Since I started my vegan journey, I began replacing my everyday staple products with more natural ones. I figured that if I was changing my diet, then I might as well change the products I put on and in my body such as toothpastes, deodorants and lotions. I tried many, many products before I found ones that I loved and which, ultimately, became my old standbys. So here it goes…
I was always suspicious of the ingredients in my old toothpastes. Although I used the “popular” brands throughout most of my life, I often thought about the chemicals and other nasty ingredients which I may have been putting into my mouth. When I became vegan, the search for an all-natural toothpaste began. I tried many before I found my favorite, Jason’s “Sea Fresh” Deep Sea Spearmint, with no fluoride, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, harsh abrasives or irritating chemicals.
Next, let’s talk about a deodorant or anti-perspirant. There has always been alot of controversy surrounding the dangers of deodorants and anti-perspirants. Afterall, don’t we put them on the delicate tissues under our arms which are also porous? What nasty things could leech into our bodies from using deodorants and anti-perspirants? The product that works best for me is the Deodorant Crystal by the brand “Naturally Fresh.” It is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, cruelty-free and contains no aluminum chlorohydrate. The best thing about it is that it works!!!
Another favorite “staple” for me is Nubian Heritage’s African Black Soap with Oats, Aloe and Vitamin E. I have always preferred bar soaps over liquid soaps for washing my face and this African Black Soap is a winner!! Although I have never had many problems with my skin (which has been especially glowing since my increased intake of veggies), I love this bar soap which feels smooth and moisturizing. I also love its subtle, sweet and lovely smell!!
I have never fussed with facial lotions and potions, nor have I ever had the patience for a lengthy evening skin care routine; however, I have always used a moisturizer after washing my face at night. I absolutely love this night cream by the brand “Acure.” It states on its package that it contains a “chlorella growth factor” plus “pomegranate.” I have no idea what a “chlorella growth factor” is but I like it!!! The night cream feels smooth on my face (not heavy or goopy) and it smells really good! It is sulfate-free, cruelty-free, paraben-free, petroleum-free, phthalate-free and silicone-free. You gotta’ love that!
One thing I hate is having dry hands. Unfortunately, they are getting drier with age. To combat this problem, I have been using an all natural moisturizer by the brand “Shikai” which has a delightful honeysuckle scent. It is certified organic and the back of the tube clearly states that the product contains no animal ingredients and does not test on animals.
Although I always use the “Shikai” moisturizer as my daily hand cream, I love Pacifica’s Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter for the rest of my body. At the start of my vegan journey, my west coast friend, Ellen, e-mailed me a photo of this luscious moisturizer which she had been using “forever.” She knew I would be interested in the product which was clearly marked “100% vegan.” She was right because I have been using it religiously since she sent me that photo several years ago. Thank you Ellen! Pacifica also makes an Indian Coconut Nectar Body Wash, but I have been having difficulty finding it in my local stores.
So, there you have it…”clean” products I use every day and highly recommend!! I have had issues with finding “clean” shampoos and conditioners that I love which is why I didn’t talk about hair products in this post. I have been switching around with various brands but I don’t want to blog about anything that I haven’t been using on a regular basis for a good period of time. I’ll keep you posted if I find the perfect “clean” shampoo and conditioner so stay tuned!
