The Year of Health

Don’t you love how instagram makes everything prettier?

Was that too long of a title for this post? I kind of think so…

So, as promised, I’m going to start reviewing the less-toxic body care products I’ve tested. I’ve already tested a bunch, so this will need to be more than one post. Also, I’m always trying new products, so I’ll probably do a periodic update on the new things I try. I know how much it sucks to try a product, especially a pricier product, and not like it. I’m happy to take that burden for you, because that’s what internet friends who will likely never meet are for.

I discussed the importance of being cognizant of the ingredients in your hair care, lotions, makeup, etc. last week. This is still important for dudes. But, to keep the interest of any gentlemen readers, I’ve organized the below list by listing gender-neutral products first, followed by makeup. Not that guys can’t wear makeup, so if you want to keep on reading, I’m not going to stop you. I’ll include the product, my personal opinion, and the EWG Skin Deep ranking.

1. Hugo Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner. I tried this brand because it was readily available at my local Vitamin Cottage. I have tried two varieties: the Red Tea and Ylang Ylang (shampoo and conditioner) and the Vanilla and Sweet Orange Volumizing (shampoo and conditioner). First of all, these products smell like heaven. Also, these varieties both rank very low on the Skindeep database. For me, I found that when I used both the shampoo and conditioner, I had to wash my hair everyday. I have a lot of hair. Washing it everyday is kind of a pain, but using the conditioner seemed to make my hair get a bit greasy on day 2. For others this may not be an issue, and I think these products are worth a shot since they appear to be available in most health stores. Skin Deep rating: 0-1
2. Dr. Bronner’s Magic All-in-One Soap. I use this as a body wash and to shave. These soap bottles are a TRIP. The labels are literally covered in tiny writing and quotes. So, if you ever get bored in the shower, you can always start reading! Word to the wise though, if you’re trying to shower in a hurry, look away. I really like this soap and I have been using it for a long time. It doesn’t dry out my skin, and they have some great smelling varieries. I like the Lavendar and the Tea Tree oil. Skin Deep rating: 0-1
3. NovAurora Hand and Body Lotion. I found this at my local Vitamin Cottage as well when I was hunting for a good lotion. I have pretty dry skin, so lotion is not optional, it’s required. This lotion is made in Boulder, CO, so I really like that it’s semi-local to me. It’s also packed full of nourishing oils and ingredients. It’s moisturizing, but not super heavy, and absorbs very easily. Skin Deep rating: 1
4. Toms of Maine Long Lasting Stick Deodorant. I ditched my aluminum-containing deodorant/antiperspirant last year in favor of a pure deodorant. Yes, this means that I perspire. But what I have found is that after adjusting, I really don’t sweat that much. Nothing that would prevent me from wearing certain outfits. And if it did, I still think your body was made to sweat for a reason. So, don’t freak out about not having the antiperspirant element. It’s bad for you and you don’t need it (unless you have some serious medical-grade sweat – in which case I would still challenge you to clean up your food and try going antiperspirant free just to see). I like this deodorant from Toms of Maine, and I felt it helped me to not be stinky. Ultimately, however, I have found that what I eat contributes much more to stinkiness than deodorant. I’m going to try a few other deodorants, as I’m not 100% sure this is the one for me. It is widely available (I found it emergency-status in Walgreens) so if you’re just making the switch to a deodorant, go ahead and give it a try. Skin Deep rating: 2.
5. Rejuva Blush in Terracotta Pink. I really like the color of this blush. It is similar to my previous favorite blush, the awkwardly-named “Orgasm” by NARS. Seriously, who named that? Do you know how uncomfortable it is to walk into Sephora and tell them you’re looking for orgasm. Anyway, this blush has a great color for someone with medium skin tone like myself, and likes a slightly warmer color. Best part – Skin Deep rating: 0.
6. Larenim Foundation. I also ended up trying this foundation because I found it at my local Vitamin Cottage. It is similar to Bare Minerals, and I think it covers pretty well. I’ve noticed I do need to use a bit more than I did with Bare Minerals foundation to get the same coverage. With a little more, however, it covers well. It also covers blemishes well when used on a concealer brush. I’m in the testing phase of other foundations right now, however, because I’m not 100% wild about the ingredients in this foundation. It is definitely better than a lot of other foundations out there, so if it’s convenient to find at a local health food store, it might be a good starting point. Skin Deep rating: 2.

Here are some products brought to you by good ol’ Mother Nature that I’ve started using on a regular basis:

1. Honey. I was using the oil cleansing method for a while. It was good, and it made my skin very soft and smooth. It also made me break out a little more than normal, so I decided to try washing with honey instead. And I LOVE IT. I use organic raw honey, and the sugar crystals give it a slight exfoliating effect. Honey is antibiotic and antimicrobial, and I think it helps my skin heal blemishes faster. Skin Deep rating: 0.
2. Coconut oil. I swear, coconut oil is ambrosia from the gods. That’s a little dramatic, but it does have some amazing properties when consumed or smeared all over your skin. It is also antibacterial and very moisturizing. I use it as a face lotion. Skin Deep rating: 0.
3. Cornstarch. I am not a fan of consuming cornstarch, or corn products in general. However, I do think cornstarch has a really neat alternate use – a dry shampoo substitute. You know those mornings when you wake up late and you don’t have time to wash your hair, but you also can’t leave the hair looking like Danny in Grease? Throw a little cornstarch in your hair. I like to dip my fingers into the cornstarch, rub my hands together, then brush it through my hair next to my scalp. Instant un-greasing. If you have darker hair, you might need to put the cornstarch in, then brush it a bit so you can’t see the white residue. My hair is currently medium-brown and I don’t have to brush it out. Typical dry shampoos contain a bunch of junk and crappy ingredients, so I think this is a wildly better alternative. And, it’s uber cheap. Skin Deep rating: 0.

He needs some cornstarch.

Well that’s it for now, my fingers are tired and I’m sure your eyes are too. Keep on the lookout for more reviews next week! Does anyone else have any fave natural products?