the best toxin-free cosmetics: a listicle (part ll)
OK. Everyone loved the list of toxin-free cosmetics I posted recently. Since then, I’ve come across more experts with tried and tested suggestions and some of you guys have shared, too. So, a listicle Part ll. And just a shower thought I had: I really want to emphasise that making the switch to safer and cleaner shouldn’t be about getting draconian and consumerist. That is, getting pious and buying more stuff. It’s about making a slow, gradual, informed switch as products run out. That’s just my thoughts…now enjoy these generous suggestions from others…
photo via pinterest.com
Stacy Malkan is the author of the award-winning “Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry” , Communications Director for Health Care Without Harm, and is part of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. A legend in this field. She emailed to share these:
- Dr. Bronner’s Soap – I love the soaps and love that the company supports strong organic standards and is willing to fight for what’s right.
- Weleda lotions – Excellent biodynamic products and they also support and train organic rose farmers around the world!
- Jane Iredale make-up – Great colors and excellent performance without the toxins.
- Grateful Body face cream – A local company in my community (Berkeley) that makes products with the utmost love and care.
Nicole Bijlsma is an accomplished naturopath, acupuncturist and building biologist. She is also the founder of the Australian College of Environmental Studies, established to educate people about the health hazards in the built environment. Check out more information relating to what to avoid in a product in future here.
- Biologika Evening Bliss organic deodorant
- Lariese cold pressed organic rosehip oil (this is my face moisturiser which I apply the night before -I use it twice weekly)
- FOOD for your skin Face and Body Scrub. These products are made from food! And last a month or so. They are handmade by a mother-daughter team – and are available at markets and online.
- Alchemy, Dr Hauschka and Weleda shampoo and conditioner – I alternate.
Trudy Joyce is a Melbourne-based makeup artist who recently used some of these products on my face for filming (hoorah! a makeup artists who’s into this stuff….we had a GREAT day working with Adam Zwar – Wilfred, Lowdown – for a new ABC show):
- Kosmea organic Rose hip oil
- Arbonne for skin care and makeup
- Re9 range is an active skin care range. My favourite is their tinted moisturiser, & mineral makeup .
- David Babaii hair/grooming products are fab also, not organic but they have less nasties than others and are cruelty free.
- Ere Perez has a beautiful almond oil based mascara, the more natural mascaras don’t seem to last as long.
I like this tip from Trudy: I put a drop of Rose hip oil in the tube or brush to give ‘em a bit more life.
Carla Oates has been researching and writing about natural beauty and health for the last ten years and is a great advocate for the organic industry. I know Carla from my magazine days and she has a new book out (see below).
- Inner Beauty Powder (certified organic) Rich in bio-activated ingredients; this is a superfood/probiotic in one! Pure nutrition for the skin.
- Coco Balm (certified organic) – it’s rich in fermented young coconut water, virgin coconut oil and a fermented essence of spirulina, grains, lemon, ginger and other nutrient rich foods. A handbag favourite.
- Nui Coconut oil: I don’t use soap as it disrupts the acid mantle of the skin. Coconut oil cleanses and moisturises at the same time. Its rich in fatty acids that moisturise the skin and in lauric acid that is anti-bacterial. I also use coconut oil as a brilliant hair treatment oil. Massage it into wet hair, leave for twenty minutes and then shampoo as normal.
- Inika mineral foundation: it’s natural, protective and also allows the skin to breath and gives you a great airbrushed appearance as opposed to cake on your face appearance.
- DIY fresh skincare recipes: My book ‘Feeding Your Skin’ shows women how to make super fresh skincare using herbs, fruits and foods from your kitchen and cupboard. Also my blog gives you lots of great tips and information.
Here’s what some of you recommended:
- Check out http://www.beautipedia.com before buying anything. They will review a product: checking if it does what it claims to, is good/bad for you based on ingredients, whether the packaging keeps
active ingredients stable and is worth the price based on the cost of ingredients. They also provide a list of what companies test on animals, etc. - MV organic range
- Endota
- John Masters Organics. A U.S. based line, but they ship anywhere. (a reader said “I’m studying Molecular Biology and their ingredient list is 100% a-ok”)
- Phyt’s organic skincare range
- Tinderbox skincare products – sold through a local health food store in Kings Cross, but you can also order it online
Some extra stuff:
For those who asked about toxin-free tampons/pads – good news! TOMs are organic, Australian made tampons. So there you go, a healthy plug…and you can buy online and have them delivered to your door!
Here is a study that identified 13 hormone-disrupting cosmetic chemicals in the urine of teenage girls – to give you an idea of what you might look for. http://www.ewg.org/reports/teens
Here is another study by Harvard researchers that found that a single use of cologne markedly increased phthalates in the urine of adult men. (many young boys these days are using multiple fragrance containing products that probably contain phthalates!)
Adorn Mineral Cosmetics is an Australian made company. They have a product called the Toxic Free Beauty Bag. They are all about freeing yourself of unnecessary badies and helping the environment. They are Melbourne based and run workshops for women educating them on this important issue. Check them out if you’re in the area.
Another great post – thanks Sarah. I’ve recently switched to Karin Herzog skincare which contains few, if any, preservatives and has made a massive improvement to the appearance of my skin. Will try some of these make-up suggestions though as I didn’t know where to start with that! Thanks again.
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I also can vouch for Doctor Bronner’s soaps.
They are my travel go-to.
You use just the tiniest amount and it lathers enough for your entire body.
So it lasts forever and a day.
Also multi-purpose… you can use it to wash clothes.
I’ve tried that when travelling, not at home… yet.
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Thanks for these posts Sarah. I switched to Moogoo for my face/body and A’lchemy for my hair and I have never looked better. Its been fantastic
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Love the Miessence range! So good you can eat them – literally, they are certified to food standards…
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Thankyou for all the links which will assist me in my voyage to understand the toxicity of skin care products. I have very allergic skin, and have only found one range of cosmetics (liquid foundation, powder and lipstick) that I don’t react to. When I contacted this Australian company recently regarding an odour I detected in my liquid make-up foundation, I was very surprised to find that the foundation product I use every day could be up to six years old when I purchase it! I am now attempting to find out just what the components of this make-up are , and what is a sensible/recommended safe shelf life. As this is an Australian company your international data bases are sadly not very useful.
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June 16th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Julie, it may be that you are reacting to synthetic materials in your cosmetics, many of which actually irritating to the skin (makes you wonder why manufacturers use them – oh that’s right, it’s cos they are so cheap!)
When looking at certified organic products, look for 3rd party certifying logos such as ACO, BFA, USDA or IFOAM. Be aware that other certifying bodies have less (sometimes way less) stringent parameters.
Hope this is helpful
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What a great series! I switched to John Masters shampoos last year and have been very pleased. My favourite is the lavender rosemary. I sometimes alternate use of that with a baking soda rinse, as I find generally that my hair is much prettier when I wash it less often. I have yet to find a natural mascara that I like, however, and since mascara is the only make-up that I use I would love to find a product that doesn’t flake (suggestions, anyone??). I’m also really interested in the rosehip oil that you use as a facial moisturizer – I want to try that when my current facial moisturizer runs out. Thanks for the great posts – the information and links are very much appreciated!
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June 17th, 2011 at 11:15 am
Dr. Hauschka makes a lovely natural mascara- I did find that it smudged a bit, but made my lashes thick and lush!
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Lush
amazing vegan products made in AU.
no makeup yet but amazing skincare and hair products.
get on that bandwagon!
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I recently switched to ‘A magical golden oil’ which is a Skin Crusader product. The link is here. http://skincrusaders.com.au/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2&zenid=e2787f0152510e46ff1dcaf6a3970e80 Their products are produced and distributed from Victoria.
The main ingredients are organic mandarins, olive oil, olives and calendula flowers.
The great part is that I can use it on my face, body and hair. It felt weird putting oil on my skin but I like Sarah’s tip of using it before bed and only a couple of times a week. My skin is feeling less irritated and dry and it is the middle of winter, something is working.
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So glad there’s a part two! I love Weleda and Dr. Bronner’s, especially when traveling as you can use Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap for body, hair, clothes, everything! And Weleda Skin Food is the most amazing cure-all cream..for cuticles, elbows, feet.
John Masters Zinc and Sage shampoo is the stuff…smells heavenly and great formulation.
My unruly, thick and coarse hair has never looked better than when I switched to John Masters! Thanks for the recs, Sarah!
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Just something small….I love cupcakes and I know cupcakes are hardly related to make-up and toxins, but in the sphere of sustainability, I found these gorgeous cupcake wrappers – reusable, designed and made in Australia and from environmentally friendly products!!! LOVE xx
etsy – http://www.etsy.com/people/thecupcakewrapperco
their blog – http://thecupcakewrappercompany.blogspot.com/
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Is the QV product range okay? I used Moo Goo eczema cream but found it actually aggrivated my eczema! I’ve found that happen with all non-prescription eczema products except QV body wash – which I prefer to use as I’m very apprehensive about the chemicals within eczema prescription medications. :-/
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I would love to find more natural alternatives to hair colouring – any suggestions?
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Hi Sarah,
Love love love your blog..I have learnt so much about healthy eating and lifestyle through reading your posts. I have to be careful what I eat and have needed to eliminate a lot of gluten and wheat from my diet and I can’t tell you how much your blog has helped me and it’s so nice to know others out there have the same issues, it’s comforting! I loved your recent posts on make-up and all the nasties to avoid and am currently doing an overheaul as I have problem skin and think the products I use may be contributing. I was just wondering if you (or any readers) knew much about nude by nature products or Innoxa or NATIO…are these products ok or better than the others you can buy in most department stores? It is hard to buy all the organic products as they are quite expensive and I’m a student so not much moolah!…any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! – Renae
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June 17th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Hi Renae
See my earlier post re the supposed extraordinarily long shelf life of the makeup I use because of my very sensitive skin. This makeup is not clearly marked with date of manufacture, but after some pushing I was told how to decipher the code on the liquid make up tube’s crimp. This is made by the Australian company Innoxa. When I pointed out the age of the stock at my local chemist, the assistant was shocked and returned all that stock for exchange for more recently produced products.
Julie
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Fabulous – thanks for posting such a concise but informative list Sarah! I have over the past 4 or so years, been gradually weeding out toxic skin products and introducing chemical free.
It’s great that the list of manufacturers and suppliers of such products is growing, but disappointing that government regulations continue to be lax in the way of labeling laws regarding the use of “natural” and “organic” etc. It makes it hard for the everyday consumer to know what they are buying and using. It takes a lot of research to arm yourself confidently when buying genuinely chemical free products. Lists like this certainly help.!
Naomi
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I liked your shower thought. I think gradual changes are best, and more meaningful, than just throwing everything out and starting again. Also, I like shower thoughts, they can be quite insightful.
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Brilliant list! I’ve always gone for natural skincare from Lush and Perfect Potion, but I’ve only just started wearing makeup, and am always looking out for those without vile toxins! Lisa Eldridge did a video post recently about applying natural and organic cosmetics ::: http://www.lisaeldridge.com/video/17555/organic-natural-make-up-look/ ::: which I’ve found useful, as if they don’t contain silicone, they don’t always go on so smoothly.
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I recently purchased a natural soap from a well-known natural products store. I noted the main ingredient to be saponified palm oil.
However, I have since learned about the devastating impact palm oil production is having on the environment, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia. Not only is it wiping out huge amounts of forestation but it is leaving the organgutans of Borneo and Sumatra in grave danger. This ingredient is not environmentally sustainable.
I am now more conscious of purchasing products that are not only kind to my human body but also kind on the environment and our fellow earth dwellers. I see it as a more holistic approach to my health and consumerism incorporating ethically conscious decisions.
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Does anyone know if Jurlique is okay? Fingers crossed in anticipation!
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Erin – the best way is to do your own due diligence and research rather than other people’s opinions… ‘Greenwashing’ abounds in this industry so have your eyes open! Read the label carefully. Search for ingredients you’re not sure of at this site
http://hazard.com/msds/
which tells you exactly what the ingredient does to you to for you.
Happy researching!
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Sarah, I love your blog! I’ve learnt so many things from you. I just thought I’d add some things that I use in place of commercial products.
I use fresh lemon juice instead of deoderant. It’s wonderful and keeps you smelling fresh all day. The only problem is remembering to go to the fridge to put it on!
I have also started using bi-carb soda and an apple cider vinegar wash (about 1 cm deep of ACV mixed with warm water) rinse to wash my hair. I’ve been doing this for a few weeks now and have noticed that the time between washes is getting a bit longer. I used to lose a lot of hair every day, but now I hardly lose any at all. I also find corn flour a very effective dry shampoo.
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I just converted to MV organic skincare. In one week my red face is calm and cool.
I suffer from extreme sensitivity and I so I have to be very cautious.
Thanks for this really helpful post …
Why didn’t I discover this earlier!
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Love that you posted this Sarah! There’s so many more gorgeous clean beauty products out there now – I’ve found that my skin has been so much better since switching to chemical free & natural products. Plus it makes makeup shopping feel guilt-free now
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For those of you looking for a ‘green’ hairdresser in Melbourne. Organika in Elwood, Melbourne is great – all natural products and hair dyes. Switched from my hairdresser of 10 years after reading your posts Sarah and will never set foot inside an ammonia-filled salon again. Colour is gorgeous. Of course I’d love to be able to go au natural but being blonde I need to do some maintenance!
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9 months ago it all hit me like a heap of bricks thrown at me at once, shortly after reading your post on toxic non stick frying pans!! I was tired all the time and just generally felt and looked like crap despite having spending thousands and thousands of dollars in the last 12 months on pretty skin care and make up in beautiful packaging with beautiful advertising.
So on this day 9 months ago, I threw out EVERYTHING in my bathroom cupboard that contained the top 5 carcinogenic and hormone disruption toxins. It ended up being EVERYTHING we had (including $1000+ worth of SKII and all my boyfriends hair and shaving products).
Over the next week I replaced everything with organic or toxic free alternatives and 1 month later I started to feel like a totally different person, 3 months after I looked and felt a million times better and had loads of energy!
The skin care products I use now DR MERCOLA cost 25% of what I was paying before for jars of chemicals in pretty packaging. The make up I use now is beautiful (completely chemical and toxic free) and made from organic coconut oil called RMS BEAUTY which I don’t think you have listed yet but it’s endorsed by Miranda Kerr.
I have been blogging about my toxic free discoveries and just hope more people can realise that loading your face and body full of toxins everyday isn’t good for you and there are beautiful natural alternatives out there that are often cheaper (because you aren’t paying for the models, TV and magazine campaigns and pretty boxes.
Oh and i even came up with a great home made recipe for removing eye make up… http://www.nourishedlife.com.au/2011/04/the-20-carcinogenic-eye-make-up-remover/
xx
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September 22nd, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Are these Dr Mercolas, the personal care external body range of products, as I was thinking of ordering some for my wife to replace all her toxic products.
I believe these toxic ones are contributing to her estrogen dominance, post menopause.
Also, do you know where I could find details on toxin free laundry products, like washing powders, softeners, etc.
Thanks in advance
Stan
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Hi Sarah
Love your website and particularly this article. I manufacture a range of naturopathic skin care (www.jacquelineevans.com.au) and your article is spot on! Thanks for increasing awareness.
Glad you have done your Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. As a naturopath and nutritionist, I also consult to a pathology laboratory developing functional pathology tests such as this….with your thyroid history, have you tested you thyroid antibodies, reverse T3 or salivary cortisol??
Just curious…
Jacqueline
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Im looking for a naural alternative to shaving cream for my husband, It seems that the natural market is so focussed on women. Any suggestions?
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[...] know about Rosehip oil before me?! It seems everyone is using it these days, from Mrs Woog to Sarah Wilson, to [...]
I am 21 and have had trouble with bad skin for my life. I havent resorted to any medications yet and am currentl trying herbal remedies to help. I also have lactose intolerance so generally my gut is a bit dodgy.
I am really interested in organic products. I was having my makeup done at Myer by the Inika consultant (Major Myers have just taken on their products in replacement of I.D.) and something she said to me made perfect sense: “Chemicals you put on your body get absorbed into the skin and the capillaries (tiny blood vessels) and get into the bloodstream (Not sure how true this is but it makes sense to me). You don’t voluntarily ingest chemicals we know are bad so it makes sense to monitor the products we put on our body.
I have been looking around at organic products and like Sarah am using up everything I have and slowly replacing it with the good stuff. I thought I would mention that Trilogy, A’kin, Alchemy and Avalon are stocked by priceline (just found it on their website) and it seems to be cheaper than getting it shipped so for those who are interested thought I would make you aware.
I think it’s great to have natural food and products, I am loving growing herbs and using them fresh in my cooking and using organic products to keep my skin nice forever.
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has anybody used products from integrity cosmetics? http://www.integritycosmetics.com.au – I’ve heard good things, but interested to hear other’s experiences
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On deodorants – a friend has recommended Garnier’s Invisi Mineral deodorant. I’ve checked website – no parabens, no alcohol, no aluminium, no animal testing. Wow! Wonder if I should believe them! After all, is large pharmaceutical org. Can anyone add to this please? Can’t find out if it contains nano-particles though??????
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I absolutely LOVE MV Organics now, just received my luxury set (even got a Facebook discount,yay!), its soothing, plumping and hydrating to the skin, reduces and improves my acne congested skin, thanks for the recommendation!
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I recently discovered these and they are AWESOME, no need to ever use that discusting petroleum jelly tube of Lucas Papaw ointment again – http://www.nourishedlife.com.au/2012/02/hurraw-we-can-now-replace-our-papaw-ointment-with-this/
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