Better cosmetic & household products?

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StacyRose
StacyRose Member Posts: 21
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

I'm trying to make some changes in our lifestyle to add to my anticancer plans.  I find a lot of info out there on diet changes so feel well informed there.  But, I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out the best way to go with cosmetics and household products like cleaners.  I wish I could just find a cosmetics line that specialized in anticancer/ antihormone (since I'm ER & PR +).  Does anyone know of a particular line of cosmetics that don't use the harmful chemicals?  I hate to have to hunt down a better choice for every single product I use.  Maybe The Body Shop?  I've heard Avon is suppose to be into the breast cancer awarenss but I don't know if that means their products are all the healthiest.  I think Macy's carries a line that suppose to be more natural but I don't remember what it's called.     

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  • ptdreamers
    ptdreamers Member Posts: 1,080
    edited February 2012

    Stacyrose, begreenbathandbody.com has a good moisturizer that is a 0 on EWG database. That's as good as it gets. Check them out.

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  • Mallory107
    Mallory107 Member Posts: 223
    edited February 2012

    I was just at Sephora yesterday and bought Tarte-Love it!  I am a product junkie and really know my stuff when if comes to this and I was really impressed with this line.  I bought the AMazonian Clay foundation and blush.  Its gorgeous and very well made.  I will definitely add more from them.  I got Burts Bees colored lipbalm and it works just as well as my HE lipsticks.  Josie Maran is another natural line that they had there.  As for skin care I got Ole Henrikson and so far so good.  Anti Aging products are important to me so I spend more in this category.  Neutrogena just put out a natural line which is probably pretty good.

    Watch the EWG database though...it scored my old line well (neocutis) which uses human growth hormone which is terrible for BC.  Also, I think I read here where the Body SHop is not that great.  Check at Target too-they have a ton of natural bath and beauty products now if you don't want to drop a lot of cash.  I think the Physicians Formula line is supposed to be ok.  I got some shower lotion and moisturizer from GUD-a Burts Bees offshoot and it is awesome.  Good luck-its such a pain  to have to replace everything thats for sure. 

    My biggest expense though is pots and pans.   I am trying to replace all my non stick and the good aluminum ones I want are $$$$

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited February 2012

    I've heard discouraging things about the Body Shop.

    BTW, there are some excellent threads on these topics in the Complementary forum, including one on Organic Makeup (I got some great tips there).

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  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited February 2012

    I got a lot of information on which chemicals to avoid from www.cincovidas.com. 

    I wear a lot of Dr. Hauschka's make up and moisturizer.  There is a local organic make up shop that has their own brand so I have some of their stuff too.  I have a little Mineral Fusion stuff from Whole Foods.  Tarte mascara. 

    For body soap, Neutragena Naturals.  I also use their facial cleanser.

    For hand soap - Trader Joe's brand hand soap in a pump bottle....have it in every bathroom.

    Dishsoap - Trader Joe's brand.

    Laundry Soap - ECOS (I get it at Costco but Target has it too).

    Organix shampoo/conditioner (Walmart, Target, Meijer has it)

    Renpure Hairspray (it is organic)

    Deodorent - Nature's Path

    Lotion - Burt's Bees and Alba

    Toothpaste- Tom's

    Still working on some of the cleaning products.  I have been buying 7th Generation at Target but I need to read up on more of that and see if I need to make more changes. 

    Hope this helps.  It takes a lot of time to research all of this crap!!!  Good luck!

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  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 504
    edited February 2012

    When I was first diagnosed, I was complaining on Facebook that I so many items we were using at home that were so-called natural were rated so poorly on EWG Skin Deep.  I had to get rid of EVERYTHING.  A friend told me about "Ava Anderson Non-Toxic," a line of skin care & cosmetics, including sunscreen that were intentionally formulated without toxins.  The "WELLNESS" tab on their website has some great info too.  I'm going to order some products and give them a try.  By the way, I think it's sort of like Avon or Mary Kary, where you can sign up to be a representative, so if any of you are feeling entrepreneurial, there might be an opportunity for you.  (BTW, I have nothing to do with the company and do not make money on this.)

    http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/default.aspx 

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2012

    StacyRose, on the main Breastcancer.org site the Live Green section has articles about various aspects of skin care that include resources for assessing products' safety, what some of those ingredients are and more useful info. Check them out in the Personal Care section here to read and leave your comments.

    Judith and the Mods

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  • crking71
    crking71 Member Posts: 40
    edited February 2012

    Any idea about indoor bug sprays?  I have a bad ant problem in my house, and I'm concerned about using Raid anymore, so I switched to a product called Eco-Smart.  It's supposed to be organic and safe, but it has a very strong mouthwash-like smell, and it drives my hubby crazy!  He doesn't want me to use it anymore.  Any other suggestions?

    Also wonder if Tilex shower tile cleaner is safe?  I only use it occasionally, but it has a high amount of bleach that stings my eyes and makes me cough whenever I use it.  Is there a safer alternative out there that is as effective for removing mildew?  Thanks for your help!

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  • jap62
    jap62 Member Posts: 1,385
    edited February 2012

    Hey All, I am a norwex consaltant on leave.  I became one due to the fact I wanted to get away from chemicals too.  The product for cleaning is water and there micr fiber.  It was developed in Norway and they use it to clean the hospital, or as well!  there is silver in the micro fiber which is antibacterial.  they have beauty products but not make up.  I use bare minerals, I could never really wear make-up do to sensitive skin but the BM gives me no problems

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited February 2012

    100% Pure is the only "commercial" cosmetic/skin care line I am aware of that is truly "natural".   Read the ingredients list on your so-called "natural" stuff, it will surprise you.   Check out www.abesmarket.com for natural skincare lines.   www.livingearthbeauty.com is another good site.

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  • Boeingflyer
    Boeingflyer Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2012

    I too, have been using cosmetics from 100%pure.com.  Also, I highly recommend biogreenclean.com.  It is a terrific, plant-based cleaner that works well for many things.  I've gotten several of my friends hooked on it.  Also, use Tom's, Burts Bees & Neutrogena Naturals for personal care products.  Love finding new, non-toxic items!

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  • stephN
    stephN Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2012

    Hey!  I'm so glad you started this thread.  I've been on the same journey.  It's such a hard thing to research and you really have to look at the ingredients because so many things that say natural still have chemicals in them that are better to avoid.  I love Tarte cosmetics too, especially for eyeliner and mascara.  I'm using Mineral Fusion for foundation, but I got it at Earth Fare.  I've given up on finding a lipstick I can wear.  I'm allergic to everything.  I use a lip balm from Alba.

    As far as household stuff goes, there are tons of recipes online for safe stuff.  I was really hesitant about doing it, but it's so easy.  Most things are made with Dr. Bronner's castile soap, Arm and Hammer Washing Powder, Borax, and/or Vinegar.  Things that have been around for years.  I even made some deodorant with coconut oil, baking soda and cornstarch.  It works great.  I NEVER would've dreamed that I would do that and like it.  I guess after stinking my way through radiation I'm just happy not to smell!  (PM me if you want some resources for more info on recipes and stuff)

    I sent an email to Toms the other day because I bought some toothpast that says Natural on it but it has sodium lauryl sulfate in it.  That makes me really mad.  They informed me that it's made from plant products and therefore safe.  Since I don't believe them, I guess I'll either pay more for their one toothpaste that doesn't have SLS in it or find another kind.

    Hair products have been the hardest for me to find.  I'm using Alba Botanicals right now.  It does have a pretty strong fragrance and some stuff I can't pronounce in it, but I'm desperate. I tried the Dr. Bronner's and my hair was horrible.  I have dry, super curly hair and it's really picky.  I think I might try California Baby.

    I'm going to check out Neutrogena Naturals for a moisturizer.  I haven't been able to find one for day.  I use coconut oil for night, but it's kinda greasy for under makeup.

    Thanks for the recs, y'all! 

      

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