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).
