I was washing my hair the other day and decided to take a look at the ingredients listed on the bottle. I’ve never been a “no ‘poo” person. I just can’t stand when my hair isn’t fresh and clean. And honestly, the thought of paying three times as much for “natural” shampoo kills me when we already have such a high food budget because of the way we eat.
After looking at the ingredients, I realized that I was probably putting a ton of chemicals on my body throughout the day without even thinking about it. So, I decided to write down just how many chemicals I was using each day, just on myself, to see what I was dealing with. Note: I’m not counting water in the ingredients, or ingredients that I recognize as natural.
In the shower:
Dove Shampoo (23): Water (Agua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ammonium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Dimethiconol, PPG 9, Carbomer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Glyceryl Oleate, Amodimethicone, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, TEA Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, DMDM Hydantoin, C11 15 Pareth 7, PEG 180M, Laureth 9, Trideceth 12, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Ext Violet 2 (CI 60730)
Dove Conditioner (20): Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethiconol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Quaternium 18, Fragrance (Parfum), C11 13 Isoparaffin, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethycellulose, Poloxamer 217, Quaternium 18 Bentonite, Meroxapol 311, Disodium EDTA, Amodimethicone, TEA Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, DMDM Hydantoin, C12 14 Sec Pareth 5, C12 14 Sec Pareth 7, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone
Kirkland Brand Body Wash (20): Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Inulin, Cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Lactic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 4 (CI 14700).
St. Ive’s Facial Scrub (18): Water , Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder , Glyceryl Stearate , Glycerin , Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate , Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Cetearyl Alcohol , Cetyl Alcohol , Peg-100 Stearate , Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract , Cetyl Acetate , Polysorbate 60 , Ceteareth-20 , Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol , Carbomer , PPG-2 Methyl Ether , Phenethyl Alcohol , Triethanolamine , Methylisothiazolinone , Fragrance , Titanium dioxide
After the shower:
Lubriderm Lotion (14): Water, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Citric Acid, Ethylparaben, Panthenol.
Degree Deodorant (16): Active Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly18.2%, Inactive ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane , Stearyl Alcohol , C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate , PPG 14 Butyl Ether , Hydrogentated Castor Oil , Fragrance , Dimethicone , Polyethylene , Helianthus Annuus Seed OilSunflower , Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate , Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride , Maltodextrin , Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate , Gelatin , Acacia Gum (Acacia Senegal) , Silica , BHT
Garnier Fructis “Beach Chic” spray (17): Aqua/Water/Eau, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Chlor Ide, Maris Sal/Sea Salt/ Sel Marin, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Parfum / Fragrance, Isocete Th-20, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool , Amylcinnamal, Propylene Glycol, Citrus Grandis Extract/Grapefruit Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica Extract/Fig Extract, Xanthan Gum.
Aussie Hair Spray (14): Water, Dimethyl Ether, Alcohol Denat., Acrylates Copolymer, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Anigozanthos Flavidus Flower/Leaf Extract (Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract), Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Acetamide MEA, Fragrance, Cyclomethicone, Ammonium Benzoate, Aminomethyl Propanol.
Throughout the day:
Bath & Body Works Hand Soap (26): Water (Aqua, Eau), TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Lauramide DEA, Fragrance (Parfum), Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) Butter, AloeBarbadensis Leaf Juice, Honey Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Gelatin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Glycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzophenone-4, Triethanolamine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Ultramarines, (Cl77007), Yellow 5 (Cl 19140), Red 40 (Cl16035).
At Night:
Kirkland Brand Facial Cleansing Towelettes (15): Water, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Ceteareth -20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Sterate, Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Ceteareth-12, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, centaurea cyanus flower extract, cucumis sativus fruit extract, Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe, Parfum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, 2-Bromo-Nitropropane-1, 3-Diol
One of the things that disturbed me the most was seeing BHT in my deodorant. I’m embarrassed to admit that even though I’ve heard for a long time that traditional anti-perspirant is bad for me, I still use it. Mostly because I haven’t found a product that I love that actually keeps me smelling nice and not sweating. I know, I know…sweating is natural and all, but I just don’t like it! Did you know BHT is actually considered a carcinogen (cancer-causer) by the US Department of Health & Human Services?
All of these chemicals don’t even include my makeup, laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent! Although I use all-natural mascara that I absolutely love, everything else is just cheap stuff from Target. You can tack on a couple hundred more weird ingredients that I don’t know how to pronounce.
I couldn’t believe how many chemicals I was using on my body. Hundreds! It’s a little overwhelming, honestly. I decided I’m going to try to make small changes. I don’t have to change everything at once, but what if I just swap out my shampoo and conditioner for something plant-based and natural? I’d be removing 43 chemicals from my daily routine. Who knows what all those chemicals do to our bodies? I’m assuming they’re not beneficial. Wouldn’t it be better to simplify a bit? With the cancer rate, allergies, and unexplained illnesses in our country so much higher now than it was just a few decades ago, there has got to be a reason. These things don’t just happen. I’ve been a big supporter of putting good things into our bodies for a few years now, but what about what we put on to our bodies??
I’ve given myself some things to think about. I am going to make some conscious changes. Do you have natural products and/or brands you can recommend? Help a newbie out! Maybe in a few months I can do a post on some natural products that I love.
I challenge you to take note of all the chemicals you are putting on your body throughout the day, and see if you can make a few small changes!
Amanda Medford says
I was lucky (unlucky?) enough to be sensitive to a lot of the fragrances and chemicals in body products, so I’ve been making that slow change for quite a few years. Although they’re not perfect, I like the price of Whole Foods 365 body line for shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. What I don’t like about natural products besides the expense, is that my hair just doesn’t seem to respond as well. I have to switch products frequently because my hair will only feel clean for a bottle or two, then it will start getting itchy and oily easily :(.
Chloe @ How We Flourish says
It’s terrifying to think about, isn’t it? This is the whole reason I started blogging at How We Flourish – I was looking for ways to replace all of my store-bought junk and wanted to share my experience.
Since the beginning, I have been making most of my own products. Once you get the ingredients, it is actually incredibly easy! Cleaners are the easiest and super cheap (baking soda and vinegar will take care of almost anything), probably the best place to start. Deodorant and laundry detergent are also super easy. I use basic Kiss My Face olive oil soap (very cheap and clean) for my body and oil cleansing for my face. Stuff like shampoo and lotion take a either bit more commitment or a bit more money, but it is all very doable!
Megan says
I really like the products from Honest Co. They can be a little pricey, but doing a subscription makes it so much cheaper and you can change your shipment dates constantly so you can get your products when you need them. I also wash my face with a 3:1 ratio of olive oil and almond oil. It is cheap and great for moisturizing too.
Megan says
Jess from http://ecofriendlymamausa.com/ makes the most amazing all natural deodorant. It’s a tough but noble journey you’re on. Good luck!!
Rachelle says
I started using coconut oil as a lotion for my hands and body. I also put it on my feet after my bath and then socks.
Katherine says
Dr. Bronner’s Castille soap is pretty groovy, and can be used for lots of things, so it’s a good investment. It has all sorts of different fragrances and comes in a liquid or bar. Sometimes you can buy it in bulk at health stores, and find the regular bottles on sale. You can use coconut oil for a lot of things as well. Scrubs, conditioner (just on the ends for deep treatment), moisturizer, oil pulling, oil cleansing, just to name some off the top of my head.
Honey W says
Love that you shared this! I think its something that so many are still unaware of! And there are so many “natural” products out there that really are far from natural. I sent you a Facebook message with info on some great products I’ve recently found.
Hayley says
Live Clean makes a bunch if shampoos and conditioners that aren’t synthetic free but cut out a lot of the nasties, plus you can get it at virtually any drug store or walmart (in Canada anyway, not sure where you guys are). It feels, smells, and works like conventional products so it’s good for transitioning to more natural products. My favourite deodorant is Green Beaver (another Canadian company) which I find works well and by the end of the day doesn’t leave me stinking.
Life Made Full says
Thanks for the tips, everyone! I am going to have to look into some of these options!
Alison Bremner says
Great post! The results really are startling when you start to analyze the incredible number of chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. Our environment has such a huge impact on our health, though. It’s worth taking the time to really read labels and make informed decisions.
Sarah Gehrke says
Truly scary what we put in and on our bodies! I switched over to a couple of different brands. I love http://www.goldenpathalchemy.com/ skincare … they have such a great philosophy. Organically grown and handcrafted. I also like http://w3llpeople.com/
Maury says
A salon person once told me to only use a very small amount of shampoo, and only shampoo the scalp. (Otherwise the shampoo dries out your hair.) You can do this twice, if necessary. Then only condition from about 2-3″ away from the scalp to the ends. Again, you only need a small amount. Not sure this will give you the squeaky clean feeling you want, but if you truly use this small amount of product, then it lasts a very long time, and kind of helps the angst over the cost of the more expensive, better for you stuff…
Kim says
I can’t live without my coconut oil. I use it on my face as a moisturizer and it’s never looked healthier. I use it to tame the frizzy hair I have after I blow it dry. I’m anxious to hear all the things you try to see how they work.
Molly says
Yes, it’s crazy. It took me a while, but I’ve switched over most things. I make my own deodorant and after a break-in period when I needed to apply a few times a day, I feel like I sweat and smell less and dont need to use it ad often. Love it. It’s baking soda, coconut oil, cocoa butter and Shea butter, I think. Email me if you want the recipe. I use soap nuts shampoo with a little baking soda mixed in. Once in a while I rinse with braggadocio cider vinegar. Bonus is either the BS or vinegar (?) seems to have given my brown hair blond highlights. Getting off hair products takes a detox phase as well. I use trader Joes oat bar soap and liquid hand soap (lavender). For body lotion I use coconut oil and for my face, argon oil or a product made from grassfed lard 🙂 from Vintage tradition. A little goes a long way with these things, and I feel like I need to wash my hair less and reapply lotion less etc, so over the long run, I feel like Im spending less. Plus I’ve read that a lot of those chemicals are actually aging, in spite of their claims, so edible, nourishing food-like products are going to make me look better too! My skin and hair are holding up very well. No grey at age 47 and wrinkles are pretty superficial. I even got carded recently! One thing at a time is very doable, and it’s a good feeling to know what’s going on my body. Who knows what is in all those products! Many times they don’t have to tell you, and that makes me uneasy. Good luck!!
Yvonne Carpenter says
Hi Molly, I would love to have the recipe to your homemade deodorant. I’m slowly switching out the “bad” for “natural”. My email address is yvonne@carpymarketing.com. Thank you for the great tips and info!
Heather Bazzocco says
I have recently subscribed to your blog and love the things you have on your heart. I can relate to so much you write about. We know one another from Bayside and from homeschooling. 🙂 Thank you for blessing us with all you share. I am always encouraged! I have been on a journey as well for some time now on reducing the chemicals in my life. I am learning how to make my own cleaning and beauty supplies as well. I feel like it can be overwhelming at times to make so many changes! So I wrote out a list of all I wish to change… and I am tackling one thing at a time. I have been struggling a lot with autoimmune issues lately related to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and am learning a lot about how my diet and environment plays a heavy role on my autoimmune condition. I am excited to make some healthy changes and see the results! I use Tom’s Lavendar deodorant (aluminum free)… I agree I still sweat a bit… http://www.wellnessmama.com might be a website you might enjoy. She has so many valuable resources and recipes she uses… one of which is a magnesium based deodorant… I haven’t made it yet…but I am considering. I encourage you to check her site out. I also use Dr. Bronner’s soaps for my cleaning. I use coconut oil also for lotion. I bought all the ingredients to make natural baby diaper cream and sunscreen… so that is my next project. I would love to know the name of your mascara and I too would like some “cleaner” skincare and makeup. Keep us posted on what you learn! We are with ya! Thanks for being a voice that raises healthy awareness in many ways to better our lives and others lives!
Life Made Full says
Hey, Heather! Thanks for the comment~ I definitely know Wellness Mama! I will check out some of the other stuff you mentioned, too!
Heather Bazzocco says
OOPS just saw the Mascara link! And oooh they have other products too! Thanks!
Noorin Khamisani says
Great post, I run an ethical fashion label, so I was aware of chemicals in cotton and started changing that area of my life 6 years ago. The past year I discovered organic hair care from http://www.tabithajameskraan.com – thoroughly recommend their new products and they have also guided me to more organic make-up brands. I totally think it should be a gradual process, small steps add up to a big change.
Dana @ 3boysunprocessed says
I’ve struggled with shampoos for a long time because the truth is… the natural ones just aren’t the same! To date the best brand I have found for more “natural” products is Kiss my Face. We use their shampoo and soap bars. I have tried Lavanila natural deodorant and Tom’s without Aluminum and by far the Lavanila (can be purchased at Sephora) was a lot better.
Erin Perry says
Have you heard of Norwex?! Check out my website…our deodorant is the best and our make up removal cloths, all you need is water! And I’d love to help you reduce chemicals in your house!!
Athena says
I’d really suggest Norwex products!!!! Norwex is sold through independent consultants, but the idea is improving quality of life by reducing chemicals, especially those used in cleaning. A lot of their products centre around household cleaning (like, you can clean surfaces with just a Norwex Enviro Cloth & water), but they have a line of body products, as well. And of course laundry detergent that is filler free and all that good stuff! Worth checking out, for sure (let me know if you want more information!).
Laura says
I love this post! I would love to talk to you about removing more chemicals from my life; I’ve always struggled with cleaning products and laundry detergent. Feel free to email me!
Marilyn says
Hi! Radiantly You’s product line of beauty, family, and cleaning products are made from truly all natural and organic ingredients at a super-affordable price. It was started by a mother of 3 (4th on the way in June!) so being budget friendly is a big deal for RY. radiantlyyou.com/Marilyn or FB facebook.com/groups/RYMarilyn
Anita says
Reasonable skin care is very important. It is recommended to use Neutriherbs skin care products. They use natural ingredients and formulas and are very friendly to skin.