GTKY: Your favorite natural products

AlohaKumu · December 2017

It seems like many of us are trying to make some major lifestyle changes on this TTGP journey, especially with all the recommendations in It Starts with the Egg. So tell us, what are your favorite natural products? They can be beauty items, household goods, or even foods that we might not expect. Feel free to edit your recommendations as you remember items or try new products.

AlohaKumu · December 2017

I’m going to be adding to this list as I remember different products. I’ll also include links to the retailers, in case you are looking for more info on any of these. I pretty much just bought up everything from Avalon Organics at my local grocery store, since I saw so many recommendations online. I ended up liking most of the products and sticking with them.

Shampoo and conditioner: Avalon Organics lavender and Honest orange vanilla. I also bought the Honest detangler. I like the Honest better in terms of manageability, but there has been a lot of news about them possibly not being as natural as they claim, so I try to use Avalon Organics, unless my hair is really in shambles.

Body wash: Avalon Organics lavender or the Honest orange vanilla

Hand soap: Avalon Organics lemon (it smells soooo good)

Deodorant: Native coconut and vanilla. (full disclosure: if you are a new customer and use that link to buy, both of us get a free travel size.) I never thought natural deodorant would cut it in a warm climate, but the regular has worked really well and it smells fantastic. (I bought one of the sensitive kind, too, just in case I had a reaction, but so far the regular one has worked.)

Sunscreen: for now, I’m using a local brand, but I have a list of others to try when I run out

Chapstick: Beesential lavender lemon. This stuff is the best and it doesn’t dry out your lips if you stop using it for a few days.

Toner: Avalon Organics balancing toner

Face Wash: Avalon Organics cleansing gel

Cups: Contigo cups. I love pretty much every variety they’ve sold over the past few years.

Storage: Snapware set. (I got mine at Costco when they had a sale.)

Breakfast bars: Okay, I need some help with breakfast. I do love cooking, but somehow breakfast always seems to get away from me. I like the Belvita biscuits, but I know they have lots of preservatives. I've been trying out some of the Kind breakfast bars, but if anyone has suggestions for other natural stuff, please share!

lalala2004 · December 2017

@AlohaKumu Larabars are really clean and tasty. I know some people like RX bars, but personally I find them way too chewy. I’m not a fan. But sometimes for easy breakfast I’ll pre-make egg muffins or sweet potato crust quiche and eat on that for the week.

SkilledSailor · December 2017

Body Wash: I just use bar soap. Good JuJu Herbal.

Bath Salts, bug spray: Lo & Behold

Make-Up: Pacifica

Cleaners: My mom gave me this book of natural household cleaners. It's called The Organically Clean Home.

Will be back to add more.

KristoKekerooni · December 2017

I'm not super crunchy, so I don't do very good with body products, but I do do a lot of things that are cheaper, which are often natural!

Dry shampoo= corn starch (Don't dump it though, as it is very white. I pour a tiny bit in a flour swifter and let it "snow" onto my head, then rub it in and brush it out. Works wonders!)

Soap= Ya'll are gonna think I am cray-cray. I use salt (or sugar works), mix it with a touch of oil (olive or coconut), and then add in a bit of castile soap. I use a VERY small amount of soap. Soap isn't really needed, as the salt/sugar is abrasive enough to slough out the dead and dirty skin.

tamalahoops · December 2017

For anyone doing ivf that was told to be fragrance free for transfer and collection: Everyone Bath Soap, Unscented, 32 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CWEB7EU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2KAjAbSAKKXSY

redlikeme · December 2017

I'm pretty crunchy already and most of the stuff I use come from Petit Vour. I'd recommend their subscription box if you want to start building a more natural beauty regimen.

Body wash and sometimes shampoo: Dr. Bronner's castille soap, they also make a pretty decent hand sanitizer
Shampoo and conditioner: right now using Avalon organics
Deodorant: I'm allergic to the baking soda in natural deodorants so right now I'm trying Meow Meow Tweet. Have also had success with Scmidt's deoderant for sensitive skin. The Takesumi Detox deoderant works pretty well but it's difficult to get used to the wet texture of it
Lip balm: coconut lip balm by Metta skin care
Serum: the hero oil by Poetic Blend
Face wash: green apple brightening gel cleanser by Juice Beauty
Exfoliate: I use a konjac sponge with my cleanser in the morning and it's changed my skin. I think you can buy them from the drugstore for a dollar or so
Toner: balancing face mist toner by Mullein and Sparrow
Moisturizer: Chamomile and rosehip calming day cream by pai skincare
Perfume: Tsi-La Organics
I haven't been wearing much makeup lately but for lipstick Axiology is my favorite and mascara from Ilia beauty

Cleaning-wise: if you mix dish soap with baking soda until it forms a paste and spread it over counters or the tub, wait for a few minutes and then wipe it away it does such a good job.I actually prefer it over commercial cleaners. I use baking soda and distilled vinegar for most of my cleaning, honestly, though I'm still searching for a laundry detergent that works well.

This is my go-to all purpose cleaner recipe:
1 cup water, 1 cup distilled white vinegar, and 10-20 drops of tea tree oil

Breakfast: I hate breakfast and I'm always so nauseous in the morning but overnight oats is pretty much the best way to get a bunch of nutrients. I use steel cut oats, almond milk, chia seeds, some sort of fruit (usually blueberries or cherries), a spoonful of peanut butter, and cinnamon and then just put it in the fridge overnight and grab it when I head out in the morning. There are a tons of recipes online if you're interested.

I think that's it! But I'll edit if I think of anymore.

holly321 · December 2017

I try and make my own when I can. I use corn starch mixed with Coco powder for dry shampoo. I use vinegar (and when I feel less lazy, I add essential oils) as a cleaner. I usually make my own deodorant from coconut oil and baking soda, but will occasionally buy Schmidt's.

jrm_14 · December 2017

Cleaning- Norwex. I have the wet, dry, & tile mop pads. I also have several of the cleaning cloths. The diamond paste is amazing to clean anything. I love that I can use just vinegar & water and everything still get clean. I admit, occasionally I still use Lysol wipes for raw meat on the counter & illnesses.
Makeup- Pacifica. @SkilledSailor recommended this to me! While it isn’t full coverage, I have the BB cream, lip tint, and the color palet (link in spoiler). They also have lotions, bath stuff, etc.

Pacifica Solar Complete Color Mineral Palette -- 0.8 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GDAAC9K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oxBjAb4C2MW7D

Soap/lotion- Bath & Body Works Pure Simplicity line is paraben, phthalates, bpa, petroleum, and gluten free. I have the Rose Water. I don’t typically use much soap, though will sometimes put this in my bath if I want a little extra scent.
ZUM anything. It has laundry detergent, bath stuff, lotions, everything.
Link in spoiler.

https://www.indigowild.com/

On-the-go/easy food- Amy’s- While I try not to buy premade food much, my go-to is Amy’s Kitchen, if possible. Link in spoiler.

https://amys.com/

Food Storage/Transport- I am not sure picky about my glass food storage brands, etc. I do miss bento-style containers. I found these glass ones and asked for them for Christmas!

[3-Pack] Glass Meal Prep Containers 3 Compartment - Food Storage Container Set with Airtight Locking Lids with Cutlery Compartment - Portion Control - Microwave, Freezer, Oven & Dishwasher Safe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0FE59Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fRBjAbPTWQGSW

@AlohaKumu @lalala2004 I’m a fan on Lara bars (just make sure you don’t get any chocolate ones if you’re trying to stay ‘clean’er). My sister likes RX bars- they make me want to barf.

jrm_14 · December 2017

@KristoKekerooni Many Times, I bath in eposolm salt & don’t use soap. No judgement here.

jrm_14 · December 2017

Sorry for the extra post-
@AlohaKumu I make egg/veggie muffins, granola bars, oatmeal muffins, or energy bites for breakfast for Mh & I using as natural/organic/whole grain ingredients as possible. Additionally, in all but the egg cups, I add 2-4 T if each ground flax and chia. I usually reduce the oats by 1/4c so they’re not too dry. Links in spoiler.

https://www.realmomnutrition.com/peanut-butter-chocolate-oatmeal-cups/ I cut up berries and put them on top or mix in before I bake instead of chocolate sometimes.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jodyduits/get-healthy-with-these-peanut-butter-and-chocolate-snacks-th?utm_term=.sdQ5g0AdLk#.uuVmQxJW6n I also add berries or dried fruit.

https://cortneygraham.com/2017/03/12/chewy-quinoa-granola-bars/ MH will eat these. I don’t remember what it calls for, but I use cashews.

I sub almond butter for PB a lot, too

ndz2018 · December 2017

I use Dr Bronners all in one Wash.. They make tons of products!
https://www.drbronner.com/

AlohaKumu · December 2017

@lalala2004 Thanks for the suggestion on the Larabars. I'll have to check them out!
@SkilledSailor I definitely want to look up more natural makeup options. I use Bare Minerals as a light powder every morning, but I know they aren't natural.
@KristoKekerooni I really tried to use dry shampoo and all sorts of combos of the baking soda/apple cider vinegar stuff, but my hair simply isn't having it. (I also have really long hair, so I know that makes it harder.) But I like your soap trick!
@tamalahoops Thanks for sharing the soap suggestion. (The coconut + lemon option sounds like it would smell amazing when unscented wasn't needed.)
@redlikeme The Native deodorant now has a sensitive option that's baking soda free! I'm definitely going to check out that subscription box.
@holly321 That's awesome that you make so many of your own products. I'll usually use the baking soda/vinegar method for most cleaning, but the stovetop can be tricky.
@jrm_14 I love everything you posted!!! I'm going to check out those recipes, too.
@ndz2018 I have friends who swear by Dr. Bronners, so I'm going to look into that as an option, too.

ndz2018 · December 2017

@AlohaKumu a big bottle lasts us forever it’s about $17-$20 for a 32oz bottle I think.. I love the Lavendar One. They sell it at target and Walgreens

KristoKekerooni · December 2017

@AlohaKumu , Yeah, I have really oily, long hair, so it doesn't work super well, but it gets me between washes at least!

jrm_14 · December 2017

Bumping this to add more.

I do not know how I forgot to add these the first time. I have used organic/all natural cotton tampons for years.

These are my top 3 picks for pads & tampons.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/2z/sdrak8hjd2yx.jpeg

L.Organic tampons

50Wife · December 2017

Stalking this thread and adding stuff left and right to different carts online! Thank you ladies all for your suggestions! It's hard to randomly pick items and just hope they work so I like knowing what you guys all use.

@AlohaKumu expect a trial size deodorant!
Also, I like Rx bars - but my RE is against carbs > protein and they are so I haven't been eating them recently. I personally like the mint ones. They're very chewy but tasty!
Also, I added the chapstick you mentioned to my Amazon wishlist a while ago when you had mentioned it. My hubs bought it for my stocking for Christmas and I love it!

@jrm_14 I've been meaning to switch out my tampons too for organic ones, I'll probably give those a shot!

@redlikeme I'm definitely going to check out that subscription box as well! Thanks for the tip!

crookshanks10 · December 2017

Where is the best place to buy all natural products? Do you all trust Amazon typically? I am just starting to get into the thought of using all natural products and am interested!

50Wife · December 2017

@meladams10 I've been using desert essence for my shampoo/conditioner/body wash and I've found that Amazon is cheaper than my supermarket so I've been stocking up there.

crookshanks10 · December 2017

@50Wife Thank you for the info! Sometimes I'm skeptical about buying products off Amazon so I'm glad to know you have good experience with it!

AlohaKumu · December 2017

@meladams10 Sometimes it takes comparison shopping, but I do end up buying many of my products through Amazon. (Often I'll buy and try a product from the supermarket first and then re-order from Amazon in the future if I want to continue using it.)
@50Wife Thanks! I've still been really happy with the Native deodorant since I started using it. Awesome to hear about your chapstick stocking stuffer!

jrm_14 · December 2017

@50wife they come with or without applicators, sonmake sure when you buy you’re getting what you like! Organic tamping make the most sense for me, personally, as I don’t understand putting something with chemicals directly in on myself like that. They’re also far less irritating.

@meladams10. I always make sure to choose Prime when shopping with a amazon. Even if you don’t have Prime, they’re trusted sources & it is guaranteed.

jaylii · December 2017

Great post! I'll have to spend some time reading through this.I already use a lot of natural products, but am always looking for fresh ideas. It's challenging and a bit overwhelming for me so I try to focus on changing one thing at a time. Most products contain so much junk and it can be hard to find healthier alternatives. One resource that I've been using for years is the EWG website. They also have an app and it's so helpful for looking up product ratings!

Products I currently use and love:

Deodorant: Primal Pit Paste (buy on Amazon or their website).
Everyday face cream: Kiss my Face Face factor spf 30 sunscreen
Face Cream - This is a heavy cream, but I love it! Great on face especially during dry winter months: JASON Age Renewal Vitamin E Crème 25,000 IU
Face: Rose water spray. Really helps with redness and feels nice on skin.
Body lotion: Eucerin Skin Calming Body Lotion (fragrance free)
Face wash: Yes to Carrots Fragrance-Free Daily Cream Facial Cleanser
Hand Soap: Dr. Bronner's lavender scent castille soap - it's sold in a large container as concentrate. I put the concentrate and water in foaming dispensers.
Lady care: Love my lunette mentrual cup!

Edited to a couple more things

meatballs37 · December 2017

Oh I love this thread! I use a lot of the products you all mentioned here, so I will just list a few different ones that I really like.

Soap: I love dapple soap (dish/bottle soap you can find at Walmart and target).
Cleaner: I also love the dapple all purpose cleaner for our home. I’ve used better life products too and if I could find them locally rather than ordering, I would use these more too.
Makeup: I mostly use tarte for my cover up and eye shadows
lotion: babyganics

jrm_14 · December 2017

@meatballs37 I love Tarte! I had no idea they were ‘safe’ until recently. Someone gave me a bunch of it for my wedding.

Idk if I already mentioned- I buy a lot of these products at Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods for way cheaper than anywhere else.

meatballs37 · December 2017

@jrm_14
tarte is having a decent sale on their website right now too. I am thinking about getting a new blush and restocking my eyebrow powder.

jrm_14 · December 2017

@meatballs37 Ohhhhhh, I love Tarte’s blush stick.

meatballs37 · December 2017

jrm_14 said:

@meatballs37 Ohhhhhh, I love Tarte’s blush stick.

Me toooo!

Elephantasicpink · January 2018

Love these tips!!

Deodorant: Primal Pit Paste is awesome!!
Face Oil: Vintner's Daughter ($$$ but makes my red fair combo-acne prone skin glow!)
Face Wash - Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser (Also $$ but nothing else cleared my skin and doubles as scrub/mask)
Face: Dickenson's Witch Hazel Towelettes (These are my HG! They make my skin so calm and nice!)
Body: Coconut Oil + Dry Brush
Makeup: Kosas Beauty! The blushes are so pretty and they have cream or power formulas which is perfect for combo gals...also LOVE their lipsticks such good colors.
Lip Balm: Kari Gran (it's a local Seattle natural company)
Hair: Alba Gloss Boss (great smell and shine)

Anybody have a good rec on natural mascara that doesn't smudge? I have long eyelashes and so far natural mascara just ends up on my brow bone...not cute! Also a natural toothpaste that doesn't taste like baking soda??

Thanks!

jaylii · February 2018

@AlohaKumu I came back to look at this old post because I've started getting a rash from my primal pit paste deodorant eventhough I went to the sensitive version. Probably means I have a baking soda allergy. Thanks for the Native recommendation, I went ahead and ordered a sample pack of the sensitive formula which means you should be getting a travel size. We both win!

AlohaKumu · February 2018

@jaylii I'm still so happy I switched over to Native! I mostly use the regular coconut and vanilla, but I've still been happy with the sensitive version, too. I hope you enjoy it

suzycupcake · February 2018

Hired an organic pest control company which turns out to be cheaper than regular pest control on a quarterly basis. They got rid of a property ant infestation by spraying some sort of a cayenne pepper mixture. Who would've thought?

I stopped washing my face with anything else than a natural zinc soap and using organic witch hazel to remove makeup.

I barely eat any food aside from organic anymore.

BPA wherever I can cut it out.

With cleaning, I'm horrible because I have some sort of obsession that I must use bleach for something to be considered clean. My sister is working on that with me by telling me about vinegar solutions.

zamoraspin · March 2018

What happened to all of our fun threads?

Bumping this up because when it was posted tbh I was not all that happy with most of the products I had tried. Before we had ttc struggles, I subscribed to beauty boxes like Birchbox, Sephora Play, and Ipsy (not all three at once... but sometimes two at once) because I loved trying new products. Then I read It Starts with the Egg and discontinued using all of my beautiful perfumes, serums, etc. I started using EWG to research products and got frustrated when either (1) a product wasn't listed, leaving me to search for every ingredient or, (2) the overall EWG rating seemed fine but the mysterious "Fragrance" ingredient was listed at an 8. My beauty routine became very limited and my skin progressively got worse - I'm at that fun place in life where I have signs of aging AND acne.

A couple months ago I started listening to Forever35, a podcast with Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer about self-care. I grew jealous of all of the amazing products they were talking about. I looked at my sad dull skin and vowed to try to improve it. I've had some fails but last Sunday DH told me my skin was looking really great. I also want to say I liked Avalon Organics but I think it was causing break-outs - something I didn't realize until a friend pointed out that tons of tiny pimples on my hairline was probably caused by something I was putting in my hair...

I also recently figured out that Whole Foods has banned 100 ingredients, including parabens and phthalates, which has made trying new products MUCH easier (I even snagged that Whole Foods Beauty Bag last week).

So anyway, here are some basics I'm really into:

Body wash -- Mrs Meyers now makes a body wash and it comes in at least four scents (they use essential oils, not synthetic fragrance). My favorite scent is honeysuckle and I'm on my second bottle of it. Bonus, you can buy this at Publix, so when I need more I just throw it on my grocery list. I use their cleaning products as well.

Face wash -- I have a gentler one I use daily to remove make-up but Alba Botanica Acne Dote is magic at preventing and eliminating acne. I am at the point in my cycle where I start to break out like crazy, and I haven't had a break-out since I started using it. I am using it every other day/daily right now and when I get clear of AF I will probably use it just a couple times a week. It exfoliates and I'm not sure I need daily exfoliation.

Shampoo and Conditioner -- I have struggled with phthalate free hair care A LOT. I have tried Alba Botanica (was ok, but EWG is skeptical of a lot of their hair care formulations), Blooming Belly (terrible, made my hair blech), and Avalon Organics (broke me out). I also bought and tried another one from Whole Foods that I'll have to check what it was - but it caused the WORST build-up. My current winner is Giovanni brand Blackberry & Coconut Milk Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner. According to the Giovanni website they do not use phthalates in any of their products, and are also free of a bunch of other harmful ingredients. They also have a 50:50 clarifying shampoo and conditioner that I have purchased but not yet used.

Eye make-up remover -- Pure coconut oil and a cotton ball. Works great to remove eye make-up and also the skin around my eyes has never looked better. Currently using a tub of Alaffia brand, but it probably doesn't matter what brand you use as long as it is intended for beauty and not cooking. A raspberry sized dollop of this stuff in a bath will also make your skin feel amazing (although it might also cause some slipperiness). Oh, coconut oil is also a good massage oil. Basically coconut oil is the Macgyver of beauty products.

Serum -- Timeless CoQ10 serum. Not listed on EWG, but I have put in all the ingredients and they all seem safe. Nice under a moisturizer, and cheap, you can get it on Amazon.

Sheet Masks -- Alba Botanica Camu Camu Anti-Aging sheet mask is my favorite. I have it on my subscribe & save list on Amazon. Honorable mention to Rael sheet masks, they are nice, but not as nice as the Camu Camu. Be careful with Alba Botanica because most of their products are safe but I've heard some of their other masks are too harsh.

Moisturizer -- I really like Aveeno's fragrance free body lotion. I've tried other lotions but a lot of times the natural ones are too thin to really ensure moisture. This one does a good job and is phthalate free.

jrm_14 · March 2018

@zamora_spin What fun threads do you want back?!

I bought at same acne face wash this last month & I LOVE IT. I wish I could find something to help my redness, though.

AlohaKumu · March 2018

Thanks for updating the list, @zamora_spin! I’m going to check out that shampoo/conditioner, since the body in my hair isn’t so good with Avalon Organics

meggyme · March 2018

@zamora_spin I used to use coconut oil as a night time moisturizer but recently switched because apparently it is not non-comedogenic and I’m sure now that it was attributing to my breakouts.

facewash/makeup remover- just switched to neutropenia naturals. It’s 80% natural, which is better than the regular green acne one I was using.

spot treatment- I use tea tree oil to help dry up breakouts.

moisturizer- recently switched from coconut oil to jojoba oil and have really noticed a difference. It smells kind of nutty, which is weird but I like it.

serum/extra oomph- argan oil on face and in my hairline.

I need to switch my hair care to help with dandruff but haven’t gotten around to it. I currently use (I think) Paul Mitchell tea tree oil products.

zamoraspin · March 2018

@meggyme Yeah I could see that with the coconut oil, I only use it around my eyes to remove make-up, I think it might be too much moisture for the rest of my eta face.
@jrm_14 I think all the GKTY threads are no longer being posted here? I missed the deliberation I guess. I just worry that means people who usually post in IF/TTCAL/dailies/TFAS won't get to know each other, which is already an uphill battle.

PensiveCrayon · March 2018

@zamora_spin Do you mean like the Monday Bitchfest, etc? I’d be happy if those came back, but I don’t know if older members got rid of them because of potential negativity.

galactickates · March 2018

No one got rid of them, they just aren't being posted by anyone. The chit chat was in addition to bmbs, ttgp or whatever board so you can keep in touch with people who move on, go to benched, adopt, have LO's. If you want to see gtky threads in ttgp, post em! Be the change

50Wife · April 2018

@zamora_spin I have to say thank you for mentioning the Giovanni shampoo and conditioner! This was the first shampoo and conditioner that has made my hair feel the way the chemical filled stuff made my hair feel and it's amazing! I've tried brand after brand and I've found that I like some more than others, but nothing that I legit liked and would stick with. I'd totally stick with this stuff!!
You da best!!!
Xoxo,
That girl with fab soft hair again

zamoraspin · April 2018

@50Wife Yasss! So glad it worked for you too. I have tried SO many of the other natural products and same result, all yuck!

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