Did you know, there are only 1 and half pages of federal law used to regulate the $200 BILLION cosmetics industry?!
Unfortunately, this isn't just limited to cosmetics - it's the whole beauty industry. Toxic chemicals (that don't need to be in body wash or lipstick), are just one of the many reasons why I started switching over all my items. Here's what I have found for shampoo, body wash and lotion that are also easy to order as they all can be found on Amazon!
Shampoo
I was considering making my own shampoo, until my hair stylist cautioned me about mixing something that would be too high on the PH scale for the skin. Thankfully, I didn't have to experiment with different recipes because I found Rahua.
Rahua is 100% natural, organic and 100% vegan shampoo. It doesn't contain any parabens, silicones, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or synthetic dyes.
I buy it from Amazon and Rahua has a range of products from a conditioner to a hair mask, travel kits (so convenient!), hair spray and more.
I've only tried the shampoo. It has a very subtle, exotic smell (I think it's the Rahua oil), but the nice thing is that it does sud (lots of natural, non-toxic products don't sud because the chemical-filled products have foaming agents added to them, like SLS, which is in toothpaste! What?! I just brush with coconut oil - you can add baking soda or activated charcoal as a natural teeth whitener).
This shampoo gets my hair squeaky clean and I can't wait to try their other products!
Body Wash
It took me some time to find a good body wash (bar soap is easy - try Dr. Bronner's), but I still missed having something in liquid form.
I was using one brand until I found it had perfume or "fragrance" in it, which through my research I've learned is bigger loop hole in the beauty industry and the least regulated or tested (you can read more about fragrance in products HERE.)
I ordered 100% Pure's Coconut Shower Gel from where else, Amazon, and I looooove it! A little goes a long way with this stuff (it lathers up beautifully), and it smells like a beach vacation, but it's not a fake coconut smell or too sweet (fake scents give me a headache).
This shower gel is gluten and cruelty free and doesn't contain any sulfates or any other detergents, artificial fragrances, perfumes, dyes or chemical preservatives. The packaging is also BPA and phthalate free (would love to start phasing out all this plastic!).
You can also check out there wide range of products on their website, which offers free shipping and some amazing products like mascara, body scrub, make up and more!
Sea Sponge
When I was switching out all my bath products, I also picked up a Natural Sea Sponge at Bed, Bath and Beyond (I think I had looked at Target and could only find plastic ones).
It was $12.99 and is by the brand Swissco Spa. It's absorbent, durable and doesn't need to be replaced as often as the plastic loofahs, which are terrible because plastic can never be recycled. We have to live and figure out what to do with all the plastic we've created in less than 100 years.... yikes!
Lotion
I keep my lotion really simple by using organic, unrefined coconut oil (refined is processed and too hard on the liver).
I like the Dr. Bronner's brand. Coconut oil is also one of the 3 ingredients in my deodorant (which I can eat!), listed in this blog post.
I apply this after I shower and many times, before bed so my hands, feet and legs can soak up some extra moisture. It works great and is inexpensive, organic, vegan and cruelty free!
Towels and Other Bathroom Items
If you're looking to switch to other organic bathroom products, then I would suggest checking out BeHomeWell.com which sells organic towels and bathrobes. They also have a wonderful selection of non-toxic and sustainable kitchen, baby, mom-to-be and bedroom items.
From the time we wake up till we put our head on the pillow at night, I don't think we realize how many products we are applying to our skin. From shampoo to body wash, lipstick, cover up and more, the beauty industry is a bit scary (I've listed some very clean make up brands HERE.)
Thankfully there are many wonderful brands committed to creating non-toxic, organic and sustainable products... that work just as well as the chemical-filled ones! Let me know some of your favorites in the comment section below. I can't wait to check them out!
** Please note, that I am not a health expert or doctor and I don't have any association with the products or websites mentioned above. You should only use what you feel is best for you. I am just here to share what I find to be helpful and inspiring in the world of fashion. I too, am navigating this beauty world, but the real goal is to help you look and feel your best... every day.