It’s that lovely time of year where all of our knuckles start cracking in this dry, cool weather. Time to lotion up!
But not all lotions are created equal. Did you know that lotions typically contain harmful preservatives and synthetic fragrances that are absorbed into our bloodstream upon application? A lot of the common ingredients found in lotions are associated with hormone disruption… (read: fertility complications and cancer development). Yikes!
The real problem here is that lotions are liquid products. As Sandee and Callie from No Tox Life explained to me on the podcast, anything that’s liquid and meant to have a long shelf life without refrigeration will need to contain preservatives so that it doesn’t grow mold. Makes sense, right? That’s why No Tox Life is a big fan of solid products – i.e. shampoo and conditioner bars, and lotion bars too!
Natural lotion bars are of course an easy solution to this preservative problem. But, if you’re the type that needs your lotion to be liquified and doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of keeping it in the fridge, you need to find some safe lotions, sister.
Below is my list of a few moisturizers that have trustworthy and transparent ingredient labels. Keep in mind that most of these products will contain some kind of preservative to keep from going bad while it sits on your bathroom counter, however these brands have dedicated themselves to using food-grade preservatives rather than synthetic ones so they are safer for your skin.
- Seed Phytonutrients Body Moisturizer
https://seedphytonutrients.com/product/body-moisturizer/
Vegan, cruelty-free, and in compostable packaging! What more could one want in a lotion? - Avalon Organics Nourishing Hand & Body Lotion
https://avalonorganics.com/collections/bath-body/products/nourishing-lavender-hand-body-lotion
Filled with organic ingredients and essential oils, this moisturizer is certified by QAI for safety. - Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand & Body Lotion
https://shop.drbronner.com/products/peppermint-organic-lotions
Made without any synthetic preservatives, this lotion is great for all skin types. The peppermint smells amazing! - Everyone 3-in-1 Lotion
https://www.eoproducts.com/products/citrus-mint-3-in-1-lotion
My go-to product! Everyone’s lotions are EWG certified and smell delicious. - All Good Lotions
https://allgoodproducts.com/shop/skin-care/lotions/all-good-lotions-coconut/
All Good claims to be the perfect balance of creamy, hydrating nourishment without the greasy feeling! Proudly made in the USA. - Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Lotion
https://www.babobotanicals.com/products/miracle-moisturizing-face-cream
Chalked full of gentle, plant-based ingredients, this is the lotion for you if you’re looking for something soothing. Babo specializes in lotions that are gentle enough for baby, but their products can be used on the whole family! Plus, they’re a Certified B-corp. Wahoo! - Yay For Earth Sensitive Skin Face Lotion
If you want simple ingredients, this is where it’s at. YFE uses just FOUR ingredients to make their moisturizer that they call “sunshine in a jar.” Oh, and you’re supporting a small, female-owned brand when you buy from them! - Coconut Joe’s Exotic Coconut Body Butter
https://www.coconutjoessuncare.com/product-p/excoco-bb.htm
I am a believer in Coconut Joe’s sunscreens because of their mineral-based, eco-friendly ingredients. This brand prides themselves in being good for the earth and the body! Their body butter is extra creamy and perfect for after-sun care.
In case you want to do your own research, here are a few helpful resources where you can search specific products or ingredients:
- Chemical of the Day
http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/ - Inci Decoder
https://incidecoder.com/ - Cosmetic Ingredient Review
https://www.cir-safety.org/ - EWG’s Skin Deep Database
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
And when in doubt, why not make your own?! Believe it or not, body butter can be a pretty simple DIY. Here is a recipe from @zeroquestpeople that’s truly easy to make yourself!
Ingredients:
1. 1/2 cup shea butter
2. 1/2 cup cocoa butter
3. 1/2 cup coconut oil
4. 4 drops Vitamin E oil
5. 10 drops essential oils of choice
Instructions:
1. Place Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil and Vitamin E oil in a double boiler and warm gently to blend the oils.
2. Remove from heat and allow to sit for around 10 minutes. Add the essential oil.
3. Place the mixture in the freezer for another 10 minutes and then whisk until the mixture becomes buttery.
4. Store in a sealed container for up to 4 weeks. Voila! Easy, right?
