Body Lotion

Who doesn't love a good body lotion? Lotions keep our skin soft and smooth. They are not as greasy as oil and quickly absorb into the skin. Some of them smell amazing too. So what's the problem? Lotions are filled with toxic chemicals like parabens, fragrance, petrochemicals, alcohol, and oil emulsified in water. The only ingredient that provides any moisture to the skin is the oil. 

I know everyone isn't an oil junkie like me. A few of you even told me that you simply don't like using pure oil on your skin. I get it, no judgement here! While I continue to use my homemade oil based body butter (recipe below), here are some great chemical free body lotions you can use.

Acure Organics Energizing Body Lotion
Sold at Target, Wegmans, Amazon and on the Acure website

Shea Moisture Tamanu Oil & Shea Butter Extra Dry Skin Body Butter
Sold at Target, Ulta, Amazon and I even found a few at TJ Maxx

Everyone Coconut & Lemon Lotion

Sold at Target, Amazon and on the EO Products website

Alaffia Coconut Lime Ultra Hydrating Body Lotion

Sold at Target, Wegmans, The Vitamin Shoppe, Amazon and on the Alaffia website

Homemade Body Butter. I have tried several body butter recipes and this one is by far my favorite. It has only 4 ingredients and super easy to make. Note, I used almond oil (not olive oil) and I added Young Living lemon essential oil. I also threw it in my stand mixer and whipped it on high for about 10 minutes. My skin feels amazing ever since I started using it. I keep it in a mason jar in my shower. I put it on right after I dry off. You will feel slightly greasy after you apply it, but your skin quickly absorbs it. Just remember when using oils, a little bit goes a long way.

Sunscreen - Part 2

Last June I posted about sunscreen. As summer approaches, I'm going to revisit the topic. It's very important to apply sunscreen as long as it's chemical free. Sunscreens loaded with chemicals can actually do more harm than not wearing sunscreen at all. The easiest way to find a chemical free sunscreen is to read the label.

Mineral sunscreens should only have two ingredients under active ingredient; zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide protects against UVA and UVB light rays, prevents burns and signs of photo-aging. Titanium dioxide is a fine white powder that occurs naturally. It's a very effective UV filter.

Chemical sunscreens have active ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalte, oxtocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. These chemicals are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, and may impact hormones. They are highly toxic to you and the environment.

The most common sunscreens on the market are the ones that contain chemical filters so always be sure to read the label. Sunscreens in the U.S. have not been regulated since 1978 so you need to be responsible for what you buy and what you apply.

Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30
Sold at Target, Amazon, or on their website

Alba Botanical Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Sold at Target, Walmart, Amazon, or on their website

Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Lavender Sunscreen
Sold at Walmart, Amazon, or on their website

Jason Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Sold on Amazon

Konjac Body Sponge

A few weeks ago, I posted about the konjac face sponge. If you tried the sponge, you have seen what it has done for your face. Your body deserves the same treatment. When I stumbled across this konjac body sponge, i had to buy it.

Similar to the face sponge, the body sponge is hard until you wet it. The fibers of konjac, a starchy root vegetable native to Asia, are used to make the sponge. The sponges are handmade, biodegradable, and extremely gentle. These sponges are just as friendly for the earth as they are for you.

Since konjac body sponges are 100% natural, they don't contain chemicals, colors, additives, or any junk. The konjac root naturally exfoliates and cleanses. You can use it alone or with your favorite soap or body wash (hopefully chemical free). I use mine with the liquid Dr. Bronner's soap. The sponge leaves your entire body clean, balanced, and glowing. 

The sponges need to dry out between uses. Once you are done, rinse it with cold water, squeeze the excess water out, and let air dry. They only have a shelf life of a few months so be sure to discard as needed. 

Of course I got mine at Marshalls, but I'm sure they are on Amazon. Just be sure to read the label and make sure the sponge doesn't have any dyes or additives before you buy it. 


               

Monat Global

I'm sure all of you have heard about Monat Global by now. If you haven't, it's the newest line of chemical free haircare. Monat launched in 2014 but seems to be all the hype right now. Their ingredients are naturally-based, safe, pure and sustainable. They use natural oils, which is an A+ in my book as you know my obsession with oils! The products can be used on both men and women and actually promote hair growth. You can read more more about Monat and order products here, Monat Global

Monat products do not contain:
Parabens
Sulfates
DEA/MEA
Phthalates
PEG
Phenoxyethanol
Eathanol
Petrochemicals
Gluten
Sodium Chloride
Salt
Fragrance
Color

I was given a sample and decided to give it a try. I used the Revive Shampoo and the Revitalize Conditioner. The verdict? It has a light clean smell which I love. It also left my hair super soft, shiny, and manageable. I was told to use it for a week or more to really notice a difference. I can honestly say, I notice a difference after one use. I can't wait to order this stuff!

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