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!).
Megan says
Lisa- go to rafanatural.com!! Rafa has organic pump body lotion!! I add essential oils like lavender but her products are awesome!!
Karen says
You left out my faces... Ava Anderson non toxic! Best stuff ever!
Lisa says
Have you tried Red Apple Lipstick for lipstick, balm, or eye shadow? They are awesome. They also have a new mascara that's healthy, healing and great. Check then out.
Jennifer says
Oops. http://www.erinsfaces.com
Christy says
Shampoo-wise, I absolutely LOVE Alba in the Plumeria scent! I got it at Whole Foods.
Jennifer says
You should check out http://www.erinsfaces for all natural makeup and beauty products. She painstakingly researches and tests and even creates some of her own things and she is the best at answering all your questions! Love her!
Jamie says
Like a few other above, I have to suggest Ava Anderson Non Toxic. I have learned so much about ingredients. I used to make my own laundry soap with borax, I didn't know it was contributing to my asthma! Love not having to ever compromise with a better but not fully safe product again. Asthma free for 2+ years after a lifetime of symptoms. Check Ava out, I think you'll fall in love!
Suzanne says
I use Juice Beauty Oil Free moisturizer on my face (SPF 30) and Juice Beauty Sport on my body (SPF 30 as well) Love them both!
Wendy says
We tried using coconut oil as a sunscreen this past summer. We found it works well, but you have to apply every half an hour to an hour. Plus, with being in the heat, you need a good container that won't leak.
Katie says
I already use and LOVE Dr Bronners soap and lip balm, Bare Minerals, and coconut oil to remove mascara. I think I am going to try to make my own deodorant paste, since I am not completely happy with the mineral rock I have been using. I have been looking for a cleaner shampoo and conditioner. I currently use and like Natures Gate Hemp Shampoo and Conditioner, but there are some ingredients that EWG finds to be a problem.
Tori says
I also suggest looking into the Honest Company, The All Natural Face, 100% Pure, and RMS Beauty.
Holley says
not sure there's a better product line than Ava Anderson Non Toxic... ZERO harmful chemicals.... Stuff works UH-MAZING!!!!!!! Check it out!!
Anna says
Harvest Moon shampoo & conditioner
Coconut oil as makeup remover, body moisturizer & deodorant (for antiperspirant sprinkle underarms with baking soda & corn starch)
Grapeseed oil, jojoba oil & camellia oil as a facial moisturizer
Waxelene as an alternative to petroleum jelly for my feet
Susan says
I switched to the Dr. Bronner's soap a while back for me and my kids and I love it. I've been working hard on using more natural beauty products as well. I use the oil cleansing method to clean my face at night, make my own deodorant (which works awesome!) and use hemp oil as a moisturizer. Also, I've found tamanau oil to be an excellent anti-wrinkle cream. Still working on finding some better cosmetics though.
Lauren says
I will echo several others who mentioned Bubble and Bee. They have a deodorant guarantee - they will exchange it until you find the one that works for you. Love that! We also use their shampoo, bar soaps, chapstick, shampoo and lotions. It is expensive, but a little goes a long way and it lasts quite a while if you are careful.
Lara says
Paula's Choice Hydralight spf 30-- amazing!!!
jen says
Great post! You must check out http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com and look at their ingredients! They work fabulously too!
Michelle says
is there a shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair? Dr. Bonner's is not recommended. I know how bad the color is for my hair. Please don't judge.
Katherine says
I do agree that BareMinerals works great, but it's useful to know that some people (myself included) are sensitive/allergic to the bismuth oxychloride that's found in their powders. An even cleaner option (without the bismuth) is available at http://www.alimapure.com - their stuff is amazing and very clean :)
Ginger says
I JUST bought your FABULOUS book yesterday! My boys are excited!!! I have been on this journey for 7 years looking for clean products after a severe asthma scare! LOVE the Ava Anderson Non-Toxic line and mission so much I joined the company!!! Please check them out when you get a chance! http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com
Stacy Parenti says
Bare Minerals uses some hazardous ingredients. After much research I found Ava Anderson Non Toxic to have the best ingredients, product offerings (almost a one stop shop for myself, my family and my home) and the best prices for the ingredients. I order in $100 increments and always get a free full size product!
Christine K says
Have you considered supporting small business who produce all natural products? I've been using the soaps at Chagrin Valley (http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/) for years and have never been disappointed. The company has grown from offering just a few soaps and shampoo bars to the fantastic selection they have now.
I've also been using the products made by the woman heading up Eclectic Clementine (https://www.etsy.com/shop/EclecticClementine?section_id=12068736&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4). She makes small batches using herbs and plants she grows in her own gardens. She's fantastic - she's been working with me for a year to create a face lotion that will not aggravate my rosacea.
I try to find small, independent businesses in my journey to a healthier lifestyle. I think I can find more accountability and products that better fit my needs and beliefs (natural, organic, locally-sourced when possible, small business-owned) if I step out of the national chain stores and start looking around at my local shops and farmers markets.
Stephanie says
EWG has an app called Skin Deep. It's not perfect, but it's awesome for those of us that are starting this process. You literally just scan the bar codes with your phone in the store and it gives you a rating!
Lynn M says
I have transitioned my family to completely non toxic personal and home care with zero harmful chemicals and full disclosure. To do that with 100% confidence, I chose the Ava Anderson Non Toxic line. It has been 16 months and we would never use anything else. Great blog! Thanks for helping create empowered consumers.
Michele Block says
Been using Bare Escentuals for over 10 years. Will never go back.
Lisa says
I use Dr. Bronner's liquid soap on my hair. It does leave it a little tangly, but luckily they also have a conditioner. It's concentrated, so you have to mix it with water (I keep a small Ziploc container in the shower), but it makes my hair really soft and so easy to comb through. I buy the soap at Target. I've only found the conditioner on Amazon.
Veronica says
Best all natural shampoo I have found is at trader joes. May not be perfectly clean- but it is pretty clean, works well, smells good, and is cheap! I like the tea tree and mint for my boys and husband (they like the tingling sensation) and for my daughters long curly hair I like the moisturizing shampoo and cond. I use whatever because both do well for my hair.
Diana says
I started my real food journey, thanks to you. I was wondering if you've heard of Ava Anderson Non Toxic.?Personal care and cleaning products, as safe as they come. Products rank 0 and 1 on the Skin Deep database and they work really well.
Julie S says
I love Olivu 426 products. Woman owned, reasonably priced, local business, but ships everywhere. Love the Microderabrasion face wash, toner and hydrating face mist. Worth checking out.
Emily says
I'm curious, have you tried Ava Anderson Non-Toxic products? They score very well on the EWG website (why on earth don't those folks have an app??). I hate the shipping cost but like the facial cleanser, shower gel, lip balm, deodorant, eye cream, sun stick (a must-have in the summer) and sun screen. I was skeptical at first but also use their home care products to clean counters and windows and have even tried their detergents. Oh, and their baby kit is my go-to gift for baby showers. My son is still using their baby bath gel. It's perfect and it smells so good!
Diana says
You can actually set up the items you purchase most frequently to auto ship every 30, 60, or 90 days and save 10% which would help cover shipping.
Jen says
Ava Anderson has great make up and bug spray as well. It is 100% non toxic. Pet care as well. Many wonderful products. They just released new candles as well.
Alli says
EWG actually does have an app for the skincare products. You can scan the product to get the ratings. The cleaning app isn't out yet.
Amanda Smith says
I love Dr. Bronners! I like Acure Organics for my shampoo and conditioner. I get Everyday Shea Butter shampoo and conditioner (you can get it on Vitacost.com) for my kiddos. It comes in a pump bottle that is great for kids. It's not organic, but it is free of parabens and all ingredients are low on http://www.ewg.org/skindeep
Tina says
I LOVED using Primal Pit Paste. Worked so well EXCEPT it left my pits a discolored red/brown. Very unsightly for summer months especially. Ugh.
Heather says
You HAVE to try Mixology Makeup. It's gluten free, vegan friendly and free of all the bad stuff!! http://www.mixologymakeup.com
Mary says
For shampoo and conditioner, I HIGHLY recommend Dermorganics. It's a little pricey but the stuff is amazing (and it's sulfate-free!) I buy it at Ulta and justify the price by reminding myself I'm earning bonus card points. lol
Amy says
I love Acure products (available on-line and at Whole Foods). Love their face creams, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. They aren't cheap, but I like how they work, how they smell, and what the company represents. Check them out!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Angie. Lisa still uses the Bare Minerals product line and likes it very much. She's not expanded her research. ~Amy
Angie says
Have been really curious about natural personal care products! Am wondering how "natural" Bare Minerals really is. The website says that it is just minerals for your skin...which obviously beats all the chemicals and synthetics in regular make up. But, wondering if since this post, you have researched more about them and feel confident in how natural they are?
Sarah says
You might be interested in trying Radiantly You! There are quite a few all natural options, for personal care, cleaning, etc., check it out and let me know what you think! I can send you some samples if interested!
Johanna says
If you like Bareminerals, you will love Elegant Minerals. Their foundation covers completely (no need for concealer), does not feel heavy and stays put all day!
Alyson says
Arbonne makes fabulous shampoo/conditioners as well as awesome sunscreens!!