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Everyday we use tons of products with good intentions. We want to be clean, smell good, look good, etc… Unfortunately, much like the food industry, most products produced by the cosmetic industry are complete garbage. Warning: you may find this post upsetting. I apologize in advance and hope you’ll thank me later.
Rethinking Shampoo:
I went almost 3 months without using shampoo. Yup… no shampoo for almost 3 months. Some of you may already be in this place with me. The place where you’ve realized that it might be as important to avoid slathering chemical crap onto your hair, skin, teeth, and pits as it is to avoid eating it.
Some of you are shaking your head in confusion (or horror) because you don’t know what I’m talking about and can’t imagine why I would announce (maybe even proudly) that I stopped using shampoo. Well, the truth is, almost all body care products are full of terrible ingredients. It’s true. I’m sorry… I know how much you might love your salon or Bath & Body Works flavor-of-the month products… but they are full of super crappy ingredients. If you’ve ever read the back of your shampoo bottle while you’re lathering away, you’ve probably noticed that you can’t even pronounce the names of the chemicals on the ingredients label. Should you have to have a chemistry degree to understand the ingredients in your shampoo? I’m thinking no… Did you know that these chemicals are linked to things like asthma, cancer and learning disablilities? Of course not, right? You just want clean hair! Check out The Story of Cosmetics.
Think you’re safe because you’re products claim to be natural, pure, or even organic? Sorry again…. There are no legal standards for these terms in the cosmetic industry. So, what that means is, these companies are LYING TO YOU! Straight up lying. Gasp! Yes, it’s true… many companies have no problem marketing their products as “natural” and taking your money while they are actually poisoning you with synthetic petrochemicals. I know, right?
After reading about the junk in my shampoo, I decided that I had to get rid of it. After all, I had worked so hard to rid the junk from my diet… shouldn’t I apply that same standard to all areas of my life? So, I waited until summer time and threw it out… oh, and I also may have cried a little. I washed my hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar all summer long. Unfortunately…this did not work well for me. My hair was greasy the entire time. It was pretty awful… I looked like Kid Rock.
Not good, right? Couldn’t do it any longer. I’ve read that adding essential oils might be necessary depending on your water and / or hair. I considered doing more experimenting with this… but… let’s just leave it at I didn’t.
So what am I using? Currently, I am washing my hair with Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo (Score of 1 on EWG’s Skin Deep Data Cosmetics Base). This was the best shampoo I could find at Target (to my knowledge, anyway). However, I just received an order of some products from Cocoa Pink. (Also recommended by Cave Girl Eats) Their products are handmade and crap-free! I’ll keep you posted with a review of the products in the near future. I still use the ACV (apple cider vinegar) as a rinse– that, I like. But you should totally know that you may be reminded of coloring Easter eggs every time you condition your hair… that could be good or bad… I don’t know. For me, it’s just kinda weird. Your hair will not smell like ACV after it is dry. I hope that is not a disappointment to you.
Coconut oil can also be used as a leave in conditioner on your ends or to tame “fly aways”. Be careful with this though… or you, too, will end up resembling Kid Rock.
Rethinking Deodorant:
Slightly before I gave up shampoo, I gave up deodorant / antiperspirant. This has been tough. Most deodorants / antiperspirants (the kinds that work anyway) are loaded with junk. Namely, aluminum and parabens. In case you haven’t heard: aluminum is bad news– that is, if you are fond of your mind and / or breasts. Aluminum is linked to Alzheimer’s and possibly breast cancer. As I happen to kind of like these parts of my body, I chucked my trusty stick of Sure deodorant… and, again, may have cried a little.
I tried this rock or salt crystal-thing, Tom’s aluminum free deodorant, and going without. Honestly, I smelled the same with all three… terrible. By the end of the day (and usually before) I smelled like a seventh grade boy after gym class. I wish I was joking. As you can probably imagine, this was not okay with me (or anyone really). Greasy hair and nasty stench? Something had to be done.
I read in a few different places online about people using coconut oil (coconut oil is awesome) and baking soda successfully. So I tried it. This works great! No, honestly, it does! Simply rub a dab of coconut oil under your arms and then follow with a swipe of baking soda and you are set. This does not prevent me from sweating (newsflash: you really shouldn’t prevent your body from sweating anyway)… but I promise you– you will not smell. Not even by the very end of the day. It’s amazing. You can even use the Mary Katherine Gallagher test.
Note: You should probably only do this in private… it makes other people uncomfortable.
Rethinking Facial Cleansing and Skin Care:
You’ll be relieved to know that this one is easy. I use the “oil cleansing method” to clean my face. What? Clean my face with oil? No thanks. That’s what I said at first too. And then I tried it– and it works really well– I’m a believer. You should check out Cave Girl Eat’s post for a great explanation of this method. She convinced me! Plus, she’s hilarious.
I use 1/3 cup castor oil mixed with 2/3 cup sunflower seed oil (possibly the only thing this oil is good for?). I store this mixture in a jar in my bathroom. Using a cotton ball, I smear the oil all over my face. Then, I take a steaming hot wash cloth and hold it on my face for a minute or so– until it cools. I repeat this a couple of times and then rinse the wash cloth and wipe my face clean. It sounds like a lot, but it is really not a big deal. I used to do this every night, but now I only do it a couple of times per week. This method combined with real food nutrition has done great things for my complexion. I happily tossed my many, many face care products into the trash– none of them worked anyway! Yea– no crying!!
Coconut oil is my favorite moisturizer– for my face as well as the rest of my body. Have you realized yet how incredibly awesome coconut oil is? You really can have skin like this…
Rethinking Toothpaste:
Are you aware of how horrible flouride is? It is literally toxic waste… literally. It is a byproduct of the aluminum industry. Flourided toothpaste contains 1,000 ppm flouride– apparently, this is enough to kill a child if they were to swallow the entire tube of toothpaste. Consuming part of it can result in acute or chronic toxicity. Excuse me, but what the heck?? Why is this crap in toothpaste? Not to mention public drinking water and dental treatments (but that’s another post)!
What’s that? Your dentist tells you flouride is good for your teeth? Yeah, well, ummmm… no thanks. Call me crazy, but I’m thinking there has to be a better way to dispose of toxic sludge then asking me to swish it around in my mouth a couple of times a day.
If you’re interested in reading more, check out this and this and this.
For the record, I do brush my teeth. And I do use toothpaste. But I had to get rid of my favorite Arm & Hammer w/ baking soda toothpaste (because it also contains toxic waste flouride). And, yes, I cried a little.
I’ve read that some people brush their teeth with baking soda and some people even use coconut oil (of course… because it is great for everything). Despite my affection for coconut oil, I do not use it on my teeth. I’m pretty attached to the ”minty fresh taste” when I brush my teeth, so I use Tom’s flouride free peppermint toothpaste. My children prefer the fennel version– I know, bizarre-o, right? Why would fennel even be a toothpaste flavor? And what would have possessed me to buy it in the first place? For the record, I was so focused on the words “flouride free”, that I never even noticed the word “fennel”. (Note: I do not think that Tom’s is the BEST option– but, for now, it is a better option. While it doesn’t have flouride, it still has some junk… like glycerine).
UPDATE: I now use wait for it… baking soda and coconut oil. Sometimes I use Tropical Traditions tooth paste, too… NO JUNK AT ALL… no flouride, no glycerine, no “unpronouncables”… good stuff. However, you should know that you’re not going to find something “toothpaste-y” that doesn’t contain junk. You are going to have to learn to love to brush your teeth without the minty foam… or at least deal with it.
I think that this is enough devastation enlightenment for one post. Just know this… this is not over. There is more that we need to rethink… like laundry detergent, dish soap, sunscreen…
In the meantime, you could check your products against the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised… but don’t hold your breath.
UPDATE UPDATE: Woo hoo!! We have found a CRAP FREE, FOOD BASED SKIN CARE and COSMETIC LINE. What???? You didn’t think this was possible? We didn’t either, but see this post and prepare to fall in love.
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Shared at: Real Food Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday, Fresh Bites Friday, Fight Back Friday, Monday Mania, and Fat Tuesday
I love this post. Not only is it informative but it also made me laugh. I tried the no poo and lasted maybe a month. I keep thinking I might try it again. I do tend to skip shampooing everyday though. I am curious, do you every use any styling products in your hair or wear makeup? I am not sure I can give those up right yet. We’ll see.
Suzy– so glad you enjoyed the post– thanks for letting me know!
I do wear minimal makeup– some eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. I also use a little bit of hairspray. There are some things I’m just not willing to give up! However, watch for a follow up post. I’m on the look-out for better makeup choices… if they truly exist!
After a lot of looking on EWG previously – I came up with Terra Firma Cosmetics (I think they’re a “1″?). I like their Airbrush loose powder and powder blush. And their mascara. Jane Iredale also has mascara although I liked the Terra Firma better. They are also not overly expensive. Think I get mine on Amazon.com. I also like the Beauty Without Cruelty products – most are generally a “1″ or “2″. I get mine through our buying club and on drugstore.com. Good luck!!!
Thanks for the info Heather! I’m going to check into those options on Amazon right now.
When I run out I think I will look at EWG as well to get some other ideas. Although I will not give up my Diorshow mascara. It is absolutely the best I have used. I will sacrifice my other make-up just to keep that. LOL
Well, I’m thinking if you’re going to keep something it might as well be the mascara– I don’t see how that could get absorbed by your skin, right?
Wow! Great post! I am so glad to see the horrible toxicity of personal care products exposed! My own blog runs on this philosophy: “If I can’t eat it, I won’t put it on my skin!” So glad you’ve realized that what we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our mouth. Sometimes, this is even more important, since whatever we use on our skin goes directly into the bloodstream, entering our tissues and organs. I’m sure as you become more acclimated with using safer products, you’ll find the ones that work the best for you. There are so many indie brands out there made by wonderful people that work beautifully. You can even be creative and make your own (some of my faves to make myself is body scrub, face masks, and hand soap!) For more tips on going greener with your personal care and cosmetics, I invite you to visit my blog and Facebook page.
Thanks Robin! I definitely will! Look forward to learning from your blog!
Wow. The information you have shared in such a humorous but insightful way fits so much with my own philosophies. I already follow Robin as well! Loved this article and will share. Please check me out as well. Look forward to seeing more of these blogs
Definitely will Sonja! I’m so glad you and Robin commented– I will be utilizing your blogs in my research for a follow up post!
(repost for non-Facebook folks:)
I gave up on commercial deodorant 15 to 18 years or so ago (they gave me a rash, and rarely ever actually worked anyway!) and have been using plain cheap brand vodka (white vinegar works, too.) since. Works well! Baking soda can be irritating for some folks (myself included.)
I use coconut or olive oil bar soap (with no added icky ingredients) as a shampoo. (with the added benefit of no liquid spilled and wasted down the drain!)
A mixture of coconut oil, olive oil, and Jurassic salt (RealSalt or himalayan) makes a wonderful moisturizing skin cleanser.
- and–
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Sodium laureth sulfate is in most Toms of Maine. One to avoid (irritating to the skin and gums). Again, coconut oil, @RealSalt, chalk powder or diatomaceous earth, and a few drops of mint, or other flavor, works well.
Great post!!
Thia– Thanks for the great info. I will check the ingredients in Tom’s– my main concern in toothpaste was the flouride when I switched. I really don’t want to have to make my own toothpaste– but I may have to!
Also, Toms is owned by Colgate and has been for years. Plus they’ve had issues with their treatment of their employees. You mentioned your love of coconut oil, that mixed with some baking soda and a few drops of essential oil of your choosing makes a great toothpaste.
Jami– thanks for the info! I have considered the coconut oil- baking soda combo for toothpaste– but have yet to make that switch. I will have to give it a shot soon!
Noticed the cosmetic thread, in the comments here– I’ve yet to try it (I rarely ever wear makeup) but I’ve heard really good stuff about Alima Pure.
My sister is formulating her own products (shampoo, conditioner, body spray, deodorant, moisturizer, body wash, scrubs and more!) and having friends and family test them. So far the results are phenomenal. She uses organic, fair trade products. Everything is edible (although she doesn’t guarantee it will taste good.;) Hopefully the products will be up for sale within the next 6 months.
Great post! I’ve been working on solutions to all of the points you’ve raised for 16 years and have finally launched my skincare line “Lalun Seasonal Skincare” because I believe we need to feed our skin seasonally the way we feed our bodies.
All of my products are totally handmade (a very labor intensive process) and I grow many of the botanicals I use or I wild craft them in the Hudson Valley every summer I go back east. ALL of my formulas have been developed by myself and I source every ingredient from suppliers that can provide paper trails for their claims (like Mountain Rose).
I love VCO and use it extensively. Please consider signing up for my blog (you can get there from my website) because I will shortly add my tooth cleaning solution (hint: caring for your gums is almost more important than your teeth . . . will have to explain in a blog post). I will also have some hair cleansing products that are inspired by my Persian background.
Would love your feedback and continued dialogue on this subject.
Maggie
We have been using Desert Essence brand of care products for a while now. They score 0′s and 1′s for most products according to EWG.
Thanks for the tip Tasha! Will check the brand out.
Thanks for linking your great post to FAT TUESDAY. Hope to see you next week! Be sure to visit RealFoodForager.com on Sunday for
Sunday Snippets – your post from Fat Tuesday may be featured there!
If you have grain-free recipes please visit my Grain-Free Linky Carnival in support of my 28 day grain-free challenge! It will be open until November 2.
I’ve never had good results with the baking soda /ACV combo for hair care either. But I now use castile soap with a little jojobo and water mixed in, and I really like that. I’m with you-coconut oil just seems to be good for everything. And I added a little peppermint extract to my coconut oil/baking soda toothpaste … love it!
Chowstalker– I am convinced that I need to give the coconut oil and baking soda combo as toothpaste a try. And I do have peppermint extract… so maybe today is the day! You have a great site, by the way!
Oh! The deodorant! That is so tough! Tom’s NEVER worked neither did the crystal and my kid begged for real stuff! For him, he never mentioned my reek but he is polite. I buy earthscience deodorant and it works not perfectly but better than other’s. Well, maybe. I should ask someone like my sister. I could seriously reek and perhaps no one is telling me. I’ll be right back…
Yup. The coconut oil – baking soda combo works, for sure– no stench! I also purchased some deodorant from Tropical Traditions that is pretty good– works for awhile and then you may need to reapply or swipe with some baking soda. But there are NO CRAPPY ingredients!
Oh my gosh, this really made me laugh out loud. I had very similar experiences with this and particularly the greasy hair summer (my greasy hair period was this past summer). So embarrassing…. My sweet husband didn’t ever say a word about it until after I gave it up a month or so ago. Anyway, I look forward to trying that Cocoa Pink!
This was so great.
Thanks.
It was awful. I think you’ll like Cocoa Pink!
agreed! Since going paleo and cleaning up my diet I did a re-think about everything else going on my body as well. I use and LOVE Dessert essence shampoo and conditioner. You can buy it at Sprouts. Also I use the coconut oil and baking soda for toothpaste..but I add a single drop of peppermint essential oil and BAM you get the minty flavor. Thanks for sharing all the awesome info with your readers!
Good idea!