Natural Body Care: Bargain Basics

We are painfully aware that people are very particular about their body care products. For this reason, we rarely delve into the topic. This piece is not intended to dissuade you from using what you feel comfortable with. Our motivation is simple:

1. People are looking to save money.
2. People are looking to use safe products that are effective, but free of harmful chemicals, toxins, and allergens.

FACIAL CLEANSER/ACNE/PIMPLE THERAPY
Milk of Magnesia (Original Flavor)

• Consists of magnesium hydroxide and water.
• Magnesium is a natural antiinflammatory, thus making it an ideal topical remedy to reduce swelling and redness for those with acne and pimples.
• Milk of Magnesia can be used as a makeup primer because it absorbs excess oil.
• Apply when you step into shower. Wash off when you are just about to finish.
• Apply several times daily or as need.
• Economic benefit: large bottle costs $6.49 and should last you for 6-8 weeks.
  

SHAVING CREAM/GEL
Aloe Vera Gel

• Aloe Vera gel, usually used for sunburn, is the ideal shaving gel. Shaving creates skin burn and irritation. So what better to prevent this than applying aloe vera gel right before you shave?
• Raises hair follicles for clean shave.
• Brands vary widely. Make sure you find a product that contains 98% aloe vera or higher.
• Economic benefit: Jason brand 16 oz. canister costs $12.95 and lasts for 4-6 months depending on how much you shave.
  

SOAP/BODY CLEANSER

Dr. Bronner Soap

• This organic, hypoallergenic soap offers a wide variety of scented and unscented versions.
• Comes in liquid or bar form.
  
• Contains no preservatives or harmful ingredients.
• Eco-friendly and comes in small to very large quantities.
• Can be used as shampoo as well as conditioner
• Economic benefit: 1 gallon (yes, gallon) costs $30.00.
  

SHAMPOO

Baking Soda/Apple Cider Vinegar

• Of course, this is as natural as it gets.
• None of us have used this method, but have heard several accounts from clients.
  
• Use one tablespoon of baking soda per one cup of warm or hot water. You can double or triple the recipe if you have very, very long or thick hair. But do not use more baking soda, your hair will become hard, dry or feel brittle if you use too much. You can put this mix in a recycled shampoo bottle, and apply to your hair with warm water. The mix should not feel gritty, and should be a liquid. Pour the mixture onto your hair and work it in. Let it sit about a minute, and then rinse. You may find it easiest to make a liquidy paste in the palm of your hand with about half a tablespoon, and then sprinkle and massage into dripping wet hair. Experiment and see what works best for you. For a typical rinse, make up a solution of one to two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar per cup of water. Apply to wet hair, massage into scalp and rinse off with water. You don't always have to apply a rinse with every wash.
• Economic benefit: for pennies, you can have clean hair for months.
  

J.R. Liggett's Original Shampoo Bar

• Hand-made from old New England recipe
• Ideal for chemically sensitive individuals
• 100% biodegradable
• Economic benefit: $6.99 - because it is a bar, it is the equivalent to a 24 oz. bottle of liquid shampoo.
  

DEODORANT/ANTIPERSPIRANT

Crystal Deodorant Stick for Men

• It works for women as well. They do the product a disservice to market it just to men.
• For most, natural, aluminum-free deodorants on the market work perfectly fine. However, there are those in need of something stronger who could use antiperspirant protection. This is the only product we have found that contains ammonium alum, not aluminum chlorohydrate. Ammonium Alum is an aluminum salt whose molecules are too large to be absorbed into the skin (unlike aluminum chlorohydrate).
• Apply liberally (15-30 seconds) to wet underarms when you get out of the shower and let air dry.
• Economic benefit: one $7 stick lasts a year or longer.

We encourage you to share any positive experiences you have had with bargain basic natural body care. Type in the comments box below (you may need to register).