Zero Waste and Clean Beauty | Conscious Life & Style

What Does “Natural Skincare” Really Mean? Plus 25+ Skincare Brands to Trust

Madeleine Wisecup — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000

So, you’re ready to make the transition to more natural, organic, non-toxic, and low or zero waste skincare?

Awesome! But first, let’s clear up some confusion — what do these terms even mean?

Madeleine of The Wise Consumer is breaking it all down for us in this guide…

We probably know generally what an individual or brand is implying when they’re using terms such as “natural”, “clean”, and “non-toxic.” Most likely they’re referring to the fact that no harmful ingredients are being used, i.e., products that don’t contain ingredients that at some point or another were researched and linked to potential increased cases of cancer, endocrine disruption, etc.

But what do these words actually mean in the context of skincare? Let’s explore.

What is “Natural Skincare”?

While the term natural (i.e., as close to nature as possible) is one of the most commonly used terms in the clean beauty industry, it’s honestly just a nice fluffy word that doesn’t really hold any legal meaning. Like, none at all.

Legally speaking, when it comes to cosmetic labeling, the “FDA has not defined the term “natural” nor has it established a regulatory definition of this term. Think of natural more as a marketing term.

That being said, we probably know what a brand is trying to communicate when they’re using the term “natural.” But just because a brand labels their products as “natural” doesn’t mean they’re always safe. More on this later.

What is “Organic Skincare”?

Similarly, the FDA does not have a legal definition for the term “organic” but that doesn’t mean the term itself isn’t regulated.

As reported by the FDA: “The FDA regulates cosmetics under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA).

The term “organic” is not defined in either of these laws or the regulations that the FDA enforces under their authority. The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the National Organic Program (NOP).”

It further continues, “Cosmetic products labeled with organic claims must comply with both USDA regulations for the organic claim and FDA regulations for labeling and safety requirements for cosmetics.”

According to the USDA, a product is certified organic if and only when it’s made up of 95 percent or more organic content. You can read more about organic labeling here and here.

So, even though the FDA doesn’t regulate the term “organic,” cosmetic products labeled “organic” are expected to comply with both USDA regulations and FDA regulations when it comes to labeling and safety requirements for cosmetics. You can get more information about labeling from the FDA’s Labeling Guide.

Do the Labels “Organic” and “Natural” Mean a Product is Safe?

Not necessarily. There are certain plants that are organic and natural but also pretty toxic. I don’t care how “organic” and “natural” a brand claims to be — if poison ivy is the spotlight ingredient you can bet I’ll be looking elsewhere.

Natural and organic doesn’t always mean safe. As the FDA shares, “Newcomers to cosmetic manufacture sometimes think that because they have used a product themselves with no apparent problems, or because the ingredients are ‘natural,’ ‘organic,’ or ‘botanical,’ the product must be safe. This assumption is not correct.” This is why it’s always great to purchase from brands that have been certified/verified by third-party organizations such as Made Safe.

What is Non-Toxic Skincare?

The Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides states “marketers who claim that their product is non-toxic need competent and reliable scientific evidence that the product is safe for both people and the environment.”

Is toxic defined? Yes. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) of the The Consumer Product Safety Commission defines a product as toxic if it “can produce personal injury or illness to humans when it is inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.”

That being said, there’s a bit of confusion around the labels non-toxic and toxic. Force of Nature Clean wrote a pretty good article on this topic here.

The last thing I want to clear up is the myth about preservatives.

Are All Preservatives in Skincare Bad?

The short answer is no. In fact, some products absolutely need preservatives.

Without preservatives, certain products could actually become more hazardous than without them. Preservatives help to fight off bacteria and fungi, help keep products shelf-stable for longer periods of time, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If a product contains water, it absolutely needs a preservative of some sort, whether synthetic or natural. Why? Because water is a great breeding ground for mold and bacteria. The risk of using preservatives in your products is far less than the risk of not using them.

Equally important, not all products need preservatives. Oil-based products (Anhydrous products), such as serums, don’t need preservatives. Oil is a pretty inhospitable place for bacteria to grow.

For more information on preservatives in skincare products:

Check out Eco Well’s “A Guide to Cosmetic Product Preservatives.”
Curious about how microorganisms can get in your products? FDA simplifies it nicely here.
Want to learn about the difference and effectiveness between synthetic vs “natural” preservatives? Click here.

Honestly, when it comes to terminology and understanding ingredient safety, it can get pretty confusing. Stay tuned for season 3 of The Wise Consumer Podcast, where we’ll be talking with scientists and cosmetic experts to help clear up some of this confusion.

Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always, all brands featured meet strict standards for sustainability and are brands that we love — and that we think you’ll love too!

1. Activist Skincare

There are a lot of reasons why I love Activist Skincare. This brand not only uses pure, non-irritating, and eco-friendly botanical ingredients but they recently launched a refillable program. So, rather than having to buy a new bottle every time you run out, just order a refillable pouch and refill your current bottle.

Plus, this low waste/zero waste skincare brand is all about ensuring the activists and change-makers in our world are getting the self-care they deserve.

Skincare categories: Cleansing oils/gels/balms, hydrating toners, and nourishing serums.

Price: $-$$

Use code CONSCIOUS20 for 20% off!

Check Out Activist Skincare

2. Little Seed Farm

Using responsibly-sourced organic ingredients and eco-conscious packaging, Little Seed Farm crafts zero waste skincare that meets the highest standards for sustainability.

The family-owned farm uses holistic sustainable practices such as intensive rotational grazing to maintain lush healthy pastures that support native biodiversity, replenish soil health, and sequester carbon.

Not to mention, the brand produces 100% of their electricity (to operate their farm & production) from their own solar panels.

Skincare Categories: Serums, Moisturizers, Deodorant

Price: $ – $$

Check Out Little Seed Farm

3. Apoterra

Apoterra uses the power of plants, such as prickly pear, sea buckthorn, hibiscus, and green tea to heal, cleanse, and nourish your skin holistically. If transparency of ingredients is something you value, this brand is one you don’t want to overlook. Apoterra is a Green America and Leaping Bunny certified business and the non-toxic skincare brand has created a batch numbering system that allows you to look up when your product was made, where each ingredient was sourced, and which organization certified it.

Skincare Categories: Toners, cleansers, soaps, scrubs, serums/balms, and travel kits.

Price: $$

Check Out Apoterra

4. Bambu Earth

I’ve been a fan of Bambu Earth for a few years now. This handcrafted, brand uses nothing but real, ethically sourced, and sustainably harvested ingredients. With an emphasis on celebrating natural beauty (their tagline? You are beautiful, and there’s nothing we can do about it!) Bambu Earth is a non-toxic skincare brand that puts people and the planet first.

Skincare Categories: Toners, serums, mud masks, cleansing oil, lip balm, dry shampoo, deodorant spray, soap and body oil

Price: $-$$

Check Out Bambu Earth

5. Captain Blankenship

Founded by Jana Blankenship, Captain Blankenship uses nothing but organically and sustainably sourced ingredients to help cleanse and nourish your skin. From toners to cleansers, all products come in recyclable and/or reusable glass packaging. Captain Blakenship partners with 1% for the planet, is leaping bunny and B-Corp certified.

Skincare categories: Toners, Serums, moisturizers, shampoo/conditioner, hair spray, dry shampoo, bath salts, and soap.

Price range: $

Check Out Captain Blankenship

6. Earth Harbor Naturals

Looking for a non-toxic skincare brand that uses nothing but the highest quality, ethically-sourced, synthetic-free, ingredients? Check out Earth Harbor Naturals. Partnering with 1% For The Planet to save marine life and solve the global water crisis, all of Earth Harbor Naturals are packaged using upcycled ocean waste! Earth Harbor also provides a skincare quiz to help you determine which products are best suited for your skincare needs.

Skincare Categories: toners, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, hair texturizers, soaps, and body serums.

Price: $$

Check Out Earth Harbor Naturals

7. JACQ’s Organic

This Black woman-owned skincare label handcrafts all their products in Miami Florida. Taking their cues from the botanical world, i.e. using locally sourced tropical ingredients from southern Florida, Jacq’s provides a variety of products. Ranging from cleansers to bath bombs all of Jacq’s products are handmade in small batches using primarily organic ingredients (organic whenever possible) such as Hibiscus, orange mint, rosehip and yarrow. All their products come in recyclable glass and/or recyclable plastic.

Skincare categories: Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, soap bars, exfoliators, masks, and bath bombs

Price range: $

Check Out JACQ’s

8. Mahalo Skincare

Handmade on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaii, MAHALO’s products combine ancient knowledge of Polynesia, Western and Eastern healing, with modern scientific advancements. Using sustainably harvested and hand-grown ingredients (ingredients range from helichrysum and Royal Hawaiian sandalwood to green tea and water sourced from volcanic rock) each low waste/zero waste skincare product is created in small batches and assembled by hand in bamboo and glass jars.

Skincare Categories: cleansers, hydrating balms, serums, moisturizers

Price: $$$

Check Out Mahalo Skincare

9. Nourish Organic

Nourish Organic was the first personal care products brand in the US to be Certified Organic under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). If you’re looking for a truly certified organic brand this is it! Their products are made using sustainably grown ingredients by organic farmers without the use of pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, or harmful chemicals, and they use fair-trade certified ingredients whenever possible. Plus, the organic skincare brand’s goal is to “utilize 100% post-consumer recycled paper and eliminate plastics” by 2024. They’re also a member of 1% For The Planet.

Skincare Categories: Cleansers, serums, body lotions & butters, deodorant, and balms

Price: $-$$

Check Out Nourish Organic: At Thrive Market | At Target | At Nourish Organic

10. Qēt Botanicals

Lisa Brill, the founder of Qēt Botanicals, has created a line of handcrafted all-natural and low waste skincare products that are sure to satisfy any skin ailment. Based out of San Clemente, California. and Madison, Wisconsin, all of Qēt’s products are EWG verified, hand-crafted and sustainably sourced, and free of harmful chemicals. (Hear more about Qēt Botanicals in Episode #30 of The Wise Consumer Podcast)

Skincare categories: Cleansers, toners, serums, exfoliants, masks, make-up remover, and more

Price: $-$$

Check Out Qēt Botanicals

11. Pure Mana Hawaii

Based on the Big Island of Hawaii, Pure Mana’s luxury near zero waste skincare line is made entirely from locally sourced, farm-grown, and wild-crafted ingredients. They personally grow, harvest, process, and hand-press the purest organic Macadamia Nut oil, Kona Green Coffee, and Vanilla oils right on their certified organic farm. Sue Mandini and Kollette Stith, the co-founders of Pure Mana, who live and work primarily off the grid bring their love of nature and environmental conservation to the forefront of every business decision they make. The low/zero waste skincare brand has even developed a bottle return program that enables you to ship back your empty bottles in exchange for a $25 gift code on any future purchases. They will then re-sterilize and re-use the bottles. (Hear more about Pure Mana Hawaii in Episode #31 of The Wise Consumer Podcast)

Skincare Categories: toners, serums, and body oil

Price: $$-$$$

Check Out Pure Mana Hawaii

12. The Yellow Bird

A family-owned company, The Yellow Bird provides a variety of skincare products ranging from argan face oil to dry shampoo. All their products are handmade in small batches in the US using only pure and simple ingredients, i.e. free of synthetic and harmful ingredients. If you have sensitive skin or skin issues, take their skincare quiz to see which products are best suited to meet your skincare needs.

Categories: cleansers, toners, masks, insect repellant, dry shampoo/shampoo bars, foot cream, and more!

Price: $

Check Out the Yellow Bird

13. True Botanicals

Safe for people and the planet, True Botanicals skincare products are free of toxic, fillers, and harsh chemicals. In fact, every True Botanical formula is MADE SAFE® certified and made using only certified organic and wild-harvested ingredients. In addition, True Botanicals is continually working with researchers at leading universities, including Carnegie Mellon and Cornell, to help them develop the most effective and nourishing formulas. Plus, the products from this low/zero waste skincare brand are developed, produced, packaged, and shipped in an environmentally responsible way.

Categories: Face masks, oils, cleansers, masks, serums, shampoo, and toners.

Price: $$-$$$

Check Out True Botanicals

14. Vegan Mia Organics

A vegan, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free skincare brand, Vegan Mia Organics products will leave your skin glowing, soft, and, most importantly, nourished — trust us, your skin will thank you! Not to mention, all their serums are made using 100% certified organic ingredients such as jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, organic gotu kola herb, pumpkin seed oil, just to name a few! A unique feature of this brand is their BIOACTIVE ALCHEMY, which is “the almost magical process of combining and transforming potent, biologically active, organic botanicals to create your own unique skincare gold.” Basically, seeing that everyone’s skin is unique and ever-changing, Vegan Mia enables you to customize your skincare routine as needed. Such a fun feature that makes your morning and evening skincare ritual truly special.

Categories: Face Serums

Price: $$

Check Out Vegan Mia Organics

15. Lhamour

L’amour is Mongolia’s first certified organic skincare brand! Handmade in small batches in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, Khulan Davaadorj, the founder, and her team create extremely nourishing and healing products using ingredients that are not only sustainably sourced and organic but traditional to Mongolian culture, including jamts salts, yak milk, sea buckthorn, and rosemary. (Hear more about Lhamour Skincare in Episode #45 of The Wise Consumer Podcast)

Skincare categories: cleaners, toners, serums, scrubs, mother/baby soaps, body and face soaps, and lip balms

Price range: $

Check Out Lhamour

More Non-Toxic and Low/Zero Waste Skincare Brands

Juice Beauty: Uses only certified organic ingredients and clinically validated formulas, free of harmful ingredients and packaged in recycled plastic.

100% Pure: Guaranteed free of harmful ingredients. 100% Pure sources the pigments used in their makeup from fruit, vegetables, tea, and cocoa so as to avoid commonly used FD&C colorants and heavy metal dyes.

Fat and the Moon: Natural and effective handcrafted, herbal body care products free of harmful ingredients and minimally packaged. (Use code CONSCIOUSLIFE for 10% off of Fat and the Moon on EarthHero)

Ann Marie Skincare: Created by co-founders Ann Marie and Kevin Gianni, Ann Marie skincare uses organic and wildcrafted ingredients to create products that will nourish your skin and body. All products are free of synthetic chemicals, colors and fragrances.

Province Apothecary: This Canadian skincare brand creates small batch skincare products using fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients.

Little Barn Apothecary: co-founded by Brad Scoggins and Joshua Morgan, who shared a passion for all things natural, holistic, and simple, Little Barn Apothecary is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, free of synthetic fillers, and handmade using botanical ingredients.

Mad Hippie: Mad Hippie not only develops and creates low/zero waste skincare and personal care products that are free of harmful ingredients but they also take environmental conservation to heart. This brand is constantly working to reduce their carbon footprint and $1 of every web sale made is donated to their conservation partners.

May Linstrom Skin: small-batch, organic skincare using ingredients that are fresh, bio-dynamic, wildcrafted, cruelty-free, sustainable, conscious, and environmentally and socially sourced from farms all over the world.

Olio E Osso: Handmade in small batches in Portland, OR. Products range from cleansing oil to makeup.

Pleni Naturals: Made Safe certified skincare products for parents and kids. Their mission? To inspire a deeper connection with healthy foods through their nutritious fruit and veggie-filled products and inspiring packaging.

Santosha Co.: Based out of Madison, Wisconsin this family-owned business, founded by Ashlee Assadi, uses nothing but natural organic plant-based ingredients. 50% of the ingredients used in Santosha Co.’s skincare products are grown and sustainably foraged by Ashlee and her family right on her farm! (Hear more about Santosha Co. in Episode #16 of The Wise Consumer Podcast)

RIPE: Raw Inspired Pure Earth, or RIPE, was launched by Shannon Mann, an alchemist who believes in the power of using nothing but the purest most natural ingredients to help heal, nourish, and rejuvenate your skin. (Hear more about RIPE in Episode #12 of The Wise Consumer Podcast)

Stores with Non-Toxic and Low/Zero Waste Skincare

BLK + GRN (Black-owned skincare brands)

You May Also Want to Check Out:

10 Toxic Skincare Ingredients to Avoid and Why

An Ever-Growing List of Online Zero Waste Shops

10 Low Waste Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

About the Author

Madeleine is a Franco-American podcaster and blogger on a mission to inspire and empower women to live healthier, more eco-friendly, and conscious lifestyles. On her blog/podcast, The Wise Consumer, she covers topics ranging from nutrition and recipes to ethical fashion and eco living tips. When not working Madeleine is either spending time with family, developing new recipes, or running trails.

Follow Madeleine and the Wise Consumer:

Website: TheWiseConsumer.com | Podcast: The Wise Consumer Podcast

@TheWiseConsumer on Instagram | The Wise Consumer on Facebook

The post What Does “Natural Skincare” Really Mean? Plus 25+ Skincare Brands to Trust appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

Eco-Friendly Perfume: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding a Sustainable Scent

Madeleine Wisecup — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 13:51:00 +0000

When it comes to establishing a “natural” skincare routine there are a few relatively simple swaps you can make: shampoo, skincare, deodorant, makeup and makeup remover — but, there’s one category that most people tend to struggle with and that’s non-toxic and eco-friendly perfume.

In this post, Madeleine of The Wise Consumer dives into what fragrance really is, if we should avoid all perfumed products, and how one goes about selecting an eco-conscious and natural perfume!

What is Fragrance Anyway?

For years I avoided any kind of perfume, eau de toilet, or spray — not because I didn’t love these kinds of products but because I was intentionally trying to avoid anything fragranced. And perfume is, in a word, just that — fragrance.

But what is “fragrance” actually?

As you’re most likely aware, fragrance is used to make things smell better, to mask unwanted odors, or to give something a more pleasant smell. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), “fragrance is a chemical mixture that has a smell or odor…The mixtures that make a fragrance may include natural aromatic raw materials, obtained from plants using distillation, expression, and extraction, or synthetic materials.”

And, fragrance is everywhere!

It’s in our shampoo, our deodorant, candles, cleaning products, laundry detergents, and even in certain menstrual hygiene products. Sometimes, even “unscented” products can contain fragrance. As the FDA explains, this is because the manufacturer may add just enough fragrance to mask the unpleasant smell of other ingredients, without giving the product a noticeable scent. Like, I said, it’s everywhere.

As a whole, the concept of fragrance isn’t bad. In fact, could you imagine how dull life would be without scents? I am the first to admit that I love soaking in a warm eucalyptus or lavender-scented bubble bath. But, as a conscious consumer, I also like to know what ingredients are in my lavender-scented bubble bath, or any cosmetic product I use for that matter.

Unfortunately, when it comes to fragranced products it’s not always clear what chemical mixtures and ingredients go into making these scented products, even “naturally” fragranced products don’t always disclose their ingredients.

Why is the Ingredient “Fragrance” So Opaque?

Generally speaking, any cosmetic product sold to a consumer must display a list of ingredients. But according to the FDA, “under U.S. regulations, fragrance and flavor ingredients can be listed simply as “Fragrance” or “Flavor.”

This is because “fragrance and flavor formulas are complex mixtures of many different natural and synthetic chemical ingredients, and they are the kinds of cosmetic components that are most likely to be ‘trade secrets'”.

In a way, this makes sense. If a company spends hours of research, time, and money formulating the perfect fragrance for their product, they’re not going to want to disclose the list of ingredients that went into making that product.

But, this can be especially problematic for people with skin sensitivities and/or allergies.

If you’re allergic to a certain ingredient being used in the fragranced product but that ingredient isn’t disclosed, then it’s going to be much harder to know which products to avoid.

In these cases, the FDA recommends that you choose products that are fragrance-free, and check the ingredient list carefully.

Easier said than done seeing that, as I mentioned above, even unscented products can contain small amounts of fragrance to mask unpleasant odors!

As Made Safe shares, “without information about what ingredients actually make up a fragrance, it is difficult to understand the true extent to which our health is compromised by fragrance ingredients.”

This can get even more challenging if you’re extremely sensitive to certain fragranced products and their scents. Products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, cleaners, and body splashes make me nauseated and give me headaches. As it turns out I am not alone.

A 2016 study found that approximately 35% of the population studied reported health problems — such as migraine headaches and respiratory difficulties — when exposed to fragranced products.

According to their research, “fragranced consumer products, such as cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, are a primary source of indoor air pollutants and personal exposure….even those called green and organic emitted hazardous air pollutants.”

Not to mention that over the years certain fragranced products have been found to contain ingredients such as phthalates, synthetic musks, formaldehyde, and allergens, just to name a few, that have been shown to have negative health impacts, especially on pregnant women.

Are “Natural” Fragrance and Essential Oils Non-Toxic?

Even “natural” extracts, such as essential oils, can trigger allergic reactions and skin sensitivities. In fact, according to the Environmental Working Group, certain essential oils, such as several citrus oil extracts or rose flower oil, which the European Commission has categorized as established allergens, “may trigger an allergic reaction after a few contacts or can cause someone to develop an allergy over a longer period of time”, EWG reports.

Additionally, a 2018 study found that essential oils, similar to certain synthetic fragrances, have also been found to emit numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

According to the report, “some of these VOCs are considered as potentially hazardous under federal regulations. However, essential oils are exempt from disclosure of their ingredients on their label. Thus, the public may lack information on emissions and potential hazards from essential oils.”

What I’ve learned over the course of my research is that sometimes a synthetic ingredient may actually contain fewer allergens than a “natural” ingredient. As discussed in a previous post about non-toxic skincare, the word natural doesn’t always mean better.

And, when it comes to fragrance, the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners shares, “It is important that companies look for safer alternatives where available and report all ingredients in their fragrances, both natural and synthetic, so that consumers are able to avoid potential allergic reactions and other health consequences.” We can all agree on that!

The good news is today more perfume brands are creating products that are not only free of potentially harmful ingredients but that are also eco-friendly, ethically manufactured, and, best of all, provide complete ingredient transparency so consumers can know what they’re buying!

How to Choose a Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Perfume

Check the brand’s website for a list of ingredients. What ingredients are being used? Are the ingredients safe? Are they phthalate-free?

If you have any concerns or doubts about a specific ingredient you can always get more information on the EWG Skin Deep Database.

If the brand doesn’t list the ingredients on their website, feel free to contact them directly and ask them to share their list of ingredients with you. If they don’t, it may be time to find an alternative brand.

Ideally, an eco-friendly perfume brand will not only be transparent about its ingredients as well as conform to IFRA guidelines but will also focus on low or zero waste packaging and ethical manufacturing.

To help save you time on your hunt for a sustainably-made non-toxic perfume, check out the brands below!

Editor’s note: this guide includes affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through these particular links. As always, all product and brand selections meet rigorous standards for sustainability and are brands we genuinely love — and that we think you’ll love too!

The Best Eco-Friendly Perfume Brands

1. Henry Rose

This sustainable perfume brand provides an array of fragrances that are EWG and Cradle to Cradle Certified. Henry Rose perfumes are made of a combination of both safe synthetics and natural ingredients and are free of harmful ingredients such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and styrene. This nearly zero waste perfume brand also uses 90% recycled and 100% recyclable packaging.

Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, EWG-Verified, Cradle to Cradle Certified (Gold), Eco Packaging, Gives Back

Scent types: Clean, Smooth, Spicy, Earthy

Price: $$

Check Out Henry Rose

2. Cultus Artem

Handcrafted in small batches in the US, Cultus Artem’s eco-friendly perfume can be summed up in one word, elegant. These gender-neutral fragrances — which are free of BHA, BHT, color additives, ethanolamines (ETA, DEA, and TEA), formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and other questionable chemicals — undergo rigorous quality control and analysis. Cultus Artem values slow beauty and strives to reduce waste every step of the way, including in their packaging.

Conscious Qualities: Safe and Natural Ingredients, 100% Ingredient Transparency

Scent Types: Woodsy, Musky, Floral, Citrusy, Warm & Earthy

Price: $$$-$$$$

Check Out Cultus Artem

3. One Seed

One seed makes honest natural and eco-friendly perfume from plants and tells you exactly what’s in it. Fully transparent about their ingredients, One Seed, uses no synthetic ingredients and is packaged in recyclable and reusable materials. In addition to working closely with their suppliers to ensure all their ingredients and materials are sustainably sourced. One Seed also offers customized fragrance blends of their sustainable perfume!

Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Only Natural Ingredients (80% Organic), Eco Packaging, Gives Back

Scent Type: Woodsy, Floral, Fresh, Warm

Price: $$

Check it Out: One Seed | Nourished Life

4. Abbott

Abbott’s eco-friendly perfume is made using the cleanest conscious ingredients. These unisex fragrances are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and other questionable ingredients. Carefully crafted using a mixture of natural and synthetic ingredients, Abbott discloses a full list of their ingredients on their website. Plus, their ingredients are sustainably sourced and they work closely with their suppliers to produce eco-minded packaging.

Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Sustainably-Sourced Ingredients, Recyclable Packaging, Gives Back

Scent Type: Cool and Crisp (with a hint of spice), Fresh, Citrus, Floral

Price: $$

Check it Out: Abbott | Credo Beauty

5. Quw’utsun’Made

This sustainable perfume brand, founded by Arianna Johnny-Wadsworth, was created to help preserve the traditional knowledge of the Coast Salish Nation. Each product is handmade in small batches in her studio using 100% renewable energy. All Quw’utsun’ Made products are formulated using local and wildcrafted ingredients. The fragrances, which are beautifully named The Beader, The Weaver, The Carver, and The Tzinquaw, are phthalate, paraben, and SLS-free and made using only natural ingredients.

Conscious Qualities: Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Local Sourcing, Plant-Based Ingredients, BIPOC-Owned, Unisex Scents

Scent Types: Warm & Woodsy, Fresh & Clean, Sweet & Earthy, Spicy & Musky

Price: $$

Check Out Quw’utsun’Made

6. The 7 Virtues

This fragrance brand is more than a fragrance, “it’s a movement to use business for peace. 7V (The 7 Virtues), founded by Barb Stegemann, a former journalist who never set out to make perfume, is a fair-trade, ethically sourced, and eco-friendly perfume brand on a mission to provide alternatives for farmers in nations rebuilding after war and strife around the world. Ingredients are ethically sourced from countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Rwanda, and Iran. In addition, 7V uses only clean and natural ingredients and is transparent about ingredients used in each fragrance.

Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade and Organic ingredients, Ingredient Transparency, Supports Farmers, Cruelty-Free & Vegan

Scent Types: Warm, Spicy, Floral, Woodsy

Price: $$

Check it Out: The 7 Virtues | The 7 Virtues US | Sephora

7. DedCool

This LA sustainable perfume brand, founded by Carina Chaz, provides a variety of gender-neutral fragrances that are composed, crafted, filled, and packaged in reusable and recyclable glass bottles. Made in small batches, Ded Cool uses only safe synthetics and essential oils in their formulas and is free of carcinogens, harmful stabilizers and preservatives, and water, which many brands use to dilute their formulas.

Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Low Waste Packaging, Unisex Scents

Scent types: Citrus, Fresh, Light, Fruity

Price: $$

Check Out DedCool

8. By Rosie Jane

Handmade in Los Angeles, California by/Rosie Jane products are mixed and formulated using sustainably sourced safe synthetic and botanical ingredients. Free of endocrine-disrupting ingredients, by/Rosie Jane provides complete ingredient transparency and uses certified organic ingredients whenever possible. The sustainable perfume also comes in recyclable packaging made using wind power, vegetable-based inks, and responsibly-sourced paper.

Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Eco Packaging, Responsibly-Sourced Ingredients

Scent Types: Musky, Fresh, Floral, Vanilla

Price: $-$$

Check it Out: by/Rosie Jane | Credo Beauty | Sephora

9. PHLUR

This certified B-Corp and eco-friendly perfume brand crafts their fragrances using only clean and safe ingredients. In fact, they vow to never use materials listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of threatened plants so as to ensure that their ingredients are always responsibly sourced. PHLUR is fully transparent about the ingredients used within their fragrances, both botanical and synthetics.

Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Gives Back, Recycled Packaging, Made Safe Supporter

Scent Types: Fresh Floral, Crisp and Fresh, Spicy

Price: $$

Check it Out: PHLUR | Credo Beauty | Sephora

10. House of Linnic

Founded by Lindsay-Nicole, this Black woman-owned brand, formulates its unisex phthalate-free fragrances using only natural and plant-based sourced ingredients. The founder’s mission is to “employ talent that is as diverse and culturally rich as the world we live in.” Additionally, this fragrance brand strives to limit its packaging waste by using materials that can be recycled and up-cycled.

Conscious Qualities: Black-Owned, Plant-Based Ingredients, Phthalate-Free, Eco Packaging

Scent Types: Floral notes with exotic spices

Price: $$

Check it Out: House of Linnic | BLK + GRN

11. IME

Certified 100% Natural by the Natural Perfumers Guild (NPG), IME fragrances are crafted using only natural ingredients and free of any artificial and animal fragrances, colors, phthalates, parabens or synthetic ingredients. Their sustainable perfume products range from solid perfume bars to glass refill bottles!

Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Cruelty-Free, Certified Toxin-Free with Safe Cosmetics Australia, Certified Member of Organic Beauty Brands

Scent Type: Herbal, Spicy, Earthy, Fresh, Citrus

Price: $$

Check it Out: IME | Flora & Fauna

12. Paul Penders

Although primarily a skincare line, Paul Penders offers 3 eco-friendly perfumes: Citrus, Jasmine, and Sensual. All their products are certified by an internationally accredited laboratory to guarantee their freshness and efficacy. According to their website, Paul Penders was one of the first vegan cosmetic companies worldwide not using harmful chemicals.

Conscious Qualities: EWG-verified, 100% Ingredient Transparency, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Scent Types: Spicy and Warm, Bright and Zesty, Soft and Feminine

Price: $

Check it Out: Paul Penders | The Green Beauty Shop

13. Blade + Bloom

Handmade in Chicago, {blade + bloom} is a Black woman-owned apothecary brand using only 100% natural, high-quality, and plant-based ingredients. Products include roll-on aromatherapy fragrance oils (can be used as sustainable perfume!), candles, body balms, body/face serums, body scrub, soaps and more.

Conscious Quality: Eco Packaging, Natural Ingredients, Made in Small Batches, BIPOC-Owned

Scent Types: Fresh, Warm, Balanced

Price: $

Check out Blade + Bloom

14. Thorn & Bloom

Thorn & Bloom is an artisanal perfumery handcrafting luxury botanical fragrance brand that uses only the finest natural aromatics. As a proud member of the Natural Perfumers Guild, Thorn & Bloom is formulated using only 100% botanical aromatics, such as essential oils, absolutes, and tinctures in a base of triple-filtered USDA Organic Grape Alcohol. Thorn & Bloom’s sustainable perfumes are also free of synthetic aroma chemicals, preservatives and GMOs.

Conscious Qualities: Non-Toxic, Certified Natural by the Natural Perfumers Guild, 90%+ USDA-Certified Organic Ingredients.

Scent Types: Citrus, Warm and Sweet, Floral

Price: $$

Check it Out: Thorn & Bloom

15. Skylar

On a quest for safe and clean scents, Skylar formulates their fragrances with the strictest standards, excluding questionable ingredients such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and synthetic dyes, amongst others. Skylar uses natural ingredients and lab-made ingredients to make their safe and hypoallergenic perfumes. They do not disclose their complete ingredient list, preferring to keep their proprietary formulas to themselves. However, they are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Conscious Qualities: Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Eco Packaging, Made in the US, Ethically-Sourced

Scent Type: Citrus, Dewy, Fresh, Floral, Warm

Price: $$

Check Out Skylar

More Eco-Friendly Perfume Brands:

Clean Beauty: Formulated using sustainably and ethically sourced farm-to-fragrance ingredients. Partners with companies supporting small farming communities around the world. Free of ingredients such as phthalates, acetone, synthetic colors, and more! Eco-friendly packaging.

Sigil: Formulated using 100% natural plant oils, absolutes, and tinctures. Formulas are EU certified and follow strict IFRA guidelines for safety. Sigil does not disclose its full list of ingredients for proprietary reasons but is happy to answer any questions you might have. In addition, they’re a member of 1% For The Planet.

Maison Louis Marie: This eco-friendly perfume brand does not use any toxic or environmentally harmful ingredients. They use both naturally sourced ingredients and safe synthetics so as to protect the planet from over-harvesting of endangered plants, to avoid animal products, and to protect against known allergens. Maison Louis Marie is also a member of 1% for the Planet.

Ellis Brooklyn: Ellis Brooklyn uses only clean and safe ingredients, avoiding unsafe low quality synthetics. Although the majority of their ingredients are natural Ellis Brooklyn will use synthetics when they are the safer or more sustainable option. All their fragrances are PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan. In addition, they ship carbon neutral whenever possible and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to the Carbon Fund annually.
Sana Jardin This socially conscious fragrance brand is on a mission to harness the power of commerce for social good, using their eco-friendly perfumes as “a vehicle for social impact and the economic empowerment of women.” (Click here to read more) Fragrances are formulated using safe synthetics and natural plant essential oil and are leaping bunny certified. They are 100% free of phthalates, artificial colorants, parabens and formaldehydes.

About the Author

Follow Madeleine and the Wise Consumer:

Website: TheWiseConsumer.com | Podcast: The Wise Consumer Podcast

@TheWiseConsumer on Instagram | The Wise Consumer on Facebook

You May Also Want to Check Out:

What Does “Natural Skincare” Really Mean? Plus 25 Brands to Trust

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9 Aluminum-Free & Eco-Friendly Deodorants Tested and Reviewed!

The post Eco-Friendly Perfume: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding a Sustainable Scent appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

The Ultimate Zero Waste Hair Care Guide: 15 Plastic-Free Hair Products

Elizabeth Joy — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:42:26 +0000

No matter how simple or complex your hair routine is, the zero waste hair care products in this guide will keep your hair clean and healthy — while also being clean and healthy for the planet!

In this guide, you’ll find zero waste versions of:

Shampoo and Conditioner (bar & bottle options)
Dry Shampoo
Bar Holders
Hair Treatments
Hair Styling Products
Hair Accessories

This guide was made in partnership with Green Eco Dream, a zero-waste online store for finding your essentials, plastic-free!

Zero Waste Hair Care Basics: Shampoo & Conditioner

While you once had to sacrifice effectiveness for eco friendliness, the options for zero waste shampoo and conditioner have really expanded in recent years!

You can now find plastic-free shampoo and conditioner that is color-safe, moisturizing, volumizing, and anti-frizz.

Bar or Bottle?

Ah, the great debate! Honestly, this is a very personal choice — the best option is the one that you’ll actually do consistently.

So if you just can’t get used to shampoo and conditioner bars, or they don’t work for your hair — don’t fret it!

There are multiple ways to be low waste, and now there are actually a few different options for doing liquid shampoos & conditioners low waste.

I personally prefer bars since they are lighter weight and more compact (good for travel and small showers) but you may prefer the convenience of liquid shampoo. The key here is to find what works for you!

1. HiBAR

You’ll find quite a few options for plastic-free shampoo bars and conditioner bars from HiBAR, whether your priority is moisture, volume, soothe, or to maintain hair color or going fragrance-free.

I have this brand’s conditioner and find the shape super convenient to use! I also love that it’s made from natural ingredients and is paraben-, phthalate-, and sulfate-free.

Check Out HiBAR

2. Corvus Botanicals

Palm-free and made from sustainably sourced organic ingredients, Corvus Botanicals’ have zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars healthy for your hair and the planet. And these bars are super concentrated — you can get over 80 washes with them!

Check Out Corvus’ Shampoo + Conditioner

3. Plaine Products

Love the concept of this brand! Essentially, you get your shampoo and/or conditioner in an aluminium bottle, you use up the product, and then send back the bottle to be refilled and reused. I’ve used Plaine Product’s shampoo + conditioner and found it to be really effective and moisturizing for my hair — plus they smelled wonderful!

Check Out the Refillable Shampoo | Refillable Conditioner

4. Seed Phytonutrients

Another bottle option is Seed Phytonutrients. You’ll find anti-frizz, color care, and volume options — all made with organic, clean, and vegan ingredients. The exterior of Seed’s packaging is 100% compostable and the interior is recyclable. There’s also a seed packet inside that you can plant afterwards!

Check Out Seed Phytonutrients

Zero Waste Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is one of my hair essentials. I try to go as many days as possible without shampooing but… sometimes I go a day or two too long and need a bit of back-up!

However, a lot of dry shampoo comes in aerosol cans (which are terrible for the environment) and are loaded with harmful chemicals.

5. Lumi Basics

Lumi Basics has dry shampoo in powder form, which is a much safer and environmentally-conscious alternative to most dry shampoos in aerosol cans that can contain butane and propane. (Yikes!!) Their dry shampoo is made with organic ingredients and packaged in a compostable container.

Check Out the Dry Shampoo

6. Lovett Sundries

Another zero waste dry shampoo option when you’re in a pinch is Lovett Sundries. Their dry shampoo comes in a recyclable glass bottle and consists of just two simple ingredients: arrowroot powder and bentonite clay. It also ships in recycled and recyclable plastic-free packaging.

Check Out the Dry Shampoo

Zero Waste Hair Treatments

If your hair needs a little extra TLC, and you want to try a leave-in treatment or mask, there’s a zero waste swap for that!

7. Seed Moisture Leave-In Treatment

Similar to Seed’s shampoos and conditioners, this ultra-moisturizing leave-in treatment is made from all-natural vegan ingredients and comes in eco-friendly packaging. The recycled paper exterior is compostable and the 80% recycled interior is recyclable.

Check Out the Treatment

8. Seed Scalp & Root Mask

This non-toxic scalp and root mask removes hard water minerals, pollutants, and excess buildup from your hair and scalp. But unlike other natural masks that come in plastic containers or even single-use pouches, this one is packaged in a 100% recyclable aluminum tube.

Check Out the Hair Mask

9. Organic Coconut Oil

If you want to keep it really simple, coconut oil is a versatile, moisturizing and frizz minimizing hair treatment. This one from All Good is organic, unrefined and made in a solar powered facility! And, the coconut oil comes in a recyclable and reusable glass jar.

Check Out the Coconut Oil

Zero Waste Hair Styling Products

Pastes, pomades, and other styling products are another aspect of hair care that is often filled with questionable ingredients and comes in plastic packaging. These Jack Henry products, though, will give you the style you’re looking for while you work to create a low-waste and non-toxic lifestyle.

10. Jack Henry Hair Paste

Add definition and texture with this low waste, light hold hair paste made from organic natural ingredients. The hair paste is free of parabens, sulfates, SLS & SLES (ingredients banned in the EU, but not in the U.S.), and artificial fragrances. And the glass jar is recyclable and ships in plastic-free packaging.

Check Out the Hair Paste

11. Jack Henry Hair Clay Pomade

For a bit of a longer hold, check out Jack Henry’s Hair Clay Pomade, which is also made from organic plant-based ingredients and packaged in a glass jar. At the end of its life, you can reuse the glass jar as storage or recycle it.

Check Out the Hair Clay Pomade

Zero Waste Hair Accessories

12. Bamboo Hair Brush

Skip the plastic hair brush and choose bamboo instead! This compostable, eco-friendly hair brush is made from bamboo and natural rubber and ships in recycled packaging. I’ve been using a bamboo hair brush for many years and it’s still in fantastic shape, but once its life is done, it is compostable!

Check Out the Hair Brush

13. Kooshoo’s Hair Ties

Most hair ties you’ll find at the store are made from synthetic materials. Thankfully, there is a better alternative! Kooshoo makes their plastic-free hair ties from GOTS- and Fair Trade-certified cotton and Fair Trade-certified natural rubber, so they’re compostable at the end of their life!

Check Out Kooshoo’s Hair Ties

14. Kooshoo’s Scrunchies

If you prefer scrunchies, there’s also a synthetic-free version for that! Similar to the hair ties, these scrunchies are made from organic and fair trade cotton + fair trade natural rubber, and they’re backyard compostable!

Check Out Kooshoo’s Scrunchies

15. Kooshoo’s Headbands

Love to rock headbands? Kooshoo’s also got an eco-conscious version of that, too! Their headbands are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and are ethically produced in India in a facility where makers earn living wages.

Check Out Green Eco Dream’s Zero Waste Hair Care Collection for More

The post The Ultimate Zero Waste Hair Care Guide: 15 Plastic-Free Hair Products appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

15 Clean Skincare Brands for Men That Will Elevate Your Daily Regimen

Jharna Pariani — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:41:45 +0000

For the guys who like to go the extra mile when it comes to putting their best face forward, we’ve put together a list of 15 organic skincare and grooming brands for men that are free from all things toxic — which happen to be better for you and the environment!

For as long as we can remember, facial hair and grooming products were the only items that were ever marketed as beauty essentials for men. But we’ve come a long way since then.

Men are no longer relying on 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioners or subpar grooming products to look their best because the beauty market itself has begun catering to the long-underserved demographic by extending their offerings to include skincare, haircare, and bath essentials, packaged in a minimalist design and musky scent just for men.

However, it should be worth noting that the “for men” label on skincare products is just that — a label — and is not the end-all-be-all of what we can or should buy.

Skincare labeled “for men” tends to have a muskier, more masculine scent, but many of these products aren’t too different from their feminine beauty counterparts and formulations. (Though some brands do design their products with men’s skincare concerns in mind.)

Many of the brands featured also have genderless skincare, which features more neutral scents and can meet the skincare needs of anyone. At the end of the day, some men’s skincare products may be just as — if not more — effective than “women’s skincare” products and everyone should feel free to use whichever skincare product they like best!

Now that that’s cleared up, why should one opt for clean or organic men’s skincare products?

For one, clean skincare brands use natural ingredients and are free of the kinds that are considered potential carcinogens, irritants, or linked to endocrine-system disruption.

And second, most of these brands happen to be cruelty-free and do not cut corners when it comes to eco-friendly packaging.

From skincare that avoids ingredients that can’t even be pronounced to science-backed plant formulations that deliver results, we found you the best natural skincare for men in the form of 15 clean beauty brands you can consider adding to your bathroom shelf.

Where to Find Organic Skincare for Men

1. MALIN+GOETZ

A genderless natural skincare brand, MALIN+GOETZ is the modern-day interpretation of an apothecary label that creates fuss-free vegan products that get straight to the point.

Formulated to suit all kinds of skin concerns (especially the sensitive kind), their products will help you build an uncomplicated beauty regimen from the ground up with everything from skin, body, hair, and even fragrances.

We love the fact they offer a range of effective yet natural deodorants using plant extracts that are free from conventionally-used aluminum and parabens.

Skincare categories: cleansers, moisturizers, masks, exfoliators, eye creams, lip balms, serums, oils, soaps, deodorants, and fragrances

Price: $$-$$$

Check out MALIN+GOETZ

2. Grown Alchemist

Grown Alchemist is an Australian zero-waste clean skincare brand that uses a science-based approach to its product formulations. Primarily composed of plant-derived active ingredients, their products comprise skincare, haircare, and body care essentials that are packaged in recyclable aluminum tubes and refillable body care bottles that’ll help you cut down on waste.

Skincare categories: cleansers, moisturizers, masks, exfoliators, eye creams, lip balms, serums, oils, toners, mists, and hand cream

Price: $$

Check out Grown Alchemist (AU)

3. Scotch Porter

Scotch Porter is a Black-owned men’s clean skincare and grooming brand that was created for men of color. Using clean and plant-based formulations, the brand offers collections that feature product bundles for first-timers who’d like to explore their entire range before settling in on their favorites.

Scotch Porter is one of the two brands in our lineup that stocks an extensive range of grooming essentials and accessories, right from the best natural beard balms to cellulose acetate beard combs that’ll help you keep your facial hair in top shape.

Skincare categories: facial cleansers, moisturizers, soaps, exfoliators, beard wash, leave-in conditioners, masks, and balms

Price: $$-$$$

Check out Scotch Porter

4. Jack Henry

Based out of California, Jack Henry offers a range of genderless beauty and all-natural men’s skincare products that use a clean and minimalist approach when it comes to crafting their products.

Using the least number of ingredients possible — that can be as few as four and no more than 20 — the brand bottles its minimal plant-based formulations in amber glass packaging that’s not only the more sustainable choice but also blocks out UV rays that help preserve its all-natural integrity.

Skincare categories: cleanser, moisturizer, oil, toner, and deodorants

Price: $$-$$$

Check out Jack Henry

5. Disco

Offering an extensive range of natural skincare products for men, Disco creates clean and uncomplicated beauty essentials that work well with your daily regimen. Whether your skin is acne-prone, sensitive, combination, or even textured, their all-natural formulations aim at targeting your skincare concerns without having to rely on anything synthetic.

We love the fact that they offer overnight pimple stickers that come with unique self-dissolving microneedles that anchor onto the blemish and work at reducing its appearance. Some reviewers even claim to have given up popping and picking at their zits ever since they began using these stickers.

Skincare categories: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, exfoliator, mask, and pimple stickers

Price: $$

Check out Disco

6. Bevel

Bevel is a Black-owned skincare and grooming brand crafted specifically for Black men to cater to their unique skin concerns and textured hair. All of their skincare and grooming formulations are free of alcohol, parabens, phthalates, and other synthetics that are notorious irritants.

Apart from its comprehensive range of beard care products, Bevel also offers all sorts of trimmers, clippers, and even plastic-free razors to complement its grooming range.

Skincare categories: cleanser, moisturizer, toner, mask, serum, shaving cream, beard balm, oil, and conditioner

Price: $$-$$$

Check out Bevel

7. Doers of London

With a conditioner that let’s “keep your head in the game”, shaving cream that helps you “cut out the fluff”, and a facial cleanser that reminds you to “wipe your slate clean”, the genderless products at Doers of London offer a lot more than just a fun name.

All of their products are formulated with organic and natural ingredients that are listed with a detailed description for investigative label readers who like to know a lot more about what’s going on their faces.

Skincare categories: cleanser, moisturizer, toner, mask, serum, exfoliatior, shaving cream, and mask

Price: $$

Check out Doers of London (UK)

8. ASYSTEM

ASYSTEM is a plant-based skincare and supplements brand that uses a science-backed approach to its products and formulations. Their range of skincare in particular boasts of antioxidant-rich ingredients and plant-derived stem cells that help replenish and rejuvenate your skin.

The brand also offers a subscription service for those who might just forget to restock your skincare essentials.

Skincare categories: cleanser, moisturizers, and pain relief roll on

Price: $$

Check out ASYSTEM

9. Haeckels

Inspired by the ocean, Haeckels is a UK-based genderless skincare brand that uses hand-picked seaweed as a base ingredient for all of its products. According to the brand, all-natural seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help hydrate and rebuild the skin.

Handpicking its seaweed from a beach in Margate, UK just steps away from its shop, the brand reinforces its love for the ocean through its “Rubbish for Product” scheme that encourages people around their vicinity and worldwide to share visual proof of their beach cleanup initiatives in exchange for a 40% discount.

Skincare categories: cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliator, toners, mask, serums, eye cream, lip balm, and fragrances

Price: $$-$$$

Check out Haeckels (UK)

10. Lumin

Lumin is a natural skincare brand that helps the uninitiated approach skincare like a gym membership. After answering a couple of skin concern-specific questions, you get matched with a skincare set that’ll address your issues free of charge for a month and all you have to do is pay for shipping and try them on before you make a commitment.

Offering a range of face, body, and hair care products, we love the fact that there’s a dedicated “How To” section on their website that introduces you to how you can apply their products with a step-by-step explanation for your AM and PM routine.

Skincare categories: cleanser, moisturizers, serum, oil, toner, masks, exfoliator, aftershave and beard oil

Price: $$

Check out Lumin

11. Brickell

In an effort to prove that it’s possible to go all-natural with your skincare without sacrificing results, Brickell crafts its products using only high-quality, natural, and organic ingredients that pack a punch.

From skincare products that address acne and aging concerns to grooming and hair essentials that help maintain your mane, you’re bound to find just about everything that suits your individual concerns.

Beginners also get a chance to explore their range with a free sampler kit before they wish to commit.

Skincare categories: cleansers, moisturizers, toner, exfoliator, serums, eye cream, lip balm, shaving cream, aftershave, and beard oil

Price: $$

Check out Brickell

12. John Masters Organics

John Masters Organics is a genderless skincare brand that believes in harnessing the power of organic and natural ingredients to create a range of clean beauty products, which also happens to be a household name in hair care.

The wind-powered John Masters Organics beauty salon in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan was the first ever “clean air” salon space that refrained from using damaging colorants and chemical treatments, not even hairspray.

The brand lives up to its organic heritage by offering products that smell as good as they perform.

Skincare categories: cleansers, moisturizers, toner, exfoliator, serums, oil, and lip balms

Price: $$

Check out John Masters Organics

13. Intelligent Nutrients

A clean range of skin and hair care products that are powered by plants and certified organic ingredients, Intelligent Nutrients is a woman-owned company devoted to creating cruelty-free and non-toxic beauty products that are proven to work.

We love a brand that strives to educate what they mean when they use fancy jargon to make a claim. And Intelligent does just that through its own lexicon of terms that help consumers better understand their claims.

Skincare categories: cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliators, serums, oils, and lip balm

Price: $$

Check out Intelligent Nutrients

Or find @ Safe & Chic

14. Pangea Organics

Pangea Organics offers a range of genderless plant-based skin products in plastic-free packaging that aren’t just good for you, but the planet as well. Bottled in infinitely recyclable aluminum packaging, the brand prides itself on using science-backed bioactive ingredients that are ethically sourced from 54 global regions.

In fact, every product features a topographical map on its front that happens to be a map of the region where its primary ingredient has been sourced from.

Skincare categories: cleansers, moisturizers, toner, exfoliator, oil, mask and eye cream

Price: $$

Check out Pangea Organics

15. Marie Veronique

Known for providing effective clean skincare products that feature carefully selected ingredients to help people achieve realistic skin health goals, Marie Veronique’s range of skincare and grooming essentials are packaged in glass bottles that can be endlessly recycled.

While its skincare range can be used by just about anyone, the brand offers a shaving oil and aftershave tonic specifically for men that helps restore the skin’s pH levels while helping prevent post-shave irritation with trace minerals.

Skincare categories: cleansers, serums, sunscreen, exfoliator, shaving oil, and aftershave

Price: $$

Check out Marie Veronique

More Resources Like This

What Does Natural Skincare Really Mean? Plus 25 Brands To Trust

10 Harmful Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

9 Non-Toxic Deodorants Ranked Best to Worst

About The Author:

Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her. When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers

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The post 15 Clean Skincare Brands for Men That Will Elevate Your Daily Regimen appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

10 Toxic Skincare Ingredients to Avoid — and Why

Madeleine Wisecup — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 12:57:00 +0000

With the ubiquity of harmful chemicals like parabens to phthalates, it can be difficult to navigate all of the toxic skincare ingredients to avoid. So, our contributor Madeleine of The Wise Consumer is breaking down what you need to know about the 10 most harmful ingredients in skincare and cosmetics products…

Disclaimer: this post is intended to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute personal health advice.

According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, as of 2009, the European Union currently bans 1,328 chemicals from its cosmetics. In contrast, as of 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned or restricted only 30 chemicals.

Yikes! That means there are thousands of chemicals being used that may or may not be harmful to our health. And there’s no real way of knowing if we’re applying chemicals that may be harmful, for reasons I’ll cover more below.

Now, I realize many people may not be overly concerned (or aware, perhaps) about the ingredients found in their skincare products. If it works, it works, right? But friend, just because it works doesn’t mean it’s good for your health!

Why? Because most commercial and even some “natural” cosmetic brands contain harmful ingredients that just don’t belong in or on our bodies.

Ingredients such as parabens, formaldehyde, and carbon black — which are unfortunately found in many of our cosmetic products today — have been linked to some pretty serious health concerns such as cancer, hormonal imbalances (endocrine disruptors), and respiratory issues, just to name a few.

Let’s explore.

On average, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that women use 12 personal care products a day, exposing themselves to 168 chemical ingredients.

That’s a lot of ingredients to be applying to our skin every day. And that doesn’t even take into account the other chemicals we’re likely being exposed to throughout the day, such as pesticides, flame retardants, and air fresheners.

Just think about it: your morning routine alone maybe consists of at least six different personal care products — toothpaste, face wash, toner, moisturizer, mascara, foundation, lotion, deodorant, and maybe a spritz of perfume.

Now, you’re probably thinking, There’s no way my favorite skincare/makeup brand would sell me products containing harmful ingredients, right!?

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Just because a product is on the shelf doesn’t mean it’s safe to use.

This is in part due to the fact that cosmetics do not need to go through a pre-market approval process before being sold in stores, e.g., regulators such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not need to assess the safety and effectiveness of the claims on the products before they’re sold.

In fact, “the FDA steps in only if people actually complain about a product because they suspect it harmed them,” shares Dr. Kathryn M. Rexrode, associate professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Women’s Health at Harvard Medical School. “Prior to that, the onus is on the company alone. Products are tested to make sure they don’t cause short-term problems, such as skin irritation. But they’re not tested for long-term safety.”

**Are all chemicals harmful?**

Of course not — water is a chemical after all!

But, as Scott Faber, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Environmental Working Group, shares, even if the chemicals [in skincare products] are probably safe, “we can’t know for sure because they haven’t been subject to any kind of review by a third party.”

And unfortunately, more and more research conducted by third-party organizations is finding that many of the common ingredients used in cosmetic products today have the potential to be pretty harmful to our health.

So now what?

Don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to help reduce the number of harmful ingredients in skincare you might be exposing yourself to.

Read the labels on the back of your products. What ingredients are being used? If you’re not sure if a product, or chemical, contains harmful ingredients check out EWG, they’ve analyzed thousands of brands and chemicals and categorized them in their “Skin Deep Database.” A few other resources to check out are Made Safe, the Think Dirty App, and Safe Cosmetics.

Obviously, most busy women don’t have time to research which ingredients are safe and which aren’t. So, to make things a bit easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of 10 harmful skincare ingredients you’ll probably want to avoid — and why.

10 Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare Products (and Why)

1. Parabens

Parabens are one of the most common ingredients found in cosmetic products today.

What is it? Parabens are most widely used as a preservative in cosmetic products.

Potential health impact: Endocrine disruptor.

What is an endocrine disruptor? “Endocrine disruptors,” according to the National Institute of Health, “are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife.”

Be on the lookout for:

PROPYLPARABEN: Often found in ‘fragrance’ products such as perfume.
BUTYLPARABEN: Fragrance Ingredient; Preservative; Masking (used to disguise natural scent of an ingredient)
ISOBUTYLPARABEN: Used as a preservative in products
METHYLPARABEN: Fragrance Ingredient; Preservative
POLYPARABEN: Fragrance Ingredient; Preservative; Perfuming

2. Carbon Black

Carbon black was added to the FDA’s list of banned toxic ingredients, but it’s still found in cosmetic products.

What is it? Carbon black (Uncertified D&C Black No. 2) is a black pigmented powder most commonly found in eyeliner, mascara, eyelash glue, etc. It’s what gives your mascara that dark sleek look.

Potential health impact: Though some argue that in small doses (concentration of less than 10%) carbon black may not be a serious health concern, more studies are finding that carbon black may in fact be linked to increased cases of cancer, neurodevelopmental effects in offspring, harm lung function in healthy humans, and impacted hormone production in vitro. EWG rates this ingredient a 10 (on a scale of 1 being the best and 10 being the worst)!

Be on the lookout for: Products containing ingredients such as carbon black, D&C Black No. 2 (CI 77266), acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black.

3. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is often found in lotions and skincare products and used as a moisturizing agent.

What is it? Refined properly petroleum jelly, also known as mineral oil, isn’t harmful to our health. Unfortunately, in the United States, it is common for most mineral oils to NOT be refined properly, creating the potential for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. You are most likely to find petroleum jelly/mineral oil in balms, lotions, lip products, and makeup remover.

What are PAHs? According to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, PAHs “are a group of more than 100 chemical compounds that are prevalent in the environment and food. They are formed from the combustion of organic materials.”

Potential health impact: Several individual PAHs, as well as other chemical mixtures containing PAHs, have been classified as human carcinogens and are known skin irritants.

Be on the lookout for: Products containing ingredients such as white petroleum soft paraffin, mineral oil, paraffin oil, white mineral oil, and liquid paraffin.

4. Fragrance

Fragrance is found in most conventional products on the market today — from shampoo to laundry detergent.

What is it? Fragrance, according to Made Safe, is “an umbrella term for up to 100 different chemical ingredients that make up that scent.”

Potential health impact: The primary health concern with this ingredient is that no one really knows its identity. They’re additives, and mostly unknown additives for that matter, that often contain endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, developmental toxins, neurotoxins, and more.

Be on the lookout for: Products containing ingredients such as fragrance, eau de toilette, perfume, essential oil blend, and aroma on their labels.

5. Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is most often found in sunscreens.

What is it? Oxybenzone, shares the National Library of Science, “absorbs UVB and UVA II rays, resulting in a photochemical excitation and absorption of energy. Upon return to the ground state, the absorbed energy results in the emission of longer wavelength radiation and decreased skin penetration of radiation which reduces the risk of DNA damage.” Meaning, it helps to protect your skin against UV rays, such as UVB rays and UVA rays.

Potential health impact: More research needs to be done but oxybenzone has been found to be an endocrine-disrupting compound, i.e. interferes with your hormones. Note: Hawaii has banned oxybenzone from sunscreens because of its harmful effects on the coral reef, specifically its bleaching properties.

Be on the lookout for: Sunscreens containing oxybenzone and benzophenone-3.

6. Phthalates

Phthalates are found in cosmetic products from fragranced lotions to nail polishes.

What are they? According to the CDC, Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break.

In cosmetics, shares the FDA, “you’ll find phthalates such as:

dibutyl phthalate (DBP), used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle);
dimethyl phthalate (DMP), used in hair sprays (to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair); and
diethyl phthalate (DEP), used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances.

According to the FDA’s latest survey of cosmetics, conducted in 2010, however, DBP and DMP are now used rarely. DEP is the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics.”

Potential health impact: Like most ingredients on this list, phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer.

Be on the lookout for: Products containing ingredients such as phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP. and fragrance.

7. Formaldehyde

(& Formaldehyde releasing preservatives)

What is it? Formaldehyde, according to cancer.org “is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in making building materials and many household products.” In cosmetics, and even in some foods, this chemical, which is a known carcinogen, is used as a preservative to help prolong shelf life. And, while not all products contain the ingredient formaldehyde, some may contain and/or use formaldehyde-releasing substances.

Formaldehyde releasing substances have been found in shampoo, soaps, lotions, etc. According to data provided by the FDA, nearly 1 in 5 cosmetic products contains a substance that generates formaldehyde.

Interesting fact: In the European Union, if a product contains a concentration of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives of more than 0.05% the product must be labeled with the notice, “contains formaldehyde.” Not so in the US.

Potential health impact: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen by multiple organizations such as the National Toxicology Program and IARC.

This chemical has also been found to cause skin irritations and allergic reactions in some individuals. You can read more about the health concerns from the American Cancer Society.

Be on the lookout for: the EWG and the American Cancer Society recommend avoiding products containing DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol ), 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, Hydroxymethylglycinate.

8. Ethanolamines

Ethanolamines (TEA, MEA, DEA. etc) are found in a multitude of cosmetics and skincare products ranging from moisturizers to baby sunscreen.

What are they? Common ethanolamines include monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA). These chemicals are primarily used as surfactants (foaming agents), cleansers, or preservatives.

According to the FDA, DEA and DEA-related ingredients function as emulsifiers or foaming agents in cosmetics, or to adjust a product’s pH (acidity) while TEA is used as a fragrance, pH adjuster, and emulsifying agent.

Potential health impact: While the FDA shares that “there is no reason for consumers to be alarmed based on the use of these substances in cosmetics,” it is important to note that research from National Toxicology Program (NTP) did find an association between the topical application of DEA and certain DEA-related ingredients and cancer in laboratory animals.

Made Safe further reports that DEA “has been classified as a carcinogen by the California Environmental Protection Agency as well as possibly carcinogenic to humans with sufficient evidence in experimental animals by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.” You can read more about the chemical profiling of DEA by Made Safe here.

Be on the lookout for: Products containing chemicals such as Cocamide DEA, DEA-Cetyl Phosphate, DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate, Lauramide DEA, Myristamide DEA, Oleamide DEA, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Triethanolamine.

9. 1,4-Dioxane

1,4-Dioxane (also referred to as dioxane) is a chemical that, according to Safe Cosmetics, is often found in products that create suds (such as shampoo, liquid soap, and laundry detergent) and other items such as toothpaste, hair dye, and deodorant.

What is it? The compound 1,4-dioxane is a trace contaminant found in some cosmetic products. But here’s the kicker. 1,4 -dioxane isn’t necessarily “used” in cosmetics. Rather, it’s a byproduct formed when other common ingredients are mixed together during the manufacturing process. These ingredients, reports the FDA, include certain detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers and solvents identifiable by the prefix, word, or syllables “PEG,” “Polyethylene,” “Polyethylene glycol,” “Polyoxyethylene,” “-eth-,” or “-oxynol-.”

Potential health impact: Although 1,4-dioxane has not specifically been tested on humans, the NTP found that 1,4-dioxane “is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.”

The EPA has listed 1,4-dioxane as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” EWG rates this ingredient an 8 and lists it as a known human respiratory toxicant which is harmful to our health even in small doses.

Be on the lookout for: Cosmetics products listing ingredients such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG compounds (usually listed as “PEG” followed by a number), Chemicals that end in “eth” (denotes ethoxylation), like ceteareth and oleth.

10. Butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), are used as preservatives in both personal care products and food. Oftentimes you’ll find BHA and BHT in lip products, hair products, makeup, sunscreen, antiperspirant/deodorant, fragrance, and creams.

What are they? BHT and BHA are closely related compounds that are used in food, cosmetics, and industrial fluids to prevent oxidation and free radical formation, i.e. used as preservatives.

Potential health impact: BHA/BHT are both known endocrine disruptors, possible carcinogens, and skin irritants. The National Toxicology Program reports that BHA is “reasonably anticipated” to be carcinogenic to humans. In addition, the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has also listed BHA as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. You can read more about BHA and BHT here.

Be on the lookout for: Avoid these ingredients by selecting products that don’t list the ingredient BHA or BHT.

***

Now that you know which ingredients to avoid, you’re probably curious to know where you can find products that you can feel confident in that don’t have these ingredients.

Read This Next: 25 Non-Toxic & Organic Skincare Brands

You May Also Want to Check Out:

An Ever-Growing List of Zero Waste Online Stores

10 Zero Waste Shampoos & Conditioners for Healthy Hair — and a Healthier Planet

Super Simple Homemade Vegan Lotion with Coconut Oil

About the Author

Follow Madeleine and the Wise Consumer:

Website: TheWiseConsumer.com | Podcast: The Wise Consumer Podcast

@TheWiseConsumer on Instagram | The Wise Consumer on Facebook

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12 Zero Waste Dry Shampoos That Will Keep Your Hair Fresh In Between Washes

Jharna Pariani — Wed, 18 May 2022 14:48:39 +0000

Freshly washed hair feels great. But, if you’re anything like us and dread a tedious (albeit, necessary) hair wash, then dry shampoo can be your best friend. The kind of friend that sops up all the oil and sweat from your scalp, while perking it up with volume on days when you’re too tired for a wash. So, if you’re in the market for an eco-friendly dry shampoo that doubles up as a great support system for your hair (and also happens to be waste-free!), keep scrolling.

Dry shampoos have gained a reputation for being one of those holy-grail, time-saving, multipurpose products that not only help you revive your hair on the go but can also extend the length of your blow-dry. However, not all dry shampoos are made equal.

Conventional dry shampoos are typically packaged in aerosol spray cans. These spray cans often contain liquefied petroleum gas, which is usually a combination of propane, butane and isobutane that help spray dry shampoo ingredients out of the cans and nebulize them into a fine mist. These VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are notorious for emitting ground-level ozone that can induce asthma and negatively affect sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, including forests, parks and wildlife.

What Ingredients Does an Eco-Friendly Dry Shampoo Contain?

On the other hand, eco-friendly dry shampoos contain natural ingredients like arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, rice starch or cornstarch, aluminum-free baking soda, cocoa, or essential oils that don’t have a harmful impact on the environment.

Why Should You Opt for a Zero Waste Dry Shampoo?

When it comes to beauty products that are in constant rotation, looking for items that have low-waste packaging is well worth your consideration. Every year, the personal care and beauty industry generates more than 120 billion units of packaging across the globe — most of which are not truly recyclable and end up rotting in landfills, where they leach toxic chemicals into the earth.

In fact, data shows that environmentally-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking and demanding better packaging from beauty companies. According to consumer insights firm, NielsenIQ, ‘plastic-free’ and ‘zero waste’ beauty items have been gaining a lot of interest since 2021. These are the same consumers who are gravitating toward refillable packaging that won’t end up in landfills and are doubling down on protecting the oceans by investing in reef-safe sunscreens that prevent coral bleaching.

Low waste packaging is often found in the form of glass, cardboard, cork, refillable tins or those made from biodegradable materials.

Below, scroll through to find 12 zero waste dry shampoos that can be recycled, composted, or reused in some way or another.

No matter what you do with the packaging, your hair-wash-procrastinating side will be sure to thank you. (And when you are ready for a wash, we have you covered with a guide to zero waste shampoo bars, too!)

Where To Find Waste-Free and Eco-Friendly Dry Shampoos

Note that the following roundup includes affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission should you choose to purchase through one of these links. As always, all brands meet strict criteria for sustainability and are brands we love — and that we think you’ll love too!

1. Fat and the Moon

Described as an eco-friendly dry shampoo that’s good enough to eat, Fat and the Moon’s lavender and cocoa dry shampoo contains arrowroot starch and kaolin clay as its key ingredients that absorb excess oil, and leave your hair smelling irresistible owing to its cocoa powder and lavender oil combination.

The packaging comes in a recyclable cardboard container (or a refillable aluminum tin) that dispenses the dry shampoo in powdered form. Use it with a spare makeup brush and gently dab on parted hair sections at the crown of your head until blended.

Price: $13.99

Check it out @ EarthHero

2. Lift Off Beauty

Made from a mix of simple ingredients like bentonite clay, cornstarch and arrowroot powder, Lift Off Beauty’s range of eco-friendly dry shampoos come in two shades to suit both dark and light hair color types. So whenever you are in a bind for time or want to get the most out of your salon blowout, just sprinkle it on your roots and work this dry shampoo into your hair.

Their low waste dry shampoos come packaged in two varieties; biodegradable cardboard shakers as a travel-friendly option and reusable glass shakers to store on your beauty shelf at home. The brand retails at Etsy, a platform that is quickly becoming the mecca for natural and conscious beauty products.

Price: $10-11

Check out Lift Off Beauty

3. Lumi Basics

Lumi Basics is a minimalist and all-natural beauty brand that creates products using no more than 10 ingredients to make sure you don’t find any preservatives, sulfates, phthalates, or any other ingredients that are potentially harmful to your body.

Their zero waste dry shampoo powder is formulated with organic ingredients to suit three hair color types and comes in shades of blonde, strawberry and brunette. Each shaker bottle contains at least 30 uses and is made using plastic-free, biodegradable, and compostable packaging.

Price: $8-14

Check it out: @ Green Eco Dream | or @ Package Free Shop

4. Lovett Sundries

Lovett Sundries creates the most visually pleasing, minimalist skin and haircare products with a huge focus on how they choose to consciously package them — and their eco-friendly dry shampoo is no exception.

Bottled in a chic little glass jar, the waste free dry shampoo is made up of three humble ingredients; bentonite clay, arrowroot powder and lavender essential oil, with the latter absent in the unscented version.

Price: $14-18

Check it out: @ Green Eco Dream | or @ Package Free Shop

5. Captain Blankenship

A formula that features organic arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and aluminum-free baking soda, Captain Blankenship’s Mermaid plastic free dry shampoo provides ultimate oil absorption for a variety of hair types.

Their gorgeous shelf-worthy powder shaker is made from a compostable paper tube that’s pocket-sized to perfection, so you can revive your hair on the go.

Price: $24

Check it out @ EarthHero

6. Tabitha James Kraan

Tabitha is a hairstylist who runs her own salon in the UK that specializes in holistic coloring and organic hair care — two values that guide her range of hair products as well. Her range of low waste dry shampoos is packaged in the most luxe-looking gold aluminum shaker and aerosol-free travel sprays, that also happen to be refillable.

Made using a mix of 90% organic ingredients that include natural soda bicarbonate, along with some organic chestnut and tapioca powder, this eco-friendly dry shampoo will leave your tresses feeling clean and refreshed in-between washes.

Price: $46

Check it out: Dark Hair or Fair Hair

7. Klorane

The perfect natural dry shampoo for sensitive skin types, Klorane’s oat milk formulation is free of parabens, sulfates and preservatives that won’t irritate your scalp. This plant-based dry shampoo is super gentle and works to eliminate oil, dirt, and odors from your hair — all while breathing some volume and texture into your mane without all the alcohol and preservatives from conventional volumizing sprays.

Klorane’s oat milk dry shampoo is available in a unique non-aerosol spray bottle that’s made using recyclable packaging.

Price: $20

Check out Klorane

8. Lulu Organics

We have a feeling you’re going to bag this covetable dry shampoo just for its pretty packaging! Boxed in a vintage art deco-inspired, cardboard salt shaker, the Lulu Organics hair powder comes in seven heavenly-scented versions (including an unscented version) that are made using organic corn starch, baking soda, white clay and essentials oils.

Their plastic free dry shampoo promises to freshen up flat, tired hair into a mane that smells and looks as good as its packaging!

Price: $12-$28

Check out Lulu Organics

9. Raw Nature

Just as its name suggests, Raw Nature’s dry shampoos are made using natural ingredients like kaolin clay, tapioca powder and New Zealand mānuka oil (a shrub that’s native to the country) that promise to nourish your scalp while leaving it feeling fresh and clean. The products are packaged in minimalist powder shakers suitable for light and dark hair, made with 100% biodegradable paper tubes and labels.

One customer review even claims that their eco-friendly dry shampoo doubles up as a root cover-up powder when you’re in between touch-ups — talk about a multi-tasking thing of beauty!

Price: $17

Check it out: For Light Hair or For Dark Hair

10. Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Company

Chagrin Valley’s eco-friendly dry shampoo boasts of an organic formulation that easily blends into your scalp (say goodbye to tell-tale white residue) while absorbing your hair’s naturally occurring oils to help your strands feel instantly refreshed.

Packaged in recyclable paperboard shaker tubes that have a small plastic sifter cap for the powder, you can choose to dab it directly onto your scalp and massage it in, or pop some powder on the palm of your hand and use your fingertips to work it into your roots.

Price: $18.50

Check out Chagrin Valley

11. Hairy Jayne

Hairy Jayne is a UK-based brand that offers a plastic-free dry shampoo packaged in a gorgeous refillable non-aerosol aluminium can that can easily pass for a chic little water bottle.

Made using a vegan and all-natural blend of tapioca powder, lavender flower powder, rhassoul clay and colloidal oat powder, this dry shampoo promises to freshen up your greasy scalp leaving your tresses smelling as fresh as they would after an actual hair wash.

We recommend teaming this low waste dry shampoo purchase with their cute little biodegradable hairbrush to tease your roots and create some extra volume.

Price: £12.00

Check out Hairy Jayne (UK)

12. Love Hair

We get it, nobody enjoys the feeling of a gritty, thick layer of powder on their scalp a couple of days after applying some dry shampoo. And, this is where Love Hair steps in with their organic dry shampoo formulation that feels weightless upon application.

Made up of all-natural ingredients like corn, tapioca and rice starch, including a blend of some exotic essential oils, Love Hair’s dry shampoo promises to refresh and add some volume to your tired tresses.

Packaged in a bio-based bottle that’s 100% recyclable, their low waste dry shampoo is also safe for color-treated hair.

Price: $$

Check out Love Hair

And when the time does eventually come to wash your hair, check out our guide to zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars!

Check These Out Next:

Zero Waste Hair Care: 17 Plastic-Free Products

Best Zero Waste and Sustainable Bathroom Products

14 Zero Waste Body Soaps for a Green Clean

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15 BIPOC-Owned Natural Beauty & Wellness Brands To Keep Your Skin Glowing All Winter Long

Stella Hertantyo — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:59:57 +0000

As we welcome ease and rest back into our lives, we can all try to prioritize moments of self-care – no matter how brief.

The beauty and wellness industry often tries to overwhelm us with more products than we know what to do with and constant calls to consume. Holistic self-care has nothing to do with consumption and can take many forms, which are often found in quiet moments outside of the capitalist system.

But skincare and wellness rituals often do allow us the space to slow down. So, if you are looking to treat yourself or trying to find an end-of-year gift for a loved one, we wanted to share 15 BIPOC-owned beauty and wellness brands to keep your skin healthy and glowing in the winter months.

These are all brands that are self-proclaimed natural beauty and wellness brands. In general, this means that no harmful ingredients have been used and that the ingredients are usually plant-based.

If you want to know more about what exactly ‘natural’, ‘organic’, and ‘non-toxic’ actually mean, in the context of skincare, read this guide by Madeleine Wisecup of The Wise Consumer.

Note that the guide contains partners and affiliates. As always, we only feature brands that meet strict criteria for sustainability we love, that we think you’ll love too!

Now, let’s get into the round-up:

1. Aba Love Apothecary

Founded by Certified Aromatherapist Aba Gyepi-Garbrah, this holistic skincare brand focuses on harnessing the essence of nature and plant medicine. Aiming to heal through the senses, ingredients are chosen based on energetics and healing properties, and special attention is put into ensuring that ingredients are sourced with care.

Wellness wishlist: Body tonic // Toning body oil ($42)

Conscious Elements: Plant-based, Organic, Wildcrafted and non-GMO ingredients

Check out Aba Love Apothecary (U.S.)

2. Becalia Botanicals

Inspired by stories from founder Jazmin Guerrero’s Mexican heritage, culture, and traditions, Becalia Botanicals encourages people to reconnect with themselves and their roots by creating nourishing skincare made with natural ingredients. Their focus is on making self-care an intentional practice and allowing it to soothe your skin from the inside out.

Wellness wishlist: Hibiscus Clay Mask ($26)

Conscious Elements: Botanically-derived ingredients

Check out Becalia Botanicals (U.S.)

3. Cocokind

With a focus on simple, quality ingredients, sustainable production, and affordable pricing, Cocokind is an all-natural brand that is truly committed to doing good for your skin and the planet. Based on your skin type and routine, Cocokind recommends which products will suit you best, and they also have a ‘Routine Builder’ function that can help you put together a routine if you are not sure where to start.

Wellness wishlist: Rosewater facial toner ($17)

Conscious Elements: Plant-powered, cruelty-free

Check out Cocokind (U.S.)

4. Golde

Originally inspired by the healing properties of turmeric, Trinity Mouzon founded Golde intending to make wellness more inclusive and accessible. Through their offering of superfood-based skincare products and edible wellness products, this brand focuses on cultivating outer radiance from within. Golde creates products that fit your lifestyle, from facemasks to healing lattes and smoothie boosters.

Wellness wishlist: Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend ($29)

Conscious Elements: 100% natural ingredients, vegan-friendly, superfood-based

Check out Golde (U.S.)

5. Hanahana Beauty

Born out of the lack of transparency in the industry, Hanahana Beauty is on a mission to bring humanity into the beauty space, and to create awareness about the importance of transparent ingredients sourcing, accessibility, and sustainability. Drawing on founder Abena Boamah’s Ghanaian heritage, the brand uses shea butter sourced from Katariga Women’s Shea Cooperative in Ghana.

Wellness wishlist: Lemongrass Shea Body Butter ($28)

Conscious Elements: Natural ingredients, fair and transparent sourcing, cruelty-free

Check out Hanahana Beauty (U.S.)

6. Ilera Apothecary

Inspired by founder Chinonye Akunne’s Nigerian roots, Ilera Apothecary aims to keep West African wellness practices and philosophies alive through their products. Specifically focusing on people with dry skin due to aging, eczema, and the environment, Ilera Apothecary has created a range of nourishing skincare products to revitalize your skin. Shea butter, lavender, chamomile, coconut oil, and cocoa butter are just a few of the ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients that you will find used in this brand’s offering.

Wellness wishlist: Revitalizing Night Oil ($29.99)

Conscious Elements: Plant-based, ethically-sourced ingredients

Check out Ilera Apothecary (U.S.)

7. Jai Eden Beauty

Tamanu oil has been used for centuries in the Pacific Islands and is known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. This is the key ingredient of Jai Eden Beauty, which is a beauty brand that focuses on formulating high-quality natural skincare to help you feel confident in your skin while creating jobs for women of color and inspiring other entrepreneurs.

Wellness wishlist: Lavender Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover ($13)

Conscious Elements: Vegan, all-natural ingredients

Check out Jai Eden Beauty (U.S.)

8. Kaike

Kaike (pronounced ‘cake’) is a clean beauty and skincare brand with a holistic focus on creating products that are good for the mind, body, and environment – all while having fun too! Catering to all different kinds of skin types and concerns, Kaike focuses on creating minimal, multi-use products with the ethos that less is more.

Wellness wishlist :Frosting Hair + Body Butter ($25)

Conscious Elements: Vegan, all-natural, cruelty-free, multi-purpose products

Check out Kaike (U.S.)

9. Kobee’s Organic Lip Balm

Using the same four key ingredients — beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and mango seed butter — in all of their products, Kobee’s Organic Lip Balm is committed to creating simple, no-fuss, nourishing lip products in compostable and biodegradable packaging. This brand is also committed to extending their impact by donating a percentage of their total sales to non-profit organizations that are committed to cleaning our oceans and lakes, efforts to replant and curb deforestation and providing cleaner air for our future.

Wellness wishlist: Peppermint Eco Balm ($4)

Conscious Elements: Organic, plastic-free packaging

Check out Kobee’s Organic Lip Balm (U.S.)

10. Limegreen

We often get convinced that we need to buy a different product for almost every aspect of our lives. Founders, Talima and Allison, believe in the power of simplicity and have drawn on the wisdoms of their grandmothers — who used whatever simple ingredients they had for a multitude of uses — to create their natural, vegan, multi-use skincare brand. Using organic, wild-harvested, and fair-trade ingredients, each Limegreen product has three uses and can be used by anyone.

Wellness wishlist: Multi-oil ($32)

Conscious Elements: Multi-use products, vegan, all-natural

Check out Limegreen (U.S.)

11. Nopalera

Inspired by the nopal cactus — one of the most sustainable, nourishing, and versatile plants in the world — Nopalera is a skincare brand that uses Mexican botanicals and celebrates Latinx culture. The Nopalera cactus is an ancient symbol of Mexican culture and can be eaten, textiles can be made from it, and can be used to hydrate your skin and hair. Nopalera’s products for bath and body harness the soothing properties of this multi-use botanical to create nourishing products with clean ingredients.

Wellness wishlist: Flor de Mayo Cactus Soap ($14)

Conscious Elements: Cruelty-free, vegan, palm oil-free, free from synthetic fragrances

Check out Nopalera (U.S.)

12. Shocks of Love

Shocks of Love is a part of the “scent for self-care” revolution. This all-natural, skincare aromatherapy brand creates products that allow you to boost your mood and nourish your skin. These aromatherapy fragrances – which are free from alcohol – harness the essence of mood-enhancing, natural ingredients, that allow you to create moments of scent-filled self-care every day. 5% of the proceeds are donated to a Black-owned, trans-led artist residency – Activation Residency – in New York.

Wellness wishlist: Dreamlover (relaxing) ($65)

Conscious Elements: 100% plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, eco-friendly packaging

Check out Shocks of Love (U.S.)

13. Pholk Beauty

Tailored to your skin type, Pholk Beauty provides soul food for your skin with their range of products incorporating natural, healing ingredients and inspired by the beauty rituals of Black women from African diaspora communities. Their heirloom botanicals are sourced from small Black, BIPOC, and women-owned farms in Africa, the Caribbean, and the American South. This brand focuses on preserving age-old healing practices and wisdoms, while taking care of your skin.

Wellness wishlist: Glow Replenishing Face Wash ($20)

Conscious Elements: All-natural, non-toxic

Check out Pholk Beauty (U.S.)

14. Velvet Origins

To fulfill her personal mission of finding natural skincare for her family, Aashima Kapoor was inspired to embrace her Indian roots and the long-standing tradition of Ayurveda to create Velvet Origins – a selection of all-natural, curated beauty boxes filled with hand-picked products that align with your skin’s needs. The process begins with each customer taking their ‘skin quiz’ to learn about the specific needs of their skin and then products are picked from women-owned, plant-based brands in the US, Canada, and India.

Wellness wishlist: Bloom Box ($36)

Conscious Elements: Plant-powered, ethically-sourced ingredients, all-natural

Check out Velvet Origins (U.S.)

15. Yukon Soaps

As an Indigenous-owned and operated business, Yukon Soaps, creates hand-crafted, community-made soaps, shampoo bars, and essential oil blends that are inspired by the land and founder, Joella Hogan’s, familial and cultural heritage. This brand uses local plants from the Yukon area in their formulations, employs local youth, uses Na-cho Nyak Dun beadwork and plant knowledge, and draws on Northern Tutchone language wherever possible.

Wellness wish list: Petals + Patchouli ($8.50)

Conscious Elements: Small-batch production, plant-based

Check out Yukon Soaps (Canada)

_______

If this article has gotten you in the wellness and skincare mood, and you want to find more BIPOC-owned beauty and wellness brands that you can invest in and support, take a look at these platforms:

BLK + GRN – Founded by Dr. Kristian Edwards, BLK + GRN is an online marketplace for all-natural, non-toxic beauty and wellness products created by Black artisans.
Melanin & Sustainable Style – Founded by Dominique Drakeford, Melanin & Sustainable Style is an online, interview-based magazine dedicated to bringing MELANIN to the forefront of Sustainable Fashion, Natural Beauty, Wellness & Agriculture. On the site, you can find a beauty section and wellness section, each filled with interviews with many inspiring brands.
Pink Moon – Founded by Lin Chen, Pink Moon is a wellcare platform sharing a selection of female-founded, sustainable, mindful brands for women in every phase of life.
Shop Latinx – Founded by Brittany Chavez, Shop Latinx is an online marketplace for small, Latinx-owned businesses and they have a dedicated beauty section on the site.

Wishing you a winter of glowing skin and self-care moments that soothe your soul.

About the Author

Stella Hertantyo is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and is currently completing her PGDip in Sustainable Development to accompany her undergraduate in Multimedia journalism. She is a slow-living enthusiast and a lover of low-impact fashion.

She is passionate about encouraging an approach to sustainability that is inclusive, accessible, and fun as we try to figure out how to create a more sustainable and just world, together.

When Stella is not in front of her laptop doing uni work, you’ll probably find her reading, writing, illustrating, or baking/cooking. A dip in the ocean, or a walk in the mountains, are the two things that bring her the most peace.

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6 Non-Toxic Nail Polishes — Tested and Reviewed!

Madeleine Wisecup — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 23:26:11 +0000

Our contributor Madeleine of The Wise Consumer tested 6 non-toxic nail polish brands — here are her reviews.

What is “Non-Toxic Nail Polish”?

Have you ever wondered what nail polish labels like 3-Free, 7-Free or 10-Free mean? Ever wondered if non-toxic nail polish actually works as well as conventional nail polish? I did! So, I decided to do a bit of digging (and testing) — here’s what I discovered.

Decoding the Label: What Does ‘X-Free’ Polish Mean?

Have you heard of the ingredients dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or Toluene? How about formaldehyde or triphenyl phosphate (TPHP)? I explore each of these ingredients in more detail here but these ingredients, which until recently were commonly used in conventional nail polish brands, have been linked to reproductive, respiratory, and other harmful health conditions.**

While more research is warranted, there is growing evidence, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), that ingredients such as TPHP may affect hormone regulation, metabolism, reproduction and development.” And then there’s formaldehyde, which according to the FDA, “may make nails brittle and more likely to break or peel and may also cause skin irritation, as well as allergic reactions to this ingredient.” In short, you don’t want your nail polish to contain these ingredients.

The good news?

Today, more and more nail polish brands are omitting harmful ingredients from their nail polish formulas. Some are even going above and beyond, steering clear of other potentially disconcerning ingredients such as ethyl tosylamide and formaldehyde resin.

The ingredients that a brand omits from its formula ultimately determines how that brand will label itself, e.g., 3-Free, 5-Free, 7-Free and so on.

For example, a nail polish brand that is free of DBP, toluene, formaldehyde (aka the “toxic trio”) will label itself 3-Free.

Whereas a brand that is free of “the toxic trio” as well as formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and TPHP is labeled 8-Free. There are even brands that are 10-Free and 16-Free, which I’ve broken down for you in more detail below.

7-Free: Nail polish formula is free of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide or xylene

8-Free: Nail polish formula is free of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluene, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, and TPHP.

10-Free: Nail polish is free of dibutyl phthalate, TPHP, toluene, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, parabens, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide.

16-Free: Nail polish formula is free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, Phthalates, including DBP, Formaldehyde resin, Camphor, Xylene, Ethyl tosylamide, Acetone, TPHP, Bisphenol A, Glycol ether of series E (which are glycol ethers derived from ethylene oxide), Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Sulfates, Added fragrance, Parabens, MEHQ/HQ, Methylisothiazolinone, Animal-derived ingredients.

While not all these ingredients have been scientifically proven to be harmful to your health, there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe and opting for brands that avoid these ingredients.

How Well Do Non-Toxic Nail Polishes Work?

To answer this question I spent the past few weeks testing out six different non-toxic nail polish brands. I was a bit skeptical — I wasn’t sure how great a brand labeled as 10-free or 16-free would compare to some of the conventional brands I had used in the past.

But, I am happy to report, I was pleasantly surprised. Overall each of the brands I tested worked really well! Some, of course, worked better than others.

Non-Toxic Nail Polish Reviews

Note that the guide contains partners and affiliates. As always, we only feature brands that meet strict criteria for sustainability we love, that we think you’ll love too!

1. London Town ($16)

I for sure thought I wouldn’t like this brand because it’s 16+ Free and I assumed it wouldn’t work. I was wrong. This is probably my favorite brand on this list! The polish had a great consistency, not too thick and not too thin, which made it really easy to apply (bonus: the brush made it really easy to apply as well). I loved the colors I tested — they were fun, shimmery, and best of all, lasted an entire week before chipping. Easy to remove remaining polish as well. Final thoughts: Absolutely recommend!

Conscious Qualities: 16+ Free, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Powered by Botanicals or Infused with Flower Oils & Extracts

2. Butter London ($18)

Butter London was a close second. It was easy to apply, I didn’t need more than two coats, and it dried quickly. Plus, it had a really smooth texture. The polish lasted close to an entire week without chipping, had a great shine the entire time, and was easy to remove. And the brand’s Jelly Nail Strengtheners, which contain ingredients such as tea tree oil and bamboo extract, help to repair damaged nails from harsh nail formulas. Final thoughts: Absolutely recommend!

Conscious Qualities: 10-Free, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

3. Suite Eleven ($13)

While Suite Eleven doesn’t offer as many colors as some of the other brands on this list I really liked this brand and the fun and bold colors it carries. Most importantly, the polish was easy to apply and relatively thick (in a good way), meaning I didn’t need to apply 4 coats of polish to get the desired color. Plus, it dried really quickly, which I loved. This polish had a nice shine even once it dried, lasted almost an entire week (!) before starting to chip, and was easy to remove. I also liked the round shape of the bottle, very unique compared to most other nail polish brands. Final thoughts: Absolutely recommend!

Conscious Qualities: 10-Free, BIPOC-Owned, Handcrafted in the U.S., Made in Small Batches, PETA-Certified

4. Ten Over Ten ($12)

I liked Ten Over Ten but it was not my favorite because it chipped a bit too easily. This could very well have been a user error but I was disappointed that after only two days the nail polish had chipped. However, I liked how smooth and shiny the nail polish was and how potent the colors were. After just two coats the colors provide a complete, even, and full cover. Plus, TenOverTen polish was super easy to apply! The bottle design is also really fun! Final thoughts: Recommend!

Conscious Qualities: 8-Free, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Recycling Initiatives

5. Sundays ($18)

I loved Sundays’ darker colors — they were easy to apply and provided even and full coverage. The lighter colors, on the other hand, “puddled” a bit when applied and required numerous coats. Overall, I found this nail polish to be a bit thinner than some of the other brands. That being said, once applied, it dried quickly and lasted almost an entire week before starting to chip. It also maintained its color and shine throughout the week which I really appreciated! Final thoughts: Opt for darker colors!

Conscious Qualities: 10-Free, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, BIPOC-Owned

6. Jin Soon ($18)

I liked Jin Soon’s polish but didn’t love it. It was a bit too “thin” for my taste and “puddled” a bit too easily on my nail when applied. I also needed to apply a few different coats before getting the opaqueness I desired and had a tough time applying the lighter colors as I couldn’t get them to cover the nail evenly. That being said, the darker colors worked great, and once applied the polish lasted almost an entire week. It also had a nice shine, even without a topcoat. And, I loved the glitter polish, Bijou, so fun and definitely long-lasting! Plus, Jin Soon has so many playful colors to choose from — so a lot of room to get creative! Final thoughts: Opt for darker colors!

Conscious Qualities: 10-Free, BIPOC-Owned, Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

Overall, I am really impressed by all these nail polish brands and appreciate that I can paint my nails again without worrying about toxic chemicals!

** It’s worth emphasizing that even the FDA recommends “consumers should read labels of nail products carefully and follow any warnings. As noted above, some ingredients in nail products may be harmful if swallowed. Some can easily catch fire if exposed to the flame of the pilot light of a stove, a lit cigarette, or other heat source, such as the heating element of a curling iron. Nail products also can be dangerous if they get in the eyes. Infections and allergic reactions can occur with some nail products. Make sure to have good ventilation when you use nail products. If you have a reaction to a nail product, please report it to FDA.”

About the Author

Follow Madeleine and the Wise Consumer:

Website: TheWiseConsumer.com | Podcast: The Wise Consumer Podcast

@TheWiseConsumer on Instagram | The Wise Consumer on Facebook

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9 Non-Toxic Deodorants: Reviewed & Ranked Best to Worst

Madeleine Wisecup — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 15:07:50 +0000

Browsing through all of the non-toxic deodorants and/or zero waste deodorants on the market can be overwhelming, but Madeleine of The Wise Consumer has done the hard work for us testing 9 different non-toxic and/or zero waste deodorant brands and giving us honest reviews on each of them. Let’s dive in!

Have you ever switched to a new “natural”, non-toxic deodorant, zero waste deodorant, or aluminum-free deodorant brand only to be disappointed!?

Disappointed because you read great reviews online but when you tried it, you worried you may not be able to leave your house without fear of offending someone’s olfactory senses.

Trust me. I’ve been there. I wish I could say every non-toxic deodorant brand I’ve ever tried effectively kept unwanted body odor at bay. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. Over the years, I’ve tested various all-natural, zero waste, and non-toxic deodorant brands, and while some worked great, others just didn’t.

Fact or fiction: Is aluminum harmful to your health?

Whether you decide to go the aluminum-free deodorant route or not, is a personal decision.

Below is some research in regards to this issue so that you can make the decision for yourself.

Aluminum is put into deodorant because it helps to block the sweat ducts without penetrating into the skin. This is what makes it an effective antiperspirant.

According to Penn Medicine, unless you have severe kidney issues, aluminum isn’t something you have to worry about.

“For a compound to cause cancer, a mechanism would likely be related to absorption into the bloodstream at a concentration high enough to cause toxicity, and that is not likely with a topical compound applied only to the [armpit],” shares Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

It has been found that women who use antiperspirants often have higher levels of aluminum in their breast tissue, though many experts don’t believe this is cause for concern.

The verdict: more medical research needs to be conducted but at the moment the consensus from organizations such as American Cancer Society and FDA consider aluminum safe to use.

“At this point,” states the American Cancer Society, “no clear link has been made between antiperspirants containing aluminum and breast cancer.”

Personally, I prefer avoiding aluminum. So, rather than using antiperspirant, I use deodorant.

With this choice, of course, comes the challenge of finding a deodorant that actually helps keep things fresh in the armpit department, which isn’t always easy.

Luckily for you, I’ve tested a few different non-toxic deodorant brands over the years and here’s what I found.

**Non-Toxic Deodorant Reviews Ranked from Best to Worst**

Everyone’s body responds differently to ingredients and products. So, while certain brands didn’t work for me, that’s not to say they won’t work for you.

[Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means we’ll earn a small commission if you choose to purchase from these affiliates at no additional cost to you. These small fees help us create these free resources — thanks for your support!]

1. Coconut Matter

One of the best non-toxic and zero-waste deodorants I’ve used over the years is Coconut Matter. There are a few things that set this zero waste deodorant brand apart from other non-toxic deodorant brands I’ve tested. First, it’s never failed me in the BO department — even during my hot summer trail runs! Second, I can’t say enough good things about this deodorant’s texture. This plastic-free deodorant, not only smells amazing but it applies so gently to my underarm skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and smooth. And, it’s handmade using sustainable and natural ingredients.

Pros: Plastic-Free Compostable Packaging. Uses organic fair-trade ethically sourced virgin coconut oil.

Cons: Unless you live in Hong Kong, this brand is only available online.

Overall Rating: 10/10

Check out Coconut Matter

2. Native

Native is one of the more popular non-toxic deodorant brands. And for good reason too. Made in the U.S., Native uses only safe and effective ingredients and works great. Plus, Native recently launched a plastic-free deodorant option that is equally easy to apply, smells great, and is just as effective as their original deodorant. If you’re just making the switch to non-toxic and zero waste deodorant, you may want to start with this brand.

Pros: Works great. Just launched a 100% plastic-free deodorant option. Multiple unique scents to choose from. Available in many large North American commercial chains, including Target.

Cons: Not the smoothest textured deodorant. I wish it were a tad less grainy.

Overall rating: 9.5/10

Check Out Native | Check Out Native at Target

3. Humble

I was hesitant to test Humble deodorant at first. Usually when brands list “made with 4 simple ingredients,” I end up leaving a trail of BO behind me. But, I was pleasantly surprised — Humble’s deodorant actually worked! I tested the Lavender & Holy Basil scent and really liked it. It applies smoothly, doesn’t need to be reapplied throughout the day, and leaves your skin feeling moisturized and fresh. Humble’s deodorants are made using simple and clean ingredients that, from my experience, are not irritating! They’re also currently working on creating a plastic-free packaging option.

Pros: Works great. Smells great. Smooth application. Simple and clean ingredients.

Cons: Packaging isn’t plastic-free (yet).

Overall rating: 9.5/10

Check Out Humble

4. Meow Meow Tweet

This was the first zero waste beauty brand I tested at the beginning of my plastic-free living journey and I still love and use it! This plastic-free deodorant is made with organic, wild-crafted, and, whenever possible, fair-trade ingredients. I listed this brand fourth only because I personally found that their grapefruit-scented baking soda-free deodorant didn’t work for me at all and the texture of the deodorant is a bit rough. The lavender bergamot deodorant stick, on the other hand, keeps my pits smelling fresh all day.

Pros: The packaging is compostable and/or recyclable.

Cons: The baking-soda free option didn’t work for me. I don’t love the grainy texture.

Overall rating: 9/10

Check Out Meow Meow Tweet

5. Hume Supernatural

This deodorant is one of my favorite deodorants to apply. Sounds weird but this non-toxic deodorant is so smooth and moisturizing. Actually, it wasn’t until I used this brand that I realized how grainy some of the other non-toxic brands were. I tested their fragrance-free option, which works really well although on hot summer days, I did need to reapply). I may try their fragranced option because I have a feeling it might keep me smelling fresh longer than their unscented option.

Pros: Non-toxic and unique plant-based ingredients.

Cons: I’ve needed to reapply the fragrance-free option. Don’t have a plastic-free option.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Check Out Hume Supernatural

6. Earth Mama

Earth Mama’s deodorant is formulated specifically for individuals with sensitive skin, who are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Although I am not pregnant or breastfeeding I thought it might be nice to try out a brand for all my mamas out there! So, I tested the Bright Citrus scent and ladies, I am proud to report this deodorant did its job. This non-toxic deodorant kept me smelling fresh all day long. My only complaint about this deodorant is that the texture is pretty rough, grainy, and leaves a weird residue (small chunks) behind.

Pros: Great for breastfeeding or pregnant women. Works great. Smells great. Uses organic ingredients.

Cons: Grainy, leaves residue behind.

Overall rating: 8/10

Check out Earth Mama

7. Schmidt’s

I wish I could say I loved this brand but Schmidt’s deodorant just didn’t work for me. Yes, the products smelled great, effectively kept unwanted BO at bay, but the rashes it caused?! Yikes, I’ve never experienced irritation like this in my armpit before. I even tried a few different scents to see if maybe the rash was being caused by a specific ingredient in the scented product I was using but unfortunately, I experienced a rash with every one of their deodorants.

Pros: Natural ingredients. works well. Has some really fun and unique scents.

Cons: Caused extreme rashes for me. Grainy texture.

Overall rating: 6/10

8. Pretty Frank

(formerly Primal Paste)

This was the first non-toxic deodorant brand I ever tested — I remember being so excited to try it out. Unfortunately, I was so disappointed. This brand did absolutely nothing for me. Not only did it not keep me smelling fresh but the texture was super grainy and rough against my skin. Note: I tested this brand a few years ago when it was still known as Primal Paste. I haven’t tested their products since the rebrand so not sure if they’re still using the same formula. But, to be honest, I don’t feel like spending my money to test it again.

Pros: Handcrafted in Texas, this brand has a great overall conscious mission. And, although their deodorant is packaged in plastic, it is recyclable.

Cons: My brother asked me if I was wearing deodorant while I was using this brand (embarrassing!). And it hurt my skin to apply.

Overall rating: 4/10

9. Alaffia

Fair-trade, certified ethical manufacturing practices, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified, clean ingredients, handcrafted — Alaffia has basically everything I value in a brand. Unfortunately, this fair trade and non-toxic deodorant just didn’t work for me. I even tested it for a few weeks to see if maybe my body just needed to get “used” to it. Alas, nothing worked. I won’t be using this deodorant again. The good news is this brand offers a variety of other products so you can support their work in other ways.

Pros: Everything you’d want in an ethical and conscious brand.

Cons: Deodorant did not work for me at all.

Overall rating: 4/10

So there you have it, my personal review of non-toxic deodorant brands. Do you have a favorite brand we should test and add to our list?

About the Author

Follow Madeleine and the Wise Consumer:

Website: TheWiseConsumer.com | Podcast: The Wise Consumer Podcast

@TheWiseConsumer on Instagram | The Wise Consumer on Facebook

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You May Also Want to Check Out:

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Indigenous Beauty, Skincare, and Makeup Brands

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Indigenous Beauty Brands Rooted in Ancestral Knowledge

Madeleine Wisecup — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 05:14:48 +0000

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Madeleine of The Wise Consumer is sharing 12 Indigenous-owned First Nations and Native American beauty and cosmetics brands. Read on to see the picks and let us know if there are any others to add to this list!

Across Turtle Island (North America), Indigenous-owned beauty brands are bringing about more Native representation in the industry while simultaneously supporting their communities and creating skincare and beauty products that both honor and reflect their traditional and ancestral knowledge.

Why does this matter?

You may have noticed that when you walk down the aisles of a cosmetic store, you don’t often come across Indigenous-owned beauty brands. Indigenous brands are, unfortunately, greatly underrepresented in this multi-million dollar beauty industry.

As Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere, the founder and CEO of Ah-Shí Beauty, shared with Glossy Magazine: “Growing up, there were no beauty brands that represented Native Americans at all. We’re the first Native-owned beauty brand that has its own storefront.”

Today, thanks to founders such as Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere and numerous others, that discourse is slowly changing.

Here are a few Indigenous skincare and beauty cosmetic brands to support this Native American Heritage month and beyond. These brands are making a difference while also creating high-quality products.

Indigenous Skincare Brands

Note that the guide contains partners and affiliates. As always, we only feature brands that meet strict criteria for sustainability we love, that we think you’ll love too!

1. Sister Sky

Owned by two sisters — Monica Simeon and Marina TurningRob, citizens of the Spokane Tribe in Washington State — Sister Sky is a certified Native American, women-owned company that manufactures and sells natural beauty products inspired by their Native American roots. Products range from sweetgrass bath bombs and white willow body mist to shampoo and lotion (FYI, Kevin’s Care Body Lotion is great for anyone with eczema). Some star ingredients include marshmallow root, shavegrass herb, white willow, and sweetgrass.

Check Out Sister Sky

2. Yukon Soaps

Handcrafted by Joella Hogan, in Mayo, Yukon, Canada, this Indigenous brand uses local and wild-harvested ingredients such as spruce tips, juniper berries, and rose petals. Joella’s mission is to share the knowledge of her elders and the community and to incorporate her culture, language, tradition throughout the entire soap making process. Products include essential soap bars, Indigenous artisan soap bars, and body oils.

Check Out Yukon Soaps

3. Sḵwálwen Botanicals

“These waters, these plants and trees are medicine,” shares ethnobotanist, researcher, and community activist, Leigh Joseph, founder of Sḵwálwen Botanicals. Leigh, who is from the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) First Nation, has found that by working with and learning from indigenous plants she is able to connect culture and community with her passion for science. Each product is created with intention, handmade, and labeled by Leigh herself using ethically and sustainably harvested ingredients such as yarrow, wild rose hip, and wild poplar buds.

Check Out Skwalwen Botanicals

4. Sequoia

Sequoia is a skincare brand that is 100% owned and operated by Indigenous women. Founded by Michaelee Lazore who is Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) from Akwesáhsne and Northern Paiute from Nevada, Sequoia’s products — which are inspired by native legends and ingredients — range from soaps and bath bombs to candles and lip balms. Products are designed, created, and packaged using ethically sourced ingredients. Nothing is outsourced and everything is locally made.

Check Out Sequoia

5. Quw’utsun’ Made

Quw’utsun’ Made is a skincare line created by Arianna Johnny-Wadsworth, “a proud daughter of the Quw’utsun’/Cowichan Tribes,” that was created to help preserve the traditional knowledge of the Coast Salish Nation. Quw’utsun’ Made products range from handmade fragrances and candles to clay masks and lotions using ingredients such as Devil’s Club, Stinging Nettle & Comfrey. With the help of her elders and her community, Arianna, who truly believes in the power of connecting with the natural world, has created a modern-day and sustainably-packaged skincare care line that is helping to preserve ancestral knowledge for the future generations.

Check Out Quw’utsun’ Made

6. Nizhóní Soaps

This Diné soap brand was proudly founded by 12-year old Kamia Begay, along with her parents, out of her desire to share “all-natural Native American scents from her homeland with the world!” Products are handmade using real herbs such as sage, fresh juniper leaves, Greasewood, and essential oils. You can find everything from body scrubs to foaming soaps.

Check Out Nizhóní Soaps

Indigenous Cosmetics Brands

7. Blended Girl Cosmetics

Founded by Shí-Fawn Chee, Blended Girl Cosmetics is a Diné makeup brand inspired to bring unity through makeup! An army veteran originally from LeChee Arizona, Shi Fawn took it upon herself to create a cosmetic brand inspired by her “people, culture, humor and beauty” to help bring about more representation to Indigenous people within the beauty industry. Although Blended Girl Cosmetics is best known for its beautiful and colorful eyeshadow palettes inspired by Indigenous culture (Painted Desert, Native Glare, and Turquoise Dream Palette) products also include lipstick, primer, blush, faux eyelashes, and makeup brushes.

Check Out Blended Girl Cosmetics

8. Prados Beauty

Founded by CeCe Meadows, a Xicana/Indigenous woman, Prados Beauty’s mission is to uplift, unite and, inspire people “through the lens of Indigenous communities throughout Turtle Island.” Known for their extremely soft makeup brushes and faux eyelashes, Prados Beauty covers a multitude of products, including lipstick and eyeshadow. Her most recent collection is a beautiful and creative collaboration with Native American designer Steve Paul Judd, a Kiowa and Choctaw designer, filmmaker, and writer, which was “developed for the people.” Cece shares on Instagram: “May you always see beauty in yourself, your story, and your culture.” Prados Beauty is also strongly committed to supporting Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. Currently, they’ve organized two fundraising initiatives and donate about 50% of their proceeds to charities and causes that support Indigenous communities. They’re also committed to volunteering in their local community and promoting other Indigenous brands.

Check Out Prado s Beauty

Art from Prado Beauty x Steve Paul Judd collaboration

9. InterTribal Beauty

Founded by Brittney Amitrano (Hidatsa and Kul Wicasa Oyate Lakota), InterTribal Beauty, which gets its name from “having visitors or ‘outsiders’ come into the circle at a powwow and dance,” was created not only for Brittany’s love of makeup but for her desire to bring people together. As a biracial military kid who moved around a lot, Brittney was exposed to many different cultures and backgrounds from an early age. InterTribal Beauty, which sells a multitude of lipsticks and lip glosses ranging in all colors, was created not only to show Brittany’s dedication to Indigenous people but to embrace everyone’s beauty and background. Additionally, 10% of every single sale goes back to Native Americans and other underserved communities for sexual violence prevention and mental health training.

Check Out InterTribal Beauty

10. Indigenous Cosmetics

Indigenous Cosmetics is a Sicangu Lakota/Chippewa Cree-owned beauty brand, founded by Amy Thoman, that creates handcrafted cosmetics inspired by Native identity, culture, and values customized for Indigenous skin tones. Lipsticks are hand-blended and formulated in Denver, Colorado, and range in colors from Pink Rose to Marigold.

Check Out Indigenous Cosmetics

11. Ah-Shí Beauty

This Indigenous and Black-owned beauty brand, founded by Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere, was one of the first Native American beauty and skincare brands stemming from the Diné Nation. Ah-Shí in Navajo means, “This is mine,” shares Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere, “Ah-Shi Beauty means, “This is my beauty.” Products range from skincare products (98% botanically based) to various eyeshadow palettes and more than 35 different color skin foundations (hair care coming soon!) Some spotlight ingredients include chamomile, white willow bark, red clover follower, and elderflower.

Check Out Ah-Shi Beauty

12. Cheekbone Beauty

Cheekbone Beauty is an Indigenous-founded and owned Canadian cosmetics company established in 2016 by Jennifer Harper. Products range from beauty products such as liquid lipsticks and gloss to contour and highlight palettes. Inspired by her Anishinaabe roots, Jennifer recently launched a new line of sustainable lipstick (“Sustain”) made of biodegradable packaging and sustainably sourced ingredients! While known for creating high-quality products, Cheekbone beauty is also on a mission to empower and support Indigenous youth, donating 10% of the profits to Shannen’s Dream and the Caring Society First Nations Child & Family Caring Society (FNCFCS).

Check Out Cheekbone Beauty