Yes to Shampoo

Yes to Cucumbers
Shampoo and Conditioner

I have just started using this shampoo from Yes to Carrots, it is great!

I've now tried Yes to Blueberry and Yes to Cucumber shampoos and conditioners, I prefer Yes to Cucumbers but both work great and make my hair look silky, healthy and make my natural highlights stand out.

Yes to... is a brand that I have used before and so far I love all the products that I have tried. Their shampoos and conditioners are 99% natural, free from petroleum, parabens and sulphates.

Take a look at their other products: www.yestocarrots.com/

Alba Botanica Toxin Release Scrub

Alba Botanica Good and Clean
Toxin Release Scrub

So I've been looking for a facial exfoliator for a while now, it's difficult to find one that is gentle on sensitive skin but also free from all the chemicals that I look out for. I actually had a look online for recommendations, and this scrub was mentioned in a top 5 list.

I am in love with this scrub! It is gentle but still gets rid of all the dead skin, leaving my skin glowing. I think it looks like carrot cake mixture but it smells great and is free from parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances. AND it's great value for your money - this is definitely a product that I would recommend!

If you want to have a look at Alba Botanica's other facial products visit: www.albabotanica.com/collections/good-and-clean.html

St. Ives 24-Hour Deep Restoring Body Lotion

St. Ives 24-Hour Deep Restoring
Body Lotion

So I have finally found a moisturiser that I love! It is St. Ives 24-Hour Deep Restoring Body Lotion with almond oil - it actually leaves my skin feeling silky soft and smelling gorgeous.

No, it's not a totally natural product but it uses natural moisturisers like shea butter and almond oil, and doesn't contain phthalates OR parabens! I have ridiculously dry, sensitive skin so it's nice to finally find a lotion I don't react to but still moisturises my skin.

Not everyone is a fan of the scent, so if you're not an almond oil person take a look at the other body lotions by St. Ives - a lot of them are labelled as being "formulated without parabens and phthalates" so read the back of the bottle.

Bourjois

Bourjois Little Round Pot
Turquoise

So I have had alot of people asking me about make-up and which brands are good to use, first of all for lipstick I would take a look at the Lead in Your Lipstick post, but for eye shadow and mascara I recommend Bourjois.

Make-up is not an area that I have done much research in but I have been using Bourjois eye shadows and mascara for a couple of years and really like them. Unfortunately the ingredients are not listed on the packaging but so far all the products that I have seen are labelled as being paraben free including: mascara, eye shadow and lip gloss.

I love these little round pots of eyeshadow, they come in a range of fabulous colours and are just as bright and bold on your eyelids as they look in the pot - they look awesome!

Lead in Your Lipstick

I've read a couple of articles recently about the chemicals in lipsticks, and one ingredient that keeps coming up is lead. Lead is a known neurotoxin, used in lipsticks to give red dyes their hue. Last year the FDA did a survey and reported levels as high as 7 ppm (parts per million) in a number of lipstick brands, and what is the legal limit for candy? 0.1 ppm!

Here are the top 20 lead-containing lipsticks from the FDA 2012 study:

Yes, I'm sad to see that there is a Burt's Bees lip shimmer in there. Unfortunately lead won't be listed on the ingredients label but if you go to safecosmetics.org/ you can see the lead levels from the FDA report. For those who aren't ready to give up their lipstick Wet n' Wild, Bobbi Brown and Shiseido had lead levels less than 1 ppm.

Fatal Attraction

Just found this fabulous infographic about chemicals to watch out for in your cosmetics. Worth a read, there are some chemicals here I wasn't aware of but now will definitely be looking out for!

Created by: CosmetologySchool.org

Alba Botanica

Alba Botanica is a brand that I am loving at the moment. I have recently tried two products in their Natural Hawaiian collection: their 3-in-1 Clean Towelettes and Revitalizing Sea Salt Body Scrub.

The 3-in-1 Towelettes act as:

Alba Botanica
3-in-1 Clean Towelettes

1.  Makeup remover
2. Cleanser
3. Toner

So they leave my face feeling clean, but are also very gentle and don't cause my skin to sting or burn. I'm not a huge fan of the pineapple scent, but that's just personal preference and something I'm willing to compromise on for a product that treats my skin well.

I also tried the Revitalizing Sea Salt Body Scrub. I'm always a little wary of scrubs because sometimes they can leave my already dry sensitive skin feeling more dry and sore, but this left my skin feeling soft and hydrated - perfect!

Alba Botanica  products do not contain: artificial colours, parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl/laureth sulphates, or sodium methyl sulphates. They also do not test any of their products on animals - this is a brand I would definitely look into. 

In case you want to check out the other products available: www.albabotanica.com/

Burt's Bees Deep Cleansing Cream

Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile
Deep Cleansing Cream

Burt's Bees impress me every time, I've just started using this cleanser and already love it. As I have mentioned, numerous times, I have very sensitive skin so most face washes and facial wipes cause my face to sting, and even burn. This cleanser makes my skin tingle but this is due to the menthol so it's more of a cooling than a burn. It took a little getting used to but it was nice to know that it wasn't a sting from the chemicals - this cleanser is 100% natural.

This is a product I would definitely recommend!

Viola Cream for Eczema

If you can't find the product that you want, why not try to make it yourself? Check out this recipe from James Wong on BBC's Grow Your Own Drugs, I haven't tried it but reckon it's worth giving it a go!

Viola tricolor

This will make you one 150 ml pot:

2 tbsp (20 g) viola flowers, stripped from their stems
2 tbsp (20 g) Roman or German chamomile, dried
1 tsp beeswax
2 tbsp almond oil
1 tsp vitamin C powder
1 tsp glycerine
2 tsp emulsifying wax

1. Place the violas and chamomile flowers in a glass bowl. Pour over the water to cover. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Put the infusion into a medium-sized pan (this will form the bottom of your double boiler or bain-marie).

2. In another glass bowl, add the beeswax, almond oil, vitamin C powder, glycerine and emulsifying wax. Place on top of the infusion pan, and warm over a gentle heat, stirring until melted. This takes about 10 minutes.

3. Strain the infusion, then slowly whisk it into the oil mixture a little at a time until incorporated - the texture should be smooth, like mayonnaise. If this is done too quickly the mix will split, so take your time and add only a splash at a time & it will work every time.

4. Pour the mixture into a sterilized dark glass ointment pot, then seal.

Apply to affected areas morning and night. Ideally, apply within a few minutes of bathing, to keep moisture in the skin. Keeps for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.

www.jameswong.co.uk

Palmer's

Palmer's Olive Butter Formula
Body Lotion

Palmer's and I have an interesting relationship, I love the smell of their Cocoa Butter Formula but unfortunately it doesn't agree with my skin - I have very sensitive skin and it makes my hands peel. But I know others that use it all the time - my sister has it as her go-to moisturiser. As an artist she often has dry hands and likes the lotion because it's thick, but not greasy, so rubs in well leaving skin feeling super soft.

Thankfully Palmer's has an alternative for me, I use their Olive Butter Formula and have no problems. It leaves my dry, sensitive skin feeling moisturised and it's paraben-free!

Palmer's is also a member of the World Cocoa Foundation, an international non-profit that promotes a sustainable cocoa economy - so
you can feel good about buying it.

www.palmers.com

Renpure Originals

Renpure Originals Argan Oil Shampoo

I've recently discovered another brand, Renpure Originals, their products are free from SLS, parabens, synthetic colours and dyes. On the website it says "Most Americans are exposed to 10,000 chemicals a day. We can't save the world but we can supply it with safe and effective hair care" - love it, I wish every company thought like this!

I've been using the Argan Oil shampoo and the matching conditioner for about a week now and it makes my hair feel great and SO silky. It wasn't one of those shampoos where it made my hair feel great in the shower but I definitely notice the difference afterwards. Obviously one of the main ingredients is argan oil which is supposed to have protective and healing properties for skin and hair - what more could you want?

You can check out their website to see the range of products: www.renpure.com

Secret Scents

I found this infographic whilst surfing the Internet, its been put together by Women's Voices for the Earth - really interesting, though a little scary, but definitely worth checking out!

If you are having trouble reading it you can find the original version at: www.womensvoices.org/campaigns/secret-scents/

Method

Orla Kiely Tomato Vine Gel Handwash - Spring Limited Edition

This is an awesome company! Method has everything from home cleaning products, to laundry detergents to hand soap. I have used the handsoaps and also, in the past, the bathroom cleaner.

Most of the handsoaps that are currently available in supermarkets are antibacterial, initially you would probably think this a good thing, but most of these contain triclosan as an antimicrobial agent.

I did some reading into triclosan for my dissertation and scientific research of aquatic ecosystems has found that triclosan can act as an endocrine disruptor. It is still being used in products because the FDA are saying that more research needs to be done to analyse the risk - I suggest reading up on it and deciding for yourself.

Method handsoaps do not contain triclosan, are not tested on animals and use biodegradable packaging, their METHODology (genius!) is to ensure all of their products are clean, safe and green with great natural scents and awesome packaging.

Speaking of awesome packaging, I have to mention one of my favourite things about this brand - their collaboration with Orla Kiely.

Method is a company that you have to check out - and if you need more information on what's in their products they list the active ingredients on their website: methodhome.com 

Seventh Generation

So stores are getting pretty good at putting the products with natural ingredients together on the shelf and so I am trying to work my way through them to see what works and what doesn't, most recently i have tried Seventh Generation facial wipes.

I picked up the mandarin fragrance ones, the scent is a bit odd at first but I've decided that I like it. In terms of how they work on my skin, I think they're great! I have very sensitive skin, especially on my face, and so often facial wipes burn or sting and these don't, I actually prefer them to the Yes to... facial wipes that I tried (the Yes to... wipes are great too I just prefer the way that my skin feels after I use these).

Seventh Generation's 2011 Environmental Savings

Seventh Generation also do lines of household products; laundry detergents, bathroom and kitchen cleaners. I've been using the Seventh Generation baby laundry detergent without even realising, and I know the fear is that with some of these that the clothes don't clean properly but I have no complaints with the way my clothes have come out - even the whites.

Seventh Generation's products are sold with the aim to protect human health and the environment - they seem to be a pretty cool company!

www.seventhgeneration.com

Güd

Güd Floral Cherrynova Shampoo

Güd is a new line from Burt's Bees - no parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals!

I started using the Floral Cherrynova shampoo and conditioner last week and love the way it makes my hair feel. Scented with cherry blossom and almond milk it leaves my hair smelling awesome - and its a little different to the usual floral and fruity scents.

In addition to the lack of chemicals this product is not tested on animals and packaging is made with 25% post-consumer plastics - great hair AND a happy conscience (cheesy but true).

www.gudhappens.com

Life Factory

Right, so this isn't a body product but I still thought that it was worth putting in. You may have heard of BPA (bisphenol A), it was found that people were ingesting it as it leached from plastic into water and food.

Lifefactory 22oz Glass Bottle

Lifefactory bottles are made of glass so there is no risk of chemical leaching, and the protective outside means it doesn't break if dropped - this I have tested on many occasions. I love these bottles, they look cool and are great for travelling, and can be put in the dishwasher. I have one similar to the image shown, you can also get versions that have a sort of sports cap but I've heard that they leak (Note: I have no experience of this, it is just what I have been told.)

Obviously there is an environmental plus here too, bottled water produces up to 1.5 million tonnes of plastic waste per year - so you're saving the planet and looking after yourself.

I think that they are a great alternative to plastic bottles and there are even versions for toddlers - makes it a little easier not having to worry about the chemicals in their plastic bottles.

Check them out: www.lifefactory.com

Burt's Bees

Burt's Bees Strawberry Lip Shimmer

Another big brand that you might recognise. Great products, I LOVE their lip balms and moisturiser, they do gorgeous lip colours in lip gloss and tinted lip balms.

Burt's Bees products on average are all 99% natural with half of their products being 100%.

They also have a great line for babies, one of the little girls that I look after had eczema and the doctor suggested a body wash that was fragrance-free, we started using Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash and it seems to be doing the trick!

They have such a range of products from the classic hand salves, to body washes, to toothpaste. Definitely worth a look: www.burtsbees.com

Sanex Zero%

Sanex Zero% Body Wash Range

Now don't get this confused with the normal Sanex line - they are not the same! So far I only know of Sanex Zero% doing body wash, this comes in three formulas for different skin types: normal, dry and sensitive.  As the name suggests these products have 0% phenoxyethanol, parabens, phthalates and colourants. I really liked this body wash, some of the chemical-free body washes feel like they take the moisture out of your skin, this one didn't - I used the sensitive skin wash and will definitely buy again!

In addition, Sanex Zero% has been awarded the European Eco Flower for:

• Minimum impact on aquatic ecosystems
• Biodegradability
• Reduction of packing waste

www.sanexzero.co.uk

Yes to...

Yes To Tomatoes
Daily Clarifying Cleanser

Another great brand that focuses on making their entire line free of parabens, petroleum, SLS and phthalates. I've only used a couple of their products - face wipes, facial cleanser and lip balm but they all work well, and range from yes to tomatoes to pomegranate.

Yes to... also has a great ethos - all the products are 95% natural, packaging is recyclable and they contribute funds to charities which support local communities.

www.yestocarrots.com

Naked Bodycare

Naked Bodycare Range

Naked Bodycare is a great brand that I discovered a few months ago. They pride themselves on being 97% natural - the additional 3% are preservatives to stop the products going off. They don't use parabens, SLS or petrochemicals in any of their products.

In addition to all of this, their products are great! I've only used their shampoo, conditioner and body wash but they work well and smell amazing. My favourite was definitely the marshmallow and aloe shampoo for long/straight hair, it made my hair feel great and so silky!

Check out their products: www.nakedbodycare.co.uk/

Intro

This blog is called 'Be Good to Your Body' because I have started it as an information site for body products; shampoo, make-up, deodorant etc, that do not contain chemicals like parabens, pthalates, aluminium and sulphates.

I've started this blog for a number of reasons; having conducted research and reading into the chemicals that are present in our cosmetics, I now try to shop with products that are free of these chemicals, but its not always easy! The aim of this blog is to compile a list of products and brands that avoid using these chemicals allowing you, hopefully, to be good to your body.

Please feel free to message me with suggestions or add them yourself.