These days, it seems everywhere you look there are articles discussing the number of chemicals we put on or in our bodies. While I’ve focused over the past few years on eating less processed foods, it wasn’t until I found out that I was was pregnant with Katie, that I truly started to think about making changes to my daily routine.
I read numerous articles which shared unbelievable facts regarding the number of chemicals women put on their face and body on a daily basis. There are a number of websites and apps that rank and review products, most notably EWG Skin Deep site and the Think Dirty app. Keep in mind, my personal philosophy with natural products is to take everything that I read with a grain of salt, realizing that many articles are influenced by other factors. In addition, I am focused on making small changes not a radical change. The change did not come overnight, nor have I moved to a fully natural lifestyle. My favorite under eye cream is definitely not natural and I still believe that a certain level of chemicals are needed to cut through tough grease. I fully believe that similar to diet, the choices we make are very personal. So far, it seems that each month we slowly increase the number of more natural products that we use, ranging from hand soap to shampoo. But, after receiving multiple requests from you all following some Instagram Story posts, today I am ready to share a few products that I personally love.
Below are a few products that I’ve discovered through recommendations, meandering through the aisles, research, and friends. None of these products were provided to me through sponsored posts or blogger samples. Since I’ve had a few people ask, I often buy online via Amazon and Thrive Market (save 15% with that link) or I look during my Whole Foods and Target shopping trips as both have a very good assortment of natural products at various price points.
- Deodorant – Anyone who has worked out with me or followed me on social media knows that I sweat A LOT. Since giving birth, my hormones inbalances have just made me sweat more. It’s the worst feeling to smell your armpits while attempting to nurse your daughter. At the same time, since my armpits are so close to where she breast feeds, I wanted to find a more natural deodorant option, at least while breast feeding. Luckily, within a one week period three different people recommended Schmidt’s Deodorant. The citrus scent is perfect for Summer and the formula effectively keeps me dry and fresh smelling all day. I’ve been using the deodorant non-stop for the past month and have been very pleased with the results, even in the hot, sticky weather we had last week.
- Body Wash – Alba Botanica Very Emollient Honey Mango Shower Gel – After seeing this large body wash bottle in Whole Foods and Target’s natural beauty section, I decided to give it a try after reading rave reviews on multiple websites. A sucker for scent, I love the refreshing, fruity smell and the formulation leaves my skin soft and hydrated.
- Shave Cream – Alba Botanica Mango Vanilla Moisturizing Shave Cream – During pregnancy, anytime I shaved I found that my legs were scaly and dry. Never a fan of using body lotion, I tried to find a more hydrating shave cream instead. This thick cream contains aloe vera and vitamin E which leaves my legs and underarms smooth without irritation. I will admit that some people may get annoyed with how thick it is, but I’m happy to rinse my razer a few times during the shaving process to get super smooth and hydrated skin.
- Face Wash – Amara Organics Facial Cleanser – Since discovering this natural face wash through Julie’s blog back in early April, I’ve been a loyal fan. The face wash contains 15% Vitamin C as well as aloe, rosehip oil and tea tree oil. It’s strong enough to remove my makeup while gentle enough to use both morning and night without leaving my skin feeling dry. In fact, I found that it has gradually helped brighten my skin especially as I’ve dealt with pregnancy mask or skin discoloration related to pregnancy. If you don’t believe my review, check out the more than 500 five-star reviews on Amazon!
I’d love to hear your recommendations for more natural products, especially shampoo, conditioner, counter cleaner and mascara.
I’m just starting to try to figure out how to go more natural with my beauty products, but what’s stymying my efforts are the prices. I can’t justify paying $18 for face wash or $13 for body wash when my regular brands are less than a third the price, even if I know the natural ones are healthier 🙁 I’d love your tips on affordable brands to check out! Moisturizer and night cream especially, as those are always tricky to find in natural formulas…
I highly recommend checking out Thrive Market as I just reordered the body wash for $6.99! Also, keep in mind this face wash is still half full and I’ve used it for four months – a little goes a long way! Acure is an affordable brand which tends to go on sale especially at Thrive and Whole Foods!
Great tip!!! I am almost out of body wash so maybe that will be my first upgrade to all-natural. I also did some research last night and found this highly-rated night cream on Amazon that I may try: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ES349CY/
Also, I bet body wash is a great place to start since you use it ALL over your body on a daily basis!
The products are priceir but a little goes a long way! I have the same body wash bought from Whole Foods and it is a huge container that has lasted well over 6 months. I think the higher price is worth it for a safer and more natural product.
YES! I guess I should have clarified JUST how large it is but it’s amazing, right!?
Im a fan of acure because they’re readily available and affordable. I’ve been using the cleansing gel for a few months and am happy with it but going to give the Amara one you mention a try too.
I also use a diy toner–apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and water mixed and that helps exfoliate without roughing up my skin.
Have you read Skin Cleanse? Great read if you’re interested in beauty/products.
I just bought your eye cream and am already IN LOVE! Sometimes you gotta have the chemicals 😉
Lucky Vitamin and Vitacost are also great options for natural products.
For cleaning products, I highly recommend making your own. There are loads of recipes on the internet but I have found some great ones on Clean My Space (Youtube and Blog). She is a big fan of making your down products but not extreme.
I find that I can clean almost anything with combinations of Castile soap (BBB and Fairway both have good store brand options locally, Vitacost has one online) and/or Sal Suds (purchase a jug worth on Vitacost), white vinegar and baking soda.
Glass spray bottles van be purchased on Amazon.
Thanks! I will definitely check it out!
I have the same face wash and body wash! I started using a natural toothpaste a couple of years ago and love it! If I use normal toothpaste it seems so artificial tasting. This is what I’ve been using all along:
https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Essence-Natural-Tree-Toothpaste/dp/B005P0X2Q4/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1501082098&sr=1-5&keywords=natural%2Btoothpaste&th=1
Hey Ashley,
Congrats on your little cutie! She’s so sweet! I’m a consultant for Beautycounter. If you haven’t heard of us, we are on a mission to get safer products into everyone’s hands. We have a Never List of over 1500 ingredients you won’t find in our products because we don’t believe they are safe for human use. We have baby & kid bath products, lotions, oils, full skincare lines, makeup and a bunch of other fantastic products. I’d love for you to check out my site. Please reach out if you have any questions!
Thank you! I have actually used and love many of the products.