Products We Love
It can be a challenge, navigating the department store aisles or the Internet pages trying to find safe and clean personal-care products that work well. We’ve been at it for a while now—reading labels, trying out products, and evaluating them for effectiveness—so we thought we’d give you a few recommendations to get you started. These products have passed the Cinco Vidas test for effectiveness, contain none of our “ingredients to avoid,” and often include organic and/or natural alternatives.
We’ll tell you what’s great about these products, where you can purchase them, and where you can find more information on our blog. Depending on how you feel and the condition of your hair, skin, and nails, you can use the gauge to help guide your purchasing decisions. We kept the cancer patient in mind when making this list which, makes these products ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
NOTE: Underneath each product, you will find a toxicity score. Since Skin Deep Databse launched in 2004, EWG has gathered information on ingredients in thousands of personal care products and has matched these chemicals with hazard data contained in more than 50 toxicity and regulatory databases. The hazard score represents a synthesis of known and suspected hazards. The hazard rating of a product can be higher than for its individual ingredients — it adds up the hazards of all ingredients. This score is shown on a 0-10 scale (10 corresponding to highest concern).
Happy shopping!
Brightening Products (Hydroquinone-Free Serums and Moisturizers)
Suki Brightening Serum
This highly concentrated, oil-free serum is specifically designed to brighten and diminish the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, scars, spots, and redness for a more overall radiant and even complexion.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: N/A
More info: Targeted Bio-Brightening Face Serum
Miessence Fluid
Restores and protects the skin’s outer layer, lightens and brightens the complexion, and exfoliates. Improves photo-damaged skin while increasing moisture and vitality. No yucky ingredients here!
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 0
More info: Probiotic Skin Brightener, 75 Ml, Miessence
Read our post on: Toxin Alert: Hydroquinone – Lightening Discoloration Isn’t Worth the Increased Cancer Risk
Conditioner (Moisturizing for Fine Hair)
Aubrey Organics
Bring damaged, desert-dry hair back to life. Moisture-rich botanicals nourish, rebalance and rehydrate parched, overprocessed hair on contact. Milk protein strengthens and mends damaged areas and promotes elasticity to prevent breakage and leave hair touchably soft, shiny and resilient.
More info: EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 2
More info: Jojoba & Aloe Desert Herb Revitalizing Conditioner
Read our post: Treatments are Over, and My Hair’s Coming Back Curly. Will it Stay This Way?
Eyebrow Kit
Jane Iredale
Comes with two powders to mix for your exact shade, a wax to hold brows in place, a lid primer to conceal any redness, and two brushes for the ultimate application. Even comes with miniature tweezers that really work!
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 2
More info: Jane Iredale Super Shape Me Eyebrow Kit Blonde .17 oz
Read our post: Lost Your Eyebrows During Chemotherapy? We’re Here to Help!
Eye Lash Curler
Shu Uemera
This product has a rubber band pad in a new “mushroom” shape that’s gentle on eyelashes, yet provides optimum curl. Curved angle suits all eye shapes.
More info: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Read our post: Chemo Side Effects: Loss of Eyelashes—Tips & Tricks to Get You Through
Eye Makeup Remover
Korres Natural Products
Jasmine lotion removes eye make-up and waterproof mascara, without irritating the delicate eye area. Wheat proteins and pro-vitamin B5 moisturize the skin and strengthen the eyelashes. Jasmine, cucumber and calendula offer combined soothing and refreshing action.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 0
More info: Eye Make-Up Remover, Jasmine
Read our post: Chemo Side Effect: Loss of Eyelashes—Tips & Tricks to Get You Through
Hair Coloring
Aubrey Organics
Gently coats the hair for more natural coverage. Conditions and balances the hair shaft to help prevent breakage (especially important if you have fine hair). Contains no phenylenediamine, no coal-tar dyes, and no synthetic chemicals of any kind.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 0
More info: Aubrey Organics, Color Me Natural, 100% Natural Permanent Hair Color, Dark Brown, 4 oz (115 g)
Read our post: Perming or Coloring Hair: Safe During Chemotherapy?
Lipstick (Lead-Free)
Afterglow Cosmetics
Available in 15 amazing shades. Long lasting. Moisturizing and nourishing. 100% natural ingredients. Hypoallergenic. No parabens, dyes, or bismuth oxychloride. And it’s cruelty free! (No testing on animals.)
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 2
More info: Organic Lip Love
Read our post: Toxin Alert! Lead in Lipstick: Think Twice Before Applying
Makeup
Organic Non-Toxic Makeup by RMS Beauty
This makeup contains no synthetics, petrochemicals, or parabens and is formulated to reveal and enhance healthy skin. These products do not attempt to cover, conceal, or change a woman’s beauty. Everything is super densely pigmented so a tiny amount goes a long way.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: N/A
More info: “Un” Cover-Up Concealer
Loose Mineral Makeup by Terra Firma
It’s like a “second-skin” look and feel. No shimmery, cakey finish. Great for sensitive skin—contains fewer ingredients overall which minimizes risk of irritation. Completely hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist approved.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 1
More info: Bare Earth Accentuate Loose Mineral Makeup With Silk – 50 g – Powder
Read our post: Mineral Makeup: A Great Alternative for Compromised and Sensitive Skin
Mascara (Mercury-Free)
Afterglow Cosmetics
Creates rich, luscious lashes that are soft, flexible and gentle enough for even the most sensitive eyes. Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. This all natural formula is rich in soothing organic botanical antioxidants. It’s also alcohol-free, paraben-free, synthetic-dye-free, perfume-free, mercury-free, nano-free, soy-free and cruelty-free.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 2
More info: Pure Soul Mascara
Read our post: Mercury in Your Mascara…Huh?
Moisturizer (Chemical-Free Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin)
Tortuga
Made for sensitive and damaged skin. New airless pump! Tortuga is a chemical-free, therapeutic lotion made from an old-world recipe using pharmaceutical grade ingredients in therapeutic proportions. Avocado, carrot seed and black cumin oils are emulsified with a 2.6 lipid-acid-level shea butter to form a rich, hydrating, creamy skin conditioner. Tortuga provides relief from itching, redness, and many common skin problems (e.g. acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea).
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 0
More info: Tortuga Super Emollient Lotion 3.4 Oz
Read our post: Chemotherapy Side Effect: Dry, Itchy Skin
Nail Polish (Non-Toxic)
Acquarella
Acquarella is easy to use and dries fast without the harsh, toxic odors of traditional nail polishes. It’s formaldehyde-free and contains no phthalates or petrochemicals. Comes in a wide variety of delicious colors.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 1
More info: Acquarella Nail Polish
Read our post: Go Natural With Your Nail Polish, and Ditch Toxic Fumes!
Shampoo (Volumizing)
Avalon Organics
Benefits all hair types. Normalizes oil production, encourages healthy circulation, and improves scalp conditions. Also helps strengthen the hair strands to give hair a fuller, healthier look and feel.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database: 3
More info: Avalon – Shampoo Organic Rosemary – Volumizing – 11 fl oz
Read our post on: Don’t Mean To Burst Your Bubble! Shampoo’s Main Ingredient Is A Likely Cancer-Causing Agent
Shaving Cream and After-Shave (for Men)
Avalon Organics Shaving Cream
Moisturizes the skin and provides perfect razor glide for a smooth, close shave. Enriched with beta glucan, which helps speed the repair of wounds and irritation for fresher skin (especially if you’re going through chemotherapy). No harsh preservatives, parabens, artificial colors or fragrances.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 2
More info: Avalon Organics Moisturizing Cream Shave, Aloe-Unscented, 8-Ounces
Organic Grooming After Shave
Made with organic carrot, cucumber, and shea butter in a rich cream base for a healthy skin-conditioning lotion. Free of dyes, alcohol and harsh synthetics. An added plus: The packaging is recyclable.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: N/A
More info: Organic Grooming After Shave Balm
Read our post: The Tough Guy’s Guide to Shaving During Treatment (Go Stubbly, Man!)
Snack/Nutrition Bars (for Cancer Patients)
Sable’s Foods
Designed by an oncology nurse. Formulated especially for cancer patients undergoing cancer treatments. The only brand of bars developed to address the three most common complaints of cancer patients: nutrition, taste, and texture. All bars have fresh berries and tasty, tropical ingredients specifically formulated to provide an enjoyable and recognizable flavor experience for those with an altered sense of taste.
More info: Sable’s Foods Bars
Read our post: I have no appetite on Chemo! Tips to help Keep the Calories Up
Sunscreen (Chemical-Free)
Soleo Organics SPF 30
Developed for sensitive skin. This chemical-free, low-irritation formula won’t sting the eyes. Ideal for the whole family. High-protection sunscreen that also moisturizes. Fortified with botanical extracts and vitamin E to promote skin care.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 0
More info: Soleo Organics Sunscreen SPF 30
Read our post: Photosensitivity: How Can We Protect Ourselves During Chemotherapy?
Toothpaste and Mouth Wash (Dry Mouth)
Miessence Tooth Paste
Miessence Mint Toothpaste freshens your breath and maintains healthy teeth and gums. Best of all, it does not contain flouride, aluminium, artificial sweeteners or detergents that are harmful for your body and cause sensitivity.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 0
More info: Miessence Toothpaste – Lemon
Miessence Mouth Wash
A refreshing, alcohol-free, natural mouthwash. Helps kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Leaves your breath smelling sweet and fresh. Soothes the mouth with organic herbs of sage and thyme.
EWG Cosmetic Safety Database Toxicity Score: 0
More info: Miessence Freshening Mouth Wash
Read our post: Side Effect: Dry Mouth – Get Some Welcome Relief with These Few Tips
Books
Toxic Beauty – by Dr. Samuel S. Epstein
Toxic Beauty is the most important book of the decade. As a medical doctor, Sam Epstein clearly understands the causes of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases through the exposure to petrochemical and synthetic toxins found in everyday consumer products. This book is a transparent truth of the consumer industry. It is a must read for everyone.
Read our post on: Get This Book on Toxic Beauty and Learn How to Choose Safer Personal-Care Products
Not Just a Pretty Face - by Stacy Malkan
Lead in lipstick? 1,4 dioxane in baby soap? Coal tar in shampoo? How is this possible? Simple. The $35 billion cosmetics industry is so powerful they’ve kept themselves unregulated for decades. Not Just a Pretty Face chronicles the quest that led a group of health and environmental activists to the world’s largest cosmetics companies to ask some tough questions.
More info: Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry
Read our post on: Top Book Pick! “Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side Of the Beauty Industry” – A Must Read!
Love, Medicine and Miracles – by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel
Siegel, a New Haven surgeon, believes that the power of healing stems from the human mind and will, that his scalpel only buys time against cancer, and that self-love and determination are more important than choice of therapy. His philosophy has caused radical changes in his practice. Siegel recounts many arresting anecdotes: joyous stories of patients who survived against all odds, and sad chronicles of those who seemingly gave up and assented to their own deaths.
Read our post on: What’s the Secret to Happiness During Cancer? Is It Possible?
Picking Up the Pieces: Moving Forward after Surviving Cancer - by Sherri Magee and Kathy Scalzo
Stepping back into everyday life after having faced a life-threatening illness is not as simple as it sounds. Now what? How do you pick up the pieces of your life and put them back together again? There are no guidelines to follow once treatment for cancer finishes–no bridge from hospital to home. How do you discuss the variety of changes you are experiencing when you may not even know how to describe them? All you know is that you are confused and that you feel out of sync with yourself and with others. Picking Up the Pieces will guide you through this difficult time. Reassuring, realistic, and insightful, this book presents a unique four-phase process with useful daily practices to support you along your recovery journey.
More info: Picking Up the Pieces- Moving Forward after Surviving Cancer
Toxic Beauty – by Dawn Mellowship
Every year we each absorb an estimated 2 kilograms of chemicals through beauty and cosmetic products. Chemicals found in lipsticks, skin lotions and hair dyes have been linked with tumours, cell mutation, allergies, reproductive complications, endocrine disruption and cancer. Isn’t it time we all paid more attention to exactly what goes into the eye shadows, body washes and deodorants we love to use? This compelling and timely book tells you the key chemicals you should avoid, reveals just how natural ‘organic’ beauty products really are, and features a directory highlighting the health issues surrounding a wide range of products, from hair gel to sunscreens.
More info: Toxic Beauty – The Hidden Chemicals in Cosmetics and How They Can Harm Us
Read our post on: “Toxic Beauty” Author Speaks from Experience