Traditional body washes contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through your skin. These chemicals are often used as preservatives and are linked to endocrine disruption, toxicity, and cancer.
These chemicals can also enter waterways, causing long-term environmental harm. Natural body washes contain natural and biodegradable ingredients, helping reduce pollution and support sustainable farming practices.
Natural Ingredients
Natural bath and body products use plant extracts and oils for skin care. They are gentle on the skin and free of harmful chemicals. They are also environmentally friendly and biodegradable. They are rich in nutrients and vitamins that nourish the skin. They are also free of sulfates and parabens, which can cause damage to the skin.
Many traditional beauty and body products are made with artificial fragrances. These are mainly designed to cover up the smell of the other chemicals used in these products. However, natural health and beauty products are scented with oil-based scents that smell more pleasant and can also provide aromatherapy.
Natural bath and body products can be an excellent alternative to conventional products, especially with Adam & Eve coupons. They are safer for the skin, contain fewer chemicals, and are often packaged sustainably to reduce waste. They are also a good choice for those with sensitive skin. However, it is essential to note that not all natural and organic products are created equal. It is necessary to read product labels and third-party certifications before purchasing. In addition, it is a good idea to seek out dermatologist-tested and certified organic products. This will help ensure that you are getting the highest quality products available. You can find a wide range of natural and organic bath and body products at your local natural foods store or online.
Organic Ingredients
While many believe that “natural” and “organic” ingredients are better for skin than chemicals, this is not always true. Many natural and organic ingredients can be highly harmful to the body (think poison ivy).
A product is ” organic ” because it has been grown without chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. These ingredients are also free of GMOs and other additives and chemicals. Because of this, organic ingredients tend to be healthier for the environment but are not necessarily better for your skin or health.
The term “organic” is highly regulated, so you can feel confident that a product with this label will contain only authentic, all-natural ingredients. However, many other terms—like “natural,” “fair trade,” and “direct trade”—are not regulated at all and can be used to describe any ingredient whatsoever.
Some common organic ingredients in bath and body care products include jojoba oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. These are known to have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Another common organic ingredient is aloe vera, known for its soothing and healing properties. Lastly, vitamin E is often included in organic skincare because it has been proven to be an effective preservative. It prevents spoilage by slowing down the growth of bacteria and other organisms. It’s also been shown to fight free radicals, which can damage the skin and cause aging and other diseases.
Eco-Friendly Ingredients
While most conventional bath and body products contain toxic chemicals absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, eco-friendly bath and body products are made with nontoxic ingredients. They have natural, organic, or sustainable ingredients and are packaged using eco-friendly materials.
Chemical-laden body washes heavily laden with fragrances and other ingredients are a significant environmental problem. They can contaminate waterways and pollute the air as they wash down the drain. They are often stored in plastic bottles made from the non-renewable fossil fuel petroleum. In contrast, natural bath and body products are often packaged in glass or reusable bottles made from biodegradable materials like glass and aluminum.
In addition, many of the ingredients used in eco-friendly body washes are derived from renewable sources like palm oil, coconut oil, and other agricultural plants. Other environmentally friendly ingredients include glycerin and the aloe vera plant, which are rich in soothing emollients. Ingredients such as chamomile and lavender extract are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while ghassoul clay is a natural detoxifier that can draw out impurities.
Additionally, natural ingredients like shea butter can be sourced ethically and sustainably while helping to protect the rainforest and the livelihoods of its workers. Other environmentally friendly bath and body product ingredients include:
- Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis while brightening dull skin.
- Willowherb extract is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
- A hydrator like hyaluronic acid.
Nontoxic Ingredients
Personal care products, including bath and body products, are often made with chemicals that can negatively impact health. Avoiding toxins like parabens, formaldehyde, and phthalates is essential for your skin and the environment.
Organic products contain higher concentrations of antioxidants, which can benefit your skin more. They also have less environmental impact because the plants were grown and harvested in healthier, more balanced soil.
Read the ingredients carefully when shopping for organic or natural bath and body products. Look for organic or botanical ingredients instead of chemical additives like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent, emulsifier, and surfactant that can irritate the skin and the environment. Also, avoid products containing antimicrobial agents such as triclosan and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) that can disrupt the balance of your skin’s microbiome and cause allergies.
Look for brands that offer sustainable packaging options, such as EcoRoots, which offers zero-waste beauty products with plant-based, natural, and nontoxic ingredients. Their packaging is plastic-neutral, and for every item sold, they recover and recycle the same amount of plastic waste in partnership with rePurpose Global.