Several years ago, the Environmental Working Group came out with a list of cosmetic products, including toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup, shampoo, soap, lotion and nail polish. It is a full-disclosure database about what is inside these products. I’ve been avoiding it for years, though I did replace our toothpaste, soap and shampoo after reading about some of the initial information.
This summer I would like to experiment some more with finding safe and healthy alternatives to cosmetic products. I’ll keep you posted as I work on finding healthier options for my family and my planet. I would also love to find ways around the lazy approach I’ve taken thus far – which is a single-step plan involving purchasing very expensive alternatives. I grew up on a farm in the 1980s, so it goes without saying that spending more than $7 for a small bottle of shampoo is something that I feel I need to take to the confessional. (Please absolve me, mom!)
I think this issue is on the mind of my friends as well. My darling Tarah, of spoon hooker fame, sent me this link not long ago about making your own body wash.
Yesterday one of my internet friends (one of the two people I can’t wait to meet in real life but am also kind of afraid that we will cause some sort of nuclear reaction with our fantasticalness – not a word but it says what I mean – in the same place at the same time) posted a link to this method of hair washing.
My foodie mentor and homeschool guru Maureen wrote a great post about making deodorant at home.
I told my baking-soda hair washing friend yesterday that I’m extra-vain, especially for a crunchy gal. So I’m going to be pretty picky. And the idea of giving up my quick-dry, one-swipe nail polish kinda makes me want to cry. But the idea of giving myself cancer makes me feel much worse – let’s not even talk about the fact that my daughter loves to have her nails painted. I’ve been having problems with makeup for years now…I can’t wear eyeshadow at all in the last month because of the constant reaction it causes. It’s time to make some more informed and aggressive changes around here. The first step begins with evaluating the items I am using on the EWG website.
So how about it? Would you be interested in sharing some of this journey with me?
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I’ve only tried the baking soda hair wash once, so I can’t wait to see if it works as a long-term solution. However, I will say that a serious perk so far is how super easy it is. No long lists of ingredients and it stirs together in seconds right before you jump in the shower. I’m stoked.
These are the products we are currently using-
Shampoo & Conditioner- Trader Joe’s Refresh Citrus about $3 each
Deodorant- Trader Joe’s Unscented with Cotton less than $5
Toothpaste- again Trader Joe’s
I have heard great things about Sephora’s deodorant & Tom’s of Maine deodorant/toothpaste is usually a reasonable price.
For make-up I really like http://www.honeybeegardens.com/
the eye shadows are great & last forever. I didn’t use it all in 2 years. I love their lipstick, eye liners & nail polish. And you can get samples too cheap to check it out before you buy. I get Physicians Formula Mascara because it is most water resistant one I found. HTH!
forgot to add we use Dr. Bonner’s Soaps for baths & showers. You can get it at Target.
Fire burn and caldron bubble. (sorry couldn’t help myself)
Um. I didn’t post a link about hair washing.
I must be the other one…
xoxo
also I am a total sucker for a Shakespeare reference.