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.