The Bath & Body Guide – is the first  in our 7 part series beauty guide. Coming up next is:

FACIAL CARE
HAIR
MAKE-UP & COLOR PRODUCTS
PERSONAL CARE & HYGIENE
SCENT
SUN

Ladies and gentleman:  It’s time to make a new resolution. In honor of Earth Day, why not do something good for you AND the planet by making the switch to healthier, more sustainable, natural beauty and personal care products?

What does this mean?  It’s certainly a sliding scale, but in general, it means ditching toxin-laden products made by companies that don’t engage in responsible business practices in favor of healthier products made by companies that give a damn. You’d think it seems like common sense, however, it’s often easier said than done.

We women have a pretty deep connection with our beauty products, and I don’t just mean your foundation and lipstick. I’m also talking basic personal care: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, face and body care, and of course, cosmetics.  We find one we like, that works for us, and tend to stick with it like white on rice, ingredients be damned…it works!  Whether it’s the perfect stay-put, lash thickening mascara, your “signature” scent, or the under eye cream that keeps those bags at bay, most of us have at least one “can’t live without” beauty product (more likely several) and chances are, they might not be that good for you or the planet.

So what’s a girl to do?  Start with what you use the most and search hard for a healthier option made by a responsible company.  Scratch that one off the list and move on the next item.

Not sure what to try or where to look?  After all, there are a boatload (aircraft carrier size) of so called “natural products” on the market.  Not to fret, we’re here to help with our first annual Earth Day round up of EcoSalon ‘Eco Beauty Approved’ beauty and personal care products to help you make the switch.

We’ve worked really hard to gather this list from professionals in the field, including Kristen Arnett, Paige Padgett, Jessa Blades, Greta Eagan, Sophie Uliano, Todra Payne, Renee Loux, Starre Vartan and others, along with our very own editors and writers.  We’ve looked at ingredients, brand missions and philosophies, considered skin and hair types, all types of concerns and tested several products in each line. We’ve broken it down by category, with multiple options in each, so get ready for lots of options.

We’ve also considered price and tried very hard to include a broad range from luxury to affordable for just about any budget. Even though we’ve listed just one or two product recommendations per brand, it’s hard to go wrong with these companies, so experiment until you find your new must have products! While it is a lengthy list, we’ve whittled the aircraft carrier down to at least a yacht-size.  Without further ado, please read on for the 2013 EcoSalon Approved Eco-Beauty Guide!

THE BATH & BODY LIST

1. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm 

Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm resides at an elevation of roughly 4,000 ft. and is home to approximately 55,000 lavender plants and 45 different varieties of lavender. Built on a value-centered philosophy of “Aloha” which means love, friendship and responsibility, Ali’i Kula Lavender’s founding principle speaks to the quality of our relationships with the land, the community and each other.

Product Pick: Organic Lavender Gardener Lotion (lovely all purpose moisturizer for everyone)

2. Buddha Nose 

All of the ingredients used in Buddha Nose products are totally free of all synthetics and chemical preservative systems. The skin is your largest organ, and by using only organic ingredients, Buddha Nose not only respects the health and well being of your body, but also respects the health and well-being of the environment.

Product Picks:

Bodhi Sugar Scrub (for soothing aromatherapy & smooth skin)

I Booster Salve (provides bacterial & viral protection and a boost of immunity)

3. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps

Offering a range of high quality organic and Fair Trade personal care products, from lotions to shaving gels – all certified under the same USDA program that certifies organic foods. Major causes and focuses Dr. Bronner’s currently supports include fighting for organic integrity in personal care, recommercialization of industrial hemp in the US, and promotion of Fair Trade certification of product supply chains to ensure fair wages and prices are paid.

Product Pick:

Almond Liquid Soap (for everyone, ideal multi-purpose, gentle cleanser)

4. Duchess Marden 

Following a desert trek in India, Founder Marla Steuer came upon pure rose water and discovered charm, ritual, scent and pleasure all at once. When she learned of the many benefits of the rose, she was smitten. Wishing to share this precious secret with everyone, Marla set out to incorporate the healing, hydrating benefits of rose, once coveted for only royalty, into a completely natural skincare line.

Product Pick:

Damascena Body Serum (intense body treatment for moisture & firmness, soothing, quickly absorbed)

5. EO Organics

EO acknowledges the independence of all things, puts people and the planet before profits and works collectively to make responsible, sustainable and authentic personal care products.

Product Pick:

Lemon Verbena Body Lotion (for all skin types, quickly absorbed, fresh scent)

6. Evolue Beauty  

Sensibly created to provide the best natural and chemical-free skincare that everyone can afford in light, break resistant, and inexpensive BPA-free packaging. Not a fad or a trend, Evolue uses the best pharmaceutical grade natural ingredients and stays authentic to their purpose which is to be pure, effective, and logical skincare for those who truly seek it.  Enjoy!

Product Pick:

Must Have Chocolate Body Scrub (for everyone, ideal amount of grit, decadent chocolate)

7. Erbaviva 

Erbaviva was created to offer mommies-to-be and babies upscale products completely free from all harsh detergents, chemical fragrances, and other unhealthy additives. Today they offer a wide range of products for the entire family with bath, body and true aromatherapy.

Product Picks:

Embrace Body Lotion (sensual scent, soaks in quickly for light moisturizing)

Lemon & Sage Deodorant (alcohol & herb spray keeps odor at bay – nice and light)

8. Essence of Vali 

Beyond the products, Essence of Vali loves inspiring people to love themselves, age gracefully and experience a whole new way of life.  They believe in challenging your mind, honoring your body and celebrating your spirit.

Product Pick:

Sleep Concentrate (a few drops on the pillow will lull you to sleep)

9. Farmaesthetics 

Natural ingredients vibrate with energy. They have the power to restore balance and sustain your unique skin health. In keeping with the traditions of American herbalism, each herb  and flower chosen for a Farmaesthetics preparation plays a functional role. Each ingredient is there for a reason. The result is not just skin that looks healthier, but is healthier.

Product Pick:

Vapour Bath Elixir

10. John Master’s Organics 

Caring about yourself and caring about the earth don’t have to be mutually exclusive. For more than 20 years, this has been the guiding force in creating Super Natural Beauty for your hair, your skin, and your home that treats the earth with respect.

Product Picks:

Blood Orange & Vanilla Bodywash (for everyone, decadent & moisturizer)

11. Metropolis Soap Company

Metropolis Soap Company is the result of over a decade of research into natural and cruelty-free skincare. All of our products have 12 ingredients or less and contain no animal byproducts, sulfates, or parabens.

Product Pick:

Honeysuckle & Violet Bath Soak (smells divine, soothes and nourishes skin)

12. Pangea Organics 

Supporting sustainable agriculture and culture through fair trade sourcing, organic farming, living wages, renewable, recycled and recyclable resources. All products are honestly labeled and crafted in small batches, using pure, organic ingredients that replenish the skin and soothe or stimulate your senses and preserved using the gentlest of methods to retain the nurturing properties of the botanicals in each customized blend.

Product Pick:

Chilean Rosehip with Tamanu & Red Clover Hand Cream (rich and moisturizing, yet not greasy)

13. Savvy Boheme 

A portion of the sale of each Savvy Boheme item made with organic and fair-trade ingredients goes to Family Legacy, whose goal is to foster a dynamic and growing relationship between the families of America and the orphaned and vulnerable children of Zambia.

Product Pick:

Shea Butter Spain (richly moisturizing & soothing, starts as a solid and melts into skin)

14. Shea Terra Organics 

For over a decade, Shea Terra Organics’ founder, Tammie Umbel, has been helping native Africans to preserve their wildlife habitats by sharing their indigenous, healing ingredients with the world. Not only do Shea Terra Organics’ skin care treatments assist in preservation, they are also the backbone of economic sustainability for many hardworking families across the continent.

Product Picks:

Whipped Shea Butter Body Creams (like a drink for your skin, creamy texture soaks right in)

15. Simple Sugars 

Founder of Simple Sugars, Lani Lazzari believes, “If you wouldn’t eat it, then you probably have no business putting it on your skin!” Simple Sugar products are all-natural, are safe and effective for sensitive skin, are fun to use and smell great too.

Product Pick:

Body Scrubs (for everyone, smell good enough to eat, leave skin silky smooth)

16. Skinfare

All SkinFare sticks contain the same powerful base blended from just four recognizable ingredients: coconut oil, palm fruit oil, beeswax and castor oil. They have medicinal and cosmetic properties. Each individual flavor combines this multi-purpose base with different essential oils that provide additional benefits to your skin. Every ingredient is USDA certified organic, harvested sustainably, and traded fairly.

Product Picks:

Verdant Green (great for warding off insects and treating bites and rashes)

Thunder Cake (good for bug bites, sunburn, rashes, & irritation)

17. Strawberry Hedgehog  

Strawberry Hedgehog products are 100 percent vegan and therefore free of animal byproducts as well as free of any animal testing. They assure that no critter was ever hurt to give you fabulous skin and that you are helping the planet by not contributing to the ecologically devastating effects of massive factory farming.

Product Pick:

Hand Made Soaps (lovely natural scents, moisturizing cleansing for all over)

18. Sustainable Worth 

Nutrition from the outside-in, these products are hand crafted in small batches and made with only the purest organic food-grade ingredients with the help of an expert herbalist to develop intoxicating aromatherapy-grade essential oil mixtures that are medicine for both the body and soul.

Product Picks:

Organic Body Honey (rich and soothing, intense moisture)

Organic Bath & Body Oil 

19. Suki

Clinically-proven to address the many faces of your life & evolve with your needs each day, month & year. Suki® helps you achieve a state of harmony & ultimately a clear, radiantly healthy & glowing complexion. The products provide the advanced interactive formulations of essentials, balancing & nourishing – that allow you to create a unique skincare regimen for who you are today.

Product Pick:

Velvet Moisturizing Body Cream (firming and toning, plus tons of moisture for all skin types)

Looking to try healthy beauty products before you buy?  Goodebox delivers 6-7 personalized samples per month to take the guess work out of cleaning up your beauty routine. Try Goodebox today.

The post EcoSalon’s 2013 Eco-Beauty Approved Guide Part 1: 19 Bath & Body Products appeared first on EcoSalon.