Get Ready for Dry Skin Season with These Clean Beauty Body Moisturizers

If you’re looking to replace just one personal care or beauty product with a cleaner, non-toxic version, body lotion is a great place to start. It covers a large portion of your body and it sits on your bare skin all day so it’s important, given those circumstances, that the ingredients are safe! Yes, it’s entirely possible that some of the ingredients in body lotions can permeate the epidermis and enter your bloodstream. Yes, it’s possible that some of those ingredients in conventional lotions pose a risk to your health when used for a sustained period of time. The good news is that there are SO MANY clean, non-toxic options. I’ve tried quite a few and I am going to share with you a handful of body moisturizers that I like and that suit a number of needs.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid In My Body Lotions?

Parabens - Parabens are found in so many beauty and personal care products, including body lotions. Look for butylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, or ethylparaben on the ingredients list. Parabens are a preservative, which is essential, but unfortunately there is some concern about their possible link to hormone disruption and even breast cancer. Manufacturers have found safer preservatives like citric acid and vitamin e to replace parabens, but consumers should be aware that the shelf life will be shorter. Make sure you use all paraben-free products up by the date provided on the packaging.

Fragrance/Parfum - Yes, fragrance is going to make your lotion smell really good, but it’s those undisclosed ingredients in fragrance that are of concern. Phthalates, in particular, are the most concerning because of their link to a variety of health issues including hormone disruption, fertility issues, cardiovascular issues and obesity. Phthalates are used to help fragrance last longer and “cling” to the skin.

Mineral Oil - Mineral oil is too heavy for the skin and doesn’t allow it to breath. It basically sits on top of the skin like a plastic coating rather than sinking into the skin and providing a permeable protective layer. It can clog pores and not allow the skin to naturally eliminate toxins.

DMDM Hydantoin - DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde releasing preservative added to many personal care items including body lotions. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can be present in products that include DMDM hydantoin in their ingredients.

Benzalkonium Chloride - Benzalkonium chloride is another preservative and also a surfactant and has been associated with significant skin, eye, and respiratory irritation as well as allergies.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) - EDTA is a binding agent added to personal care and beauty products to help improve stability. There is concern that is may be toxic to organs.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds) - PEGs are commonly used in beauty and personal care products as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. There is concern that during the manufacturing process, PEGs may be contaminated with significant amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are carcinogens.

Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) - Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient made from both palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). An FDA study has shown that retinyl palmitate, accelerates the development of certain skin cancer lesions and causes photosensitization. The FDA as well as health agencies in Norway and Germany have raised concerns that consistent application of vitamin A creams may also contribute to excessive vitamin A intake for pregnant women and other individuals.

Get Ready for Dry Skin Season with These Clean Beauty Body Moisturizers

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Solid

Kate McLeod’s Body Stone - Kate McLeod has formulated a combination of oils and botanical butters to create this incredibly unique solid moisturizer that melts into skin upon contact. It’s available in a full and mini size and several formulations. The mini is perfect for traveling since it’s solid (no spills) and packs easily. I love that the packaging is completely plastic free and that all ingredients are botanically-based. Mini is $14 and the full size starter kit is $45 (refills are $38).

Mountain Madness Solid Lotion Bar - Formulated with olive oil, local beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, calendula extract, essential oils of lemon, rosemary and vitamin E and that’s it! Simple yet hydrating, it’s great for the whole body or spot treating those dry spots like elbows and cuticles. $12 on the Mountain Madness Soap Co. website.

For Eczema Prone Skin

Acure Everyday Eczema Lotion - This highly rated unscented formula with colloidal oatmeal and and a variety botanical oils helps sooth and protect skin between and during eczema outbreaks. Vegan and paraben, sulfate, petrolatum, mineral oil, formaldehyde and cruelty free. $12 on Amazon.

Pipette Eczema Lotion - Perfect for eczema prone skin of all ages. Plant-based squalane and colloidal oatmeal help soothe, moisturize and protect during eczema flare ups. Free of steroids, petrolatum and silicones. $14 on Amazon.

Adaptive

Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisturizer - Formulated with squalane, aloe vera, plum oil and phytic acid, this moisturizer is uniquely designed to adapt to your individual skin’s moisture needs. Light in texture and scent, this lotion sinks right in and leaves skin feeling soft with no greasiness or stickiness. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, this is perfect. $39 on the Beautycounter website.

Body Balm

Beautycounter Melting Body Balm - Enriched with argan and avocado oils, this body balm is perfect for skin that needs a good boost of hydration and protection (good for those really dry, cold winter months) without being heavy or greasy. It’s also great for spot treating areas like elbows, cuticles and hands and a little goes a long way. $42 on Beautycounter’s website.

Sheabrand CBD Muscle, Joint and Skin Balm - Loaded with healing essential oils along with CBD, this balm is formulated for providing relief to aching joints and muscles along with providing hydration. $30 on the Credo Beauty website.

Anti-Aging

oSea Anti-aging Body Balm - We use anti-aging products for our face but what about our bodies? This anti-aging balm from oSea is so luxurious and hydrating, plus it contains antioxidants and seaweed extract to help tighten and firm skin. It’s loaded with botanical oils that sink into skin and give a soft, dewy finish. $48 on the oSea website.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil - An antioxidant and vitamin rich body oil that promotes radiant and healthy skin from head to toe. Richly hydrating with evening primrose and camellia oil. Good for all skin types and can also be used as a deep conditioning hair mask.. $120 on the Credo Beauty website.

Body Oil

Weleda Hydrating Beauty and Body Oil - A blend of botanical oils that can be used on body, hair and in the bath. Simple, nourishing and hydrating. $21.50 on the Credo Beauty website.

oSea Undaria Algae Oil - Perfect for every skin type this luxurious body oil is infused with seaweed extracts and botanical oils to hydrate and firm skin. $48 on the Credo Beauty website.

Baby

Pipette Fragrance Free Baby Lotion - Gentle, lightweight and fast-absorbing, this lotion is perfect for baby’s delicate skin. Adults can use it too! Contains plant-derived squalane, essential fatty acids and ceramides. Completely fragrance free and well priced at $8 a tube. Available on Amazon.

Beautycounter Daily Baby Protective Balm - Specially formulated for baby’s delicate, sensitive skin this balm includes shea butter, sunflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil to soothe, hydrate and protect. Also great for sensitive adult skin. $22 on the Beautycounter website.

Simple

Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion - Beautycounter’s tried and true body lotion in its signature citrus mimosa scent. Loaded with hydrating botanical butters and oils for smooth, hydrated skin. $25 on the Beautycounter website.

Billie Dry-Bye Body Lotion - Formulated with aloe, shea butter, grapeseed oil and chamomile for soothing all-day hydration with a light citrus scent. A matte, comfortable finish with no greasy, sticky feel. $12 on the Billie website.

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How To Make Your Deodorant Work Better and Last Longer

Whether you’re using conventional deodorant or deodorants of the “clean” variety, there are some things you can do to help them work a little better for you. These are super simple tricks that do not require expensive and hard-to-find additional products or have you jumping through hoops just to keep your pits smelling fresh. I should also note that these aren’t foolproof; there are many variables that come in to play when it comes to deodorant efficacy. So there’s a chance you may still have to apply a mid to late day layer to keep you smelling fresh or even possibly consider switching formulas or brands if you’re not getting the results you want. This does not just apply (ha!) to “clean” deodorants either. Unless you’re using some sort of industrial strength deodorant/anti-perspirant, you probably have to reapply to maintain that all-day freshness.

How To Make Your Deodorant Work Better and Last Longer

1. Make sure your underarms are completely dry before applying deodorant. Wait until the end of your morning bathroom routine, rather than right after your shower when your skin is still damp and warm (I know, your armpit is always warm, the point is damp and warm).

2. Lather and gently exfoliate in a circular motion your underarms to remove dead skin cells which prepares skin for application and by unblocking pores that may be harboring stink causing bacteria. This step has been key for me. It really does help maximize and extend the efficacy of my deodorant. I’ve also noticed that just washing with soap does not always leave me smelling fresh (yes, I have smelled my pits after my shower) so this extra step of exfoliating has really helped.

3. If you have just shaved, wait a few minutes after your shower (you know like I said above) to apply to avoid stinging and irritation.

4. Less is more. You only need a light, thin layer to do the trick. Too much can stain your clothing and feel uncomfortable on your skin.

5. This is not spackle people, you may need a touch up. It doesn’t mean that natural deodorants don’t work. There are several factors that may interfere with the its efficacy (activity, overheating, hormones) or that particular deodorant may not be for you. I know people who need a touch up even when using conventional deodorants. This is not uncommon. Keep one at work or some deodorant wipes in your car or purse.

6. If you have never used a natural, non-toxic deodorant before, your armpits may go through a "detox" stage. Learn more from Schmidt's blog "The Natural" about Underarm Detox. I, personally, have never done an armpit detox but some people sweat, I mean swear by it.

7. Try using a charcoal bar to cleans your armpits. Cleansing with a charcoal bar may help absorb impurities and detoxify the armpit area (can also be used on other body parts too) to help reduce stink-causing bacteria. Try Beautcounter’s Charcoal Bar or Megababe’s Space Bar Underarm Soap.

Low and/or Non Toxic Deodorant Brands You May Want to Try

Schmidt's

Schmidt’s has a variety of scents and a sensitive skin formula in a variety of scents as well. It goes on smoothly and does not feel sticky or goopy. Odor control is all natural and non-toxic and Schmidt's also has some wetness absorbing properties via it's "award winning" mineral formulation. It’s available at Target and their own website. The regular formula is $9-$10 and the sensitive skin formula is $11 and Schmidt's also offers a "bundle and save" option via their website.

Native

I’ve used Native for a few years and it has worked really well for me. They offer a wide variety of scents including unscented. Check out their website for testimonials and more information. Native is available at Target and Walmart. It’s $12 a stick. You can also buy through their website.

Lavanila

Lavanila was very similar to Schmidt's in consistency and I did find that it kept me fresh all day. However, I only have the travel size and I used it once when I recently had an overnight. Lavanila also has a few lovely scents, including a "sport" formula for more intense odor control. Lavanila is $14-$16 for a 2oz. stick depending on the formulation. Check out their website for more information.

Megababe - A “new to me” deodorant. I just started using and it’s been really good at keeping me fresh and comfortably dry. I typically reapply about three quarters through the day to maintain that freshness through the evening. It’s $14 full price on the Megababe website.

Beautycounter - As a lover of many Beautycounter products I was excited to try their deodorant. It’s comfortable going on and not heavily fragranced. At first, I wasn’t sure if this one was going to work for me but it ended up being really good. Also, I love the sustainable refill packaging. The initial purchase is $28 and then $18 for the refill so if it really works for you, it might be worth the investment. Check it out on Beautycounter’s website.

Deodorant Wipes

I have never used wipes for all day protection, but they are great for a refresh in the middle of the day or after a trip to the gym. I keep one in my purse and my daughter keeps one in her backpack for gym and after school sports. They come in several scents and I have been finding them at Target for $9 a pack but you can also purchase from Pacifica's website or try Megababe’s Deodorant Wipes.

Lume

Lume is a new natural deodorant developed by OB/GYN, Dr. Shannon Klingman. It is made from naturally-derived ingredients that are suitable for even sensitive skin-types. It’s clinically proven to control odor anywhere on the body for 72-hours and has been getting rave reviews from users. I have yet to try so I can’t personally comment but let’s just say I have one on order as I write this. Learn more about Lume and purchase through their website.

*Updated from a previous post on June 2019.

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My Clean Beauty Product Guide

If you’ve been hesitant to make the switch from your conventional personal care and beauty products, there’s never been a better time. The clean beauty industry has exploded in the last few years and there are so many options. The good news is that everything from your hair care to your nail products are going clean. Although maybe you’re left wondering: Do they really work? The short answer is yes, BUT like any product some may work for you and some may not. So it’s important to be patient and not give up. Your products are out there, it just may take a little trial and error.

Some quick tips for making the switch easier:

1. Read the Product Reviews: There’s no better way to learn about customer satisfaction than through customer product review. It’s also important to remember that what may not work for someone else may work great for you.

2. Try Free Samples First: Many brands and retailers like Beautycounter, Sephora and Ursa Major offer free samples. Ask a consultant or sales associate for some samples so you can try before you buy.

3. Talk to an Expert: Many of these companies have consultants and/or customer service representatives to help out. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions.

4. Buy from Companies with Good Return Policies: Most of the major brands and retailers have good, reliable return policies so you can buy and try risk free. Just make sure you read before you buy so you know what to expect if something doesn’t work out. Have a Whole Foods nearby? They carry a wide variety of clean, non-toxic beauty and personal care brands and have a good return policy.

5. Join a Clean Beauty/Living Facebook Group: Joining a group is a great way to ask questions and get feedback from individuals knee deep in the clean living world and those just getting their feet wet. Join my women’s only Facebook Group here.

6. Switch Out One Product At a Time: Do not. I repeat, do not throw out all of your old products and start fresh. It’s too expensive and overwhelming. Replace slowly as you tun out of individual items so you can take your time to research the right products for you.

My Clean Beauty Product Guide

Beautycounter - I’ve been a customer of Beautycounter for 6 years and they are the gold standard when it comes to clean beauty, IMO. I use quite a few of their products in my regime because of the consistency of quality and efficacy. This especially true with their targeted skincare for issues like acne, anti-aging, brightening, etc. They also have really nice make-up, a sheer mineral sunscreen and a new deodorant that I’m excited to try. Browse their products and read about their mission and standards on their website.

My Top 3 Favorite Beautycounter Products:

1. Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer - My first and favorite Beautycounter product. Contains sunscreen and it light and sheer.

2. Counter + No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil - Facial oil is must for me and this has added brightening benefits. Sinks right into my skin and keeps it balanced.

3. Counter + Overnight Resurfacing Peel - This did wonders for smoothing my skin and eliminating minor acne.

Ursa Major - Ursa Major is a small skin care company our of Vermont. What I like about them is that they only release a product when their team is 100% in love with it. They’re less concerned about marketing deadlines and more concerned with quality and it definitely shows. All of their products are also gender neutral. Check out their website to learn more about this great, little company!

My Top 3 Favorite Ursa Major Products:

1. Golden Hour Recovery Cream - I love everything about this cream. It smells good and is moisturizing without being too heavy or greasy. There’s a reason it’s one of their top rated, best selling products!

2. Morning Mojo Bar Soap - Deodorizing, exfoliant and long-lasting, this is hands down my favorite bar soap.

3. Essential Face Wipes - I love these for both face and body. They are perfect for washing your face on-the-go but also for refreshing the bod mid-day.

OSea - OSea is a skin care company out of Malibu, California. They source their ingredients from a botanicals, but especially three different types of seaweed with healing properties. They are vegan, cruelty free and gluten free. OSea’s products are beautifully crafted and feel very luxurious and pampering. Check out their products and their story here.

My Top 3 Favorite OSea Products:

1. Vitamin C Probiotic Polish - My absolute favorite exfoliator of all time. It’s a little on the pricey side but lasts forever and I love that I can mix it with my own cleanser. Fades darks spots and hyperpigmentation and smooths skin for even make-up application.

2. Anti-Aging Body Balm - This is an incredibly luxurious moisturizer. It smells amazing and feel so good on your skin. If you are looking to treat yourself or someone special, this body balm is the way to go.

3. Sea Vitamin Boost Facial Mist - I love having this facial mist on hand to refresh my make-up or for a mid-day moisture boost.

Clean Hair Products Available on Follain.com

Follain - Follain originally started out as a clean beauty and skin care retailer and now they have their own line of products. I enjoy shopping their website, learning about new brands and reading reviews to decide what I want to try next. Check out Follain’s website here.

My Top 3 Favorite Follain Products:

1. RAKE Styling Balm by Reverie - I work just a tiny amount of this styling balm through my clean wet hair and it gives it much needed texture and volume without weighing it down.

2. Follain Everybody Bar Soap - I love this long-lasting, moisturizing bar soap with a rich, creamy lather.

3. Hurraw Moon Balm - I like keeping this lip balm in my bedside table. It contains calming chamomile so it’s the perfect lip moisturizing before bed.

Other Notable Brands I Love:

RMS Beauty - Another great clean beauty brand. I love their Buriti Cream Bronzer and Tinted Daily Lip Balm.

Ilia Beauty - Ilia has some beautiful products and I was so happy to see them being sold at Sephora. I love their Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint and Necessary Eye Shadow Palette in Cool Nude.

Merit - I’m just getting to know this brand. At my last trip to Sephora, I noticed their products were featured on one of the aisle end-caps. I picked up their Shade Slick tinted Lip Oil in Pink Beet and I love it so far.

Juice Beauty - Juice Beauty has been around for a while and has some great products. They have a full skin care line and some make-up. I love their Green Apple Peel and Green Apple Blemish Clearing Serum.

Acure - Acure is another brand dedicated to clean skin care. They have reasonable price points and wide range of effective personal care and skin care products. I really like their Seriously Soothing line of products.

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DIY Relaxing Bath Soak

Epsom salts have a lot of uses including making a great bath soak for tired and sore muscles (I love soaking my feet after a long day of running around). You can use them plain or add essential oils for some added benefits. I also like adding a little plant-based (not synthetic) food coloring for a subtle color. I reuse jars and other containers but you can certainly buy more decorative containers, especially if you plan on gifting your bath salts. Speaking of gifting, these bath salts make a great gift from a child to a mom or grandmother since the recipe is so simple! I choose essentials oils that help with relaxation or pain relief. I used yuzu essential oil for its relaxation benefits in this recipe but there are so many other options. Eucalyptus oil makes a great option if you’re congested, peppermint or lavender for headaches or rose or ylang ylang for anxiety (and these both smell really good too). I also love this recipe because all of the ingredients are easy to find.

Just Three Easy-to-Find Ingredients

Easy DIY Relaxing Bath Soak

1 Cup of Plain Epsom salts

5-7 Drops of Your Choice of Essential Oil (You can find the yuzu oil I used here)

4-5 Drops of Plant-based Food Coloring (I like this one from Whole Foods)

A Clean Jar or Container (I reuse old jars but I also like these glass jars on Amazon)

Plain White Labels (completely optional, especially if you’re just making them for yourself)

Other Optional Additions:

1/4 cup of dried flower petals or buds (like lavender or rose. This would be a great idea if you’re giving as a gift)

2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda (will help hold the scent in the bath salts longer)

1-2 Tablespoons of Body Oil (sweet almond oil is good one)

Add Epsom salts to a medium bowl. Use hands to break up any lumps. Add essential oil a couple drops at a time and mix into salts until you get the desired intensity; you don’t want to do so much that the scent is overwhelming because essential oils are strong! Add food coloring a couple drops at a time as well until and mix until you get the desired shade (I use my hands for best results. Use gloves if you want to keep your hands clean). A little tip: If you want to mix colors to get a new color, mix them in a small container first and then slowly add to your salts. You can also mix in a gallon-size Zip Lock bag and blend it all together shake-and-bake style but I like using a bowl because it creates less waste.

Experiment with Scents and Dried Flowers

Homemade Bath Salts Are Easy AND Inexpensive

8lb. Bag of Epsom $5.95 on Amazon

Lavender ($7-$15), Lemon ($6-$10) and Peppermint Oils ($7-$10) are Affordable. I really like Zongle Therapeutics or Florihana for essential oils.

Plant-based Food Coloring $7 at Whole Foods

Jars FREE if you reuse ones that you already have at home. A set of 6 on Amazon is $17