Really Natural Books: No More Dirty Looks - The Truth About Your Beauty Products
Beauty products are notorious for making false organic marketing claims and containing harmful ingredients. From lead in lipstick to phthalates in lotions, consumers are challenged to find truly natural products. A new book has the answers you need.
It started with a harmless quest for perfect wash-and-go hair. Every girl wants it, and Siobhan O'Connor and Alexandra Spunt finally found it in a fancy salon treatment. They were thrilled--until they discovered that the magic ingredient was formaldehyde.
Shocked, O'Connor and Spunt left no bottle unturned. If it went on their body (and thus, was absorbed into their skin and bloodstream), they researched it. As it turns out, many of those unpronounceable ingredients in your self-tanner and leave-in conditioner are not regulated and the "natural" on your face wash doesn't mean what you think it does.
Now, with the help of top scientists, dermatologists, and makeup artists, the authors share their compelling findings and the easy way to detoxify your beauty regimen. No More Dirty Looks also reveals the safest, most effective products on the market and time-tested home recipes. Finally, you don't need to sacrifice health for beauty--because coming clean is the best look yet.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
The Best Natural Lotion for Dry Skin and Harsh Conditions: Weleda Skin Food
I recently went on a backpacking trip in the wilderness. Four days of sun and wind exposure, as well as swimming, can wreck havoc on your skin. The best defense and treatment so your skin doesn't end up looking like and feeling like a weathered piece of leather is Weleda Skin Food. Not only does Skin Food nourish your skin, it protects it!
Dry, rough skin of any age gets indulgent moisture with this intensively nourishing, deeply hydrating cream. It's a unique, ultra-rich whole-body cream that deeply hydrates, restores and protects your skin. Stubborn dryness on your elbows, hands and feet are moisturized and conditioned with the essential fatty acids and vitamin E in our organic sunflower seed oil. Organic pansy is known for its mild antiseptic properties that calm dry irritation. Soothing rosemary leaf extract's mild antiseptic properties and the anti-inflammatory properties of Biodynamic® and organic calendula flower extract gently nourish and care for your skin. Deeply moisturized and protected, your skin looks soft and supple with a healthy glow. It's your recommended daily allowance of radiance, and it's just what you and your skin are craving.
I highly recommend Skin Food! It saved my skin while in the wilderness, and it is also wonderful for regular use at home.
Really Natural Personal Care: Kiss My Face Peace Castile Soap
I've long been a fan of Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap for its versatility. From dog washing to dishes, there is nothing you can't do with castile soap. Kiss My Face has just introduced their own line of 100% natural all purpose castile soap. It comes on many flavors:
Give Peace Soap a chance! You'll love it. (Peace & love... some things never go out of style.) Combining organic olive oil with coconut, hemp and jojoba oils for luxurious lather and mildness, we have created a totally pleasurable cleaning experience- from head to toe, ceiling to floor, our castile soap cleans skin and much more. Veggie, countertop, dishes or sweater, it does it all and it does it better.
Castile soap has been used for centuries around the world, originating in the Castile region of Spain. This simple soap formula is so effective that it has changed little in 500 years.
One of the things I love about castile soap is it is safe for grey water systems and to use when camping or backpacking. I don't leave home without it when I head into the woods for an adventure.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
Natural Beauty: Handcrafted, Organic Based Cosmetics by Christopher Drummond
Even though I do not wear cosmetics on a regular basis, it is fun to find all-natural, handcrafted, vegan beauty products. Designed by a former model and professional makeup artist, Christopher Drummond Beauty goes "beyond mineral makeup" to create a safer product. We tested out two of Christopher's products:
Ultra-fine, milled mica powder. Light shimmer and radiant color to enhance your skin tone. A truly unique powder blush that imparts a flattering radiance to your cheeks. Remarkably silky texture for easy application and subtle shading. Accentuate cheekbones for a youthful look. Softer tones around the eyes to soften expression and rejuvenate.
This is lip gloss made for every woman. Not only does it have beautiful, transluscent color that is not too much, but not invisible; our formula is free of petroleum (a gasoline by-product), parabens, dyes, carmine, artificial dyes or fragrances. Our lip gloss is lightly scented with organic essential oil of blood orange that promotes healthy lips that appear fuller and more luscious. Naturally
Both of these products are great, high quality natural cosmetics. You can trust the ingredients. Whether you wear makeup every day or only on special occasions, your skin deserves the best.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
4th of July Fun: EcoSMART "Organic" Natural Insect Repellant
Fourth of July weekend is rapidly approaching, and I am sure you will be spending some time outside. From BBQs to fireworks, bugs can be a nuisance to your outdoor fun. Insect repellants containing the pesticide DEET are know to have adverse health effects, especially for children. One natural alternative is EcoSMART Organic Natural Insect Repellent.
Harnessing Nature's own defense against insects ― essential oils ― EcoSMART's non-toxic, botanical skin repellent is safe for use on children of all ages, and works as effectively as DEET and synthetic chemicals. A revolutionary plant based formula is the secret to the efficacy of EcoSMART's insect repellent. Unlike conventional DEET-based formulas, EcoSMART's patented technology uses 100 percent food grade ingredients to keep mosquitoes, gnats and more away for hours. It has a fresh, natural scent is non-oily and dries quickly.
Using rosemary, cinnamon, and lemongrass oils, this naturally-based repellant uses the word "organic" on it's label. That is my only problem with this product, as the ingredients are not certified organically-grown, and the word usage seems to be part of the marketing confusion many personal care products create for consumers.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
The Best Natural Baby and Kids Shampoo and Soap: California Baby
I've been using California Baby Calming Baby Shampoo and Body Wash for six years now ever since I discovered my son was sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate. California Baby is the gentlest product for your little one's skin, and even my eight-year-old daughter still uses this soap and my son's eczema has never returned since we made the switch.
Benefits & Features:
Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients
Cleansing agent: 100% Decyl polyglucose
No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, DEA, or numbing agents
No tears, non-irritating, non-stripping formula
Safe and gentle
Two products in one--use head to toe. May be used for hair, face and body
Great for babies, kids, or adults with chemically sensitive skin
Will not irritate eczema or cradle cap; reports of healing even stubborn cases
This is a product I highly recommend for all of your family members!
Chemical-Free, Fragrance-Free Hair Gel for Babies and Kids
This may seem like an odd product, but Le Baby has created a chemical-free, fragrance-free hair gel for babies and kids. I call this product odd, because you may wonder why babies need hair gel. I have seen many parents spike little boy's hair into mohawks, and I needed hair gel to tame my daughter's locks into a bun when she took ballet (we used Jason Natural Products Hi-Shine Styling Gel). Even so, I don't really think this is a product you need.
Tami Dimmerman, creator of Le Baby, searched for a product that would tame and style her daughter Chloe's fly-away hair without aggravating her eczema or irritating her sensitive skin. She hoped to find a safe, gentle and effective gel without harsh chemicals or potentially harmful ingredients. Unwilling to settle for what was in the marketplace, Tami spent months experimenting with different all-natural formulas until, through animal-free testing, she found the perfect combination.
I also question the chemical-free claim when the listed ingredients include sodium benzoate and disodium EDTA, for example. Just because an ingredient is derived from a natural ingredient does not make a product chemical-free.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
Clearly Beautiful offers a natural hydrating line of facial products. Featuring a facial mask and eye mask, these products contain:
an exclusive formula combining all natural ingredients with a pure plant collagen delivery system. It will transform your skin by nourishing both the epidermal (top) layer and penetrating deeply into the skin to aid in increased collagen production, cell renewal, and total skin hydration.
Pulling the facial mask out of the packaging, it resembled rubbery goo. I found it difficult to align over my eyes and mouth. Although the label assures me the liquid is safe to enter my eyes, I wanted to avoid any drips. The mask does have a cooling, soothing effect, but it is difficult to keep in place unless one reclines and does not move or talk or sneeze!
Clearly Beautiful uses plant-derived collagen. The active ingredient is Hyaluronic acid, hopefully not in nanoparticle form. Each mask costs $25, which is steep for a weekly regime in my opinion, and I did not see immediate results as promised, but my skin did feel soothed.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
Really Natural Beauty: Biodynamic Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
I rarely buy natural beauty products anymore, as I get plenty of samples to review. Recently, I found myself out of face cream and resorted to purchasing one of my old favorites: Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream.
A rich, luxurious daily moisturizer. Soothing rose ingredients nurture and renew sensitive, dry and weather-damaged skin. Protects skin against dryness and soothes red, irritated skin and conditions of couperose.
Protects the delicate outer layer of the skin against dryness and irritation
Extracts of rose petal, rose hip and avocado soothe and renew red, irritated, sensitive skin
Seals in moisture to prevent dryness
Thirty rose flowers go into each tube of Rose Day Cream
Although I don't have any "irritated skin conditions", I like how this cream is thick and nourishing, but it doesn't feel heavy and oily. I do spend a lot of time in the sun gardening, so I like the soothing qualities of the rose cream.
I think so many people have this stereotyped idea of what herbal medicine is. I think they've very much got a big black line in their minds that separates serious, conventional, tested, scientific medicine on one side and slightly airy, fairy, away-with-the-hippies -- you know -- natural-but-probably-doesn't-work, plant-based medicine on the other. To me as a scientist, whether a chemical is found within a pill or the cells of plant is really irrelevant -- that's just packaging.
Wong's book has a beautiful layout with incredible photographs and recipes. Take for example:
A few tablespoons of this garlicky vinegar in hot water make a powerful antifungal foot bath, but don't use it on broken skin -- it will hurt! The vinegar takes 1 month to infuse but will last at least 6 months to 1 year. It tastes good in salad dressings, too.
ATHLETE'S FOOT
Garlic Footbath
10 bulbs garlic, peeled and finely chopped
100 g fresh sage leaves
2 cups (500 ml) cider vinegar
1. Place the chopped garlic and sage leaves in a jar, then add the cider vinegar. Seal and leave to infuse for 1 month, shaking occasionally.
USE Add 5 tbsp to a bowl of hot water, and soak feet for 15 minutes. Use 2 or 3 times a week in conjunction with "Garlic Talcum Powder" (see page 52).
This is a great book for the seasoned herbalist and amateur alike, and it is an incredible resource I know I will refer to over and over again. The title is pretty unique too!
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
Organic is a marketing term in the beauty industry, and many products, even ones we have reviewed, use the term loosely tricking consumers who don't dig deeper into the ingredients. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) explains:
The Organic Consumers Association has long fought against what it calls "organic cheater brands" - personal care products that use the name "organic" in the product name or brand, yet are not truly organic products at all. This year at the Expo West Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, California, the OCA staged a very visible public protest to expose what it calls "sham poo products" that are "organic cheaters."
The protest was part of the OCA's Coming Clean Campaign which continues to expose dishonest or misleading products in the skin care industry.
Many of these brands are ones I have used in the past and are sold in health food stores. These companies should not be allowed to get away with labeling fraud!
Natural Eye Care: LashFood Conditioning Eyeliner, Mascara, and Eyelash Serum
Some people are born with beautiful, lush eyelashes, and some people need a little help in that department. LashFood was designed for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their eyelashes, and they have added conditioning mascara and eyeliner to their line.
LashFood products are natural eyelash and eyebrow conditioning stimulators that provides you with fuller, longer, darker, and stronger lashes. LashFood is formulated using the highest grade natural ingredients including Biotin, an essential vitamin, Arginine, a natural amino acid, and root and herbal extracts. No harsh chemicals, drugs or imitation ingredients are used. All products are dermatologist tested and approved. The newest innovation of JB Cosmetics, LashFood is created by Jane Kim. JB Cosmetics is a well known cosmetic manufacturer that specializes in eyelash products and stands for sophistication and beauty.
LashFood uses nano-peptide technology. Honestly, I am afraid of anything that uses nano in its product description over growing concerns about the safety of nano technology; however, It is positive that these products are made in the USA and are not tested on animals. They would make a nice Mother's Day gift too!
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
WTF? Cut Hair Used as Cheap Fertilizer and Food Additive
You've probably heard of the great program Locks of Love, in which people donate long hair to make wigs for sick children, but did you know that short hair clippings are used as cheap fertilizer and as food additives? Mother Jones explains:
Human hair isn't the only source of L-cys. You can extract it from poultry feathers or even synthesize it in a lab--although the end product is no different than what you'll get by dumping tons of barbershop waste into vats of hydrochloric acid and separating the coveted compound from the resulting chemical stew. George Cherian, chairman of Indian hair exporter Raj Impex Hair, however, has long been the cheapest source of L-cys. You'd be hard pressed to find a richer source: Human hair contains up to 20 percent cysteine by weight, while duck feathers may yield only about half as much.
But you'd be equally hard pressed to find food manufacturers willing to admit that they use the hair-derived version.
Natural Body Care: (SEED) Uses the Power of Nature (Grape Seed Enriched)
Grape seed extract is pretty amazing stuff leftover from the winemaking process! I've used it to cure toenail fungus, and now there is a line of body care products that harnesses its power for natural beauty: (SEED)
(seed)+ Nourishing Body Lotion, Restful Lavender Sage: Brimming with the power of grape seed oil providing natural Vitamin E, the lotion is also rich in linoleic and essential fatty acids, which protects the skin and aids in moisturizing. The lotion also includes soothing green tea extract and shea butter for extra conditioning benefits. Our favorite part, the lotion absorbs quickly, is not greasy, and is long-lasting. Now that is the power of nature at its best! Available in three different scents: Invigorating Citrus Blend, Restful Lavender Sage, and unscented.
Moisturizing Body Soap: This grape seed oil and extract enriched body soap includes an additional boost from refined pomegranate, apricot and strawberry seeds to gently exfoliate and cleanse --bye bye scaly skin!
Available in two different scents: IInvigorating Citrus Thyme, and unscented.
Lathering Shampoo Bar: This spectacular grape seed oil enriched shampoo also includes conditioning panthenol Pro-Vitamin B5 and fruit seed oils which are shown to moisturize and repair stressed tresses. We love the compact quality of this bar making it easily portable - great for the gym and it lasts a long time. So long plastic bottle! This bar was especially formulated for short hair and guys love it! Available in two different scents: IInvigorating Citrus Thyme, and unscented.
Of course, all of these products come in recyclable or biodegradable containers, and they are made in the USA. I do wish the ingredients were organic though.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
Really Natural Books: No More Dirty Looks - The Truth About Your Beauty Products
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