Jeffrey Schiller09.15.09
Shampoos/Hair Conditioner
Herbalix Restoratives offers a line of hair products containing 95% organic ingredients the company says are free of petroleum and all synthetic chemicals—even the bottle is free of BPA (pthalates). Three shampoos to choose from: Clary Sage is for normal to oily hair and contains a stimulating aroma of sage and grapefruit essential oil (made for both men and women). Tropical Cove is for normal to dry hair and is filled with the warm spicy essential oils of cinnamon, ginger, rosewood and coriander. Shampoo For All Hair Types contains no added fragrance and is made from base oils. Great for those who have any kind of sensitivities. When using Herbalix shampoos nothing harmful goes on your hair or down the drain.
Our tester noticed the shampoos cleaned and thickened his hair. For more information: 866-387-4222; www.herbalixrestoratives.com
Zambala offers a unique natural herbal shampoo made with pure botanical ingredients formulated to clean deep into the pores of the scalp to remove dirt and chemical residues from commercial shampoos. The company says the product cleans and rejuvenates hair follicles to reduce hair loss and fungal irritations. The botanical extracts in the product are designed for dry, normal or oily hair.
This is one of the purest shampoos we have seen on the market. Our tester liked the way the shampoo cleaned his hair and helped get rid of dandruff. For more information: 888-ZAMBALA; www.zambala.com
Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair Treatment is specifically made for hair application because of its higher protein content. The product is made from organic coconuts grown in the volcanic soil of Mt. Banahaw where some of the most nutritionally rich coconuts are grown. No chemical or high-heat treatment is used. Coconut oil has been used for centuries in such places as India and the Philippines as a hair treatment. And studies have shown coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce protein loss when used as a grooming product.
This hair treatment helps those with dry scalp problems and can also be used as a hair conditioner. It is excellent for all hair types. For more information: 866-311-2626; www.tropicaltraditions.com
Soaps
True Body Soaps are all-natural unscented everyday bar soaps that are made without animal by-products, synthetic ingredients or chemical preservatives, and contain only five ingredients—coconut oil, palm oil, water, vegetable glycerine and sodium citrate. These soaps are great for everyone to use, and the perfect choice for those sensitive to fragrances or other chemicals.
These long lasting bars lather up nicely and leave the skin feeling silky smooth and clean. For more information: 802-851-5129; www.truebodyproducts.com
Organix South expanded its line of high quality soaps with the addition of TheraNeem Men’s Shaving & Complexion Botanical Cleansing Bar, which contains organic neem oil, shea butter and oakmoss. It was formulated to gently cleanse skin that is prone to irritations and support a clean and radiant complexion. The bar has a pleasing scent and the oils in the soap make the skin feel very soft, smooth and moisturized.
The company also offers TheraNeem Facial Complexion Cleansing Bar, made with selected botanicals, including organic neem and jojoba for sensitive and troubled skin. The bar was produced for delicate facial cleansing and cellular rejuvenation, with high levels of antioxidants.
Organix South makes its soaps the old fashioned way—cold-pressed. No synthetic ingredients are used. For more information: 888-989-6336, www.organixsouth.com
Tropical Traditions Natural Liquid Soaps are made from 100% organic virgin coconut oil. The scented varieties use only high quality organic essential oil. They are packaged in a foam pump dispenser that adds air to the soap, resulting in a soft, rich foam lather. No added fillers or thickening agents means you will get more uses per container. Available in Unscented and Lavender.
The soap goes on very smooth and leaves the skin feeling and smelling refreshingly clean. One of the best and purest liquid soaps on the market. For more information: 866-311-2626; www.tropicaltraditions.com
Herbal Bath Blends
Starwest Botanicals produces a line of herbal bath blends made with organic therapeutic herbs for a luxurious bath treatment. Choose from Organic Herbal Bath Blend for a relaxing and aromatic experience. The Organic Seaweed Bath Therapy helps to stimulate lymph drainage and reduce cellulite, eliminate toxins, balance body chemistry, reduce tension and beautify the skin.
The aromatic blends are packaged in culinary bags. Just place a bag in the bath to enjoy these natural bath remedies. For more information: 800-800-4372; www.starwest-botanicals.com
Facial Scrub
Indigo Wild combines lemongrass, an astringent essential oil, with the scrubbing power of organic cane sugar to create Zum Face Lemongrass Sugar Facial Scrub. Exfoliating on a daily basis can help cleanse the skin. Just place some water on your face, scoop a small amount of scrub and then gently massage it onto the face. Allow some scrubbing time before rinsing off. For more information: 800-361-5686; www.indigowild.com
Eau De Toilettes
Florame’s line of eau de toilettes are made from natural and organic ingredients. These natural fragrance sprays are enriched with essential oils and floral waters. Eau De Verveine is made with yunnan verbena essential oil, mixed with sweet orange, spicebush and sandalwood creating a fresh, citrusy sweet scent. Jardin D’Agrumes combines the sweet, fruity fragrance of orange and tangerine. Eau De Vetiver has a very strong woodsy/earthy smell that is more masculine.
Our tester favored the Eau De Verveine as the best scent for both men and women. When worn on the skin, it enhances and complements the unique natural pheromones produced by the body. A few sprays can last up to a few hours. For more information: 210-296-5245; www.usa-florame.com
Lip Balms
Tropical Traditions manufactures handmade lip moisturizers. All ingredients are edible and certified organic. The product is manufactured from organic virgin coconut oil, made with fresh organic coconuts and has a higher level of antioxidants compared to other coconut oils. Available in five varieties: Cinnamon/Peppermint (spicy and cooling), Tea Tree (clean and robust), Orange/Cinnamon (spicy and refreshing), Citrus (uplifting refreshing), and Unscented (for those with allergies or sensitivity to fragrances).
This brand represents one of the highest quality 100% organic lip moisturizers on the market. For more information: 866-311-2626; www.tropicaltraditions.com
W.S. Badger has added two new flavors to its line of high quality organic Coconut Butter Lip Balm Sticks, Vanilla Bean and Poetic Pomegranate. These balms are 100% natural and organic and feature a base of coconut butter, extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, and CO2 extracts (carbon dioxide extracted oils) of seabuckthorn berry and rosehip. They also contain aloe vera for added protection in dry weather. Coconut butter has been used for generations to help minimize dryness and retain moisture.
Both of these balms have very appealing scents. They go on smooth and moisturize and protect lips for hours in any weather condition. For more information: 800-603-6100; www.badgerbalm.com
Mouthwash
Vita-Myr Mouthwash came about when the owner of the company was told his teeth and gums were in such poor shape that the dentist recommended ALL his teeth be removed. After formulating an herbal mouthwash, using it daily and changing his diet to a healthier one, his gums greatly improved. Because of this, he has most of his teeth today. Vita-Myr Mouthwash helps combat gum disease. It has a warming and refreshing sensation as it reduces swelling and inflammation of the gums, and kills bacteria that cause gingivitis.
After using the mouthwash for a month, our tester stopped having inflamed, sensitive, bleeding gums and has experienced better overall oral hygiene. For more information: 888-558-8482; www.vitamyr.com