Pregnancy, children, and age have caused me to take a closer look at the foods my family consumes and the products we use on our bodies and in our homes. I’m reading more labels, doing more research, and opting for greener, more natural products. What I use on my body is as important as what I consume, particularly because I’m pregnant.
Many years ago, I switched from aluminum-based antiperspirants to all-natural deodorants. After trying several at Whole Foods, I settled on the Toms of Maine’s Long-Lasting Care in Apricot. Some women don’t perspire as much as others. I am not one of those women. So while I found that I stayed dry and odor-free for a good part of the day, I always need to re-apply at the end of the day (more for odor as opposed to wetness). Recently, I had an opportunity to try the company’s New Long Lasting Deodorant Stick. It claims to offer 24 hour odor protection (as opposed to 12 hour) in three ways:
- Hops inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial action of hops inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria while reducing the possibility of skin irritation.
- Zinc ricinoleate binds up odor molecules. Sourced from castor beans, zinc ricinoleate traps and absorbs bad smells
- Long-lasting natural fragrance blocks odor.
Initially, I wasn’t sure that I noticed a difference between the two products. But I think that a person’s body requires time to adjust, and I actually find myself using the New Long Lasting Deodorant Stick over the Long-Lasting Care. I actually prefer the new scents as well, especially the Mountain Spring. If you visit the site, you’ll get a run-down of each ingredient in the deodorant (and all their products for that matter) including their purpose.
Another product I never thought too much about was toothpaste. Most on the market contain the active ingredient fluoride, designed to prevent cavities. But what about the inactive ingredients? I never paid much attention to them. Until recently. That tube of Crest toothpaste contains things like Hydrated Silica, Sorbitol , Glycerin , Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate , PEG-6 , Disodium Pyrophosphate , Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate , Flavor , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate , Alcohol 1.14% , Xanthan Gum , Sodium Saccaharin , Carbomer 956 , Polysorbate 80 , Sodium Benzoate , Cetylpyridinium Chloride , Benzoic Acid , Domiphen Bromide .0002 wt% , Titanium Dioxide , Blue 1 , Yellow 5. All of these are “inactive” ingredients, but what are they really doing?
Thanks to Tom’s of Maine, I was able to try their Maximum Strength Sensitive Fluoride Toothpaste and their Natural Whole Care Toothpaste. I tend to be a little neurotic when it comes to dental hygiene. I brush twice a day, floss every night, and have never had a cavity in my life. I also tend to “over brush” my teeth and gums, which means I’m sensitive to cold and sweet foods. Neither of the products I tried hurt my teeth and I don’t find that I have any problems with odor after using them. Their Maximum Strength Sensitive Toothpaste is “the first all-natural toothpaste with naturally-sourced potassium nitrate to help soothe sensitivity and prevent cavities.” Their Whole Care Toothpaste has the added benefits of tartar control and whitening.
All of the products made by Toms of Maine are made without artificial ingredients or artificial preservatives. They use recycled packaging and environmentally conscious manufacturing.
Toms of Maine’s products are available Whole Foods, Target, Walgreens and retailers nationwide.
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Thanks for the info. I’ve already switched my cleaning products to green and now you have pointed me in the right direction for my next step. Go here for an awesome giveaway:
http://www.feistyfrugalandfabulous.com/2009/09/carolina-pad.html
Thanks for the info, we are trying to change lots of our products to greener ones and we really like hearing about products that other people have used and like.
We actually use Tom’s toothpaste! It’s not half bad!