Did you know that your skin is your biggest organ? Many of the products you use on your skin can be absorbed into your body. Scroll through my favorite natural products to use and full descriptions are below.
Body Lotion
Ever since I made the switch to natural lotions, I honestly have not experienced dry skin in the past 5 years. Coconut oil and shea butter are often used as ingredients in lotions -- so why not just go straight to the source and use the real thing? Each product has its pros and cons, so I found that a mix of these three work well for me.
Make sure to buy food-grade coconut oil, which is typically found in the same section as olive oil in the grocery store. If it is edible, it is certainly better to use on your body. I love the faint coconut smell and usually apply it after I shower at night before going to bed. Since it doesn't absorb well, I apply all over my skin and wait a few minutes before wiping off the excess with a towel and putting on PJs. In the winter, I sometimes apply this to my face as well. Be careful about getting this in your hair or on silk clothing.
I usually buy a big container to keep in my kitchen for cooking and scoop out a little at a time to keep in a glass jar in my bathroom.
EWG Rating: 1 (coconut oil is the sole ingredient)
This lotion absorbs better than coconut oil (but still not as well as the commercial lotions we are used to). I usually use this in the mornings when I am in a rush.
EWG Rating: 1
This is great for cold, dry winters! It is a thick butter that you need to warm in your hands first so it melts a little before applying. This is wonderful as a hand or foot cream for super dry skin. Do not put on your face because it can cause breakouts.
EWG Rating: 1 (shea butter is the sole ingredient)
Deodorant
All natural deodorants work differently for everyone and you need to find the brand and formula that works well for you, so I'm listing a few options. In short, nothing works as well as good old deodorant with aluminum so natural deodorants take some getting used to. The deodorants below passed the summer sweat test! However, you may experience some wetness during very hot summer days; all of the brands below make a convenient travel-sized version, so bring it with you. Keep in mind that these deodorants are made with coconut oil, which is difficult to remove from clothing without washing it. I usually get dressed first and then apply the deodorant to avoid stains.
Lovefresh All Natural Deodorant (Unscented)
This is my new favorite natural deodorant and I've tried a LOT of brands over the years. This company makes its products in Canada and all of the ingredients are simple and transparent. The deodorants are scented with essential oils; grapefruit and lemon verbena smell wonderful! I’m convinced that the addition of zinc oxide is what differentiates this product and it is hands-down my favorite of the bunch.
EWG Rating: N/A (I looked up all of the ingredients individually in the unscented version and they are all safe)
Schmidt's Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin - Fragrance-Free
Schmidt’s is another great brand of natural deodorant. This is one of the first widely-distributed natural deodorants and is available at Whole Foods. It also comes in a glass jar packaging, which is more eco-friendly since I can recycle the glass. To apply the jar version of the deodorant, you scoop out a little bit, warm it between your fingers, and then apply to your armpits. I like the jar because I can scoop some out into a very small container for travel.
I've used this deodorant for a while but noticed that it runs down my arms when it is too hot outside and I put too much on, so I may continue to use this brand when it isn't as hot. However, my friend who proclaimed that natural deodorants don’t work for her swears by Schmidt’s!
EWG Rating: 1
Body Wash, Shave Cream, (and more!)
Dr. Bronner's Unscented Pure Castile Soap
This product really is amazing because it has so many uses. I use the same proportions for a foaming body wash and shave cream as the hand soap (1/5 part castile soap and the rest filtered water). Of course, you can also use this product directly on a loofa -- just a small squirt is enough, but I prefer the foam texture. Although I generally like to use glass containers, I refill a plastic dispenser for the shower since I don't want the glass to break. Even better, you can re-purpose a foam dispenser you already have. Two other popular scents are lavender and peppermint. Just note that the peppermint soap can sting, so keep it away from sensetive areas. Read about other ways to use castile soap here.
EWG Rating: 1
What types of natural body products do you use everyday? Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for natural products.
