All of my friends have their “things” and some have more than one – that is why I like them. I have my running, my deal finding and my blogging (among other things). My friend, Rhys, is also a runner; she reads non-fiction books about science, the environment and nutrition (sometimes while walking); and she is SUPER passionate about all-natural products, GMO free foods and protecting the environment. Rhys is always sending me information, book suggestions and articles. She has cleaned up her diet and is now in the process of cleaning up her beauty products. I just read that 62% of what you put on your skin winds up in your body… so she is on to something!
While we were on vacation at Red Mountain Resort in May, she mentioned that she was trying out all natural deodorants. I ran to get my Tom’s of Maine all natural, scent free stick that I got at Flow Pilates as a sample. I really like it. She agreed to test it out, too. The poor woman had me rushing up to her and proclaiming “see, I don’t smell” all weekend. But I digress! As the weekend progressed, she mentioned a list of product recommendations that she sent to a friend and I asked if she would share them here with you (and me). She said yes.
Rhys was a founding member at Green Polka Dot Box. Green PolkaDot Box is a GMO-free and organic membership club, offering a wide variety of products shipped right to your door. Most of the recommendations she has are from Green Polka Dot Box so she knows that they are GMO-free as well as being natural. Most of these products can be purchased online or at Whole Foods or a local natural foods store, as well. (Try Trader Joes, too!) FYI – if you are interested, Green Polka Dot Box has food, cleaning supplies, health and beauty supplies and more and free shipping at $75. If anyone wants to try Green Polka Dot Box FREE, Rhys will provide one lucky reader a code for a FREE annual membership ($50 value). How can you win? Leave a comment on this post with your favorite natural beauty product or natural beauty secret. Winner will be selected with random.org in order of comment receipt on 8/11.
Here are Rhys’ Recommendations for All Natural Beauty Products
- Shampoo/Conditioner – I use Seaweed Bath Co and Acure Organics shampoo and conditioner interchangeably. I love them both! The Wildly Natural SeaweedTMArgan Shampoos and Conditioners have Argan (Moroccan) Oil for silky smoothness and smells good, too. Acure also makes a dry shampoo for those times you’re on the go. I am a huge fan of this option! I have also tried Hugo Naturals and Avalon Organics for hair products but did not like them as much. Hugo conditioner, in particular, tended to separate and no matter how much I shook it, it was still somehow runny and clumpy at the same time.
- Body wash/soap – Out of Africa Liquid Body Wash and Shea Butter Bar soap were best that I tried. I also tried Dr. Bronners – it was ok but didn’t love it. However, Dr. Bronners is a big financial supporter of GMO labeling so I have to give them a shout-out for that! Anything made with castile soap (usually says on front of bottle) I also don’t like – it’s all natural but has a weird consistency and usually doesn’t make suds. If the consistency and suds don’t bother you and you choose to go with castile soap, look for products that are “pure castile” and if they are made with coconut oil, they still may lather. [EF: Eco Market blog has a “make your own” castile soap post, too! Plus EcoMarket sells natural and organic cosmetics, too!]
- Facial cleanser/scrubs – I like Brittanie’s Thyme Mindful Beauty Exfoliating Clay Scrub, Pangea Organics Facial Scrub is my favorite for acne-prone skin and Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Pore Scrub gets results! If you are only t-zone oily, though, don’t use the pore scrub on your whole face – it will dry you out. I haven’t tried them, but I’ve heard positive comments about cleansers from Juice Beauty and Annmarie Gianni. Annmarie Gianni tends to be on the expensive side though.
- Hand & body lotion- Yes to Carrots Nourishing Body Lotion and Out of Africa Organic Shea Butter Body Lotion were my favorite for deep all day moisturizing. I’ve also tried Hugo Naturals Allover Lotion and Honest Company Face & Body Lotion, which were both also ok. I liked Honest as a face lotion, rather than body lotion (consistency was a little too light for my taste for a body lotion), but you can use it for both. Also, Honest Company’s Healing Balm works fantastic on super dry areas.
- Deodorant –the jury still out on this. It is most important is to find one aluminum-free. I’ve tried Tom’s of Maine and is probably the best but need to reapply mid-day even though it says long-lasting [EF: She tried the one without antiperspirant – I really like the deodorant/antiperspirant from Tom’s!] Nourish, made from 100% natural ingredients, receives a poor marking from me. It didn’t work at all and clogged my pores. Herban Cowboy for Her is another brand I’ve tried recently. It is 100% vegan, smelled great and seemed to work, but I only used it once – more long-term testing required before I can officially recommend. Tom’s gets a better rating from Environmental Working Group, though.
- Toothpaste –I use Spry, which they definitely have at Whole Foods. I’ve also tried Tom’s of Maine but my personal opinion is I like the taste of Spry better. Spry is sweetened with xylitol and can be purchased with or without fluoride. I prefer fluoride free. Once again, for full disclosure, Tom’s gets better EWG rating. I plan to also try the toothpaste from Honest Company.
- Lip balm – Badger balms for lip balm. They have lots of different flavors. I have one at home, work, in my purse…you get the idea! Badger also has a muscle rub, sinus rub, cuticle care, headache rub, sleep balm – fun natural remedies to try.
- Bug spray – I love, love, love this bug spray from Brittanie’s Thyme. It smells really good and it WORKS. I used it in Africa and even kept off the biting flies. A friend of mine is equally enthusiastic about Bug Soother, a small business from a small town in Iowa.
- Sunscreen – Badger’s zinc oxide sunscreen goes on sticky and pasty, but their Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 16 Aloe is a good daily wear and does not have the same pasty effect. Juice Beauty also has mineral moisturizers for daily wear – they come in 4 different tints with an SPF of 30. They do not go on oily or sticky and have a really light feel. An excellent sport sunscreen that doesn’t run and goes on smooth is Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Natural Stick Sunscreen SPF 30. [EF: I like the Elemental Herb Unscented Zinc Stick for my face, but it is a bit tough getting it on. It is not Rhys’ fave! She also sent me a LONG list of 184 best beach and sport sunscreens approved by the Environmental Working Group.Here is EWG’s don’ts for sunscreen and sun safety tips, too!]
You can also check out all natural products at Green Polka Dot Box, Juice Beauty, Eco Market, Abe’s Market and Honest Company. With these links, you get free samples and free shipping on your first order with Juice Beauty and $10 off when you create a (free) account at Honest Company. Many of these products can be found at drugstore.com, too. New customers click here for $5 off $30 or $10 off $50!
Have you started watching what you put ON your body as well as IN? What are your natural product recommendations or tips?
PS. Don’t forget to check out our awesome Honey’s Runners raffle to support the American Cancer Society. Only $5 to enter, 100% match to $2500 and GREAT prizes!