Going Natural : Skincare Product Reviews

After my shopping binge for natural products over the past few months, I have stopped getting anything new so that I can spend some time and see what works for me. As I wrote about here, I'm not overly concerned with the natural side effects of aging like fine lines and wrinkles (or at least I'm trying not to be), so my main focus is on products that keep my skin clean, healthy, moisturized, and blemish-free. Today I'd like to share the skincare products I've tried and some brief reviews. If you want to cut straight to the point, I've bolded and asterisked the products I was most impressed with and would consider repurchasing in the future.

Before I jump into the reviews, I'd like to rave about a website: Vitacost! Many of the products listed below were purchased through that site, which I first heard about it through the natural/green beauty community on YouTube. Vitacost is like the lovechild between Whole Foods and Amazon-- a huge selection of natural products at FAR cheaper prices. Good-for-you food, natural makeup, supplements, you name it. I've placed a few orders and LOVE them. They offer very fast shipping, which is free with a $49 purchase. (Side note: If you'd like to try out Vitacost and would like $10 off your first order, feel free to use my referral link code!)

Natural Skincare Product Reviews

One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser (trial size, part of this kit) 
Gentle foaming cleanser with a lovely apple scent, and I've enjoyed using it with my Konjac sponge. However, I don't see any specific benefits that come from using this, so I wouldn't seek it out again. I'm interested in trying a cleansing milk instead to see if that helps my dry skin (probably the Avalon Organics Vitamin C Cleansing Milk).

* One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm (trial size, part of this kit)
Great product! First of all, it's a multi-tasker, which makes me feel like I'm getting the most bang for my buck. The company claims you can use it as a moisturizer, makeup remover, waterless face wash, cuticle cream, and even a deodorant. I haven't tried all the uses, but I love it as a dry spot treatment and the occasional overall moisturizer. It smells AMAZING (like tropical fruit) and the texture and weight of the product is extremely light.

One Love Organics Brand New Day Scrub (trial size, part of this kit)
This is a pineapple-enzyme based exfoliating scrub that can also be used as a face mask. I've only used this a few times because my dry skin doesn't like too much abrasion. It was fine, but not a product I need in my routine.

One Love Organics My New Best Friend Skin Shammy (part of this kit)
I'm not a fan. It has a very strange texture that is somewhere between a micro-fiber suede and rubber.

* Thayer's Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel
This product has been around forever (since 1847!), and for good reason. It is a wonderful toner, and does not dry the skin since it has no alcohol like many toners do. It contains rose water, aloe vera, and vitamin E, which are all wonderful and soothing for the skin. In the evenings I use it on a cotton pad after cleansing to remove any makeup residue. I liked it so much I put some in a spritz bottle so I can use it as a refreshing face spray in the mornings. And it's suuuuper affordable. There are many other varieties if you don't like rose.

* George's Always Active Aloe Spray
For me, this product takes the place of a makeup setting spray, and can be used to moisten makeup products for application. I also spritz it on my face post-cleansing as an odorless alternative to the Thayer's Witch Hazel. It is also very calming to the skin, and another affordable product.

* Konjac Sponge Company Red Clay Sponge
I reviewed this sponge already in this blog post. In short: it's awesome, it feels great, and it made me return the Clarisonic I was trying out. It's a much more environmentally-friendly option, and cheaper too. I will try out the charcoal or original version next.

* Desert Essence Jojoba Oil
I mostly use this as a makeup remover, and it works great. I also put it on the ends of my damp shampooed hair, and it makes my hair super soft. It didn't work for me as a moisturizing face oil though.

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Oil
This was my first face oil purchase, and I loved it. I either mix it with my night moisturizer or apply directly to trouble spots. Between this oil and the Pai Rosehip Oil, the cystic acne scars I've had for over 15 years have faded remarkably.

* Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil (part of this limited edition kit)
Amazing stuff. This oil slightly edges out the Sibu Sea Buckthorn Oil. I like the scent more, and I found it very effective at fading acne scars. The mask in the kit is nice too, and one jar will last me a long time.

Acure Argan Oil
This was recommended to me by many people. I like it, but not nearly as much as the Pai Rosehip Oil. It has a funkier smell, and I was disappointed that the company seems to have switched to a pump top instead of an eyedropper, despite what's shown on the product listing. The pump ends up dispensing more product than I need. But it is way cheaper than the Pai oil and moisturizes well, so it might remain in my routine.

* Soapwalla Deodorant Cream
I cannot tell you how happy I am to find a natural deodorant that works for me. It does not stop sweat (but that's not really good for your body anyways), but the scent is awesome and keeps me odor-free all day. I don't love applying it with my fingers, but oh well. I would repurchase it, but I might try this Primal Pit Paste next, as it comes highly recommended as well.

* Nubian Heritage Coconut and Papaya Soap with Vanilla Beans
I use this as my body soap. It has great clean ingredients, smells wonderful, and is very moisturizing due to the coconut oil and shea butter base.

* Maxim Hygiene Organic Cotton Rounds
Conventional cotton is the most heavily pesticide-sprayed crop, so organic cotton really does matter. These rounds are a great price point, and depsite the reviews of them fuzzing, I've found they stay together far better than the conventional ones I bought at Target.

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That's it for skincare! I've also tested out some home remedies (coconut oil as a makeup remover, washing my face with raw honey, etc) which I can discuss if anyone is interested. I'm still searching for a good natural shampoo and conditioner, as the Giovanni products I have aren't working for me like they used to (and Burt's Bees shampoo was AWFUL). Acure is on my radar, and I'm going to check out the ingredients in Trader Joe's sulfate-free shampoo, but does anyone have any other recommendations for green/natural shampoos?