Your mission, if you choose to accept, is to read your soap and cleaning labels, seek out “sodium lauryl sulfate” and “sodium laureth sulfate,” then begin to look for natural alternatives. (Can you see why I just wrote “SLS” in the title?)
Level of Commitment: Making Strides
Since last year’s natural personal products complete list, I’ve continued to make changes the baby step way. I just do one little thing at a time, and by the time a year is up, I’ve seen big improvements. (photo source)
Back in college when I researched soap, I understood what the sulfates did, but I didn’t realize they were an environmental problem. I was too focused on triclosan and how nasty it was, and much of the information didn’t pinpoint SLS. I just logged it away as “an ingredient in all soaps.”
Since then, I’ve seen murmurs of SLS being on the “no” list for green personal care products, and just recently I came across this article at Natural News that kind of put it all into perspective:
“Sodium lauryl sulfate did not start off as a detergent that was meant for use in consumer products. It was initially sold as an industrial strength detergent primarily used for heavy duty cleaners and degreasers. It is now found in products which are in close and frequent contact with human skin.
The reason it is used in so many products today is that consumers have come to expect abundant lather in products that are supposed to cleanse in some way. It is one of the most largely manufactured chemicals in the United States since many companies use it as a cheap lathering agent.”
The other reasons listed for sodium lauryl sulfate’s transgressions include:
- irritates and dries out skin
- allows toxins to penetrate
- is toxic
- erodes eyes, gums, and hair follicles (yep, gum disease from toothpaste and hair loss from shampoo…makes sense, right?)
As far as I know, sodium laureth sulfate should have the same problems, unless someone can set me straight. Read the whole article here.
I’m excited that I get to give away a humongous package tomorrow, including many of the items I’m about to talk about plus those from last week’s natural cleaning update.
Hair
Although I’ve continued to use the shampoo-free method of washing hair, using baking soda and apple cider vinegar, there are a few reasons I was pretty excited to try NaturOli‘s soap nut based shampoo:
- My hair gets kind of dried out at time with no ‘poo.
- I like to have a regular shampoo on hand for about once or tw
ice every two weeks when I’m doing no ‘poo. - I hear from readers who say that either shampoo-free just didn’t work for them OR they simply want something that lathers up and smells good in the shower.
So for me and those self-described “girly girls,” I’m pleased to report that I like NaturOli’s shampoo.
I’m glad they sent both the “oily to normal” and “dry to normal” versions, because when I started with “oily to normal,” I was initially disappointed that my hair seemed to get greasy after just a day. With no ‘poo, I was used to going 3 or more days without washing my hair and not experiencing such greasiness.
Luckily, the second version “dry to normal” has done much better. Although it doesn’t lather up with a ton of suds, I do like the way my hair looks. It still gets greasy faster than no ‘poo, but I think anything is going to do that. Also keep in mind that I have weird postpartum hair, so anything I say about shampoo can be taken with a grain of salt!
Bottom line: NaturOli shampoo is an awesome SLS-free option. The only disadvantage is that it’s pretty pricey.
Face – Cleaning
Last year I said that my personal Monday Mission for that week was to try the oil cleansing method once and for all. I did, and it was fine, but it admittedly takes a few minutes longer than a quick scrub with a bottled cleanser. I also struggled to determine whether I should change the ratio of castor oil to olive oil, and I just didn’t want to have to *think* that much about cleaning my face.
Enter the Hydramitt. This little microfiber mitt was such fun to test out. It 
claims to get makeup and dirt off with just water, so naturally I was skeptical. What a pleasant surprise! Even though it’s not hard to use coconut oil to get eye makeup off, it’s far easier to just grab the Hydramitt, wet a dab, and rub the mascara smudging under my eye away. It really does work.
To take off all eye makeup, it does require quite a few swipes across the eyelashes, so I might rather just use oil, but for those annoying end-of-day smudges right under the bottom lashes, and quick wipe with the Hydramitt was a welcome option.
Other advantages:
- Seems to make a small amount of facial cleanser go further
- Does a great quick lip exfoliation
- Dries quickly
- Takes up less space on the towel rack than a washcloth
Disadvantages:
- One more thing to buy
- Super expensive
- Microfiber is made of plastic
I did, of course, try my regular microfiber cloths, and the Hydramitt worked better on the pesky eye makeup.
Just water seems like the most natural and safe option one could imagine, but if the Hydramitt isn’t speaking to you, you might be on the lookout for a creamy facial cleanser. I just started using one from Skin Free, and check out these simple ingredients:
Saponified oils of Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond), Olea euporea (Olive) seed, Ricinus communis (Castor), Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) fruit, citric acid
I haven’t been able to test it out on my changing postpartum skin long enough to really say whether it’s causing or reducing blemishes or anything, but here’s the best part about this brand: it’s a truly natural brand (rather than one that says “natural” but still contains SLS, which happens more often than I’d like) that you don’t have to order online. Skin Free can actually be found at Walgreen’s! Have you ever seen it in yours?
Face – Blemishes
I can remember reading something about salicylic acid being unsafe for pregnant women when I was expecting my first. I asked my OBGYN about it, and he was completely clueless but said something on the face should be just fine for baby. Salicylic acid is a drying agent in many, many facial cleansers and acne treatments. Many of them are meant to be left on the face overnight, including the one I was using when pregnant with Paul.
My new solution is Redmond Clay‘s Facial Mask (or you could mix your own clay with water). I leave a thick dab on blemishes overnight, and as the clay dries, it pulls out toxins and redness from the spots. You just have to remember to wash it off in the morning, or you’ll look awfully funny:
(Here’s the article that goes with the photo, by the way…)
Teeth
A year ago, I was still using standard store toothpaste with fluoride. I’m quite excited to go 100% fluoride free for a spell after I get my Berkey water filter, so finding a new toothpaste was imperative.
I started with Tom’s of Maine from a regular pharmacy. That gets rid of the fluoride, but it still contains sodium lauryl sulfate (which is why it foams and feels like a totally normal toothpaste) and “hydrated silica,” which, according to a reader at the oil pulling post, coats the teeth and doesn’t allow our own saliva to do its job.
My next was called tooth chips – they’re free of everything listed above, but they’re far from regular toothpaste. Can you see in that photo to the left that they’re actually little shreds of soap?
To brush, you take one little shred, about a centimeter long, and press it either into your back tooth or your toothbrush. It foams up pretty well with water, but it takes a few seconds longer and a bit more concentration each brushing, so that you don’t just knock the tooth chip off your tooth and spit it out! My husband hated them – too much of a hassle, too weird – and my kids thought they were a really fun novelty for a while, then stopped asking for them.
Advantages:
- free of nasty chemicals
- still foams up and makes teeth feel clean
- small container GREAT for travel
- flavors are tasty
Disadvantages:
- new routine to learn
- have to have clean hands to brush teeth
- easy to spit out or knock down the drain
- pretty expensive
My latest tester is from Tropical Traditions, a tooth cleaner made
of coconut oil, baking soda, xanthan gum, myrrh powder, stevia, and cinnamon and clove essential oils (in the cinnamon flavor; they also have mint).
Advantages:
- no nasty chemicals
- squeezes out onto toothbrush
- I love the cinnamon flavor (and clove essential oil is supposed to help with tooth pain, too)
Disadvantages:
- if even a little water hits it, the whole plop goes right down the drain. You need to change the habit and get the toothbrush wet before squirting.
- no foaming action – so even though it’s probably working wonders, it feels like it’s subpar because we’re so used to lather – but this isn’t a real disadvantage, just a perceived one. Mind over matter…
I know a lot of people make homemade toothpaste – my father-in-law even does, just using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide – but it’s not something I’ve ever tried. Many recommend at least knowing how to do it and having a recipe printed as a preparedness strategy. Any success stories with homemade toothpaste?
Armpits
Skin Free also makes a deodorant with zero weird, unpronounceable ingredients. It uses the essential oil niaouli, which has antibacterial properties. I’ve used it on my stinky armpits for about a week, and I’m so impressed. I didn’t get stinky after some physical exertion nor after a nervous hour-long live webinar for GNOWFGLINS eCourse on snacks last week.
Only once did I smell some of that detoxing stench I mentioned in the deodorant update last week, and I have to say: that was on the second day I’d skipped my oil pulling. Coincidence? Maybe. I pulled oil that night, and the next day, the deodorant did its job again.
My only beef with it is that soy is one of the top ingredients. I’d much, much rather see a carrier oil like coconut oil mixed with beeswax, thankyouverymuch. (Soy is estrogenic, so not the best thing to consume or leave on skin.) However, for a deodorant that isn’t crumbly, doesn’t melt in the summer and I don’t have to make myself but can pronounce all the ingredients, I’ll take it!
During the winter I’ll probably go back to my homemade deodorant, but in this busy season, I’m happy to have a backup upon which to rely.
Hands and Bodies (soaps)
We talked last week (with great discussion in the comments) about the safety of alcohol-based hand sanitizers vs. soap, and we all know that, when it’s possible, soap and water with lots of rubbing is the most effective way to get clean hands. There’s no need to kill bacteria, just get them off and down the drain.
Finding a soap without some form of SLS, nasty antibacterial chemicals, or other unpronouncables can be tricky in a regular store. My favorites for hands (and body) washing include:
I would think that a great many small, artisan soap makers are creating safe, natural soaps around the country. Look for one local (and just know what to ask – no SLS, no triclosan, etc.) or check out Graham Gardens for some of the best-smelling and unique soaps ever.
The Skin Free soap was a new tester for us. My reviews:
I think it’s a very high quality pump and am hoping it will last for some refills. I like the smell – related to tea tree oil, smells very clean, aromatic. Almost like I’m getting aromatherapy just by washing my hands, especially when I use hot water.
My husband’s reactions: “smells like Vick’s or something, pump really shoots out!”
I don’t know that the scent would be for everyone, but there are other essential oils to choose from. And did I mention they’re sold at Walgreen’s? Love.
Babies
I’ve already written about what we’ve done naturally with Jonathan, including:
Getting Rid of Cradle Cap
At three years old, my daughter still had awful cradle cap. I wish I would have thought to take a picture, but just imagine: thin, blond hair, the face of a cherub (oh, if only her attitude matched!), and thick, scaly, yellow, dry flakes all on top of her scalp.
I picked at it often and pieces came off easily, but it never seemed to make a difference. A few years ago I had read that applying oil to the scalp in the bathtub would help, and I was able to slough off more scales, but her head was so very greasy, and the cradle cap just came back.
This time, I used a few drops of tea tree oil in a bit of unrefined coconut oil, rubbed it all in her hair while she was playing in the tub (really should have taken a picture of that wild ‘do, too, but I never thought I’d be posting on it!) and let it sit about 5 minutes.
This photo happens to have the greasy, pulled-back hair…and a cute baby brother!
I scraped as much cradle cap as I could off in the tub, then washed her hair with shampoo. The shampoo can only do so much with the oil, so she was still pretty greasy afterward. We just pinned her bangs back with barrettes and I told myself it was much better to have a few days of weird greasiness than the rest of her life with yellow scales.
I did the process twice and wanted to complete a third application but kept forgetting at bath time. I managed to get all the scales sloughed off, and guess what!?! It’s been a few weeks, and they haven’t come back. Her scalp is a little dry, but no scales. If it does start to come back, I just feel pretty confident that once or twice more will knock it out.
I must tell you that this is after multiple times asking the pediatrician if she had any ideas for the cradle cap, and “wait it out” was all we came up with. Now I’m excited to share this remedy with her so she can tell other patients!
I’m really starting to buy into the power of essential oils; I think it’s going to be my “thing” for the winter (in my free time after moving into our new house – we closed Friday, whoopeeeeeeee! – and figuring out cloth diapers). I also used a drop of melaleuca (really fancy tea tree oil) in water to gargle and my sore throat stays more or less at bay.
Men – Shaving
This is more of a question than an answer – anyone have good ideas for a natural option for shaving cream/gel for men? The only thing I could do in the store last week was get the one without synthetic fragrances…and I got the “evil eye” when hubs saw the bottle. “No smells?” *pouty face*
At least he did like the NaturOli shampoo bar for his own hair, so I’ve made some progress…
Remember to check the original natural personal products post for the complete list of head to toe choices, updated with these later today.
What are you transitioning to in your personal care routine?
———————————————
I’d love to see more of you! Sign up for a free email subscription or grab my reader feed. You can also follow me on Twitter, get KS for Kindle, or see my Facebook Fan Page.
If you missed the last Monday Mission, click here.
Kitchen Stewardship is dedicated to balancing God’s gifts of time, health, earth and money. If you feel called to such a mission, read more at Mission, Method, and Mary and Martha Moments.
Disclosure: I received products for review from most of these companies and bought a few on my own. Either way, you’ll get the real scoop on what I think, because my readers are way more important than some company selling cleaning products out there. I do get commission from NaturOli, Mountain Rose Herbs and MadeOn if you end up making purchases there. See my full disclosure statement here.
Check out etsy for shaving soaps-many come in a set with a brush and cup–think old school shaving mug.
I love to brush with baking soda but my dentist recommended against it for anyone with gum issues. Apparently, baking soda is too abrasive and can make your gums recede.
[Reply to this comment]
We’ve been working on this for over a year now…and We’re pretty much there! If you want to know what we use — homemade deodorant, homemade toothpaste, thiSoap Company shampoo & conditioner, Dr. Bronners…details are here: http://turn2thesimple.blogspot.com/2011/09/detox-series-8-personal-care-products.html
[Reply to this comment]
We have been using the Tooth Chips for over a year now. We had the Chips first and they lasted forever! We are now using the Tooth Spritz and I like it so much better! I am hoping it lasts forever too. Our kids even use it (they rebelled at first, but got used to it quickly).
Also, my daughters have the same cradle cap problem. I use oil (will try it with tea tree next time I need it!) , leave it on for a while, then wash out with Dr. Bronners, and then rinse with my no ‘poo baking soda solution to get the rest of the oil out! Seems to work well!
[Reply to this comment]
You could try this…
http://www.highlandmenscare.com/taylor-of-old-bond-street-sandalwood-shaving-cream-bowl.html
[Reply to this comment]
my hubby uses dr bronner’s castile soap to shave. its clear that he really likes it because he started using it without my suggestion, and has continued for about a year!
[Reply to this comment]
I’ve been leery of SLS for a while, but this post is motivating me to start looking for other options, especially for shampoo. It’s kind of been my one rough area to get rid of the chemicals. I already have pretty dry hair and have always been hesitant to try shampoo-free because I’ve heard it can dry out your hair and make it more prone to breakage.
We do homemade toothpaste and use Dr. Bronners in a foaming soap dispenser for soap. I just use water to cleanse my face followed with coconut oil as a moisturizer. I too, thought that the oil cleansing method took way too long for a mama!
[Reply to this comment]
Another option for face washing is just plain old honey. There’s a blog called “Crunchy Betty” that talks about all sorts of different natural skin/beauty products, mostly from the things you have in your kitchen. Her article about washing your face with honey is here: http://www.crunchybetty.com/honey-challenge
[Reply to this comment]
Thanks for all the great ideas in you blog, its great to have some inspiration and encouragement to give up chemicals. I have been washing my hair with normal soap and combing through jojoba oil after I get out of the bath, my hair is much healthier than before, I think the surfactants really dried out my hair. I don’t wear makeup, so I just use soap to wash my face (looking forward to a post about all the nasties in makeup, yuck!). I buy a natural toothpaste from MiEssence (an Australian brand). My husband uses a shaving “stick” and brush, way better than going through copious cans of shaving cream. I’ve also switched to soap for bathing the dogs, which has reduced their itching too. Deodorant is still a challenge and I’m going to try your recipe, although I only wear it for work and “going out”, I don’t worry about stinking at home!
[Reply to this comment]
You might check out Bubble and Bee – http://www.bubbleandbee.com
It’s online only unless a shop near you happens to carry their products, but I love love love their products, and the owner, Stephanie, really cares about keeping everything synthetic out of her products. No SLS in ANYTHING she makes. I love her bar soap, face cleanser, moisturizer, body butter, chap stick…I could go on!
[Reply to this comment]
I’m glad you are going to research essential oils more this winter. I’ve been planning on doing that myself, so you’ll save me some work.
Congrats on your new house, too!! I bet you guys are super excited to be in your own space again. (Although now you’ll be washing your own dishes!) 
[Reply to this comment]
I do the oil cleansing method- I use sweet almond oil with some castor oil added in and do it in the shower. It only takes me a minute or so so maybe I”m not doing it right. It doesn’t seem to have helped or hurt my skin which makes it a keeper for me since it eliminated the cleanser I was using
I’m trying a homemade shampoo (dr bronners, herbs steeped in water, tiny bit of almond oil) but find that it leaves my hair MORE oily than when I got in the shower. Trying to finish this batch so I can try it again without any oil.
We use Tom’s toothpaste but with flouride since we both have dental issues.
I wish I could get my husband to change shampoos or shaving creams but so far no go. All of the natural alternatives are pricey.
Deodorant stumps me too. I sweat profusely and stink no matter what I use so I haven’t been willing to experiment. Homemade is tricky because in Phoenix it would be liquid most of the time and keeping it in the refrigerator just doesn’t work for me.
[Reply to this comment]
Jennifer Reply:
November 2nd, 2011 at 11:59 pm
I am on a quest for an more natural antiperspirant too, if there is such a thing. My hubby has been a good sport and tried several natural deodorants, but he sweats a lot and gets really frustrated. He has been going out and buying himself his old deodorant. If anyone knows a natural as possible antiperspirant I think he would be willing to try it and I would be thrilled!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Jennifer,
Katie
The homemade one with coconut oil is still the best for me!
[Reply to this comment]
Jennifer Reply:
November 4th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Does this work as an antiperspirant? He is still adamant that he doesn’t want a deodorant, but an antiperspirant. (He’s being difficult, but I guess I will let him decide if he doesn’t want wet shirts every day.)
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:47 am
Jennifer,
Katie
I don’t know that anything other than aluminum is antiperspirant – that said, many people find that the better their diets, the less they sweat. So there’s your “natural antiperspirant” option, I guess! You can always have hubby try it and see – should be ingredients you already have on hand!
[Reply to this comment]
Jennifer Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
He eats mostly healthy stuff I make…he might just be destined to sweat
Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
sa'ada Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 4:50 pm
i live in the eastern province of saudi arabia so i deal with melted deodorant all year round. the most annoying part is that the coconut oil separates from the baking soda and cornstarch. so i just keep a spoon in the deodorant and every morning i stir it up and then just apply with my finger (trying not to drip).
traveling is the biggest problem because the deodorant always makes a mess. so for the past few days i’ve been using just cornstarch and baking soda applied with a cotton pad. so far it’s working just as well, maybe better. i might continue using it when i get home.
[Reply to this comment]
We use Dr Christopher’s Tooth Powder to brush and it works really well. Took some getting used to, but when my husband’s chipped teeth started to grow back and my daughters’ cavities disappeared, we were sold.
I’ll be trying your cradle cap solution on one of my daughters. She’s also blonde so it’s just so hard to ignore.
I’m hoping to hear you found a good shave cream alternative. My husband tried olive oil since it works so well on my face (I mix it with castor oil 4:1), but he said it worked, but made shaving more difficult.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 4th, 2011 at 3:13 am
Melissa,
katie
Not heard of that one – where do you get it? How does it work? Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
Melissa Reply:
November 4th, 2011 at 10:49 am
I get it at iherb.com (my referral code is MOM681 just in case you buy it there–save $5 off your first order), but I’m sure you could find it in other places. It’s called Dr. Christopher’s Original Formula Herbal Tooth and Gum Powder. Here’s a link to it: http://www.iherb.com/Christopher-s-Original-Formula-Herbal-Tooth-and-Gum-Powder-2-oz/11617?at=1
We keep a little in separate little tubs for each of us. Wet toothbrush, dip bristles in, then brush. It’s not minty, feels weird at first, and leaves your toothbrush looking weird–kinda muddy looking. But it cleans really well, helps heal gums, and seems to be helping teeth re-grow. I have to say we have a healthy diet, too, and I’m sure that helps.
The herbs provide the nutrients the body needs to do what needs to be done.
My kids love it and the younger ones will just eat it. I caught my 3 yr old licking the herbs out of the container! But it’s completely safe! So while that was gross and wasteful, I didn’t have to worry about him at all.
[Reply to this comment]
My boys (3 and 4) both have cradle cap, so I’m thrilled to give this a try!
As for soap…what are your thoughts on Dr. Bronner’s? That is what we use currently. I’ve tried it as shampoo too, but my thick curly hair missed the silky feeling of shampoo. I will have to give Nutrioil a try! Will you be selling it here?
Thanks
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 4th, 2011 at 3:12 am
Selena,
I’ve used diluted castille soap as shampoo for my kids, but not me. I hear the no ‘poo method is realy great for curly hair! There’s even a special book on curly hair…Curly Girl?
I don’t sell products, but I’m happy to work with NaturOli as an affiliate. You can buy the shampoo through my link here: http://store.naturoli.com/home.php?&partner=kitchenstew
I see you have a blog – you might want to look into the affiliate program if you like their stuff!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
I use the honey cleansing method! It’s worked well for me– paired with apple cider vinegar or Redmond clay for blemishes.
We use Dr Bronner’s for hand soap, by putting it into a foaming soap dispenser.
[Reply to this comment]
Rebekah Reply:
November 1st, 2011 at 7:22 am
Oh, and Kiss My Face makes a good toothpaste without SLS.
[Reply to this comment]
Wow–this post is chock full of good info! I’m using:
1. a paraben-free/SLS-free body wash I found at Big Lots (they get these great rare finds, but once it’s gone, it’s gone)–I want to try MadeOn’s soap next
2. I switch back and forth between the baby body wash in my own hair, a natural shampoo I got at Wal-Mart (can’t remember name) and regular, old cheapo shampoo (I rotate days). I want to try a homemade recipe or the no poo method…just haven’t gotten there yet.
3. Tom’s of Main Toothpaste. I am super impressed your fil makes his own!! I want to try that next. Sounds super cheap!
4. I use Burt’s Bees face wash…still has some kind of SLS in it–I think. I haven’t tried the oil method yet, but that mitt sounds great!
5. I was testing a Lexie: Naturals deo (and loved it!). Before that, I used a crystal, but I don’t think that’s so great anymore. Now, I’m using my MadeOn lotion bar as deo–and it works great!!
6. Baby Wash–my homemade baby wash
7. I still use regular, ‘ol make-up, although I only use it 2-3 times/week.
8. I don’t use a facial cream on my face anymore, but I feel like I *should*. I’m about to be 31 after all!! What do you use? I feel like I need something natural, but I’ve been going w/out one for months.
*My OBGYN w/ my first also gave me a weird look about the salicylic acid. I’m glad I researched a little and decided against it. I think I used an apricot scrub back then. I just used water or plain soap and water w/ pregnancy #2. I hate to think about how much acne creams w/ bad stuff in them I used as a teen.
I am already wondering what I will let my girls use one day. I hope there are some good natural alternatives. The teen years are such a vulnerable time. I don’t want them embarrassed by zits, but I don’t really want them using bad chemicals on their faces! Oh well—they are just 3 and 1 at this point!
About cradle cap: My baby had it bad….but only until 6ish months. Someone told me cradle cap can indicate an internal imbalance. I could see that since she also had bad yeast rashes. Anyway, there may be nothing to it, but I used the oil method and also loaded her up on the probiotics. You can’t tell in the pic at all that your little girl has it. She’s super cute!
[Reply to this comment]
Hello!
Congratulations on your new house!!!
My hubby has very thick stubble on his face & I bought him a goat milk soap or one with olive oil base. He has 5 o clock shadow by noon! lol! We have been using http://adamswholesalesoap.com/ for yrs now. Nothing beats these pure ingredients! He puts it in a round wooden dish & uses a shave brush. It gives him a wonderful lather & smells great. The best part he can choose any soap he likes. We use it for our bodies. I just buy him the more manly scents like cedarwood & sage. Check out their site. I buy it in bulk to save.
God Bless! Love your blog!
Georgette-mama to 5 gifts from God
[Reply to this comment]
That’s so hard finding these personal care products that don’t have tons of YUCK chemicals in them. It also ticks me off that lots of “natural” products still have these same chemicals. It makes it doubly hard to find something. Toothpaste is annoying but right now I just use baking soda, but found out that commercial brands have aluminum in them? That’s way out there. So I’m on the hunt (I could just get organic), plus my husband doesn’t like baking soda! Thanks for the hint on the Skin Free. Oh and Tropical Traditions toothpaste -I really didn’t like because for whatever reason (maybe the oil? or the stevia?) afterward I noticed a film on my teeth, as if they weren’t really getting clean. I tried brushing harder, using less or more and the same result. My teeth finally felt clean after I went back to the soda.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Rose,
Katie
Have you tried the tooth soap? It’s very interesting, and SLS free.
[Reply to this comment]
I know this isn’t exactly personal care, but has anyone found an alternative to liquid dish soap? I have been using 7th Gen and like the clean fragrances, but it also has SLS in it. My hands are super dry all the time–cracking, bleeding, nail beds receeding sometimes. I determined to use gloves, but it’s difficult to remember for this busy mama. Plus they’re prone to getting holes, so I’ve given up on those too. I make hard lotion to combat the dryness, but I was wondering if anyone has used liquid castile soap for washing dishes by hand? Any other suggestions?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Danielle,
Katie
That’s a good one – I haven’t found a great dish soap yet…so, I’m on it! Thanks for the nudge!
[Reply to this comment]
Danielle Reply:
May 18th, 2012 at 1:29 am
Just came across Biokleen’s hand dish soap when browsing Azure Standard’s products. Says it’s free of SLS–I may give it a try and see if it works. I know it’s been a while, but I remembered this post and thought I’d update.
[Reply to this comment]
lexee Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
good to know! i was just about to post and ask about dish soap… we use 7th generation, too. sad that it has SLS! any other finds on this one, katie?
[Reply to this comment]
Danielle Reply:
June 20th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
UPdate: the Biokleen version is not free of SLS. It says it’s free of SLES (whatever that is) on the label, but Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is definitely on the ingredients list. Bummer. Guess I’ve just got to stick with the gloves.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship Reply:
June 26th, 2012 at 12:23 am
Lexee,
I still use 7th Gen – too lazy to keep looking, I guess. But I think many ppl do use castile as their primary dishsoap. There must be homemade versions online…
[Reply to this comment]
@Daniella
Yes, I used castile soap (Dr. Bronner’s) as dish “detergent” and it was not fun lol. It just couldn’t do the job on the greasy ones. It cleaned, but just not that great. While I’m at it, we’re using DuoDish right now and it’s NOT good either. Even worse than the castile on the grease and it leaves the dishwasher dishes with streaks and cloudy. blah. I used castile as hand soap and it’s fine (average or ‘good enough’), but it gets clumped up in the dispenser.
[Reply to this comment]
Erin@TheHumbledHomemaker Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 11:54 pm
You can dilute the soap w/ water & put it in a foaming dispenser & it is WONDERFUL!! I posted a recipe for the version we use for both a baby wash & hand wash. You can search for “homemade baby wash” & it should come up. It was a guest post on KS. I would leave a link but I’m on my phone.
[Reply to this comment]
I’m using a deodorant crystal from my health food store. I can’t believe how well it works. Does anyone know if they are safe to use?
[Reply to this comment]
Erin@TheHumbledHomemaker Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 11:56 pm
I have one too but I rarely use it now because I have since read it is not great bc it still contains aluminum. Crazy as it sounds my MadeOn lotion bar actually works better! It wasn’t made as a deo but it works well & I have absolutely no worries of toxins while using it.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 4th, 2011 at 3:21 am
Kari,
Katie
Some are saying it still has aluminum…??? Bummer. I like my homemade, so I’ll stick with it.
[Reply to this comment]
I just wanted to log in on the safe deodorant quest. I use lavender essential oil. I keep a 1 oz (30 ml) bottle with the dropper inset in place in my bathroom to use after I shower. A few drops to each underarm area after I towel dry (but still a little damp under there) keeps me smelling fresh all day and into the night no matter how much I sweat. The antibacterial action of lavender keeps the stinky smelling bacteria at bay for a day and helps to heal any post shaving nicks. I also use a few drops on my thigh crease where I tend to get a yeasty dermatitis especially in the summer and it works like a charm. I buy the 4 oz size of Now brand lavender for about $15 on line and refill my smaller bottle with the dropper top every couple of months. I have been using this method of underarm and upper thigh freshness for at least 12 years now with excellent results. I have pretty sensitive skin and the straight or neat lavender oil doesn’t cause any irritation. You should always try a small amount of straight (neat) essential oil on a small spot of skin first to be sure before applying it to a large area of skin such as your underarms. I think it would be equally effective in a carrier oil to dilute it a little.
[Reply to this comment]
Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Rose of Sharon Acres Giveaway! {CLOSED} « Kinda Crunchy Kate // Nov 24, 2011 at 9:26 am
[...] and lots of people have reported that it helps with sensitive teeth (which I have). Kate at Kitchen Stewardship did a review over on her blog. They also just started making an Essential Oil Restroom Spray. It’s a spray [...]
I’ve noticed on some “healthy” products, it says “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (derivative of coconut oil)”. Do you know if that is any different? I looked up SLS on the cosmetics database, and it gives it a rating of 1-2, which is very low hazard, so I’m a bit confused.
We all have dandruff and cannot find a good, natural shampoo that will take care of it. My 13yo is constantly scratching his head and subsequently always has dandruff on his collar. He’s begging me to buy the chemical-filled junk. I’ve suggested we soak his head in coconut oil overnight, but he is not willing (he thinks Mom is weird with all her natural remedies and just wants to trust what’s on the shelves).
[Reply to this comment]
Shannon Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Kim, I believe that SLS is SLS, and I think that more “natural” companies use the reference to coconut to make it sound more natural. I’ve found the Chemical of the Day blog – chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/ – written by Stephanie Greenwood, who runs Bubble and Bee, to be super informative about chemicals, ingredients, where they came from, how they are made, etc.
Re the dandruff, check out Crunchy Betty’s blog here: http://www.crunchybetty.com/crunchy-bettys-top-10-favorite-tried-and-true-home-remedies-for-everything She swears by coconut oil for dandruff and has an explanation for how to use it (no overnight soaking required). Good luck!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
January 30th, 2012 at 2:52 am
Kim,
Katie
I don’t think SLS is as much of a hazard to US as it is the the environment, so that’s probably why the EWG rating doesn’t raise a red flag. Crunchy Betty is awesome; hope her site helps!
[Reply to this comment]
Here’s a link that suggests using stevia for skin problems as well as dandruff. I found the link here on the KS site.
http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Benefits_of_Stevia
also Katie mentioned in the above post that she used tea tree essential oil in coconut oil to cure her daughter’s cradle cap.
[Reply to this comment]
I’ve been reading about a “body freshening tea” in Country Wisdom & Know How (Storey B00ks) that suggests drinking 2-3 cups of mint or thyme tea to help eliminate body order. I struggle with using the natural deodorants because after a day or so of using them (and showering daily) they just don’t work. I am intrigued by the oil pulling. Are you still doing that and is it working for eliminating toxins? Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
Amy Reply:
March 4th, 2012 at 10:51 pm
I meant to type body “odor”. Oops
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
March 5th, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Amy,
Katie
I have not kept up with it since early winter, sorry! I’ve heard chlorophyll is supposed to help body odor…
Good luck!
[Reply to this comment]
» MYO Body Wash Bits and Pieces // May 1, 2012 at 1:07 pm
[...] out this info from Kitchen Stewardship (where Katie references an article from Natural News) [...]
My 19m old daughter still has craddle cap too. Would you mind giving more specific directions? For example, did you melt the coconut oil? How many drops of tto to coconut oil? Did you apply to wet or dry hair? How long did it sit before you started removing flakes? How did you get the flakes out (fingernails, comb, etc.)? How long until you rinsed and shampooed? How long between the two treatments/applications? Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship Reply:
November 17th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
M,
Mixing the coconut oil with the EOs melts it anyway, just the heat of your finger. I probably had about a tsp. of CO with a drop or two of lavender and TTO mixed in. I apply to dry hair, let her play in the tub 10ish mins, then scrape with my fingernail as much as she’ll stand for. Then shampoo out – the greasiness sticks around and I just let it happen, picking more as the day goes on. My doTERRA gal says you can just apply lavender and TTO without a carrier even. ??? A day or two between tries. I really don’t think there’s any right or wrong way to do it – just coconut oil alone makes a pretty good dent, with scraping it off, and I am guessing the EOs are to prevent it from returning. It did return for Leah, but after a few months.
Good luck!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Caitlin Reply:
January 3rd, 2013 at 12:12 pm
By the time I fully learned and researched curing cradle cap naturally my daughter was 3 and had what I would consider a pretty “thick” case of it. She refused to sit during the day for me to pick it off so I had to attack it in the bath. Here’s what worked for us, similar to Katie’s suggestions: Treatment 1: I applied a generous amount of coconut oil to her scalp/roots of hair. I think her head at that point was already wet b/c that helped soften the flakes. I let her play for 5-10 minutes and then I dampened a regular washcloth (one that’s slightly more coarse than the baby cloths) and simply wrapped it around my pointer finger and rubbed around in circles wherever the cradle cap was present. I used enough pressure to dislodge the flakes, but gentle enough to not cause discomfort. Then shampoo’d and rinsed her hair twice, maybe even rinsing a third time. Her hair was very greasy looking the next day, but I was determined to get this stuff out once and for all! I couldn’t believe the difference this was already starting to make. Treatment #2 a day or 2 later: While I prepared the bath, I took note of the remaining spots that need attention and again let the oil soak for several minutes on those spots. I used a small black comb to gently “aggravate” the stubborn flakes and then shampoo’d and rinsed at least 2 times. Her scalp looks incredibly healthy- as if she never had cradle cap. I do keep some tea tree oil near the bath for anti-fungal treatments every so often which hopefully works to prevent it from returning. Let us know what works!
[Reply to this comment]