Eco-Friendly Mama: Safe product recommendations with a focus on organic and Made in USA!

Not Recommended/Greenwashers

All comments are solely my opinion as an educated label-reader. Not ALL of these make “green/eco-friendly/organic/natural” claims.

To read about how I decide what goes where on my lists, please read this info: https://ecofriendlyusa.wordpress.com/product-reviews/how-i-decide-what-to-recommend-please-read-1st/

THESE BRANDS are generally offering products across the board that I cannot recommend whatsoever OR they have been caught in greenwashing scandals from which all trust has been lost. 

***NOTE: In 2024 I’m in the process of reviewing these entries and adding new ones. It’s a continual work in progress, stay tuned! And definitely check out my Approved and So-So Lists for plenty of great (or better than these brands) recommendations!

**I’ve had people ask me to make this info into a pamphlet/book. My take on that is this: as soon as something gets written down it runs the risk of becoming inaccurate due to new formulas, etc. And with everyone having phones these days, I feel keeping these lists here is the best way to keep the info readily accessible. I’m 100% okay with these lists being FREE, I do not expect anything for them. I truly enjoy sharing my opinion on what products are great, or not so great. When you do purchase from the handful of brands that I’m an affiliate of, I appreciate you using my links (they are noted below). All that being said, if you truly value these resources and have a few extra bucks you feel like donating, I would be flattered, and appreciative of your donation. Enough people have asked that I felt like adding those details here is in order. My PayPal is: ecofriendlymamausa@gmail.com. My Venmo is @Jessica-Brandt-56 (last 4 digits of my phone are 1282 if it asks). And for real, I do NOT expect anything in return for me sharing my thoughts with you.

NOT RECOMMENDED/GREENWASHERS

**Formulas can change overnight. If you find any of the following to be inaccurate, let me know and I’ll immediately look into and update it accordingly.

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Aloette-          UPDATED 6/5/2024

Definitely a no. The 1st product I looked at was a hand cream and the ingredients made me cringe: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxicynnamate, Cocoglycerides, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Peg-100 Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Methyl Trimethicone, Nylon-12, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cetyl Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycereth-26, Allantoin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Palmitoy Tripeptide-38, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltodextrin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzalkonium Chloride, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Benzoic Acid.

Just about every product I looked at contains: Fragrance/parfum, phenoxyethanol, polysorbate 20 (as a 3rd ingredient), butylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate. This “Gentle” foaming cleanser, no, just no: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Stearic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycereth-26, Glycol Distearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Cellulose Gum, Maltodextrin, Butyrospermum Pakii (Shea) Butter, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Red 33 (CI 17200), Yellow 6 (CI 15985)

I don’t see a single product that I would even consider so-so. This line is a hard NO from me. So many better options out there.

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Amway/Artistry–     UPDATED  6/5/2024

NUMEROUS ingredients of concern in every label I looked at. One look at a shampoo label and I can assure you this is a brand that is not making healthy products. YIKES: Water/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Glycereth-26, C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Creatine, Dimethicone, Fragrance/Parfum, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Sodium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, PPG-12-Buteth-16, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Morus Nigra Leaf Extract, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract, Glycine, Alanine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Serine, Valine, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Methylisothiazolinone, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract.

I looked at several products and all were a definite no. I don’t know that they make any “green”/natural claims, but I was asked about them so I’m sure others have heard of them too, and may be curious. This is a brand I absolutely would not recommend to anyone on the hunt for health(ier) products.

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Arbonne–           UPDATED 04/24/2024

If you’re a fan of organic ingredients and those from natural sources, this is absolutely not a brand you’d even want to consider. If you’re a fan of synthetic ingredients manufactured in a lab, that’s what this brand offers. 0 organic ingredients, and very few natural ones. Personally, this brand would be near the bottom of my list of recommendations. And it’s so incredibly expensive. If I didn’t care about organic and natural ingredients, I would pick just about any brand off the shelf at Wal-Mart and feel it’s quite comparable to what Arbonne offers, for 1/10th of the price.

The site is frustrating. I went straight for the baby products, which should have the most minimal, gentle ingredients. I click ingredients and cannot find a complete list, just a few key ingredients such as chamomile and aloe vera. Same for the baby lotion. Then I realize I need to click Meet The Product, to get a pdf of the full list of ingredients. Honestly, my opinion is you’re not doing any better than using a mainstream brand off the shelves of your local store. Baby lotion contains: Dimethicone, Aminomethyl Propanol (gets a 1-4 from EWG due to: This ingredient’s score is higher if used in products that may not meet industry safety guidelines or U.S. and international government requirements and may have contamination concerns from toxic impurities.) Here’s the full list: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dimethicone, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Carbomer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Stearic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Anisaldehyde, Linalyl Acetate, Decanal, Vanillin, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil.

Honestly, even natural ingredients like cotton seed oil, not something I’d want in a baby lotion. Cotton is a heavily sprayed crop, and I don’t think it should be rubbed on a baby’s skin. Sandalwood oil? Why? For comparison, these are the type of ingredients featured in a baby lotion I recommend: Distilled Water, Organic Apricot Kernel Oil, Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax (Cetostearyl Alcohol & Sorbitan Ester), Organic Rosemary Extract, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate (Kimchi Seaweed).

Baby wash, ingredients such as:  Cocamidopropyl Betaine (as a 4th ingredient), Polyquaternium-10, Polysorbate 20, Isopropyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alcohol (just a partial list). There is absolutely NO WAY I would advise using this on a baby. This is the last thing they need in their 1st months/years of life. YIKES!

I really can just stop here. No brand using those types of ingredients in baby products is something I’d recommend for adults either, I know it’s more of the same, if not worse. But I’ll look at a few. Prices- wow. 5 step face care regimen= $351. $100 night creams that are less than 2 oz jars, and loaded with ingredients I don’t recommend: Dimethicone, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Ethylexyglycerin, Acetyl Tetrapetptide-2, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, among many other so-so ingredients. No. Just no. In my opinion.

When you put ingredients such as Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine into EWG’s skin deep database you’ll see it gets a 1, but with NO data and absolutely no info other than it’s in about a dozen products in their database. No, EWG isn’t the end-all, but it’s a great starting point. Googling it I find it’s a patented combination of two highly active synthetic peptides. Then they list: Dipeptide-5 Diaminohydroxybutyrate. Hydroxyacetophenone, Methylpropanediol

Mascara is $41. Made in France from imported materials. A huge part of my mission is also to support small(er) brands making products in the US. If you prefer to give your money to huuuuuge corporations making & shipping products all over the globe, then Arbonne fits that description. This is absolutely not the type of brand I advocate for giving your hard-earned dollars to.

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Aveda–     UPDATED 6/5/2024

I had noted in my 2016 update that ingredient lists weren’t present, which is always a huge frustration. I’m happy to report they are now listed for every product, so that’s fantastic. However, there are so many ingredients of concern in the shampoo which is typically the 1st product I’ll look at when beginning to dig into a company’s offerings. Listing the non-concerning ingredients would be easier (and that would just be a couple). Definitely a brand offering a shampoo like this is a NO: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide Mipa, Propanediol, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil, Bixa Orellana (Annatto) Seed Extract, Glycerin, Peg-60 Almond Glycerides, Polysorbate 80, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Sodium Phytate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

Looking at various other products I see ingredients such as: dimethicone, peg-100, fragrance, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexyglycerin, butylene glycol, ammonium lauryl sulfate, benzoic acid. And definitely pricey: $44 for a 6 oz body scrub, Lotion= $28 for a 4oz tube, body wash= $92 for a 1 liter. Nope!

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Babyganics–     UPDATED 6/5/2024

I almost moved this line to my So-So list because honestly the bath & body products aren’t terrible. They even include some organic ingredients and my biggest concerns I had noted 6 years ago when I last did this update have been alleviated (retinyl palmitate for the most part). However, the homecare line (including laundry soap and bottle wash, targeted at newborns/infants) includes methylisothiazolinone, any company that uses this preservative belongs on my Not Recommended list. In addition to being highly allergenic in humans, often causing skin reactions, it’s known for acute aquatic toxicity in our environment, and that’s not something I can ever recommend.

Bath & body products and outdoor categories contain ingredients of concern still, but aren’t as terrible as most of the other brands on my Not Recommended List. I see quite a few organic ingredients noted, which is a great thing. It’s truly the Home category that is ultimately landing them here. Across a variety of products I looked at I will note these ingredients of concern: Ethylhexyglycerin, benzoic acid, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.

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Bare Minerals-    ADDED 3/21/2024

This brand touts: “we have restricted over 2,500 ingredients, including the 1,400+ banned in the E.U.” That’s great, so let’s look what they ARE using…

I went straight for their foundation and was not at all impressed. They are using no organic ingredients and many synthetic ones. This is a very conventional, mainstream-looking brand in terms of ingredients they’re using. Definitely not a brand I would recommend. Foundation, as an example: WATER, DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ISOHEXADECANE, CAPRYLYL DIMETHICONE ETHOXY GLUCOSIDE, METHYL TRIMETHICONE, ISODODECANE, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, BIS-HYDROXYETHOXYPROPYL DIMETHICONE/IPDI COPOLYMER ETHYLCARBAMATE, BORON NITRIDE,  PUNICA GRANATUM PERICARP EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, POLYSILICONE-11, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, CELLULOSE, POLYPHENYLSILSESQUIOXANE, SILICA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, ALCOHOL, DI-C12-13 ALKYL TARTRATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALUMINA, LAURYL DIMETHICONE, C20-24 OLEFIN. MAY CONTAIN: IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891).

Face Cream: Water (Aqua/Eau), Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C10-18 Triglycerides, Cetearyl Olivate, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Trehalose, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Sh-Hexapeptide-2, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Lactate, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Linalool, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.

I could list the ingredients I like in those formulas easier than the ones of concern. I see a lot of peptides being used so spent some time researching them. They are all synthetically produced. In the research I did on them I found a pretty good article stating this: “given the similarity in structure to other peptides in the body, they have the potential to interact with different pathways in the body. There are reported side effects relating to pigmentation. This ingredient’s ability to break down skin pigment could lead to skin discoloration issues. If you’re planning to add products with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 to your routine, do so gradually, and preferably under the care of your dermatologist.” My preference is to stick with natural ingredients, not experimental ones that might have some benefits, but also might carry unknown risks as they’re very novel. In my opinion, any brand from my So-So List would be a better option that this one, and certainly I could point you to great options from my Approved List that cost about the same.

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Beautycounter-    UPDATED 3/6/2024

Ingredient labels speak for themselves, and Beautycounter is a GREENWASHER, in my opinion. I have a whole separate note on them here:  https://ecofriendlymamausa.com/2024/03/06/my-opinion-on-beautycounter/

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Better Life Products- UPDATED 3/18/2024 (and moved from my So-So List)

“Cleaners made with the good stuff” is their motto. However the products contain Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Synthetic Preservatives such as Methylisothiazolinone, Chloromethylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Triethylene glycol. At the time of this update, hand and auto dish soap aren’t listed on their website at all (products many of us used and loved before they reformulated). They have a note stating they are moving to a new site, but when I went there, only a couple products were listed. So, it seems like it’s a time of transition for them. But I cannot recommend this brand due to their inclusion of Methylisothiazolinone & Chloromethylisothiazolinone in just about everything. It’s extremely harsh on skin, maybe suffer allergic reactions when using products that contain it AND it’s very bad for the environment with acute aquatic toxicity as a known effect. Both are absolutely at the top of my Ingredients to Avoid list!

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Branch Basics-    UPDATED 6/5/2024

Ethics are huge to me, and there are certain things a company can not recover from, in my opinion. This company literally claimed their products were safe enough to drink, then found out they actually didn’t know what was in. While the products might appear to have decent ingredients til this day, I can never recommend this brand due to this scandal. I just can’t. https://ecofriendlymamausa.com/2016/02/03/branch-basics-found-to-contain-synthetic-ingredients/

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Buff City Soap-   ADDED 4/22/2024

Fragrances are a unique blend of both synthetic and essential oils. Nowhere did I see any differentiation on if the product used an EO or a fragrance oil. Synthethic fragrance oils are a no-go in my book. Other than the fragrance, some of the products aren’t terrible. Most are quite basic, like the body butter, beard oil. But they’re not organic, include synthetic fragrance oils, and I see other ingredients like: Polysorbate 20, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Polyurethane-11, Red 7 Lake (CI 15850). This just isn’t a brand I would feel good about recommending.

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CA baby–    UPDATED 6/5/2024

Much like Branch Basics that I just updated my post for up above, this brand will forever remain on my Not Recommended List due to scandal. I don’t know, many in 20 years I’ll be able to forget about it? I just can’t support companies that are found to be unethical. In case you missed it, which I’m sure many who will read this did: http://safemama.com/2012/01/21/california-baby-reformulation-drama/. As one mama pointed out, after the scandal, and the way they handled it, she wouldn’t use their products no matter what they contain now. And those are my thoughts exactly.

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Dapple–     UPDATED 6/21/2024

Nope. It makes me sad this is marketed for babies. With a harsh preservative like Benzisothiazolinone, this goes straight to my Not Recommend List. Hand soap, laundry & dish products contain numerous ingredients that are so-so at the very best: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium Benzoate. Definitely cannot recommend this brand.

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Earth Science-  UPDATED 6/21/2024

The 1st thing I like to look at is a shampoo as it gives me a good idea of what types of ingredients a brand is using. This shampoo label has most of the ingredients on my to-be-avoided list. This is from the Volumizing Citress Shampoo: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Wheatgermamphodiacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Phenoxethanol, Fragrance (Parfum).

Moisturizers contain: Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. Face wash contains Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine,  PEG-150 Distearate, CI 75120, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol. 1st ingredient in the deodorant is Propylene Glycol, while the rest of the label doesn’t look too bad at all, I just cannot recommend these types of products when there are so many better ones out there.

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Ecover- Waiting for email response to questions as of 6/22/24

Until I get to the bottom of which formulas are correct: online descriptions vs actual product labels I have to leave them here. I have products in my possession that have labels that do not match up to what it says online. Online it states that some prodcuts contain methylisothiazolinone AND benzisothiazolinone and that info is from 2019 data sheets. I’ve been using their auto dish powder and rinse aid and the labels do NOT include those ingredients. I’ve emailed, I think it’s time to call. My hunch is that they have not updated their online labels since 2019, that is my hope, as I’ve tried sooooo many auto dish options and this is the one that works best for me. Once I get to the bottom of this I’ll update.

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Eos–   UPDATED 6/22/2024

Lotions and shave cream contain numerous ingredients I cannot recommend such as: Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Carbomer, Dimethicone,  Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional (a synthetic fragrance), Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Sodium Benzoate, TEG-100,

I will say, the lip balms aren’t too bad at all, I would put those on my So-So list. But I cannot recommend any of the other products I looked at so am keeping this brand here.

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Essante Organics- 

Truly the most bizarre, awful experience I have ever had asking for details on products. All I can say is: absolutely, positively, never EVER would I use nor recommend this brand. There are serious questions about the products that the owner refused to answer, I was just told plants, plants, it’s all plants. And to keep pushing for actual answers was traumatizing. Someone, please tell me what is the ingredient that colors the lip gloss? In his word, it’s plants. There is NOTHING on the label that indicates a coloring agent of any sort. It doesn’t add up. But good luck getting answers. You will be bullied, threatened, belittled. I walked away and truly wish I could forget I ever dealt with him.

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Ever-    UPDATED 6/22/2024

YIKES! It would be much easier to list the ingredients I feel okay with than the very long list of ones I see that I prefer to avoid. Very long lists with very few decent ingredients. I looked at numerous (expensive) lotions, eye creams and definitely cannot recommend any of them. Some list Dimethicone as the 1st ingredient, I’ve never seen that before, and certainly advise to pick something else. I will use this $85 1 oz eye cream as an example:

AQUA/WATER/EAU, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ISOSORBIDE DICAPRYLATE, ISOSTEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL COCOATE, POLYACRYLATE-13, ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8, ACETYL TETRAPEPTIDE-5, ALLANTOIN, ALLYL CAPROATE, ANISALDEHYDE, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) BRAN EXTRACT, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CITRAL, CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (LIME) OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT) FRUIT OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) OIL, CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) PEEL OIL, CORALLINA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, CYMBOPOGON MARTINI OIL, DIMETHICONOL, DIPEPTIDE-2, ECTOIN, ELAEIS GUINEENSIS (PALM) OIL, ERGOTHIONEINE, ETHYLCELLULOSE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, GAMMA-UNDECALACTONE, HESPERIDIN METHYL CHALCONE, HEXENYL ACETATE, HEXYL ACETATE, JUNIPERUS MEXICANA OIL, LECITHIN, MAGNOLIA OFFICINALIS BARK EXTRACT, MALTODEXTRIN, MICHELIA CHAMPACA FLOWER OIL, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN OIL, ALCOHOL, PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7, PANTHENOL, PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER OIL, PENTAPEPTIDE-18, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, POLYISOBUTENE, POLYSORBATE 20, POTASSIUM SORBATE, PULLULAN, SILICA, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM PHYTATE, SODIUM POTASSIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, STEARETH-20, TAGETES MINUTA FLOWER OIL, TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE, TOCOPHEROL, TOCOTRIENOLS, TRICHOLOMA MATSUTAKE EXTRACT, TYROSINE, XANTHAN GUM, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), MICA.

Here is an example of the cosmetics, a Lip Color= NOPE!!! ISODODECANE, ETHYLHEXYL STEARATE, ISOEICOSANE, MICA, Nylon-12, POLYETHYLENE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, SILICA, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, POLYSILICONE-11, MAGNOLIA OFFICINALIS BARK EXTRACT, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PERFLUOROOCTYL TRIETHOXYSILANE, May contain/Peut contenir: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), RED 7 LAKE (CI 15850), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), RED 6 LAKE (CI 15850), RED 28 LAKE (CI 45410), BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090), YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140)

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Farmacology- ADDED 10/07/2025 with a blog post devoted to why which you can read here.

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Farmasi–    ADDED 5/1/20024

Dr. C Tuna label on most skincare products, Farmasi label on most cosmetics (but I did see Farmasi on a body wash). I only saw 1 product I could recommend, and I looked at a lot of products. The Super Elixir actually looks good! Everything else was an easy NO. I grabbed 3 products and their labels as an example of what this brand is offering and all I can say is: you can do much, much better!!!

Shower gel: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance/Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-7, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene.

Gel Cleanser: Water/Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG/PPG-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate, Hydrolyzed Algae Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance/Parfum, Laureth-2, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid

Foundation full of ingredients of concern: Cyclopentasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Boron Nitride, Caprylyl Methicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Carrageenan, Sea Salt/Maris Sal, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.

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Grab Green Home-   UPDATED 6/22/2024

Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Benzisothiazolinone, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Mmethylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. Enough said, absolutely, positively cannot recommend this brand.

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Hempz-    UPDATED 6/22/2024

As always I go straight for a shampoo label if a brand offers it, and this is just 1/2 of a label, gives you an idea of the types of ingredients being used and I can say NOPE on recommending this: Amodimethicone, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Octyldodecanol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Limonene, Chlorphenesin, Glycereth-26, Isododecane, Trideceth-12, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Polyquaternium-69, Panthenol, Alcohol Denat., Tartaric Acid, Glyoxal, Acetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate.

Again, here’s just 1/2 of a face cream, tons of ingredients I prefer to avoid in it (+more in the other 1/2): Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Fragrance (Parfum), Chlorphenesin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Coumarin, Tocopherol, Citral, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Lecithin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

–I clicked through many more products and did not see a single one I could recommend.

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It Works–  UPDATED 6/22/2024

Small line of personal care, mostly a supplement line (which I don’t evaluate). But I cannot recommend the personal care (Beauty category). Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, PEG-7, PEG-8, Carbomer, Amodimethicone.

–There were a couple facial oils that didn’t look terrible under the Skincare tab. But I didn’t see anything in the Haircare or Body Care section that I could recommend. In general, I can say support a different brand for your personal care needs.

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Isagenix-  UPDATED 6/22/2024

I do not evaluate supplements, but looking into their personal care offerings in their NATURAL BEAUTY (UGGGGHHHHH) category I am not impressed. VERY long ingredient lists, I don’t see an actual list, I had to take a SS of the back of a product. This Restorative Eye Treatment gives a glimpse at the types of ingredients they’re using and I cannot recommend this, or any of the other personal care items I looked at. $73 for a .5oz tube:

NOPE!!!! Many, many brands with better ingredient lists than anything I looked at from here.

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Jason-     UPDATED 3/22/2024

I do see a mix of organic ingredients, it’s nice they use some. But to take organic ingredients and surround them with the likes of these just baffles me (grabbed from a variety of products: shampoo, lotion, body wash): Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate and a whole bunch of so-so at best options just leaves me scratching my head. I guess we can just be thankful some are organic, from a production standpoint, that keeps more farmers growing their crops organically. But from an end-user standpoint, the purpose of choosing organic ingredients is to minimize your exposure to unhealthy ingredients, to lower your body burden. Admittedly, some products do contain a smaller amount of ingredients I prefer to avoid than others, there are a few that are so-so at best. But I looked at quite a few products and very few I even felt so-so about. I cannot recommend this brand.

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Jane Iredale-     ADDED 3/22/2024

Interesting to see this advisory statement next to the products. Sorry, but my product better match exactly what is listed on the site when I purchase it: “Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up-to-date list of ingredients.” Ummmmm, NO!

Numerous ingredients from my To Be Avoided List, I cannot recommend this brand. There are much “cleaner” options on my So-So List even. From a variety of products I looked at (cleansers, moisturizers, cosmetics) here is a sampling of ingredients to give you a feel for this line: Japanese Honeysuckle Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, isostearyl neopentanoate, cyclopentasiloxane, lauryl polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, stearoxymethicone/dimethicone copolymer dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Polysilicone-11, I took a minute to look this up and it is: a crosslinked siloxane rubber formed by the reaction of vinyl-terminatedsiloxane and methylhydroxydimethyl siloxane in the presence of cyclomethicone. No thanks!

I do see some recognizable ingredients from nature mixed in with those like aloe leaf juice, green tea, white tea extracts, apple fruit extract. And some products do note organic ingredients (Pommisst lists several) even. But overall, there are just too many ingredients that I would not be comfortable using nor recommending.

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Jordan Essentials–    UPDATED 6/22/2024

Here are an assortment of ingredients from body wash, shampoo, deodorant. Numerous ingredients I prefer to avoid in each product. I can’t recommend this brand: Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionates, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium 2-methyl Sulfolaurate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cyclomethicone (and) Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyquaternium-7, Propylene Glycol, PEG-200.

Cosmetics, lip gloss and lip stick actually aren’t terrible! And the ‘organic’ eye shadow actually does look really good, that was a surprise. The mascara I do not recommend, nor the BB cream even though it starts out with organic aloe and organic jojoba seed oil, it goes down hill quickly from there- cannot recommend it for sure! Overall, there are enough bad ingredients in this line that I cannot recommend it. If you are curious about any particular product (they do have quite a few items), I’m happy to take a further look.

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J.R Watkins-   UPDATED 3/20/2024 (and moved from my So-So to Not Recommended)

They tout FREE FROM: Dyes, SLS, SLES, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, EDTA. BUT this is what the body wash looks like. Water/aqua/eau, sodium cocoyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, decyl glucoside, fragrance/parfum, cetyl betaine, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, polyquaternium-10, citric acid. Numerous products contain Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol. Polysorbate 20 is in a few things. Methylisothiazolinone in their hand soap gel. I really didn’t see a product I can recommend.

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Just Hatched-     UPDATED 6/22/2024

The fact that these products are targeted at ‘Just Hatched’ babies, with  descriptions like “lull your baby to sleep with….”. Nope, definitely not a brand I can recommend for a BABY. Lotion features ingredients such as: Disteryldimonium, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Undecylenate. Baby Wash: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamide Dipa.

Stretch Mark &  Scar Gel for Mama contains Sodium Benzoate, Phenyoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, among other ingredients I prefer to avoid.

They state “No Yucky Stuff”. THAT is incredibly frustrating! In my opinion, these formulas are most certainly yucky!

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Kirks Castile–   UPDATED 6/22/2024

It looks like they simplified their line since I last looked, there are only a few products listed but I really can’t recommend them when there are so many better options out there. For example, the Head-to-toe Cleanser features: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid.  Liquid hand soap is more of the same and just really isn’t something I would urge you to reach for, to say the least.

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L’bri-         UPDATED  7/3/2024

This is definitely not a brand I would use, I almost put it on my So-So list, but there are just too many ingredients of concern for me to recommend it. If each product contained 1 of the following I’d feel different than products containing multiples of the following across the board: Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polyquaternium-10, PEGs, Polysorbates, Laureth-7. I see Triethanolamine used in multiple products, which gets a 6 from EWG (which is very high and not common to see). Several of the cosmetics did not list ingredients. The ones that did, contained ingredients such as Silica Simethyl Silylate and Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate. Foundation is a definite NO, absolutely, positively would not recommend it.  I didn’t see anything that I can I feel comfortable recommending. There are much better options out there!

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Lush Cosmetics–    UPDATED 7/3/24

Numerous synthetics that thankfully they easily identify in black on their ingredients list: Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Triethanolamine, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (from a body scrub & numerous other products). Synthetic Fragrance, Red 28, Blue 1 and lots of other colors.

$19 bath bombs (yes, they’re huge) but here’s what you get: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Water, Rapeseed Oil; Coconut Oil, Propylene Glycol, Popping Candy, Peppermint Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Vetivert Oil , Cedarwood Oil, Glycerine, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Corn Starch, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Chloride, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tin Oxide, EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Benzyl Benzoate, *Limonene, *Linalool, Fragrance, May Contain:, Blue 1, Yellow 10 Lake, Red 27, Red 28, Yellow 10, Yellow 8, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Iron Oxides  (organic coconut oil at least…)

The hair care solidified that this brand was a definite NO. Shampoo contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Fragrance (synthetic), Propylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Methyparaben, and Propylparaben. While they do use some natural ingredients, they use way too many synthetics that are not even so-so, they are NO’s. I do not recommend anything from this brand.

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Madison Reed-        UDATED 7/3/24

This brand is quite popular for their hair dye. So I took a look. For background, I have been using organic henna + indigo to cover my greys for about the past 5ish years. So when I see the following, which is a bundle of products suggested for my desired hair color (I took the quiz), I can absolutely say that there is no way I could ever recommend any of this. It’s 100% mainstream, nothing “green” about it. But an option for at-home vs salon, I get that. The ingredients are a NO!

Radiant Cream Color

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Mary Kay-   UPDATED 7/3/24

At my last update in 2019 I noted that I used EWG and went off their data. I could not find a single ingredient list posted on their products. Of course, they list KEY ingredients. In all the updates I’ve done in 2014 (100+) this is the only brand thus far that is still not publishing ingredients. I had noted that for multiple brands 5 years ago, thankfully now every, single one of those brands has ingredients listed on their sites! Except this one. I hate lack of full disclosure. It shows me they’re not proud of their ingredients, and their customers don’t care. This is definitely a brand I do not recommend.

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Md Moms:    UPDATED 7/3/2024

This brand advertises: Pediatrician Developed. Mom Approved. And this is a reminder not to trust everything your pediatrician suggests. 1st thing I looked at was their baby sunscreen. While I’m happy it is mineral based and not chemical, these are the rest of the ingredients. In my opinion, a baby should never have these ingredients rubbed on them: Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, lsononyllsononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Vitamin 85), Dimethicone/PEG-1 0/15 Crosspolymer, DimethiconeNinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methicone, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Glycerin, Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Capryloyl Glycine, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Phenoxyethanol.

Here is an eczema cream:Water (Aqua), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Squalane, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Sterols, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Panthenol (Vitamin BS), Sodium PCA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Extract), Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), 1 ,2 Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

If these were products for adults, I might say so-so. But they are specifically targeting babies in their advertising. I cannot recommend this brand!

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Melaleuca-    UPDATED 7/3/2024

If I had to pick the worst of all greenwashers, Melaleuca would be it. Arbonne would be a close 2nd. I have a separate blog post just for them:  https://ecofriendlyusa.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/melaleuca-the-very-definition-of-greenwashing/

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Method–     UPDATED 7/3/2024

Absolutely, positively, among the worst of the products among any I’ve looked at. The 1st product I went for was the baby wash. This should be one of the absolute safest products they offer, with the most minimal ingredients. THIS LIST blows my mind. This is what people are giving their hard-earned dollars to this brand for, and putting on their babies? YIKKKKKKKKES!

Simply Nourish: Water (Eau), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate*,Cocamidopropyl Betaine*, Fragrance (Parfum), Coco-Glucoside*, Glyceryl Oleate*, Glycol Stearate*, Glycol Distearate*, Ammonium Chloride, Citric Acid*, Glycerin*, Lauryl Lactate*, Methyl Glucose Caprate/Caprylate/Oleate*, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate*, Propanediol*, Tetrasodium Glda*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract*, Orza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract*, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol.

Foaming Hand soap: Pink Grapefruit: Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Red 33 (Ci 17200), Red 4 (Ci 14700).

Dish Soap: Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Lauramine Oxide, Alcohol Denat., Citric Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Octylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum), Polymeric Orange, Polymeric Pink.

**Truly, these ingredients are among the worst options on the market, all rolled into the same products. This is one of the last brands I would recommend. I’d even recommend Melaleuca above Method, and this is something I never thought I’d say!

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Modere:  UPDATED 7/5/2024

I looked at several products and was seeing the usual so-so ingredients like: Potassium sorbate, dimethicone, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, phenoxyethanol, butylene glycol. Then I saw an ingredient I wasn’t familiar with: cyclomethicone, in a night cream.

NEVER have I seen an ingredient in EWG score a 10 and list ‘Robust’ for Data (usually it lists none, limited, or fair, 1st time I’ve ever seen Robust!). This ingredient has Robus data to support that it is toxic and harmful, yet companies like this continue to use it. I don’t need to look any further, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BRAND!

Monat-    UPDATED 7/5/2024

“We are Modern Nature” is their motto. Their shampoo and conditioner ingredients lists are HUGE. I stopped counting at 60 for 1 list. Even if every single of those ingredients was completely safe, in my opinion that many ingredients in a single product absolutely contributes to your body burden. Use a shampoo, then a conditioner, then a body wash. Get out of the shower and put on lotion, deodorant, body spray, cosmetics. It’s just WAY TOO MUCH. In the shampoo I’m looking at right now (Damage Repair) I do see several seed oils (sunflower seed, lime oil, bergamot fruit oil, lemon peel oil, tomato seed oil, it just keeps going. Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance/parfum, Polyquaternium-7, -10 and -37, Hydrogenated oils (soybean, castor), Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG-150 Distearate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, these are only a fraction of the ingredients.

I typically don’t comment on prices, except for when they are insanely high. And this is one of those brands. I truly cannot believe people choose to pay $134 for 1 oz serums. $105 for a 30ml Rejuveniqe Oil blend. Honestly, the ingredients in that one aren’t too bad, but the price is not something I would ever, ever encourage anyone to pay. That is robbery. $53 for a 4oz Acne Gel-Cream Cleanser with these extremely so-so ingredients at best: Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Propanediol, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Niacinamide, Cocamide MIPA, Glycerin, PEG-150 Distearate, Stearic Acid, Coconut Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium PCA, Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-4, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.

There is nothing about this brand that make it a good, or even so-so option, in my opinion.

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Monday–     ADDED 5/9/2024

One look at the 1st product and I knew this brand was a NO. They highlight the HERO ingredients which are 2: Hydrolyzed Collagen helps revive strands to leave hair feeling full and plump. Macadamia Oil has emollient qualities to help improve hair shine. But this is the full ingredient list and it’s a definite NO: AQUA (WATER), COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE, SODIUM C14-16 OLEFIN SULFONATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, COCAMIDE MIPA, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, SALICYLIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, POLYQUATERNIUM-7, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), MENTHOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LINALOOL. Only 3 shampoo and conditioner options, and some gummies, but they’re all very similar and I do not recommend any of them.

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Mrs. Meyers-    UPDATED 7/5/2024

Did you know: this company is owned by corporate giant S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.? Just thought I’d mention it….. They use the worst of the worst preservatives in their products, the ones that automatically land a brand on this portion of my list: Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone (often both will be in the same product). So many people suffer from eczema/psoriasis on their hands forever, thinking it’s their diet. If they’re using brands like this, it is likely the ingredients they are immersing their hands in on a regular basis.

They also do kindly note after their ingredient lists that the product *contains fragrance allergens. They disclose their fragrance ingredients, here’s what you’re getting: Fragrance: methylenedioxyphenyl methylpropanal; ethyl linalool; linalyl acetate; 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)butan-2-one; methyl benzodioxepinone; 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropionaldehyde; methyldihydrojasmonate; tetramethyl acetyloctahydronaphthalenes; e + z-oxacyclohexadec-12(+13)-en-2-one (mixture); pentadecalactone; dipropylene glycol. I can’t say NOPE loudly enough. This is a brand I absolutely, positively, do not recommend.

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Neora-     ADDED 3/16/24

This brand uses a LOT of buzz words and places emphasis on the 70 ingredients they don’t use. However, that leaves thousands of ingredients that are still not good, in my opinion. They claim: “All the good stuff. None of the Bad. Clean Formula Guarantee.” That is a pretty strong commitment. Let’s look at the ingredients. I always start with shampoo when possible, it gives a good feel for the line and what they’re using.

PEG in multiple forms, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, parfum. Honestly, the list of ingredients I CAN recommend would be easier (coconut oil stands out). Other products contain both polysorbate-20 AND 60, and numerous ingredients ending with numbers which as a general rule of thumb, I avoid. Let’s look at their night cream which is $120 for 1 oz. The page advertising it is FULL of buzz words, let’s look at the ingredients: Water (Aqua),PVP,HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Disodium Tetramethylhexadecenyl Succinyl Cysteine*, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Extract, Trehalose, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Pullulan, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Silica, Sorbitol, Galactoarabinan, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Phosphate, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 60, Tromethamine, Cyclohexassiloxane, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Xylitol.

While it does have more ingredients from nature than some of the others I looked at (aloe, fruit, plant and seed extracts), it has numerous ingredients on my to-be avoided list. Many listed I’m not super familiar with, and upon looking them up via EWG I find they score 2 at best generally. Some receive a 1 in EWG but with NO data, such as Cyclopentasiloxane which is listed as Cyclopentasiloxane/ Dimethiconevinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer by them. Ingredients such as Cyclohexassiloxane as suspected to be an environmental toxin and be persistent or bioaccumulative. Also, in addition to concerns for the effects of an ingredient on the human body, I always take into consideration what these ingredients are doing when they’re washed out into the waterways via their production cycle, or end cycle such as in a facewash. Disodium Tetramethylhexadecenyl Succinoyl Cysteine also scored a 1 with NO data. Googling these ingredients further outside of EWG points to some research that they are novel and may show some promise in reducing inflammation for example (with wrinkle reduction goals), but it’s my opinion that there needs to be more studies to prove they don’t carry risks that outweigh the benefits.

They boast that they don’t use propylene glycol, but they DO use Pentylene Glycol which according to EWG carries concerns of allergenic effects. It is a penetration enhancer, which means it helps get the rest of the ingredients in this product into your skin. Personally, looking at these ingredients, there are numerous that I would not want to make it past my skin barrier.

I don’t weigh in on supplements as that’s medical advice and I’m not comfortable with that. So inquire with someone you trust for medical advice about those if interested.

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Norwex-    UPDATED 5/22/2024

My last update for this brand was in 2019 and my 2 previous comments on them expressed frustration that ingredient labels were very hard to come by. That I had to request a 93 page product manual to view them. So I’m very happy to update with the fact that ingredient labels were all easy to find on each product, YAY! So, let’s see what they’re using….

I always go straight for shampoo when I see it. And I’m sorry to say I cannot recommend it. It’s advertised as sulfate and paraben-free, great. 3 organic ingredients in the middle ~30 total makes me scratch my head. There are numerous ingredients in the formula that would be easy organic options, like mango seed butter, shea butter, all the essential oils….Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate isn’t overly concerning, but from what I’ve read it should be in less than a 2% concentration in the final product. So it being the 2nd ingredient in this huge list, after water, raises 1 small red flag for me. Otherwise, from Cocamidopropyl Betaine being one of the main ingredients, to PEG-150, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Polyquaternium-44, Propylene Glycol, PPG-2, Benzyl Alcohol. I can’t recommend that. Clicking through conditioner, and hair protecting spray, I see additional ingredients such as: Phenoxyethanol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Methoxy PEG-16 Maleate/Styrene Sulfonate Copolymer, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-59.

In my last update I noted: One popular product, the cleaning paste boasts just 3 ingredients; marble flour, natural soap and coconut oil. A call to home office will confirm that it also contains sodium laurel sulfate and methylisothiazolinone.

I was curious to see what was listed for this product currently and I definitely cannot recommend it: Calcium Carbonate (Marble Flour) (Abrasive); Water/Aqua (Binder); Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) (Surfactant); Sodium Chloride (Surfactant); Cocamide DEA (Emulsifier); Isotridecanol Ethoxylate (Surfactant); Sodium C14 – 17 Alkyl Sec. Sulfate (Surfactant); Sulfonic Acid C13 – C17 Sec. Alkyl Sodium Salts (Surfactant); Alumina (Abrasive); Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster); Benzisothiazolinone (Preservative); Methylchloroisothiazolinone (Preservative); Methylisothiazolinone (Preservative); Rosant Fragrance (Phthalate Free) (Scent Component).

These preservatives are the worst of the worst, and land a brand on my Not Recommended List: Benzisothiazolinone (Preservative); Methylchloroisothiazolinone (Preservative); Methylisothiazolinone (Preservative). I don’t need to look any further. That being said, if there is a particular product you’d like my thoughts on, I’m happy to give them. But from the products I’ve looked at, this isn’t even a So-So brand. I can’t recommend it.

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Origins–        UPDATED 7/6/2024

Owned by the Estee Lauder company. So many ingredients of concern in every product I looked at. Definitely a very ‘mainstream’ brand, they do not make natural claims that I see, but since I was asked to share my thoughts, I will. From an eye cream and a couple other products I gleaned this sampling of ingredients: PEG-4 Dilaurate, Benzyl Salicylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peg-100 Stearate, Steareth-20, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-7. SPF is chemical-based: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 8.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 5.0%. $137 for a 3 oz Youth Serum.

Definitely nothing I would ever use nor recommend.

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Perfectly Posh–    UPDATED 7/6/2024

Just about everything contains Artificial colors: Red 40 (CI 16035), Red 33 (CI 17200), Yellow 10 (CI 47005), Green 3 (CI 42053). Hand creme features: Dimethicone, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin. Bath bars contain propylene glycol. Bubble bath: Water/Aqua, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate-20, Cocamide MEA, Fragrance/ Parfum, PEG-150 Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate. 

I did see a few bar soaps that weren’t too bad, but overall, this brand uses enough icky ingredients that I just can’t bring myself to put them on my so-so list even.

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Planet-     UPDATED 7/6/2024

This brand uses the 2 preservatives that automatically land a brand on my Not Recommended list: Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone. Their liquid laundry detergent also contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Laureth77, Cocamidopropyl Betaine= definitely not recommended. I have a feeling I’m not looking at full ingredient lists on their website, the Dishwashing liquid only lists 5 ingredients, and is missing a preservative: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauramine Oxide, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate. I have seen enough to know I do not recommend this brand though. 

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Pure Haven Essentials = Ava Anderson re-branded.  

I’m beyond appalled at what the company known as Ava Anderson got away with. They were not held responsible for the million dollars they made while committing fraud. They closed their doors, sold to a team of investors, opened with a new name (Pure Haven) and went about their business. Search my blog by Ava Anderson in case you missed that scandal. No amount of “rebranding” will ever clear them of the reason for the need to do so. They will never, ever have my support. Ethics are very important to me, and PHE was born out of an ethics scandal of epic porportion.

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Rodan & Fields-        UPDATED 7/7/2024

They don’t make “green” claims, and indeed they are 100% a conventional line, but for some reason many are led to believe they’re a safe option. ABSOLUTELY, positively would not use nor recommend anything I looked at from this company, which was quite a few products. I was really hoping some would be so-so, but I’m sorry to say that is not the case. I cannot recommend this brand whatsoever. I looked up several ingredients that I wasn’t familiar with, they weren’t in EWG (which is rare), and when Googling this one for example Methyl Carboxymethylphenyl Aminocarboxypropylphosphonate it comes back as “rare cosmetic ingredient”. The company touts ” Proprietary Technology + Key Ingredients”. I’ll leave it to you to decide if you’re comfortable using proprietary technology + rare ingredients with no data on their safety. I’m not willing to give this company a cent to be used as a guinea pig for their products.

I went straight for the Best-Sellers category and 1st thing I looked at was a $170 5ml tube of Lash Boost, which truly blows my mind. Here are a few ingredient lists I snagged from various categories as examples of the types of products this company is putting out there. And again, the prices are INSANE across the board.

Shampoo- $44 per 8 oz bottle: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Polysorbate 20, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Nephelium Lappaceum Seed Extract, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, PCA, PCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Sodium PCA, Threonine, Valine, Aspartic Acid, Maltodextrin, Butylene Glycol, Coconut Acid, Glycerylamidoethyl Methacrylate/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance/Parfum.

Redefine Overnight Reparative Lotion- $95 1 oz: Water/Aqua/Eau, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glycol Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Alcohol Denat., Isododecane, Nylon-12, Tetrapeptide-21, Tetrapeptide-4, Retinal, Retinyl Palmitate, Malic Acid, Hydroxyapatite, Fragrance/Parfum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Beheneth-20, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.

Lip Plumping Oil- $40: Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.4%, Zinc Oxide 7%
Inactive Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dextrin Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Behenate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, BHT, C10-18 Triglycerides, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Capsicum Annuum Extract (Fruit), Glyceryl Dioleate, Menthol, Lactic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Stearic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Triolein, +/-: Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Red 6 (CI15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).

Seventh Generation–     UPDATED 7/7/2024

This brand uses the nasty preservatives benzisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone in numerous products, which sends a brand immediately to my Not Recommended List. The dish soaps are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate based. Liquid laundry soap is Laureth-6 and Propylene Glycol based (doesn’t list a preservative?). Hand soaps use milder preservatives, but contain both Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate, as well as the preservative enhancer tetrasodium iminodisuccinate. The cleaners are full of synthetics.

This brand is a great example of something I “preach” about often. Companies say: it’s okay, that super nasty preservative is only present in .01% of the formula. Okay, take that x2 because the formulas use 2 of the nastiest preservatives out there. Take those times MILLIONS of people using these products daily. That’s what really bugs me about this brand in particular. I truly believe they are one of the worst greenwashers, they fit the definition to a T. Consumers are led to believe they are a healthy choice for people and the planet. And they are NOT. The products are readily available everywhere. So millions of people (or even hundreds of thousands) a day use the dish soap, the all-purpose cleaner, the laundry soap, the hand soap, and I truly believe that leads to a REAL burden.

If you are dealing with eczema/psoriasis-like symptoms on your hands and are using this dish soap, or hand soap, absolutely switch to something milder and I’d be willing to bet your symptoms will clear up. Ingredients like those used in these products are KNOWN to be triggers for allergies and are KNOWN to have side-effects such as acute aquatic toxicity in our environment. So to see people choosing this brand thinking they’re making a good choice, really is unfortunate. That is not the case.

The *only* thing I see that I like is organic cotton tampons and chlorine-free liners and pads. I guess those are good thing! Still, I would not give this brand $1 of my hard-earned money.

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Shaklee–    UPDATED 7/7/2024

Reminder that I’m only looking at personal care/cleaning products for this project, I do not evaluate supplements (which this brand has a lot of). While I’m happy to see they’re not using the worst of the worst preservatives that many other brands on my Not Recommended list are using, there are just too many ingredients of concern used across the board for me to be able to recommend any of these products. I don’t feel they’re so-so, here is a sampling of ingredients from various products: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-10, Potassium Sorbate, Butylene Glycol, SD Alcohol 40-B, Isoceteth-20, Retinyl Palmitate, artificial fragrance, Sodium Laurel Sulfate, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate.

My advice: pick a brand from my So-So list, or better yet, Approved list before giving this brand your hard-earned dollars.

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Shea moisture-    UPDATED (and moved to not recommended) 4/3/2024

I formerly had this brand on my So-So List, but truly, but in the years since I last looked at them, they’ve gotten less than So-So. Numerous ingredients that are so-so at best, 1-2 organic ingredients out of formulas with 20+ in them, and no indication of natural scents means I simply cannot recommend this brand. There are a lot of options on my So-So (and of course on the Approved) list that are much better at same price points.

They offer a LOT of shampoos, wow! I see numerous ingredients I prefer to avoid:  Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Polysorbate 60Fragrance (not noted to be natural). In the lotions I see Polysorbate 60, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol. Salicylic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate. They use 1 organic ingredient (shea butter) in most of the shampoos I looked at, out of 20+ ingredients total. I guess, good for the organic shea farmers though, which I just read up on in their Story section, the Shea connection is their legacy, and is evident by their name too. So I’m happy they’re sourcing that organically. Deodorant= YUCK: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Synthetic Wax, Glycerin, Calcium Chloride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycine, Fragrance (Parfum), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Honey, Retinol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Coumarin, Farnesol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool

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Trader Joe’s-   UDPATED 7/7/2024

Their site was quite frustrating to navigate, some products showed no ingredients, and I question whether others were a complete list. For example, this Peach Mango Scented Foaming Hand Soap claims to have peach juice in it… This is a very short ingredient list and I would expect at least Potassium Sorbate or Sodium Benzoate as a preservative, it lists none: Water (Aqua), Potassium Cocoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Glycerin, Potassium Olivate, Prunus Persica (Peach) Juice, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract.

I looked at a lot of products, and some are so-so (but again, I question whether they’re complete ingredient lists). Most products contain the likes of Ethylhexyglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, which I don’t feel are the worst of the worst, many products on my So-So list contain those. However, I see ingredients such as Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine (gets a 6 in EWG) (found in Conditioning Hair Wash), Retinyl Palmitate, Ammonium Acryloyldimetyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Odopropynyl Butycarbamate (gets a 6 in EWG) and the list of super long names that are synthetic and not something I recommend goes on. Most of their sunscreen are chemical-based, I did see a mineral-based option but the inactive ingredients make it a no-go in my opinion.

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WEN Haircare–   UPDATED 7/7/2024

I went straight for the Kids tab as what is being used in those products gives me a great feel for the type of company it is. And instantly I can say this brand is NOT something I’d recommend. The Kids Watermelon Cleansing Conditioner contains 2 of the ingredients that sends a brand straight to this portion of my list: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. Honestly, it’s rarish for those ingredients to be in personal care products, they’re much more common as preservatives in cleaning products. The fact that they are in personal care products for kids is hugely concerning to me. This would be one of the last brands I would recommend.

This is definitely a “luxury/spa” brand with Body Treatment products running $160 for a 16oz jar. Many of the products list 3 ‘key ingredients’ but do not share the full list. Their 3-wick candles are $75. This is a completely conventional, mainstream, ‘high-end’ brand with icky ingredients and some of the worst kids products (granted only a couple offerings) of any I looked at. 1000% not recommended.

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Younique-   UPDATED 7/7/2024

Numerous ingredients of concern in every product I looked at, which was a lot of products. I wanted to find something so-so even, and that was difficult. I cannot recommend this brand. The products feature ingredients like: Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20 & 60, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Laureth-7, Betaine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), PEG’s, I could go on & on. I can say for certain that there are many brands with better offerings for a fraction of the price than this one. Another WAY overpriced brand, with no products I would recommend.