Category Archives: Natural Products

Natural Skincare, Products

Johnson & Johnson

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Johnson & Johnson announced this week that they will be removing harmful chemicals from their personal care products, thanks to the Environmental Working Group.

“Our advocacy for safe cosmetics paid off big time today.

Together with our partners in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, we convinced Johnson & Johnson—one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world— to agree to phase out chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems from its baby AND adult products in 57 countries around the world.

J&J’s announcement today includes all of the company’s brands and products, including Aveeno, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear and, of course, the iconic Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. The commitment builds on the company’s November 2011 pledge to remove two chemicals linked to cancer from baby products sold worldwide.”

Most parents don’t even realize the shampoo they use to tenderly wash their baby’s hair contains at least two chemicals that cause cancer- formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane. Neither toxin is listed on the back of the shampoos or lotions because neither is technically an ingredient.

Why not?

Formaldehyde is released over time by the preservatives that do appear on labels and 1,4 dioxane is created during a process used to make the other ingredients gentler on the skin. Potential cancer for softer skin? Not a great trade-off, in my opinion.

This is GREAT news and a huge step forward in the battle against toxic chemicals in our environment. Except that the new formulas will not be available until 2015.

Until then opt for one of the many baby care products already on the market made by companies committed to the health of its consumers. Anything by Earth Mama, Angel Baby or Weleda gets my vote.

Here are some other tips for choosing the right products:

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy

Best sun screen for babies and children

Safe bug spray

Look Mama, no scar

Test your products in the Skin Deep database

Natural Products, Prevention, Products, Recommendations

Summertime Necessities

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Summer is here! Since it’s beach time again, remember to use a chemical free, mineral based sunblock for your precious baby’s skin. Here is my favorite: Badger Sunscreen SPF 30

It’s also mosquito central in these parts, so here is the best natural bug repellent I can find: Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent 4 fl oz spray

If you have a sunscreen or bug spray you already use but want to check the integrity of the ingredients,  go to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database and search for your products to find out if they’re safe to use on your baby.

Most importantly, have fun in the sun!

Natural Products

Do It Yourself Disinfectant

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Since we do everything super naturally in our household, I haven’t really worried too much about locking under sink cabinets, and childproofing the bathroom drawers. This is probably more challenging in the long run, since I’m always reorganizing the bottles and toiletries, and I’ve had to clean lots of make-up off of my son’s face (I won’t even get into the state of my eye shadows)!

I have realized than non toxic cleaning products are better for our health, the environment, and keep me a little more relaxed since I don’t have to panic if my child touches the bottle.  He’s really into spray bottles now, so those must be totally safe.
As I was checking out the ingredients of some natural disinfectants, I realized I had all of the ingredients at home!  So I chose to save the $5, and mix some up myself.  Since I’ve always secretly wanted to be a chemist, this activity fills that void.

Here’s how you can make your own disinfecting cleaner:

  • 2 cups water
  • up to 3 teaspoons liquid castille soap (I like Dr. Bronner’s)
  • 1 teaspoon tea tree oil
  • spray bottle

Mix all ingredients together, and spray away!