Do you use natural body care products? [Archive]

Tussiemussies

4-26-12, 9:06am

:)Just wondering how many here use natural body care products, what they are and the results you feel you get with them?

I just started using Dr. Bronner's tea tree oil soap made with different oils. So far my skin has been very soft and no new breakouts on my face.

Use Tom's Of Maine for toothpaste and deodorant. The toothpaste seems great some of the different varieties of their deodorants don't work so great for me.

I'd like to get away from commercial shampoo but since I color my hair (with a dye from the health food store) I can't rinse the residue with a lemon or vinegar rinse.

For moisturizer on my face I use Clinique oil free - not natural. For body extra virgin olive oil.

What about you?

Rosemary

4-26-12, 9:57am

Float On

4-26-12, 11:15am

Glad to see someone else cautious about sunscreen. It's just too heavy for me and gives me hives.

herbgeek

4-26-12, 12:13pm

I make a lot of creams, because the store ones are just too watery for the winter. I use Tom's for toothpaste and Badger for sunscreen. Vanity will kick in from time to time and I'll buy a face lotion with anti oxidants or whatever the latest anti wrinkle stuff is - I am not a purist, but I do pick and choose.

ctg492

4-26-12, 1:53pm

Goats Milk soap from a local farmer lady, my number one product I have used for years now.

ApatheticNoMore

4-26-12, 3:38pm

I use Natural Dentist kids toothpaste, a bit pricey, but the combination of Xylitol and Flouride and I don't seem to get cavities very often. Also seem to have no SLS that even other natural brands, like Tom's, have which was causing canker sores. They went away when I switched toothpastes.

I use a natural sunscreen (Aubrey organics). I actually was allergic to a LOT of sunscreens including natural brands (and I tried so many), made me face itchy etc. but this seems not to (until they change the formula I guess).

I'd love to use natural shampoo and conditioner as well. I think I may be addicted to silicones though :)

Zoebird

4-26-12, 4:38pm

I'm an oddball-- here goes.

Shampoo: vinegar

Body wash/face wash: honey or just water

toothpaste: Vicco tooth powder (indian market; it's an ayurvedic tooth powder. I switched to powder when they put coconut-based SLS into the paste)

mouth wash: oil pulling with coconut oil

body lotion: coconut oil or avocado oil

sunscreen: home made when we use it (which is between 10 am and 3 pm in the summer, between 10 am and 2 pm in winter -- it's essentially coconut oil, bees wax, aloe gel, lavender oil (this works as a short-term preservative, you can make it in batches that last 2-3 weeks), and zinc oxide powder. More oil makes it go on smoothly, less oil and more beeswax makes it thicker. You can even make a "lotion bar" out of it (more beeswax!), which can go on pretty nicely too.

make up: I don't wear any.

pony mom

4-27-12, 10:00pm

Over the past few years I've switched over to mostly natural or more healthy products. Boscia is my favorite skincare line (try a sample of their sunscreen at Sephora--it's great!). KMF olive oil soap in winter and Dr. Bronner's peppermint in summer. Trader Joe's toothpaste or Tom's. Alba Botanicals body lotion (unscented and no parabens). Thayer's witch hazel (alcohol free), olive oil and castor oil, aka "oil cleansing method" to wash my face, and Avalon Organics moisturizers. All of the above, except the Boscia stuff, is available at great prices at Vitacost.com.

I've tried the crystal stick deodorant, Tom's (burned my skin and stunk) and baking soda and all failed. All I use now is coconut oil with baking soda and cornstarch and it's worked better than anything I've ever used in my life. Seriously!! Regular antiperspirant makes me sweat/smell more than ever. The stuff I make feels great going on and prevents odors.

I've used SLS-free shampoos for years but now I'm doing the co-wash thing, where you wash your hair with conditioner. For now I'm using VO-5, which is the cheapest thing out there and I don't think it's tested on animals. The amazing thing I've discovered just last week is that my hair is wavy!!! All my life I had short, pin straight hair. Now that it's long and I'm cowashing, it has waves and curls on the ends. Who knew!!! I'm loving it.

herbgeek

4-28-12, 7:58am

This thread inspired me to try out a new recipe for hand lotion yesterday. The recipe was 2 oz of jojoba oil, 1/2 oz of beeswax and a small hunk of jasmine wax. The jasmine wax was just for scent, and I happened to have some on hand, but if I didn't I would have added a few drops of whatever essential oil I wanted to use. I heat the beewax in a butter warmer (it has a tealight candle underneath it- a tart warmer would work too), warm the oil in the microwave, then combine and add scent. I pour it into a jar and let it harden (doesn't take long, maybe 15 minutes). This is a heavy cream, I likely wouldn't use it on my face other than dry winter months.

Bastelmutti

4-28-12, 9:04am

Yes, we use Doc Bronner's, Tom's toothpaste, aloe vera gel. Plus there is a great salve for cuts that comes in a stick by Merry Hempsters. It's so good at healing cuts that we call it "magic stick" in our house.

HumboldtGurl

4-28-12, 2:44pm

Through the years I've switched back and forth between making my own and buying natural brands at the health food store. Some I liked, most I didn't. There's a new "eye butter" I'm using that I love though.

Last year DH and I discovered Melaleuca (consumer-direct health and wellness products) and fell in love with their health and beauty line so we use their stuff now and are super happy with everything we've tried. Their products aren't all organic as some you can find, but they are less toxic and safer than anything in a conventional grocery store.

Sad Eyed Lady

4-28-12, 2:57pm

We have used Toms's of Maine toothpaste for several years, and DH uses Tom's of Maine deodorant. I have found that in the past 8-10 years that the only deodorant I can use that does not cause itching and breakout is Crystal Natural. Even the Tom's of Maine, after a few days does the same thing as other brands.

Life_is_Simple

4-30-12, 9:27am

- Toms of Maine Toothpaste
- Kiss My Face Conditioner
- Aubrey Organics Shampoo
- One with Nature Dead Sea Mud Soap (for face)
- Kiss My Face hand soaps
- Crystal Deodorant

I'm allergic to most soaps and things. The above are things that I am able to use.

pinkytoe

4-30-12, 10:21am

Yes we use natural ingredient beauty products as much as possible. Tom's without flouride, baking powder for deodo, coconut oil for skin lotion and dry hair, olive oil soap made locally. Haven't found a natural shampoo though that agrees with my hair.

All I use now is coconut oil with baking soda and cornstarch
I am curious about your "recipe" for this deodo.

frugal-one

4-30-12, 3:51pm

Herbgeek and others... very interested as to where you find the recipes to make natural lotions and sunscreens!!! Thanks.

redfox

4-30-12, 4:45pm

I've been using lavender scented hand sanitizer spray - alcohol & lavender oil - as a deodorant. Works great, and is cheap!

catherine

4-30-12, 6:07pm

Last year DH and I discovered Melaleuca (consumer-direct health and wellness products) and fell in love with their health and beauty line so we use their stuff now and are super happy with everything we've tried. Their products aren't all organic as some you can find, but they are less toxic and safer than anything in a conventional grocery store.

I am a regular purchaser of Melaleuca. I did it originally to support my brother and SIL who became salespeople for it. [Yikes, in fact, I have to submit my monthly order today!! Thanks for the reminder!]

While I did it for my brother, I found I really like some of the products. The cleaning products clean without killing you with fumes. The personal products are good, I like the candles, and overall they're good products.

I NEVER hear of anyone else buying it, so nice to hear another endorsement!

HumboldtGurl

5-1-12, 11:04am

I am a regular purchaser of Melaleuca.

Mmmm...just had my ProFlex shake for breakfast. Yum! Yes, Melaleuca is definitely awesome when it comes to healthier living. Glad you're enjoying it too

mira

5-1-12, 5:20pm

I went for a year or so using only lemon/vinegar and baking soda to cleanse my hair, face and body, but then I got some really delicious-smelling soap as a present and it all went out the window...

Deodorant: similar to what pony mom mentioned, with coconut oil, vitamin E, beeswax, cornstarch, baking soda & essential oil. There are quite a few variations on recipes if you search around online.

Lip balm: jojoba oil, beeswax, vitamin E and essential oil

Hair frizz tamer: jojoba oil

Moisturisers: coconut oil, aloe vera gel straight from the plant

Moisturising face mask: olive oil or honey

Astringent: lemon

This past weekend I was looking into making my own sunscreen using pretty much the same ingredients that Zoebird mentioned. I kind of chickened out though and just bought some zinc oxide diaper rash cream instead...

crunchycon

5-1-12, 6:12pm

For those who wanted a coconut oil/cornstarch/baking soda recipe, here's one to try:

http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2009/03/quick-stick-deodorant.html

pony mom

5-1-12, 10:48pm

[QUOTE
I am curious about your "recipe" for this deodo.[/QUOTE]

Here it is! Similar to a lot of recipes out there. In a small bowl, spread out 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (it's usually solid). In a 1/4 cup, fill 1/3 with baking soda and 2/3 with cornstarch. Add to the coconut oil and mash and mash and mash some more with a fork. It will eventually become whipped like mashed potatoes. I usually add about 6 drops of an essential oil at this point (geranium is my favorite). When finished it will fill a 2oz container.

To use, scoop out a bit and stick a blob under your arm and lower your arm for a few seconds. It will soften enough to spread. I use more cornstarch than baking soda because it was a bit too abrasive with equal amounts. This stuff has worked so well for me for almost a year now. On a really hot day when I'm reallty sweaty, I will be a bit smelly but much less than I would with antiperspirant or other natural deodorants. It also washes away easily, unlike waterproof antiperspirant.

Hmm, why didn't the quote thingy work??

pinkytoe

5-2-12, 10:10am

Thanks, it seems like the oil would migrate to one's clothing though. Guess I will give it a try.

Tussiemussies

5-2-12, 10:18am

iris lily

5-2-12, 10:25am

I am resistant to new consumer things and for me, anything that uses the term "body" in its description is newfangled. "Body wash" and "body this" and "body that" are suspect, ha ha.

I use soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and stick store-brand deodorant. The only thing I 'm even a bit picky about is lotion and I much prefer Vaseline Intensive care but will use anything that's free, and since my neighbor is getting rid of her Avon products for free, I am using them but don't especially like them.

pony mom

5-2-12, 10:32pm

Did recently see that Dr. Bronner's came out with coconut oil. On FB another organization gave 10 things you can
Do with coconut oil. One of tem said it was antibacterial so I can see
How it would stop body odor.

Watergoddess mentioned she started using it to help with acne, I am going to
Give it try also.

How does it fare as a deodorant with the oil and the clothing?

I haven't noticed oil stains on my clothes. My work clothes are black, and I have had white marks on my shirts; these I easily remove with a damp sponge. In the past I've had more clothes ruined by antiperspirant than with this concoction.

The last time I used straight coconut oil as a nightime face moisturizer, I made an oily stain on my pillowcase that has never washed out.

HKPassey

5-3-12, 12:46am

We use Kiss my Face olive oil soap. For other products, we avoid parabens and many other chemicals. We don't use many products in general -- avoidance is our biggest means of limiting chemical exposure. I am particularly cautious about sunscreen since that is used over a large area and not immediately rinsed off.

A book called Happy-Go-Local gives some great info about sunscreen chemicals and alternatives. Sunscreen is a real issue for me, as I'm extremely sensitive to many chemicals (neurological/respiratory issues), including fragrances, but have a family history/skin type with a susceptibility to melanoma. I've been exploring home recipes for a number of natural beauty products. I've used "rock crystal" deodorant successfully for many years - works better for me than regularly deodorant ever did, and no worries about either chemical sensitivity or skin rash. Woohoo!

HKPassey

5-3-12, 12:53am

[QUOTE
I am curious about your "recipe" for this deodo.

Hmm, why didn't the quote thingy work??[/QUOTE]

The quote thingy didn't work because the first tag is missing its end bracket: should be "[QUOTE]", but ended up being "[QUOTE" instead. Syntax is a slippery little devil!

Helen

Paige

5-13-12, 11:02pm

Go to EWG, Environmental Working Group, and they will give you a list of sunscreens, personal care products rated safe to not.

herbgeek

5-14-12, 6:45am

Herbgeek and others... very interested as to where you find the recipes to make natural lotions and sunscreens!!! Thanks.

Herb Companion has a bunch of stuff on line. Storey Publishing has a number of good books, I like Herbal Body Care. And I do some experimentation on recipes I find to make them simpler and use fewer exotic ingredients (exotic being those I only use for one recipe, I do have "exotic" ingredients that I can use in multiple places). A basic salve is just oil and wax, varying the proportions. You can infuse herbs into the oil for particular properties, or you can add essential oils or both. Lotions are the same with water added, but I always have a problem with the water separating out, so I don't make them much- and having water in them means they don't last as long and are subject to more bacterial growth. Lip balm is just a basic salve with more wax added for firmness. If you're interesting in trying something out, Brambleberry has some fun kits. I started with the lipbalm kit, they give you everything you need to make 10 or so.

razz

5-14-12, 7:55am

I haave found that the zinc oxide cream for diaper rash is a perfect deodorant for me for the past two years but only the tiniest dab. My first jar is only half used so far.
Cetaphil is my wash, moisturizer and sunblock. My skin looks great and sometimes I wonder if mixing different items is a problem? I am going to try some of the recipes for lip gloss mentioned.

pony mom

5-14-12, 6:21pm

Cetaphil is my wash, moisturizer and sunblock. My skin looks great and sometimes I wonder if mixing different items is a problem?

I used Cetaphil for years but after switching to a brand that is much more natural, my Rosacea skin improved dramatically. Maybe this is why: http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2010/07/20/cetaphil-why-the-popular-cleanser-isn%E2%80%99t-doing-your-skin-any-favors/

It never made my skin feel clean.

razz

5-14-12, 7:06pm

I used Cetaphil for years but after switching to a brand that is much more natural, my Rosacea skin improved dramatically. Maybe this is why: http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2010/07/20/cetaphil-why-the-popular-cleanser-isn%E2%80%99t-doing-your-skin-any-favors/

It never made my skin feel clean.
Oh no, now I have to search for a better product again. Soap was too harsh.

razz

5-14-12, 10:27pm

OK, I have researched online using both coconut oil and hemp oil as a moisturizer. Hemp sounds doable and it is in the fridge. I will try washing with Bronners and then apply hemp oil.
Any contraindications that anyone may know of?

Zoebird

5-14-12, 10:35pm

Not that I know of. It will take a bit to soak in. Using natural oil is like that. :)

pony mom

5-18-12, 10:57pm

redfox

5-19-12, 12:51am

I only wash my face when I shower, which is 2-3 x/week, and then with KMF bar soap. On other days, I just rinse with warm water. I don't wear make-up at all. My skinis happy & healthy.

razz

5-19-12, 8:04am

Razz, I had tried using Dr. Bronner's for washing my face, and a KMF olive oil bar, and I thought they were a bit drying for my skin (and my skin is oily/normal). There are so many gentle natural facial cleansers out there that may be better for your face, like ones from Burts Bees, Boscia, Avalon Organics, even Neutrogena has one. Or oil cleansing, which is only two ingredients and about as simple and natural as you can get.

Beware pillowcase stains from coconut oil!
Well, I tried washing with Bronners and moisturizing with hemp oil and it felt as though my face was cracking. A friend gave me a sample of Neutrogena and it was too drying. I will look into some of the others suggested.
I do simply rinse my face in the morning so may try that as well but I know that life in the country is dusty and the Tspot does collect environmental effects.