Chemical-free moisturizing substitutes for skin and hair can seem a little daunting when there are so many lovely smelling products that seem to moisturize well and leave a pleasant scent behind. However, many lotions, makeup, hair products, and perfumes contain chemicals that are absorbed into the skin which cause toxic build-up in our bodies. I love these smell-good products too, but are they the best solution for our bodies in the long run? Here's a list of simple and chemical-free moisturizing products that are well suited to give you shiny, healthy hair and supple, smooth skin!
1 Coconut Oil
The first substance on the list is organic coconut oil. This oil is superb for just about anything and perfect for chemical-free moisturizing! It's solid at room temperature so it's easily transported. It works so well for a deep moisturizing solution for your skin. For a hair mask treatment, you can do dry application before a shampoo, focusing on the ends where it's most dry, and letting it soak in for 15-20 min. Shampoo well to avoid any greasy residue. My favorite use for coconut oil (besides cooking) is a lip moisturizer! It's dense and shiny, and eventually absorbs into your lips leaving them soft and chapped-free.
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2 Olive Oil
Olive oil is also a good moisturizer that compares to coconut oil. Olive oil leaves less residue behind so it may be a better alternative to a skin moisturizer. Another great use for it is to moisturize your cuticles which keep your nails strong and healthy. Another tip: spray on some olive oil cooking spray to freshly painted nails and it not only dries the polish quicker, but it helps remove polish on the skin and moisturizes the skin around the nails! You can even add your favorite essential oil like lavender or peppermint for that nice smell that you crave.
3 Eggs
Eggs are known for their ability to leave hair super shiny! Full of fats, oils and protein, you can use egg whites as a hair mask, leaving it on till it dries completely and then shampooing it out. You can use just the yokes for a facial mask, leaving hydrated and toned skin. For a dandruff treatment, instead of reaching for chemical-laden dandruff shampoo, use beaten egg yokes and massage them into the scalp before washing with chemical-free shampoo. What an easy way to achieve glowing skin with one product found in our refrigerator!
4 Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe has so many beneficial properties! For skin, aloe is most commonly known for sunburn care as it reduces inflammation and cools the skin. According to a Livestrong article by Traci Joy, aloe vera is used for cell rejuvenation- both the synthesis of collagen and the production of hyaluronic acid in skin, which are central for healthy, young and moisturized skin. A depletion of these cell products will cause saggy and wrinkled skin. On top of that, it's used for acne scarring and other inflamed skin conditions. What a natural alternative to those expensive facial creams! And a bonus, an aloe vera plant is easily maintained in your own home!
5 Rose Water
To keep your face hydrated and radiant, reach for a bottle of pure rose water! Rose water is extracted from the oils of hundreds of rose petals. It acts as an astringent, tightening the pores and toning the skin. It also hydrates the skin which is why it's ideal for normal-oily skins types or acne prone skin.
6 Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo and Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner is ideal for dry, damaged hair. All the reviews for it are outstanding and I would be thrilled to try it! It is paraben and sulfate-free, not tested on animals, 100% vegan, all the contents are biodegradable, and the container is recyclable! Talk about a green product! Plus, it contains honeysuckle extract, sweet almond oils and organic aloe vera- all leaving behind well-nourished and wonderfully smelling hair!
7 Dr. Ron's Ultra Pure MSM Moisture Creme
This line of skin and hair products is completely chemical free! Specifically this moisture cream contains MSM, a natural collagen builder. They use natural preservatives, like Indian gooseberry and grapefruit seed extract, instead of the toxic Diazolidinyl Urea, which releases formaldehyde and is a cause of contact dermatitis. That's incentive enough to purchase chemical-free items!
So many of our favorite skin, hair and makeup products contain harsh chemicals and preservatives that are toxic and carcinogenic. It's best to limit these as much as possible to reduce health risks. Perhaps pick a favorite product you can't live without, like perfume or foundation, and stick to all natural products for the rest of your beauty routine! What are some of your favorite products, either found simply at home or in the store, that are chemical-free?
