. I've replaced all of my cleaning products with Mommy's Club (along with essential oils, and good ol vinegar and baking soda), and our personal care products as well for about two months now. All four members of my family have more energy, sleep better, and feel generally better all around. Mommy's Club is also partnering with Living Nature to offer their all natural, toxic free makeup line- live in 2 days- which I am super excited to start using and have heard great things about! Thank you again, for this amazing wealth of information :)
Sara says
I love real purity for all makeup. Love the mascara, eye shadows,blushes and they have a great eye makeup remover.
Sunblock I just started using coola which I found for good $$ on Amazon but ultra started carrying.
Can't use bare essentials because of the bismuth.
I have been using bonner's lavender soap for years you can get at bed bath and beyond with $5 off coupon for good deal.
Never could find decent deo and will try the paste you listed.
terri says
Please watch the ingredients in some Bare Minerals products. For details (and ingredients to avoid) see the above website. Ava Anderson Non Toxic offers safe, reliable non toxic product alternatives at very reasonable prices!
Trish Heinrich says
I'm kinda surprised no one mentioned Lush. They are usually small boutique type shops in the mall. All their products are natural, and environmentally responsible ( for instanc they don't use palm oil in any of their products due to the destruction of forrests and endangerment of species) they can be a little pricy, but their products last and make my skin feel amazing! They have shampoo bars that I'm dying to try and face masks that are made from good every day fresh; they are so preservative free they have to be kept refrigerated. Any way, I highly recommend them and you can also buy online at Lush.com
Renee V. says
I thank you for these valuable "tried and true" recommendations! I would LOVE to hear your ideas on sunscreen safety. I started doing research on it and was befuddled with some reports that it's better to go without? That perhaps sunscreen put on our skin is actually causing skin cancer, not the other way around? Would LOVE to hear YOUR thoughts!! Thanks Lisa, I love your blog and am constantly steering peeps to it! Take care!
Becky J says
Hmm, never hear that. Can you share some resources so I can check into that? Thanks!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Renee. This might help. Food Babe has a good post on sunscreen: http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/05/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-ever-buy-sunscreen-again/. ~Amy
Alex says
Hi Lisa and team! Love your blog. If you haven't heard of the Honest Company (Jessica Alba's company committed to providing products that are safe and sustainable) yet, you may consider trying their sunscreen and other products. The products are really affordable, especially if you order the bundles!
https://www.honest.com/
Janis says
I absolutely LOVE Acure Organics moroccan argan oil + argan stem cell shampoo & conditioner. URL: http://www.acureorganics.com/
Kelli says
I agree on all fronts, although I've always considered "natural"-ish... but that mostly pertained to food. I just never noticed how many chemicals where in some of the beauty products I used. My all-time favorites that I've been using for years are as follows:
Facial Bar Soap: Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap
Body Bar Soap: Kiss My Face with Lavendar
Makeup: Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation and Brightening Concealer
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer (pricey, but lasts FOREVER)
Eye Makeup Remover: Jason's Quick Clean Makeup Remover Pads
**Your eyelashes will thank you for this one!)
Shampoo: Dessert Essence Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner
Deodorant: Primal Pit Paste Lavendar :)
I think all of these were magical and you are so right about going back to your old brands after using these, it's CRAZY! Makeup truly stinks, other shampoos make my hair feel so heavy and oily, other soaps leave a yucky film on my face and body and as far as deodorant goes, that one I had to get used to :) LOL!
Sarah H. says
I prefer to make my own beauty products when I can. Even a "natural" company is subject to change their products without notice. I don't have time to look everything up in the database every time I replace a bottle. I just wrote a post about using olive oil in place of a few beauty products. I figure if it's good enough to go into my body it's ok to go onto my body. Check it out: http://odetomrskatzcohn.blogspot.com/2014/03/bonus-post-olive-oil-food-or-beauty.html
Very interesting, Lisa! It's great you're starting your kids on more natural products early. I cringe when I think back to the "kids" bodywash and shampoo we used to use. Why I thought it was ok to pour something bright red on my children's heads is beyond me now! Yuk!!
Sarah
Michelle Belair says
Hi Lisa -- Just after I read your post today, I read one from a blog called Tales From a Mountain Mama, and they recommend a brand of sun care products called Beyond Coastal. Perhaps worth checking out?
Dana says
I love the Dr Bronners soap, I use it on my toddler who has sensitive skin as well. Primal Pit Paste is one of my favorites as well, I can't believe how well it works!
Karen says
I used Dr. Bronner's for a long time, but found it to be very drying to my skin and my kids seemed to have an adverse reaction (to the hemp, maybe?). On a recommendation from an employee at my local health food store I tried Alaffia African Black Soap and LOVE it. It's fair trade certified natural shea nut soap made the traditional way - and is very moisturizing. I also used it on my hair for a while, but in the end was happier with my Hugo Naturals shampoo & conditioner. The Alaffia works great on my kids' hair, though (probably because they have ten times less hair than I do - LOL). I still use Dr. Bronner's for house cleaning - it has so many great uses! For deoderant, I simply rub in some Magnesium Oil. For toothpaste we switched from Tom's of Maine (not as natural as it used to be since Colgate took them over) to Earthpaste and I have a lot less sensitivity in my mouth, now. The mineral makeup I like is Larenim. They have a great score in EWG's database.
Katie says
For shampoo and conditioner you must try Desert Essence. I'm a skeptic when it comes to "claims" but I seriously noticed a difference after the first use. I tried the Raspberry shampoo and had to get a different conditioner because the Raspberry was sold out. My hair was definitely smoother and had more shine. You can order online and I've seen the brand in our health food stores. Try it! :-)
Tammy says
Try Giovanni hair products. You can find it at Target, Walmart, and Ulta. I use the brown bottle with Kertin and it has improved the condition of my hair. There are other options based on your hair needs.
Theresa says
Just FYI, I also use Dr Bronner's Castile soap and my favorite is the lavender scented. I also use it to wash my hair, and use a cider vinegar rinse. Way less expensive and all natural. Haven't yet switched to organic vinegar so can't say confidently that it's better/ safer, but on the plus side my hair isn't full of chemical"product," so that's got to be better, right?
Lisa says
I saw this this afternoon after I had read your email today! I visited the first link and story and then clicked on the second link from it. HTH!!
http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/05/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-ever-buy-sunscreen-again/?sb
http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/
Liz says
If you like Bare Minerals you will LOVE Younique!. Same idea but cruelty free-gluten free! Its very comparable except Younique comes in larger quantity for about the same price or cheaper. You can only order online with a presenter. Check them out at http://www.youniqueproducts.com/lizbishop.