Finding a Good, Green Facial Cleanser

Hi Nina,
Thanks for your post. I love the Earth Science products. Next trip to the store I'm going to try the Kiss My Face.

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hi nina, thanks for your post, I learned a lot by reading your post and also the comments. I think honey and baking soda is worth trying.

There's also an iris cleanser that's free from nut oils. The website is totally transparent and the ingredients of each product are clearly listed. Helpful in situations like yours.

Mom-101 ( http://mom-101.blogspot.com )
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That's good to know. Maybe I can hold onto my foam for a bit longer then since I don't seem to have an issue with dryness. My hair on the other hand...

Nina Moon

http://kimchimamas.typepad.com

I have some friends that use Weleda's baby care line, but I noticed that some of their products have nut oils and such. My son has serious nut allergies so we don't allow any nut-derived products in our house. But otherwise, it sounds like a great brand!

That Eminence Lemon Cleanser sounds yummy (literally! Milk, lemon! Mmmm!). I like the idea of a milk-based cleanser.

Nina Moon

http://kimchimamas.typepad.com

Well, that's why I mostly used it in the shower, because it would stick around my hairline.

But think about it this way -- when you squeeze honey onto a piece of toast, that toast is dryer than skin, and you can still spread the honey around.

--

Jeanne

- The Periodic Elements of Style: http://periodicstyle.blogspot.com

It's not too sticky? In my head, it seems like it would just stick to your face.

Nina Moon

http://charlieandnina.com

Seriously.  Make a paste.  It works.  That's not all I do with baking soda.  I use it instead of deodorant, shampoo, scouring powder.  For a while, I brushed my teeth with it, but found it too abrasive.  But seriously, it's not April Fool's Day anymore.  Baking soda works!

Beth Terry@fakeplasticfish
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I've washed my face with plain honey for almost 2 years now, and I love it! I have very sensitive skin prone to break-outs, and the honey solved that. The lack of foam took some getting used to, but now I wouldn't use anything else. It's the cheapest and easiest DIY I've found.

When I first heard a recommendation I tried it with some trepidation. I was amazed to discover I actually liked it. Who would have thought?

~ Amber

www.strocel.com ( http://www.strocel.com )

Curious to know what do you tone and moisturize your face with after you wash it with bakind soda?  Also, what skin type do you have....wonder if baking soda is good for certain skin types only or for all skin types.  Any additional info you can provide would be helpful.

Thanks.

Verria Kelly

www.goodhealthcoach.com ( http://www.goodhealthcoach.com )

I'm glad I found this topic because I, like Nina, am in the market for a new cleanser.  And yes, I love me some foam too!  It just makes me feel like my face is cleaner (probably not necessarily true though).

I've tried Aubrey Organics and although I liked it, I had a hard time finding it at the stores.  Whole Foods would carry the cleanser, but not the toner or vice versa.  So, I switched and I tried Avalon Organics.  Not sure what they put in that stuff but it just about tore my face off - yikes!  Then I tried Pure, which got it's name because the ingredients are basic and you could probably eat it.  I found it at Bath and Body Works, or Body Shop (I get the two mixed up).  I didn't like the masks though and I broke out at one point so I stopped using it. 

Tried other Lush products, but never their facial line.  Maybe I'll give it a shot.  Or, I'll try Weleda since my fellow blogger (Mom-101) has already researched it.  And besides, they carry it at Target so I won't have to go to a special store to get it....there's a Target everywhere!

Let me know if anyone finds anything else that's good.

I used to keep a bottle of honey in the shower for washing my face. It's softening and anti-bacterial, plus (as you say!) cheap and easy.

--

Jeanne

- The Periodic Elements of Style: http://periodicstyle.blogspot.com

I've recently been doing a project with the European brand Weleda ( http://usa.weleda.com ), and getting to know them, I'm blown away - their whole philosophy is about treating the earth with respect and all their ingredients are organic and biodynamically grow. They're very highly ranked on the EWG site for product safety. I've been liking the almond facial cleanser for sensitive skin and it's all pretty reasonably priced for organics - about $18 at Target.

I also really like an organic brand from Hungary called Eminence that makes a great Lemon Cleanser ( http://www.fabulalife.com/catalog/lemon-cleanser-p... ) that's lightweight -better for mornings than taking off makeup. It's not cheap though! I think it's $38 but it lasts forever.

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Hi Nina,

The sulfates you mentioned work in cleansers to provide much of the foaming action. These ingredients do not disturb the environment but have gotten bad press recently because they may strip the skin (and hair) of too much oil.  Therefore would not be recommended to those with very dry or sensitive skin.  

Whether to go with a foaming cleanser or not is a question of preference provided your skin is normal and not particularly sensitive.

http://www.beautystat.com

Get thee to Lush, girl.  Greener product heaven.

 Foam does come from sulfates, so it may be hard for you to get the suds you desire from a green product.

Personally I have seen the best results with Origins, there may be better ones out there, this one is just what I have used for a while now.

Anyone have any experiences with others?

 Tiffany Johnson ( http://blogs.valpo.edu/tiffanyjohnson/ )

Totally sincere (though perhaps stupid) question: Is the product that is organic (or mostly organic) necessarily better if it still contains ingredients that are still bad for you or the earth? I'm thinking of sulfates, which are what make cleansers "foam," I think. I'm not totally clear on all of this so maybe there is a better, non-sulfate ingredient that makes cleansers foam too?

Perhaps more importantly, can I live without foam?

Nina Moon

http://kimchimamas.typepad.com

Hi Nina,

If you are really want to use an organic product, I would go with the Origins or the Kiss my Face cleansers as both have an organic seal or proof of authenticity.

The Origins cleanser does sound wonderful but if it is too costly, the Kiss my face might be a great alternative.

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