Ava Anderson Non Toxic: Face Basics Set

Ava Anderson Non Toxic is a wonderful company dedicated to producing safe and healthy products for you! They do this by ensuring all of their ingredients are independently rated by the EWG as non-toxic, unlike most companies that simply decide on their own whether a product is safe or not without third party input. This month we had the pleasure of testing out their basic face care line of products, consisting of cleanser, exfoliator, toner, and moisturizer. 

The first thing you'll notice is that you can actually read and understand all of the ingredients! In fact, this company is a huge advocate of checking the back (ingredient list) on everything you put on or in your body.

Secondly, you'll notice the beautiful scent of the products - not because they are fragranced with cheap oils and perfumes, but naturally smell of delicious ingredients grown right out of the ground (not produced in some mad-scientist's lab).

Third, and perhaps the best, their products show you positive results within a few days! The most impressive result was when it cleared up one mama's postpartum acne outbreak, which is no easy task. Did we mention that it leaves you with a healthy, rosy glow to your skin?

A few notes we'd like to share: the exfoliator is coarsely textured and should only be gently massaged in circles on your face and neck. The cleanser is absolutely divine and removes all oil and grime from your face ~ you can actually feel the clean! The toner is by far our new MUST HAVE product!!! It works effectively as an underarm deodorant, to clear up acne, makeup remover, and as a general refresher for your face. Honestly, if you want to try just one item, go for the toner! And last, but certainly not least, the moisturizer is a creamy texture that absorbs well into the skin. However, I must say that with normal skin, we noticed that the moisturizer was only needed every few days as the product line does not dry your skin like many other brands do. All containers are made of 1, 2, or 4 BPA-free recyclable plastics.

The following is reposed from the Ava Anderson Non Toxic website as a guide to their basic skin care set:

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  STEP 1 | cleanser

  Our antioxidant and enriching cleanser leaves the skin clean and refreshed, with natural scent and sudsing. 3.4 oz, $19.95US

  
  

  
  

  

  STEP 2 | exfoliator

  Fine apricot kernels and skin-softening ingredients gently buff away dry skin, dirt and imperfections, leaving your skin fresh and radiant. Improves skin tone and texture. 2.7 oz, $21.95US

  
  

  
  

  

  STEP 3 | toner

  Spritz your face with our non-drying, non-stinging toner, as the first step in the moisturizing process. Yucca is a natural antiseptic, and witch hazel open pores and removes impurities. 3.4 oz, $19.95US

  
  

  
  

  

  STEP 4 | moisturizer

  Enriched with antioxidants, conditioners, emollients, nourishing oils and vitamins, to achieve radiant, youthful looking skin with improved elasticity. 2 oz, $20.95US

SHOP AVA ANDERSON NON TOXIC

Many thanks to Diane Possemato, a founding consultant, for supplying us with samples for testing and review!

Baby: T.W.I.N.K. Beauty Baby Powder

Finally....Affordable and Safe Baby Powder!

Description: This super silky talc-free baby powder is made out of rice powder, a natural ingredient most of us ingest every day! Kaolin clay adds extra absorbancy to the gentle action of the rice powder so that baby stays dry and smelling fresh. Sifter is made of recyclable cardboard and contains approximately 6oz volume.

Ingredients: pure super-fine rice powder, kaolin clay, essential oil (lavender or ylang ylang)

EWG RATING: SAFE/GREEN (1) Click here for EWG report!

Price: $4.50 US

When our baby was born, we decided we had to forgo traditional baby powder (talc) due to all of the contamination concerns, including asbestos.  The bummer in that is that their little bottoms really do benefit from being dried out, especially if you are using disposable diapers which do not allow the skin to breathe. Imagine how happy we were to find talc-free baby powder for his little tushie...with only three ingredients, this very affordable and effective powder not only happily coats and keeps your little one's heiny dry...but you can use it under your arms to keep those hormonal sweats postpartum at bay as well! A great buy from a little company...check them out!

Shop T.W.I.N.K. Baby

Deodorant: Florere Vegan Deodorant Stick

Description: Florere's natural deodorant stick with essential extracts of organic lavender and clary sage is a unique and gentle formula, yet highly effective and long lasting. It helps keep underarms fresh without aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, petroleum by-products, or harsh chemicals. The bacterial inhibiting properties of pure essential extracts suspended in our creamy stick base helps reduce odor and perspiration.

Ingredients: cocoa butter, unrefined shea butter, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). cornstarch, palm tree wax, lavender and clary sage essential oils, tincture (lemon balm, lavender flowers, wild-harvested benzoin)

Price: $9.99

I recently had an unplanned two night stay at the hospital (I’m okay!!) I woke up the first morning and sent a text message to my fiancé listing everything I needed him to bring me. On the list in all caps I wrote “GRAB MY DEODORANT…. I STINK!!” Not being specific about which deodorant, he grabbed the Florere Stick out of my drawer. I hadn’t used this product yet so my stay at the hospital ended up being a great opportunity to give it a try.

I took my shower and applied the deodorant stick to my underarm. It was a little rough going on, but went on with no residue. I am not a fan of scented deodorant and was not a fan of this specific scent either. BUT I do have to say that it did its job!! I stayed fresh and odor free into the evening. (And trust me I was SWEATING!!)

The scent is not florally or to masculine, so would be great for both men and women. Another added plus is the stick should last you 3-4 months…for under $10. Store brand deodorants are running around $6 and don’t last nearly as long (especially the roll-ons and clear-gels).

SHOP FLORERE

This review is provided courtesy of our Fashionista Nut, Marissa, who is transitioning from traditional to green products. 

Deodorant: Fragrance-Free Crystal Confidence by Tom's of Maine

Description:  Clincally tested 24 hour odor protection with just one application. Goes on clear with no white residue. Cruelty-free. Kosher.  Made in the USA.


Ingredients: water, potassium alum, xanthum gum, zinc citrate, benzoic acid


EWG Safety Rating: 2 (safe) - click for report!

Price:  $3.99 US

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I am always skeptical about mass marketed brands, afterall, they require longer shelf life standards and are usually massively produced. When Tom's of Maine sent me their newest roll-on deodorant to try, I was anxious to enter their ingredients into EWG to see the safety rating. After coming up with a safe rating, I happily applied the deodorant to start testing.


I am a sweater, not the furry kind that keeps you warm in winter, no. The kind that makes you a set, dripping mess under your arms for apparently no reason whatsoever. I'm pretty sure it is linked to hormone changes with having children, but whatever the reason, it requires control to prevent odor. I've tried so many different deodorants in different forms (sprays, roll-on, stick, gel) and definitely have found that some do not work for me, whilst others work wonderfully! This deodorant falls into the latter category...it works GREAT!


Although it is not an antiperspirant, I swear I do not sweat as much while using this deodorant. As you may know, it is healthy for your body to sweat - it rids your body of toxins and prevents overheating! But, odor is not a necessary component of this, it's just a consequence, so you want to find a deodorant that controls odor and still allows you to sweat. I can say that over our 2 week trial, the Tom's of Maine crystal confidence deodorant worked through the day with a single application. 


On a side note, I had a bad reaction to the mineral salt crystal rocks sold as deodorant - resulting in a chemical burn and swelling for several days under my arms. Although this deodorant utilizes similar mineral salts to kill bacteria, I did not suffer a reaction from this product (not even when applied after shaving).


NOTE: The ingredient, potassium alum, is controversial. Although we have researched this ingredient thoroughly and have found it to be safe in this application (along with other independent research institutions such as EWG), there are some who are concerned about the possibility of aluminum toxicity through use of this particular ingredient. Here are some of the factors we considered in our decision to test this product:

• FDA-approved for use in foods (now as many of us know, this does not mean it is inherently safe, however it has been used for a very long time with no health effects shown in low doses)
• It is a naturally occurring mineral found within the USA (TN) - however, it can be synthetically created as well, and the synthetic variety is associated with minor skin irritation
• It is used to filter water and is an ingredient in baking powder -  if you drink water or eat baked goods (bread), you are already ingesting higher quantities of this ingredient
• Minerals are generally absorbed much more readily through ingestion than through topical/skin application, application method provides minimal exposure
• A very small amount is needed once daily on a small area of the skin only to be effective, thus exposure is minimal
• We have previously tested potassium alum crystal deodorants (the solid rock variety) and had severe skin reactions, however no reaction whatsoever was noted with this product
• EWG and many other well-respected scientific based institutions rate this ingredient as safe for topical/skin use

Toms of Maine Website

Deodorant: Unscented Deodorant Powder by Solay Essentials

Description: Feel fresh and confident, naturally. Mineral rich with anti-bacterial properties, pure Himalayan crystal salt has been the foundation of health and beauty for centuries. We add apple cider vinegar, a natural deodorizer, to balance skin pH and neutralize odor. Our all-natural, long-lasting formula is safe and effective with no chemicals or aluminum. Blended by hand in small batches for purity and potency. Unscented.

Ingredients: Himalayan salt, Aluminum-free sodium bicarbonate, apple cider vinegar, grapefruit seed extract.  

Price: $11.95 (2-3 month supply) + ecoSAFE COUPON code (10% off): Himalayas

I’ve suffered from excessive sweating for as long as I can remember and not just in hot weather! I sweat if it’s cold outside, in stressful/embarrassing situations, I even sweat at night in my sleep! I have always tried to stay aluminum free when choosing a deodorant for my “stinky little problem”. I also lean more towards unscented products because I feel like anything with too much scent just adds to my “funk”. After countless attempts with store brands (and even clinical strength products), I had yet to find a solution, until I tried Solay.

Since using Solay, I am ODOR-FREE (and it is unscented so there is no lingering floral/powder fragrance either)!! I still get minimal wetness (this is not an anti-perspirant, as sweat releases toxins out of your body and most natural deodorants will not want to prevent that). If you are more of a” wet” sweater than a “stinker” this is a deodorant to wear with tanks and dresses, but I would not recommend using it when wearing silk or a shirt that will show sweat. 

Caution: do not apply immediately after shaving!! (ouch!!) It does not leave irritation, but it does sting for a moment. I’ve noticed it is most effective if I apply it directly after my shower when my armpits are still damp.  I am so impressed with this product and am so thankful to finally have found an all natural solution to my embarrassing underarm odor!!

This review is provided courtesy of our Fashionista Nut, Marissa, who is transitioning from traditional to green products. 

Deodorant: Tea Tree Mist by Samantharoma

Rated as one of the safest deodorants on the EWG Skin Deep Database!

Description:  Bacterial growth is what causes body odor. By preventing the bacteria from growing, we prevent the odor. Deodorant Mist works on the source of the problem and does not simply mask one odor with a more pleasant one! The Tea Tree and Spearmint formula provides maximum protection and is recommended for warm climates, active life-styles, or those who sweat a lot! It works 3 ways by combining an original base with added natural antiseptics: Grapefruit Seed Extract and pure Tea tree oil. Now you can feel confident on the hottest days at the beach or in the gym! The milder, unscented formula is recommended if you have very sensitive skin or prefer no scent.


Ingredients (tea tree and spearmint formula):  Purified Water (Aqua), Potassium Alum, Prunus amygdalus sativa (Sweet Almond) Extract, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Grapefruit Seed (Citrus grandis) Extract, Mentha spicata (Spearmint) Oil


Price:  $9.95 US


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Trying to find an aluminum-free and alcohol-free deodorant that doesn't dry or irritate delicate underarm skin can be a tricky task. Finding a deodorant that actually works and has completely natural and safe ingredients is even harder. With Samantharoma's Deodorant Mist, I have found the best of both worlds - safety and effectiveness!


I tend to sweat A LOT...not just in hot weather, but in cold weather, stressful situation (read: my faily life), and just about everywhere in between. I've found that 2 sprays under each arm after showering will keep me "stink-free" for several hours at a time. Although I do not recommend spraying this immediately after shaving the underarm area, I have done it and it does not cause irritation - just a sting for a moment - as applying essential oils to freshly shaven skin is generally a no-no. *smiles* 


What is unique about this particular deodorant is that even if you have a bit of body odor already, you can spray this mist on and it will effectively kill the bacteria already on the skin and freshen you up. This means, you do not have to be constantly spraying to maintain effective coverage - if it lapses a bit, you can spray afterwards and still eliminate the odor. Plus, it can be used on stinky feet - for all you mothers of boys out there, this is an essential item!

Samantharoma Website

Deodorant: NYR Organic Lemon & Coriander Spray

Description: A refreshing and effective underarm deodorant spray combining eight pure essential oils. Lemon and Coriander deodorant is free of preservatives and has no aluminium salts that block the pores. 100% Natural. Vegan.

Ingredients: Alcohol denat., Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Citrus limonum (Lemon) peel oil expressed*, Citrus aurantifolia (Lime) peel oil distilled*, Citrus paradisi m. (Grapefruit) peel oil expressed*, Coriandrum sativum (Coriander) fruit oil*, Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove) bud oil*, Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa) herb oil*, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil*, Sodium usnate extract, Citral, Coumarin, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Linalool (* denotes organically produced ingredients)

Price: $12.50 US / On Sale: $7.50 w/ any $60+ order through August 31, 2010!

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As many of our readers know, I was recently hospitalized due to a kidney infection. During the course of my stay at the hospital, and the many medications wearing out of my system, perspiration was not a friendly scent I wanted lurking around. Fortunately, I had just received my NYR Organic Deodorant in the mail and my loving husband happily brought it to the hospital for me to use. This deodorant kept me smelling fresh for 4-6 hours before needing re-application, even through constant sweating and body temperature fluctuations.

When initially applied, the wet spray instantly seems to sanitize and make the underarm feel clean. The spray is very nice in that you do not have to scrub it off before shaving as you would with a deodorant bar, this spray leaves no residue behind on your skin. The scent, which is simply a mixture of natural essential oils, is refreshing and quickly fades into the subtle background of the feeling of renewed freshness. Even more so than the wonderful quality of this product, is the company behind it. 

Neal's Yard Remedies of England was born of the desire to create an entire product line out of completely natural yet effective ingredients. The products are created in a carbon neutral factory surrounded by the fields of alternating organic plants and herbs actually used in those same products. Yes, they truly nurture these products from conception to customer!


Although they maintain a physical storefront in the UK, they have widened their retail operations to now include the USA via personal consultants. If you are interested in becoming a consultant, NYR Organic is the most eco-conscious company I've found thus far offering home-based business opportunities and 25% consultant discount on all products. As I am not a consultant or employee of this company, please contact them for more information.

NYR Organic Website