Here’s a quick quiz: what used to be a way to control cockroach and lice infestations, and is now in our drinking water? The answer: fluoride.

Fluoride is difficult to avoid. It’s in our water, our juice, our wine and beer, and even in baby formula. While water fluoridation has been banned in most European countries, it’s everywhere in the American food supply. This is extremely troubling, as over-consumption of it has been linked to a number of very serious issues. Here are four of the most worrisome:

Continue reading The Top 4 Dangers of Using Fluoride

Bacteria, mold, and yeast are a fact of life. Sometimes they’re beneficial, but when it comes to health and beauty products? No thank you. Preservatives are a vital part of making sure your lotion, soap, or shampoo lasts long enough for you to use it.

Unfortunately, preservatives are also an area where you can run into trouble if you use conventional products. Take parabens, for example. While this widely used class of preservatives does extend shelf life, it is also associated with a number of troubling health concerns.

Continue reading My Favorite Natural Preservatives

There are many nasty ingredients out there, but in this post I want to touch on two that I find particularly bad: Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol. Otherwise known as PEG and PG, these ingredients are found in your car, in your food, in your pharmaceuticals, and (you guessed it) in your personal care products. All this exposure is bad news if you value your health. Here’s why:

Continue reading Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol – Ingredients Well Worth Avoiding

Most of the natural ingredients I use in my products aren’t something you already have in your kitchen. Olive oil, however, is a fantastic exception. It’s no secret that this oil is just as beneficial for cosmetic purposes as it is for culinary, but you might be surprised at just how many different ways there are to use this flexible, nourishing oil. Here are a few of my favorites:

Continue reading My 6 Favorite Ways to Use Olive Oil

Ingredients to Avoid: Aluminum

If you’re like me, deodorant is probably something you use every day, but not something you think too much about. Take a closer look at the ingredients on your favorite antiperspirant, though, and you’ll notice something that’s definitely worth some thought: aluminum. Aluminum is everywhere in our lives, but if your goal is to protect your health it’s something worth avoiding. Here’s why:

Continue reading Avoid Aluminum While Shopping for Cosmetic Products

I used to think that apricots were only good for snacking, but when I started researching natural beauty ingredients I learned that this little fruit has much more to offer. With a little work apricot seeds can be made into an oil with incredible benefits for the skin and hair. Apricot Seed Oil is lightweight, has a beautiful fragrance, and is rich in nutrients that your body just loves. I never hesitate when I find a space for it in my products. Here’s why:

Continue reading 4 Reasons Why I Love Apricot Seed Oil

I’d like to take a minute to pay respect to a part of the body that’s often overlooked: the nose. Scientists estimate that the nose can distinguish between over 1 trillion different odors, making it the most sensitive organ in the body by far. Scent and memory are strongly combined, so with a single sniff your nose can transport you to some of the best times in your life. Your sense of smell is amazing.

So why abuse it with artificial fragrances?

Continue reading Why I Never Use Artificial Fragrances

I’m big on reducing waste. I compost my food scraps, I recycle my bottles and cans, and I take quick showers. So you can imagine how happy it makes me to use ingredients that derive from things that might otherwise be discarded. And if that ingredient also has amazing benefits for skin, hair, and overall health? Even better.

Continue reading Why I Love Grapeseed Oil (and Why You Should Too!)

Take a look at any list of dangerous ingredients to watch out for in personal care products and you’ll see parabens near the top…with good reason. Commonly used to prevent bacteria growth, parabens are everywhere and are associated with a number of very troubling side effects. I don’t let them anywhere near my products. Here’s why:

Continue reading What You Need to Know About Parabens

Many of us can remember an older relative or friend who swore by castor oil. While its use isn’t as popular today as it once was, this unique oil still possesses some amazing qualities that make it perfect for healing your skin, nourishing your hair, and supporting your body’s systems. Here are a few of my favorite uses for organic castor bean oil: (try them and you’ll love this oil as much as I do.)

Continue reading Why I Love Castor Bean Oil PLUS How to Make Your Own Feet Softening Butter