Disclosure: Some samples were received.
So you’re looking to “green” your personal care routine a bit but aren’t ready to make the leap to “no poo”. You want to healthify your life, but prefer to try on “a little crunchy” before taking the plunge to full-on “granola”.
Yep, I’m with you on this one. While my husband and I have made a conscious effort to live more purposefully and healthfully, we still use a lot of big brand, mainstream products throughout our house, including our bathroom. We are working on eliminating some of these. Thankfully, finding natural personal care products in stores and online is becoming much easier than it used to be. However, I’ve found that finding organic or natural personal care products that I really like can be a bit challenging. I’ve tried several different products that, while touted to be a much safer alternative to commonly used personal care products, have left me completely underwhelmed–not to mention sometimes itchy, *cough* shampoo!
I was surprised to learn that “cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA premarket approval, with the exception of color additives.” (source) While the FDA prohibits the use of “poisonous or deleterious substances” in cosmetics, most of you will agree, that the FDA doesn’t consider something poisonous unless the toxic effects can be seen almost immediately. Unfortunately, there are many ingredients in our FDA approved products that are causing problems for us and our children years down the road. See that article I just linked to? Take a second to read it. I’ll wait…
Concerned? You should be.
Ready for a change? Good.
If you’re not ready to get downright granola and start making your own personal care products here are a few of the best natural personal care product alternatives to the big brand (or store brand) ones you’re currently using. All of these products I currently use, have tried and liked, or have friends that use and like.
Natural Oral Health Care
Toothpaste:
A good place to start would be to avoid toothpaste with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). The SLS in toothpaste helps the toothpaste foam up and dissolve dental plaque, but it also decreases the amount of alkali soluble fluoride deposited on the enamel, which is a big reason we use toothpaste in the first place. If you’re allergic to SLS or simply prone to canker sores like I am, SLS can increase the incidence of mouth ulcers.
There are several SLS free toothpaste brands–or brands that have SLS free products. I currently use and really like Rembrandt Premium Whitening Mint Toothpaste. There are two varieties; the one I use is SLS free.
Another one loved by several of my friends is Tom’s of Maine. Tom’s of Maine Clean and Gentle toothpaste
Mouthwash:
I was sent a bottle of Oral Essentials™ Mouthwash to try. Unlike most mouthwashes, Oral essentials has no: alcohol, colors or food dyes, sls, polysorbate, or benzalkonium chloride. Instead it uses natural ingredients that are known for their antibacterial and restorative properties.
Given that we are actively trying to eliminate potential toxins I was really interested in trying Oral Essentials Mouthwash. The ingredients include: Water, Aloe Vera, Dead Sea Salt, Xylitol, and essential oils. Oral Essentials Mouthwash was both literally and figuratively so refreshing to use after having uses regular mouthwash all my life! My eyes water from the alcohol in regular mouthwash and my tongue is numb for several minutes afterwards. When I use Oral Essentials Mouthwash the taste is really quite pleasant there is still some tingling because of peppermint essential oil, but it isn’t overwhelming like other mouthwash. I really like the aftertaste, too!
Natural Hair Care
This is the one area I really need to work on. I’ve reviewed a few brands of natural hair care for kids, but I have bought and tried a couple different brands of natural shampoo for myself and was completely unsatisfied. My sister-in-law, however, uses a natural hair care brand that I totally love! Try SheaMoisture products if you’re looking for a great wash that won’t leave itch or residue. SheaMoisture also makes body wash and moisturizers too. Target seems to have the best prices on these.
Natural Makeup
I personally don’t wear a lot of makeup. When I run errands I’ll put on mascara and lip gloss. When I’m headed to church or on a date I go all out and wear eye shadow in addition to the other two. 😉 Thankfully, there are a lot of great natural makeup brands that are invested in helping you look your best without poisoning yourself. A couple of my favorite brands are Mineral Fusion and BareMinerals
Natural Makeup Remover
At night when I go to bed I’m laaazy extremely tired. I have no patience for my bedtime routine. I know this is bad, but I absolutely refuse to wash my face at night. Hate it. Won’t do it.
But, there is a caveat! Give me a makeup removal wipe and I’ll happily do the job. Natracare, a brand I love for their commitment to make healthier personal care alternatives for women, sent me their new Natracare Makeup Removal Wipes to try out. Hallelujah!
Natracare Makeup Removal wipes are the world’s first COSMOS (Cosmetics Organic Standard) certified Organic Cleansing Make-Up Removal Wipe. Organically formulated and free from harmful chemicals, they gently and effectively remove waterproof and regular make up, while moisturizing skin, leaving it clean and soft.
Natracare Make-Up Removal Wipes
Natural Menstrual Care
It is kind of scary that some of the products women put in the most delicate parts of their bodies are laden with toxic chemicals and fragrances (which are toxic chemicals, too 🙂 ) In addition to their makeup removal wipes, Natracare also makes natural menstrual care products using 100% organic cotton and are free of rayon, chlorine, and plastics.
To check out how safe the personal care products you are using are visit: http://www.ewg.org/
Check out this page for more tips on how to find safer personal care products.
Do you have a favorite natural personal care product? If so, I’d love to know! Leave your suggestion in a comment below.
About Amy @ Oh So Savvy Mom
