Thursday, August 8, 2013

Homemade and Natural Replacements

I blogged about this a few years ago, but I thought I'd offer my updated list of cosmetic items for anyone who's interested (with a few cleaning product replacements thrown in):
  • soap-- castille soap Dr. Bronner or, here in the Dominican Republic, they sell bars of unscented olive oil-based castille soap
  • shampoo-- castille soap (both have to be watered down) that I rotate with Lemon Tea Tree shampoo from Desert Essence Organics
  • toothpaste-- Trader Joe's (no sweetener or color added)
  • deodorant-- Pitt Putty (Bubble and Bee)
  • lotion-- shea butter 100% Organic West African Shea Butter 16 oz
  • hair gel-- shea butter (Owen)
  • after-shave-- rubbing alcohol (not exactly "natural," but better than the scented and chemical-filled alternatives), these days Owen doesn't use it b/c he uses a natural moisturized soap 
  • shaving cream-- Oatmeal and Honey soap from Trader Joe's 
  • sunscreen-- Purple Prairie botanicals, or (for those in tropical climates or for a beach day, the less natural but waterproof Pure and Simple kids or baby 50 (Coppertone)
  • lip balm-- Western family all natural (I found it at Giant in the check out lane for really cheap)
  • perfume--Ecco Bella Organic
  • mouthwash-- vodka, peppermint oil, and water
  • detergent for dishes-- Trader Joe's
  • laundry detergent-- Econuts
  • floor cleaner-- vinegar, dish soap, and water (with some clorox added for a stronger job--a less natural addition that my maid here insists on adding because she's convinced I'm not taking the germs here seriously enough)

For more ideas, visit ewg.org (Environmental Working Group).

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