Apart from cosmetics, here are some other beauty products that offer healthier alternatives.
Nail Polish
PeaceKeeper- $8 – Natural nail polish, lipstick and lip balm
Rated by the Environmental Working Group as the Safest Paint-Based Natural Nail Polish! The EWG Cosmetics Safety Database (www.cosmeticsdatabase.org) has independently rated their Eco-Smooth Nail Paints on a scale of 0.0 (for nontoxics like water) and 10 (for products with the highest toxicity). Their polishes are ranked a 3 and are the highest rated paint based non-FD&C nail polish.
Toothpaste
Ever Considered What's in Your Toothpaste?
Have you ever stopped to read the list of ingredients on your tube of toothpaste?
You may be surprised to find out just how many harmful and toxic chemicals you are putting into your mouth every time you brush your teeth.
Have you ever read the directions and warnings? Most will tell you to use a pea size (not the pea pod size you see in commercials) and they say if swallowed the recommended serving size (pea size) to call poison control...that's not very comforting!
Have you ever read the directions and warnings? Most will tell you to use a pea size (not the pea pod size you see in commercials) and they say if swallowed the recommended serving size (pea size) to call poison control...that's not very comforting!
Here are some common toothpaste ingredients you will find in regular (commercial) brands:
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) - SLS is used to create the foaming action you may expect when brushing your teeth. You'll find it in other cosmetic products (e.g., shampoo, body washes, etc) as well. SLS is a problem because it can damage your cells. It can leave you with canker sores and other skin problems.
Sodium laureth sulfate - This ingredient is known to be an irritant.
Fluoride - This ingredient may be linked to cancer. Some scientists think that it can actually be damaging to your teeth over time.
Petroleum dyes such as FD & C Blue No. 1 - This artificial dye may cause allergic reactions and possibly tumors
Common toothpaste ingredients also include artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
The purpose of toothpaste is to clean your teeth and help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. You don't need to rely on commercial brands to do that. There are a lot of great natural alternatives available. Here are some natural choices.
The top choices at an affordable price that I have found are:
Coral White White- $6.79 at vitaminShoppe.com
Coral White® toothpaste, the World's only natural toothpaste, is formulated with Eco-Safe™ ionic coral minerals from above the sea. Coral White® is perhaps the cleanest and most effective toothpaste available and it is priced to sell. Coral White contains: No Fluoride, No Artificial Flavors or Colors, No Preservatives, No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and No Glycerin or Gluten.
The Mint one is my favorite…it reminds me of getting my teeth polished at the dentist when I go for my bi-annual checkup and cleaning. So if you want a paste, this is the healthiest one I have found so far.
Eco-Dent (formerly Merflaun) Toothpowder- $5.95 http://www.toothpowder.net/Eco-Dent-Tooth-Powder
Another great alternative is in a powder form. It’s very economical, as you can get 200 brushes from one bottle at a very affordable price. I own both the Anise Daily Care and the Dazzling Mint Extra Brite.
Nature's Answer PerioBrite® Toothpaste Cool Mint Description- $3.64 at vitacost.com
- All Natural
- Dentist Formulated
- Promotes Healthy Teeth & Gums
- Cool Mint
- Natural Whitening Toothpaste with CoQ10 & Folic Acid
- Preservatives & Fluoride Free
- Relieves Dry Mouth
- Naturally Whitens & Brightens
- Great for Sensitive Teeth
- Ideal Dry Mouth Relief
- Suitable for Entire Family
Daily brushing helps promote healthy teeth and gums. PerioBrite, a low abrasive toothpaste, does more than clean teeth - it supports periodontal health. Dentist formulated PerioBrite contains soothing herbs well-known for their cleansing action, while CoQ10, Folic Acid, Oregano, Cinnamon and Clove promote tissue and gum health. As part of an oral health program, PerioBrite naturally whitens teeth while leaving your breath fresh and clean, energizing your whole mouth with a cool, sparkling minty-fresh sensation. Free Of Preservatives, fluoride, alcohol, synthetic solvents, sodium-lauryl-sulfate, artificial sweeteners, colors, and dyes.
However it does contain glycerin that coats the teeth making a barrier so your saliva can’t naturally rejuvenate your teeth as nature intended (saliva contains components that can directly attack bacteria which cause decay, and it is also rich in calcium and phosphates that help to remineralise tooth enamel), and it prevents calcium and other essential minerals from getting to your teeth (which is why dentists don’t recommend brushing your teeth immediately after eating sugar).
So though natural toothpastes are a whole lot better than regular toothpaste, they are not the most ideal solution if they contain glycerin.
Current research shows that your teeth can regenerate. If your teeth are coated with glycerin though, they won't be able to re-mineralize and regenerate. (See research by Dr. Gerard F. Judd, PhD).
*Tooth Soap - this is another alternative (but expensive) to commercial toothpaste. Tooth Soap is a natural and organic soap that is made specifically for your teeth. It's made with simple ingredients and contains essential oils that promote healthy gums. It doesn't contain fluoride or SLS.
*Tooth Soap - this is another alternative (but expensive) to commercial toothpaste. Tooth Soap is a natural and organic soap that is made specifically for your teeth. It's made with simple ingredients and contains essential oils that promote healthy gums. It doesn't contain fluoride or SLS.
And it doesn't coat your teeth, so your teeth will be able to remineralize more easily.
Tooth Soap® Removes oils, residue and other contaminants from teeth … Therapeutic essential oils nourish gums. … Made with organic whole foods, natural and wildcrafted sustainable ingredients and No Palm Oil … Manufactured in the USA in a gluten free facility … Kosher certified Star-K … Economical and saves you money at the dentist because check ups will be better … Can be used with braces and on dentures … Recommended by dentists and endorsed by many health experts …Unfortunately it’s very expensive as a toothpaste alternative…for an ounce of the whip, or 2 oz in liquid it’s $24.95! Suitable for the rich and very health conscious. So for a healthier step up just make sure your toothpaste doesn’t include sodium-lauryl-sulfate, fluoride, synthetic solvents, artificial sweeteners, colors, dyes and glycerin. The Coral White and eco-dent are great healthy alternatives.
Teeth whitening system
TheraBrite PLUS whitening system- 49.95 on amazon http://www.therabreath.com/productdetail.asp?cat=6&pid=134
The TheraBrite PLUS whitening system claims to be the most effective home whitening available. The Thermoplastic mouthguards mold to the contours of your teeth and gums, while the 21%+ carbamide peroxide gel delivers the fastest home whitening available. Have a whiter, brighter smile in just 5 days.
Ingredients: 21% Carbamide Peroxide(Glycol based), Natural Mint Flavoring, SOS (non-sugar) sweetener, no Glycerin, no artificial flavors or colors
Ingredients: 21% Carbamide Peroxide(Glycol based), Natural Mint Flavoring, SOS (non-sugar) sweetener, no Glycerin, no artificial flavors or colors
