The best natural body care brands
A couple of week’s ago I posted a story about the best natural and organic beauty brands I’ve come across in my quest to live The Cleanest Life Possible. Judging from the amount of chatter that post sparked, I thought it would be a good idea to bring organic and all-natural body care into the conversation.
It can be a tough gig navigating your way through green washing, misleading labels, and clever marketing, so here is a run down of the safe options when it comes to choosing body care products and items.
Sunscreen
1. Wotnot
3. UV Natural
Deodorant
1. Aubrey Organics E Plus High C (my personal favourite)
2. Mukti
3. DIY coconut oil deodorant (courtesy of my pal Lana Purcell)
Check out this post for more about the dangers of conventional deodorants and antiperspirants.
Toothpaste
1. Ganozhi (my personal fave)
3. OraWellness
Soap
1. Hulda Herbs Pure Vegetable Soap
2. Niugini Organics coconut oil soaps
3. Sanctum
4. Dr Bronner’s
5. Vrindavan
Handwash
1. Melrose Organic Liquid Castille Soap
2. Dr Bronner’s
3. Nui
Tampons
1. TOM Organic
2. Natracare
Check out this post for more on the importance of using organic tampons.
Baby products
2. Wotnot
4. Gaia
Toilet paper
You might think I’m being a bit anal worrying so much about what toilet paper I use (excuse the gross pun), but conventional toilet paper is generally bleached and drenched in synthetic fragrance. Not something I want near my privates.
We look for brands of toilet paper that are unbleached and un-fragranced. It’s also nice to buy recycled paper brands. It may not be as soft on the tush as Kleenex Cottonelle, but it’s much better for your body.
Toothbrush
Again, you’ll probably roll your eyes at me when you hear I’m also selective in the type of toothbrush I use to brush my teeth with. I thought my mum was a nutter too when she first brought this to my attention. But you know how most toothbrushes have coloured dye on the bristles that eventually wears off with use? Well, that dye is toxic and as it’s wearing off, it’s heading into your system. Probably not something you will worry about unless you’re trying to rid your body of ALL possibly toxins, but it’s something to think about. We always buy and use toothbrushes with plain white bristles.
What are your favourite organic body care brands? If you know of any good ones that I’ve missed, I’d love for you to share them in the comments below.
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Bubble and Bee is a wonderful organic natural company as well. I have tried their cream deodorant, salt scrub, body butter and lip balm, all great ingredients and smell divine. Can’t wait to try some of their other products as well.
Hi Rian.
I have heard about Bubble and Bee deodorants and I would love to try them but I don’t think they are available here in Australia. Are you from Oz or the US?
Kristen,
I’m in the US and not sure if they ship to AU but I asked Stephanie the owner on FB so when I know I’ll post here. I have the lemon clove and love the smell. My sister has the geranuim lime and likes it but I’m not a fan of geraniums so not to crazy about the smell. I don’t have a sweating problem but my sister needs a good deoderant and she loves this one, she has tried a lot of natural ones but they all made her armpits raw and didn’t work as good as this one, and no raw armpits anymore.
Kristen, she just messaged me back, here was her response :
Sure, send me an e-mail at stephanie@bubbleandbee.com and I’ll get you a quote!
I know if you order from them you won’t be disappointed, their stuff is awesome.
Love the suggestions but instead of using tampons have you thought about using the diva cup? Even better for your
Wallet and the environment too!!
Happy and healthy thoughts,
Marie
What about pads? Why use internal pads when it is suppose to come out of your body?
I agree. Always use unbleached organic pads or luna pads.
The diva cup is a great alternative!
Is the diva cup the same thing as the moon cup?
I believe the diva cup is the same as the moon cup
I written a blog post about reusable sanitary products here – http://gustoso.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/swap-your-disposable-sanitary-products/
Hi Jess
Love this post and will now be on the look out for some of these products. I would like to know your thoughts on the skin care range I use…Evohe.
Karen
Karen » Hi Karen, I have seen this brand at the store but I’ve never used it and I can’t remember what the ingredients are like. It doesn’t say what they are on the website. I would check the ingredients on this website to see how clean they are: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ x
Hey Jess,
I came across this site and loved all the organic skin care ranges thought you might enjoy
love your post!
Thanks
Ruth
whoops here is the link
http://www.peachyclean.com.au/
Ruth
Thanks for the mention Ruth! So glad you love our site! Peachy Clean <3's You!! xxx
Love these posts Jess!
Agree re tampons with Marie – I use the “keeper cup” and its fantastic! No land fill, more convenient (only change it once a day) and I know exactly how much blood loss (im interested in all things related to body).
Keep em comin! x
I only use Joi Pure organic skin care it is fantastic! I can’t go a day without using the rejuvenating cream! http://www.joipure.com. Highly highly recommend it!
Tanya
Hi Jess. Thanks for a great post! It’s always nice to have people like yourself sharing your findings on the most non-toxic & safest products out in the market. So, thank you
Just wondering what brand of toilet paper & toothbrush do you use?
Also, laundry detergent, every household uses it. What brand do you use in your household?
Many Thanks.
Zara » Hi Zara, we don’t use any brand in particular – just whatever we see that is unbleached, no fragrance, and usually recycled as well. Same with toothbrushes, we just grab whichever plain white ones we see. For laundry, we just use borax and white vinegar! x
Neways products are all totally free from harmful chemicals, and their mission is to change one person one household at a time.
Full range from skin care, cosmetics, baby, home products, supplements etc.
Always happy to help with info.
Hi Jess,
I have used the Nui brand before and it’s great. What is your opinion on Nature’s Organics as a brand? I use a lot of their stuff and find it effective and very affordable. Most of their plastic bottles are made from corn, which makes it biodegradable and they don’t test on animals. I don’t think it contains parabens or any of those nasties either. And also Earth Choice? I use their products for laundry care.
Thanks a million,
Michaela
Michaela » HI Michaela, we don’t use these brands because even though they are good for the earth by being biodegradable, they still contain synthetic and questionable ingredients. They employ a bit of green washing by claiming to not use parabens, but I’m pretty sure they contain other toxic ingredients that aren’t as well known to shoppers. Try running the ingredients through this website to see how they rate: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ x
Great post Jess and all wonderful comments.
I too am interested in what laundry detergent you use as I am currently using borax and vinegar (which I find washes well but leaves the towels a little bit ‘scratchy’).
As for the toothpaste – I personally use a Soladey-eco Ionic Toothbrush – doesn’t require toothpaste!
Cher
Cher » Hi Cher! We just use borax and vinegar as well, but we don’t mind the scratchy towels. They double as a loofah! Ha ha x
You can do borax, washing soda, and dr. bronner’s soap shredded…. got the recipe on youtube and was so easy to make!
I make that mix with the dr bronners soap and the clothes come out awesome!!!
I use the environmental toothbrush (www.environmentaltoothbrush.com.au). it was created by an Australian dentist and uses plantation bamboo and natural fibres. I bury mine in the garden when I’m done. They also feel nicer on your teeth and gums than conventional brushes.
Also there is a company called New Age Nappies that make washable panty liners that would make a good back up for the keerper/diva cup.
Amy
Hi Jess,
I am glad you brought this up. People don’t realize that everything we put on our bodies ends up In our bodies. I was stunned years ago when I realized this. I have been free of 95% of toxins in my home for at least 15 years! Yeh me!
Thought I would tell you about a Marvelous and lovely site, livinglibations.com. Nadine Artemis makes the most lovely and healthy botanical s for our use. And she is brilliant when it comes to self care.
When is your two years up? I don’t know that I heard and I want to say I am so happy you are so committed to yourself!
I just found out two days ago, my neighbor boy, 9-10 years old has leukemia. They are going the conventional route, I am sure because they are terribly afraid. I felt so sad when I heard, and Zak is doing well through it all so far.
I sure wish there was some way to get this info to people before this happens.
I am teaching raw food classes so people can see the benefit of fruits and veggies! And I share the healing benefits with them too! (I sneak it in!)
Thanks Jess for all you do!
Marty
I have been trying to find a good natural deodorant for years! To no avail…I have never thought that they worked well. I’m going to try your favorite – keeping my fingers crossed!
Thank you Jess for your natural product list. I have MCS and have had to do the hard yards over the years to find the right product to use in all areas of my day to day life. I have bought in all categories many products that stated they are an all natural product only to find they are scented and quite detrimental to me. I am still learning what I can/cannot use and have recently found that both The Melrose Range of Shampoo/Body Wash, Hair Conditioner and Body Moisturiser products along with Nutri-Clean OLC from Nutrimetics (All Purpose Cleaner) are very user friendly to me. All of the above products are Highly concentrated and you only need to add water to a tiny measure of the product and the Melrose Shampoo/Body Wash and the Nutri-Clean OLC have many uses.
As for Toilet Paper, I had to use the Unbleached/Recycled Paper which served me well since it’s introduction to the public. I already had been using Sorbent Hypo-allergenic Tissues which had proved to be conducive to my sensitivities. Imagine my gratitude recently when I came across Sorbent Hypo-allergenic Toilet paper. I’d only been looking ‘further afield’ as the recycled paper wasn’t in it’s usual spot on the Supermarket shelves. Both Tissues and Toilet Paper have been clinically tested by the Skin and Cancer Foundation, sourced from the PEFC Organisation;
visit: http://www.pefc.org and is free of inks, dyes and perfumes. I’ve now been using Sorbent safely for approx. 3 months with no adverse effects. I highly recommend each of the above products. Everyone is different so as most persons will know, ALWAYS best to spot test each product to be absolutely sure they are not detrimental to your health.
PS I am NOT a dealer in these products, they are products I have stumbled upon in my ever continuing searches for non chemical/inked/perfumed products which help me survive…sort of…in the toxic modern world.
Keep Smiling…beverlyann
Thanks Jess, what do you do for dental floss?
Tali » Hi Tali, I don’t use dental floss but Dr Mercola has one: http://dentalcare.mercola.com/dental-floss.aspx Your local health or organic store may have natural floss also though. Just look for a brand that is made from vegetable wax and essential oils and does not contain fluoride. x
Hi Jess,
All these products look wonderful. My goal is chemical free living. The area I struggle with most is dishwashing powder and laundry detergent. Do you know of any good products? The environmental toothbrush as mentioned by Amy works really well for me.
Jenny Matthews » Hi Jenny, we just use borax and white vinegar in our laundry. It works great for us!
Hey Jess,
Have you tried Miessence? I’m a Miessence girl through and through
Lauren » Hi Lauren, I sure have and they are a great brand! The cleanser didn’t work that well on my face, which is why I don’t use it, but I know they are totally clean and pure products. x
I must admit..I LOVE Miessence too! To make the cleansers work the best you really need to ‘presoak’ your face with a washcloth if you have make-up on. It is certified organic to INTERNATIONAL FOOD STANDARDS! In our Laundry we use Soap Nuts! they are such an amazing gift from nature! When we use our dishwasher we also use them in a little bag in there with vinegar in the rinse section!
BTW jess, I love your amazing story! and am loving your website! Thanks for sharing all this amazing info! xo
Hi Jess!
Have you come across bod ecology? if so what are your thoughts?
Thanks for all of the wonderful information you continually provide us with. I will be searching for a few of the products you have mentioned
Megan » Hi Megan, it’s my pleasure! I hadn’t heard of bod ecology but it looks okay. However I couldn’t see a list of its ingredients on it’s website, so I’m not too sure. Have a read of the ingredients and type any that you’re not familiar with into http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ to see if it’s toxic or not. x
Jess I am wondering what your criteria for making choices with these products are? The organic bit is obvious but what other things should we be looking out for to make informed choices.
Amanda » Hi Amanda, I look for my products to be “certified organic” and not just contain certified organic ingredients. Then I look at the ingredients list to make sure they are all natural (not just naturally derived). If there are any ingredients you are iffy about, type them into http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ and see what toxic rating they get. You may also want to check out this post which lists the top 30 nasty ingredients to look for: http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/2011/08/the-dirty-thirty-top-30-most-toxic-beauty-ingredients/ x
Hi Jess …………………… absolutely love these posts.
I come from the same area as you so I’m presuming all are at Forest Glen & Tewantin.
Can’t wait to try each one.
Just bought Eminence sunsreen today ……………….. very expensive. Wot Not is on my list next.
Kerry xx
Kerry » Hi Kerry, yep most of these can be found at Forest Glen. I buy my Ganozhi toothpaste from either Inner Glow Health in Tewantin or Coastal Wellbeing Centre in Maroochydore though, and I buy my Aubrey Organics deodorant from Inner Glow Health as well.
Great post Jess, and congrats on an amazing website (and journey!).
What’s the story with insect repellant? Is there a safe one to use?
Thanks,
Kim
Kim » Hi Kim! Check out this post I wrote a while back about insect repellant: http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/2011/02/how-to-enjoy-a-mozzie-free-summer-no-nasty-poison-required/
I love the organic aloe skincare range from Wild Nature.
http://www.wildnature.com.au/
i have been using their aloe vera face and body lotion on my face for years. My skin and I absolutely love it (99.72% organic aloe vera). They recommend it as a toner but for years was using just that and no moisturiser (but now trying their moisturiser as well).
And I recently purchased their Pure Organic Aloe Vera Daily Repair Oil and love that too.
So versatile, can use these products as part of your face and body daily routine, as well as being good for bites, stings, sunburn etc.
Am so looking forward to trying their shampoo, conditioner, face and body wash (all containing organic aloe vera among other things) and lip gloss arriving this week!
I love Dr Bronners! I use it in the shower on my face and body (it stings a bit when it gets in your eyes though!). I love all the beautiful words written all over it too.
Also, I use a deodorant from Biologika which is organic and aluminium free. From what I can see all the ingredients are totally harmless, plus, it has the most AMAZING vanilla scent. Here is the link http://www.naturalhealthorganics.com.au/Australian-Biologika-Vanilla-Kiss-Deodorant-pr-699.html
Thanks for your awesome tips xx
i haven’t used laundry detergent for years but have been using what i think was called an ioniser disk in my washing machine instead – a plastic donut with blue liquid sealed in middle that just stays in washing machine and is supposed to attract the dirt off the clothes
i found at a local hardware store in Northern NSW years ago, they are supposed to last about 5 years and I need to replace mine but not sure where to buy. has saved me heaps of money, i think it only cost about $100 back then
i then just add a little eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil to the wash
if i’m not able to find one of them again i might try another supposedly detergent free product i’ve saw at a “green” show and on a few websites since – laundry balls, though i am not exactly sure whether there is anything undesirable about the mineral pellets inside
http://www.laundryball.com.au/ and
http://www.todae.com.au/Ecozone/Ecozone-Ecoballs
Thanks for this post, I’ll keep it as a reference.
I can vouch for the DIY deodorant recipe, it is by far more effective for me then any of the many natural deodorants I’ve trialled. I’ve heard alot of people can react to the baking soda tho, so they sometimes reduce the amount. Also, some people use just straight coconut oil.
Great info – thanks for sharing. May I suggest organic soapnuts http://www.soapinanutshell.com.au for laundry. I’m yet to use them myself, waititng for delivery but I’m impressed by what I’ve read.
Hi Jess, thanks again for a fantastic post, quick question, what do you use for shampoo and conditioner? also what do use as a perfume?
love and Light
A xxxx
Anita » Hi Anita, I use Mukti shampoo and conditioner. I don’t use anything for perfume at the moment, but I have just come across this brand of organic and natural perfumes. I plan to get onto them asap: http://www.begenkishop.com/shop-product/pegasus-organic-perfume/
I love the Vanessa Megan shampoo and conditioner-it’s all organic and natural but you still get a nice lather and it smells divine. It’s on the peachyclean.com.au website. The shampoo actually makes for a really nice body wash too.
Hi Jess – where’s the Badger on this list?
Warmly,
Your Friends at Badger
I’m really wanting to find out a mostly-chemical free hair dye. I wonder if this even exists?
For hair dye, try your local health food shop. I haven’t tried them myself, but my daughter loves to dye her hair and I purchased a pack for her recently. They may not be completely chemical free but certainly less toxic than supermarket brands.
My favorite products are Miessence, really good deodorant, and for me also the skin care and body products, I travel alot with work, on and off planes! and never have problem with my skin or freshness! I also taken Enliven, and it really supports my health. Interested how you wash your clothes, I’m totally organic at home as well, but I have never tried the borax? How much and how do u use it? Thx for your blogs
Kristina » Hi Kristina, we use about 1/2 a cup of borax in the washing. Thanks! x
Hi Jess,
Great post. I just purchased the wotnot brand of sunscreen. It’s gorgeous on the skin and works a treat under our beautiful (& harsh) sun.
One product not mentioned is Eco Tan – certified organic invisible tanning cream that’s free of synthetic nasties. Gives a great honey brown tan and it’s locally owned (on the Gold Coast)
Ra
I also LOVE Eco Tan.. the invisible tan product is beautiful! it it feels lovely on the skin then once the tan has developed it looks super natural.. highly recomend! love it !
Hi Jess,
So great that you’re on the ‘natural skin care’ wagon!! I’ve just launched an online Organic Beauty boutique called Peachy Clean-absolutely no toxic chemicals anywhere! You’ll love it! And Ra-I also stock the amazing Eco Tan-it really is the best tan I’ve used and gets rave reviews from all my customers, it’s actually our best seller! Check out my new site if you like http://www.peachyclean.com.au I’ve put together a luscious range of skin care, hair care, nail polish, tan, soy candles and more for women, men and peachy babies! I hope you like it!
Loving your site!
Haley
xxx
Haley, do you ship anywhere else beside Australia?? loved your shop online and thanks Jess for this post, I have learned about so many new products!!
Hi Marie!
So glad you loved my new website! It’s my baby and I’m so happy to stocking the most amazing organic brands! E-mail me at info@peachyclean.com.au if you’d like any personal product recommendations for your skin type etc.
I ship anywhere in the world and every parcel is sent with love
xxx
Thanks for this Jess, have ordered my wot not sunscreen today!
I am heading to LA in a few weeks – I’ve read your post on the juicers, and was wondering if you think it is def worthwhile to get the whizbag Norwalk juicer while I’m there? I am v keen to start juicing for myself and my daughter and just want to make sure the investment is worth it?
Best, Evie
I truly appreciate this article post.
I use Vegesorb on my babies, it is Petroleum-free & I think a good product but happy to be corrected / better informed otherwise! Paw Paw Salve is another (yellow tube) but manufacturers have stopped making these so I’m in the market for a new one if anyone can help. Lucas Paw Paw (red packaging) contains petroleum although not declared I was told.
Lucas Paw Paw ointment is really really toxic! It looks and sounds natural so many people think it’s a safe product but it’s loaded with chemicals. Vegesorb is definitely good but in my experience some sorbelene based products can stop your skin from breathing easily and although they protect, they don’t always nourish.
Weleda do a fab baby range and the calendula nappy cream is great and all organic-you can use it as a salve for anything-not just nappy cream. Calendula is super soothing and helps heal irritations for sensitive skin so it’s good for adults as well as babies too. It’s not expensive and they do a beautiful body wash for bubs and adults too in the calendula range. http://www.peachyclean.com.au/collections/mum-baby/products/weleda-calendula-nappy-change-cream
Hope that helps!
Thank you ♡♥♡♥
1 http://MountainRoseHerbs.com
2 http://RawGaia.com
3 http://ToothSoap.com
4 http://MiOrganicProducts.com
Lots of Love & Light
http://WhiteTimeHealing.net
Michel xo
what about Mrs. Myers products – are they safe??
Paradise Nutrients is a local (Gatton) family business that makes laundry liquid, dishwasher powder, toothpaste, dish liquid & many other safe products. You can buy in bulk & it’s very affordable.