Here are four standard bathroom products that you can eliminate rather easily. Yes, the market tries to persuade you that you need this and that for the best look or feel. But are they truly all necessary? Here is your opportunity to fight back!
1. Shaving Cream
What is the purpose of shaving cream? Supposedly, it is to protect you from cutting yourself while shaving, correct? So I thought, until I really evaluated whether or not it served its purpose. Maybe 50% of the time. The other 50% of the time I would get cut, scratched, or hurt in some way. Both my husband and I shared this experience. Then I decided there had to be some way I could just live without it.
Alternative #1: Hair Conditioner. Conditioner is a perfectly useful alternative to shaving cream, and yet it clogs the razor and dulls the blade quicker. And as you will see in #2, we’ve eliminated this product, so its no longer an option at our home.
Alternative #2: Bar of Soap. Yes, the simplicity of a bar of soap does the trick! Scrub yourself down and shave in the process and you just eliminated another purchase for your bathroom. Guess what? My husband prefers this method too. We both agree that we cut ourselves far less, our skin remains soft and moistened, and we get a perfectly clean shave. My technique in order to avoid extra waste is to lather up one leg with soap, and before washing it off, I shave immediately, and then wash down. This works to help use the least amount of soap possible for both jobs of washing and shaving. We recommend a good natural bar of soap such as Dr Bronners.
Alternative #3: Nothing. Some would argue that you can use a little water and go for it (but I personally prefer the soap). 
Save yourself a few dollars each month and take it off the list. It works.
2. Hair Conditioner
Hair conditioner is a nice product to have. It does help produce that silky smooth appearance. But is it necessary? We’ve lived without it for quite some time.
Alternative #1: Apple cider vinegar (Approximately 1-2 Tbls. cider to 1 cup water). If you don’t mind the fragrance, try a squirt of apple cider vinegar in your hair for its natural de-tangling ability. Or add a bit of essential oils to balance out the scent.
Alternative #2: Coconut oil. Applying coconut oil after showering as a leave in conditioner is very effective. It can be used as a curling gel for my hair, or a smooth gel for my husbands hair. Just remember…a little dab will do you. Too much and you can have a greasy look. It is wonderfully nourishing for the hair.
Save yourself a few dollars and use something you already have or skip it altogether.
3. Make-up Remover
Alternative #1: Soap and water. Yes, it works quite nicely.
Alternative #2: Coconut oil. Apply a little coconut oil to a cotton ball and apply to eyelashes to remove mascara and all other products on your face. Moisten your skin while removing make-up at the same time.
4. Aftershave
Alternative #1: Shea Butter / Coconut oil Combo. Check out our homemade aftershave recipe. (The hubby thinks this works the best!)
Alternative #2: Coconut oil (surprise!). While not as soothing as the combo above, coconut oil makes a great alternative in a pinch.
I could go on to share how you can also make your own shampoo or go the no-poo/baking soda route, how to make an effective homemade deodorant, and so on, but we’ve already been there before. Check out all the wonderful uses for coconut oil that we have compiled for further inspiration.
This post is part of Fight Back Fridays.
What items have you eliminated in your bathroom? What creative alternatives have you discovered?
Hello!
My wonderful sister-in-law just sent me this link as I was asking for her natural deodorant recipe. I love you blog so far and am looking forward to spending more time catching up and trying many of your suggestions. Very inspiring! Keep up the good work, Lindsay!
First I want to mention how much I enjoy your articles. I am loaded with new ideas! Do you follow Zero Waste blog by Bea? She posted a good way to make razors last longer. Simply immediately dry your razor after each use & store in a dry place. My razor use to last only a week. Now it lasts nearly 6 months!
Great post!
I’ve actually started cutting down on the products I use everyday, and wanted to add a few of my favorite replacements.
Facial Cleanser: I now use the oil cleansing method to wash my face with olive oil and castor oil.
Facial Toner: Apple Cider Vinegar
Exfoliating Face Mask: Strawberry pulp/juice. This is really great for blemishes, oily skin, and blackheads!
Shaving Cream: Olive oil (talk about silky smooth legs!)
My fiance uses Aloe as an after shave. It soothes and “burns” and leaves his skin soft to the touch. A bottle will last him over a year when he plays his cards right. I found it works just as wonderful for my legs too.
Soothes the burn! Not burns him! Whops!
Add spray air freshener to that list! Expensive, pointless, and toxic.
Hi! I love your site and this post. A few questions: I use Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap for shampoo. But I find, especially living without hudmidity I need condition because my hair is so dry. How do you fix that? Would the apple cider vinegar work? Also, also have curly hair. My curls are pretty tight and my hair is very full and frizzy. I’ve been using hair gel for years, but I would like to try something natural. You mentioned coconut oil. How exactly does that work and what do you do? I always have to use a ton of gel–even when it says just use a little. Does it keep your hair from being frizzy? Thanks!
Ariana,
I don’t personally have curly hair, but all my curly-haired friends tell me that they never use shampoo. They say it dries out their hair terribly and makes it frizzy. They do use conditioner though, and a lot of it! There’s a book out called “curly girl” or something to that effect, and it explains why not to use shampoo on your curls and what else you can do to make your curls beautiful! Our library has it, check yours. Also a quick search on Google will probably give you some good information.
Hope this is helpful.
-Katie
I was wondering what you store your CO oil in (the jar that you use in the bathroom for moisturizer/hair styler)? I’m currently using a 2 oz. glass jar with a metal screw-on cap from MRH, and it is such a mess, especially in the summer when it’s liquid. It gets all over the counter and the cabinet shelf, even though each time I wipe is down and am super careful not to spill. We’re going camping in a week and there’s no way I can take this, but I don’t know what to use instead that won’t give me the same problem. What have you come up with? Thanks so much!
I keep a gallon glass jar in my kitchen of coconut oil for all my cooking needs, and then transfer a small amount to a plastic container I keep in the bathroom. I store it in the cooler when we go camping. If you add shea butter to it, it usually remains more stable as well.
Thanks! Where did you get your plastic container?
I like shaving with Aloe Vera straight from the plant – super slick as long as it stays wet
I use sorbolene cream in my bathroom for most of these things. I use it as a shaving cream (put a bit on legs, add some water to make it slippery), an after-shave (it’s a moisturiser so it works perfect for this, though after using it to shave I often don’t need anything extra afterwards anyway!), I use it as make-up remover, to pat down fly-away hairs (in fact I read a hairdresser-to-the-stars recommend using some in a beauty magazine, so I’m not alone on that one) and I even use it to clean my mirrors. Plus, it’s a soap alternative, though I preer to use bars of sorbolene “soap” to wash with because it’s easier than a cream. All in all, having one product with many uses is fantastic!
The only thing to watch for is that some sorbolene products are made from petroleum sources, but the one I buy is a plant-based product.
I have a little tip for the ACV/water hair conditioner. To control the smell, I’ve tried using it in the shower, working it in a little, and rinsing it out. Others may already do this, but I was spraying it after I washed my hair, like I would with other detanglers/leave-ins. It still detangles very well.
I’m allergic to shaving cream, so I have to use soap and water. But that dries out my skin something fierce. My mom introduced me to a nice solution: After shaving, while your legs are still wet, rub in some baby oil – a nickel-size dollup is suitable for each leg. Then, pat (don’t rub) dry with a towel, and you have soft, silky legs!
i love this post! we are right there with you … and we love coconut oil!
i “cited” you in my blog today, about changes in cleaning products for our home. thank you for your constant inspiration and insight – you are a blessing!!
emily
Here are my choices:
1.) Don’t shave.
2.) Don’t wear make-up.
3.) Oh look. Now you don’t need aftershave. Before shave, while you shave, after you shave. See how consumerism works? As for your skin, it will be smooth and clear if you exfoliate with a soft washcloth when you shower. Dead skin cells accumulate and make your skin dry and dull.
4.) Don’t use detergent based (carcinogenic) shampoos and you won’t need conditioner. But if you insist, the rule is lemon juice for blondes and red heads, vinegar for brunettes and grey hair. One teaspoon in 6 oz water. Don’t scrub hair when you wash it, and especially not in the opposite direction. Comb the shampoo gently through hair wetted with your head tilted back, and let water flow from your forehead back and down. Then your hair will dry naturally with an amazing shine. Braid for those who like that, or want curls.
You don’t shave at all? And your husband doesn’t mind? Lucky you! I have to shave, I don’t like any odor, and I like to be smooth.
Lindsay, any tips on waxing? Natural waxing?
I’ve been sugaring forever! It’s all natural & less painful than waxing. Ive never made my own, I have my cosmetology license so I just buy it, but I’m sure you could make it!
Everyone in my family uses Dr. Bronners to wash with, but for my hubby and I it wasn’t cutting it for shaving. I have very sensitive skin on my legs and it just hurt! I did some research and found a couple recipes online for homemade shaving cream which are fantastic! I lost the link to the one that was the simplest otherwise I’d post it, sorry.
The no-poo/ACV combo worked for me for a little while, but my hair just got too dry. I’m currently using Giovanni shampoo and conditioner and have had it since just after Christmas and have only used maybe an inch of product out of the container because I don’t need to wash my hair more than once or twice a week. That’s the real way to economize, figure out how often you really HAVE to wash your hair and just do that. I also did some research on bocy lotions and lip balms and make my own of those. I think I figured out that even with buying a container for lip balm I only spent $1 and one recipe makes 5 containers. The only lip balms I can find for $1 are petroleum based, so that makes me very excited
.
Can you share the recipe for shaving cream?
I’m interested in how you use coconut oil as a hair gel. I have curly hair as well. Do you just rub some coconut oil in the palms of your hands and then scrunch? About how much do you use? My hair is prone to be greasy so I don’t want to use too much
Yes, I just apply about 1-2 tsp to my hands and work it through my hair and then scrunch. It is the same application process as I used with a commercial product. You can cut back or increase as needed.
If I apply this much, it looks like greaseball city. It looks shiny/slick/wet for several days. (My hair is nearly waist length and curly, for comparison on amounts.)
I need to color my hair – it is a dark brown. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to best do this naturally? Tips concerning the product(s)? Thanks!
Lindsay, I am so grateful for all your tips. I was looking for a natural shampoo recipe last year which is how I first came across your blog! I now use only diluted tea tree castile soap, and apple cider vinegar rinse. The only other products we use are an Adzuki Bean face wash/scrub that is so affordable to make. I just buy some adzuki (or azuki) beans in the bulk section at the market, and grind them into a powder in a coffee grinder. I store the powder in a jar in the bathroom, then you just mix a little bit of powder with a bit of water to make a paste. I use it to wash my face, and body, and it seriously makes my skin softer and healthier than anything I have ever used! It has also eliminated any occasional blemishes completely! I have very sensitive skin, and I highly recommend this method for everyone!
Thanks for sharing! Great ideas.
I bought a Keeper menstrual cup ten years ago while in college, and haven’t used a disposable product since (well, except after having my babies). The same cup is still going strong. It is much cleaner and more comfortable than disposables, saves money, decreases clutter in my bathroom, and helps the environment too!
I had to jump in here — cuz I definitely use coconut oil for everything — skin moisturizer, body lotion, etc. One of the best things I use in my bathroom is organic 100% aloe-vera gel. It makes a great shaving cream — for men and women and is a great tonifier and astringent for the face. Great for getting those small pores and lifting and toning the skin. Also great for burns and cuts of course — and After that, I use coconut oil on my face.
Don’t have any of those products here, either.
I thought about making a list of all the products I no longer use, but I’m already weird enough without broadcasting it!
I was wondering if you could either give me a link to a past post on coconut oil, or maybe write a future post on the variations in quality. I’ve never purchased coconut oil before, and as I’ve researched (including some I’ve read on your blog) there seems to be such a variance in what is available. What are the most important aspects to look for? How it is processed? Organic? Etc., etc. I know you are busy so I understand if you don’t have time. I do think this info would be of interest to a lot of people.
I have written many posts on coconut oil, but a basic synopsis on quality is this: cold-pressed unrefined virgin coconut oil will be best for cooking (as it preserves the most nutrients and least processed), whereas expeller pressed refined coconut oil is perfectly suitable for skin care usage. It has been more refined and processed therefore nutrients are lost, so it is not recommended for cooking. The “organic” label is a plus but not a necessity. If you stick with the recommended brands, you will get quality oil: Tropical Traditions, Mountain Rose Herbs, Nutivia. Hope that helps!
we have started looking around our house alot and trying to figure out what we do not need. i am giving up shaving cream, dH who has to shave daily refuses.
I no longer purchase shampoo or conditioner. I will only use baking soda/water when my Pantene shampoo runs out. For conditioner, ACV/water is great (my thick, curly hair requires a detangler).
I’m all about purging items that aren’t used. However, you say “get rid of X” but replace it with something else. That’s not really getting rid of anything…
That is not necessarily true because we simplify and use one product to accomplish multiply tasks.
I recently threw out a bunch of products that I used, but rarely, such as an exfoliating facial wash. When I felt the need for it again, I used brown sugar and olive oil. Worked pretty well for exfoliating, and didn’t add any items or products in my house.
Definitely going to try some of these……I do use soap for shaving already. I put olive oil on my hands when they are cracked and dry, and this always helps!
I’m a firm believer in coconut oil I use it for everything, including my go to oil of choice in the kitchen. You can mark tooth paste off you list as well if you simple mix a little coconut oil with a bit of baking soda and you ready to go. The oil keeps the baking soda from waring down the enamel and protects your gums and lips from the abrasiveness and drying properties of the baking soda. A plus is your lips will be much softer without even using coconut oil as a lip balm.
PS if you wax, as I do my upper lip, sometimes it can leave a sticky residue. A little coconut oil, wash as normal and ta da all gone.
I have found your shampoo recipe to be a great all around product. We use it as shampoo, body wash, and to shave. It is the best thing for shaving I have ever used, my husband also agrees. When using that shampoo, I don’t need conditioner. (Actually my hair will get to greasy with it, so I do a baking soda rinse a couple times a week.) This recipe works for everyone in my family, so I replaced about 6 bottles of products with one spray bottle of homemade shampoo/bodywash and a container of baking soda.
I have also cut out everything but the conditioner, however, as an alternative to shaving cream I use aloe. It works WONDERS! I have sensitive skin, and it has kept my legs and pits from getting razor-burn.
I use the shampoo recipe on your site as a face wash. So now I don’t have to buy face wash, then I use jojoba oil as a face moisturizer plus it removes any eye makeup!
I read a while back that plain ol’ witch hazel on a cotton ball worked very well as a makeup remover and was good for the skin, and I have been using it ever since…even on the days I don’t wear makeup.
I appreciate your blog so very much! Thank you for doing such a great job with it and for your diligence!
Hi!
I use olive oil or almond oil for shaving my legs, etc.- it is AWESOME!!!! My skin is nice and sleek afterward- I will never use anything else!
This is an interesting idea…Do you use it in the shower or not? I’d worry about getting the shower too slicked up…
Heather, I saw several of your comments about why you prefer shaving cream over soap, but… have you ever tried shaving with just water? Don’t call it crazy unless you give it a good try!
I keep my legs under the running shower, which wets the skin constantly and rinses the blade the entire time, making it glide better than any messy cream I ever tried. I sit down so that I don’t have to worry about balancing on one leg! It takes me less than 2 minutes to finish both legs and armpits. Usually just as I start shaving I plug the drain so there will be a little puddle of water to rinse the razor in if any hair builds up, which is minimal because it is mostly rinsed out by the showerfall. (The puddle also gives my feet a chance to soak those couple of minutes, which softens up rough heels). I started doing this several years ago and have not had any nicks for years! Another helpful thing I try to do at least once a week is just exfoliate my legs and feet really well with only a wet washcloth, to remove dead skin and also it makes it easier to shave the next time. It feels good to rub oil/cream on after drying, but I find that since I don’t use soap on my legs, they don’t really need moisturizer because they don’t get dried out by the soap or ashy at all anymore. You might try those things, good luck figuring out what works best for you!
My mom basically taught me to shave by either using soap and water or nothing but water….it works for her and has for years…Not so for me. Wish it were that easy for me!
heather
As for shaving cream, I just use water or sometimes bodywash, but my hubby uses it. He shaves w/out sometimes, but shaving cream for him really gets a closer shave, which is nicer!
Occasionally I’ve skipped conditioner, but my hair gets tangly. Does the acv really detangle? I may have to try.
For removing mascara, I’ve used castor oil or olive oil. Coconut sounds nice, too.
Does Karis take bubble baths? My daughter loves bubbles, though it’s one thing I would rather not have to buy. But my hubby buys it for her if I don’t, so I may as well! I was just wondering if you had a natural and/or frugal alternative to Mr. Bubble. Thanks!
We use Frontier’s Satin Soap (directly into running water) and it works.
A squirt of shampoo or even dish soap works just fine. My kids LOVE to take a “double bubble” bath: bubble bath and bubbles to blow.
I love this! I have been following your blog for the last month and also reading all your previous posts. Anyway, tonight for dinner I cooked with coconut oil and said to myself “I wonder what else I can do with this”. I did put some on my hands as I cooked and then I read this post. : )
I am learning so much! Thank you!
For me, I stopped using regular razors and shave cream and switched to Gillete Venus razor that has replaceable heads. It has a thick bar of lubricating gel on the top and bottom of the blade and I haven’t cut myself even once. After slitting my leg open with a regular razor and cream and leaving myself a nasty scar on my ankle I changed and love it… plus less waste with replaceable cartridges!
Has anyone else just stopped shaving? I have very little hair on my legs, so perhaps it is not as big of a concern for me, however I am just always thinking this is how God made us, what is wrong with a little hair? And as for all those men who don’t want to give up their shaving cream, God made them with hair on their faces too. Beards are handsome! And much less work to maintain than daily shaving. Plus they are not scratchy once they grow beyond the stubble stage.
Doesn’t work for me! My skin is so easily irritated that the Gilette venus improved the shaving experience some but I still have to use some cream or ? with it to help not to injure myself too badly :0
Love, love, LOVE your blog! Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips! I especially appreciate the one about shaving cream.
I wanted to tell you about a website that I think you might find interesting, (given what you discuss on your blog). http://www.househoncho.com
That website, in addition to your blog, are two of the most helpful resources I use. Thank you!
I love shaving with a bar of soap. I hardly ever get cut. I’ll admit to using conditioner, but I’ve been thinking about the no poo/baking soda method, I’m just a little nervous about making such a big change!
I just bought some coconut oil to try, and if I like it, I’ll probably order a larger amount if I like it, which I probably will!
I’ve been ‘no poo’ing’ for a couple of weeks now. You should try it over a weekend and see if you like the results.
I used the same coconut oil recipe for several months and then I got a rash. Such a bummer-I think it was a yeast infection. I now use Aubrey Organics Mens pine deodorant-works great. I use coconut oil as a skin moisturizer on my legs and face-works great.
Jana
Where do you find coconut oil? I recently skimmed the shelves of a local healthy & wellness store but didn’t really know where to look. Any advice?
Does it come in more than one form (solid vs. liquid)? I notice you use it for several different purposes. Also, in the past you’ve said you moisturize with it. Would you discourage someone with fairly oily skin from using it?
I’m very interested in trying it. Just doing a little more research.
Thanks!
I buy my coconut oil through Mountain Rose Herbs and absolutely love it! You can also find it through Vitacost.com, Azure Standard, and even Amazon. Yes, I often use it as a moisturizer/lotion as well. Just a little dab will do you again. It soaks into the skin very quickly and does not leave any shiny look or feel. It only comes in solid form because it solidifies at 76 degrees. Hope that helps!
Great post – your bathroom/beauty tips have really helped me simplify my life in the past 18 months. I recently started a natural beauty business, and it’s so funny – my inventory is very small because I think we can all do just fine with as few beauty products as possible. I have also featured your deodorant on both my blogs, and always steer my readers your way when they ask about it. It’s the best natural deodorant I’ve ever tried!
Thanks!
YW
well, gee I already got rid of most of those for myself
Just wanted to add, on the conditioner, my hair is really long and sometimes I like to use a “real conditioner” besides just the ACV. I have found though but cutting way back and using less and only using it maybe once a week – it has greatly cut back on how often I need to buy it so it makes it more affordable. Might be a good compromise if you don’t want to get rid of it all together.
I do not have any coconut oil, and am not sure of any place to buy it locally. But, I have been using a small amount of olive oil as my night time face lotion, and it helps remove eye makeup for the rare occasions that I wear it. I use sunscreen during the day.
we dont use aftershave or make up remover. not sure I can get rid of the first two…
Great tips. A question, though. The coconut oil we use for cooking (cold pressed organic extra virgin) is awfully pricey. Do you buy separate oil for cosmetic applications?
I don’t personally for simplicity sake and because I buy 5 gallons of coconut oil at a time and receive a significant discount, but you can use expeller pressed coconut oil and save money there.
Where do you get 5 gallons of coconut oil?
I buy 5 gallons from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Good tips!
Do you have a suggestion for the air freshener in the bathroom? Not to give you TMI… but it would be nice if I could give my husband something to use that was not so chemically… you know?
Candles? Beeswax candles are especially delightful and natural.
Not sure where you can pick them up anymore… but growing up, my parents would just like a match and let it burn out, and toss it in the toilet.
It worked!
In addition to candles, a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle with water is a great air and fabric freshener. I cannot believe how much febreez I used to use years ago! It works for the bathroom, and the whole house.
Also, just lighting a match in the bathroom will burn up the sour smell.
Good tips! Another alternative to makeup remover, especially for eye makeup, is baby shampoo. This was recommended to me by an opthamologist after an eye infection. I have heard, though, that some baby shampoos have unhealthy chemicals (can’t remember what, sorry) in them, so I use Burt’s Bees. This is also the only baby shampoo that is not too dry for my child’s hair.
Interesting idea. Thanks for sharing! I don’t use baby shampoo personally. We all just use the same thing to simplify it.
Hi Lindsay,
What have you added to the apple cider vinegar to remove the vinegar smell?
I use hair conditioner occasionally. Sometimes I add a little tea tree oil to my shampoo and that seems to help.
I’ve added fresh lemon juice to it and it seems to help.
I find just rinsing well and using slightly colder water then you might otherwise does great. I can still smell a little right when I get out, but once my hair is dry the smell is totally gone.
I put my apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle that use to have patchouli essential oil in it…and it smelled horrible! Definitely dont use patchouli to scent it, lol… I find that just doing a little extra rinsing gets the smells out, and make sure that the ACV is diluted in the spray bottle. If there is ever a smell when I get out I put essential oil in my hair and it covers it up.
Actually, I used ACV for years, and while it smells when the hair is wet, if you rinse really really well, you don’t smell a thing once your hair is dry.
I haven’t bought shaving cream in who knows how long! I typically only use bar soap and have used ACV many a time for my hair. But, I cannot give up my cold cream (make up remover). I’m sure I could, but I really love it.
As for me, I have eliminated face wash, shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower. Right now, I only use Dr. Bronner’s lavender liquid soap for all three and it suits me wonderfully. I can pour a little in my hands, lather up, and be out of the shower in no time.
Though around the sink, I do have a bottle of Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Face wash, which works nicely for me.
I also use soap or conditioner to shave. I use a shampoo bar and solid conditioner rather than bottled stuff to reduce packaging. I need to try the apple cider vinegar idea. I am in love with the idea of reducing the items I use. As far as makeup remover, I just barely wear makeup, so no worries there. Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to read the linked posts as well.
I’m so glad you mentioned the thing about coconut oil as an eye-makeup remover. I’ve been using petroleum jelly for years, but I kept wondering if there was a better alternative to getting that stubborn mascara off. Thanks for the answer!
About the conditioner, my hair is SO dry and coarse that if I don’t use it, it looks (and feels) AWFUL. You think the coconut oil will really work for me? I guess I’ll have to try it…
Try the oil and see how your hair likes it. Mine does get too greasy for me BUT ACV works great. Surprised me at first.
Also, I use conditioner maybe once a week and am finding it works fine that way. I also use maybe half what I used to and only apply it below my neckline to the bottom of my hair. The top doesn’t really need it, so I just use it on the bottom half. Might be a good compromise as you experiment in reducing your use!
This last year I gave up conditioner, and felt lost and hopeless the first few weeks without it. My hair is also very coarse, and use to be dry as well… I feel like the coconut oil works well for styling hair (like defrizzing and such), but I really dont use it much for my hair. I would reccommend doing a henna hair treatment (and yes they have henna that wont dye your hair) to help tame your hair. It’s worked wonders for me, and makes my hair super shiney. I use Light Mountain Natural henna, it comes with gloves and directions, and it very good quality. http://www.lotuspress.com/ltmtn.htm for more information…
I also switch to a shampoo bar of soap, and it’s really helped improve my hair in just a few months. I get my shampoo bars from http://www.thecleanhippie.com if you’re interested. They offer two shampoo bars…”A Wee Bit Nutty” which I think makes my hair nice and curly, and their “Hemp Merry Mint” which makes my hair soft and relaxed. I just rub it in my scalp and use apple dider vinegar to rinse it out. Now I have almost no frustration with my hair at all…and I never use conditioner! Oh yes, and I only wash my hair a few times a week..that helps a lot too.
Yes, use ACV or plain vinegar… My hair is dry and coarse if I don’t use conditioner, but using vinegar is wonderful!!! I have not used any conditioner now for a long time, and don’t miss it. Give it a try, you might be pleasantly surprised.
I’ve lived happily without shaving cream, conditioner, make-up remover, even shampoo, foundation, parfume (though I did get a lovely oil-based solid natural one: yum!), drug store deodorant (I use salt crystal, I see you use an alternative too!), and plenty of other stuff! Great post!
great list. I have never had make-up remover or shaving gel either. I love my bar soap!
You have talked so much in the past about coconut oil, and after this post, I am just going to have to try it for myself next time we go to our co-op!
Sarah M
The only tip I disagree with (at least for me) is shaving cream. I saw a big difference when I started using shaving cream instead of the soap and water method my mother taught me (and continues to use no problem…she can even shave without soap without cutting herself). My mother does not have sensitive skin like me. I would get razor burn and bumps and cuts every time I shaved until I started to use shaving cream. Shaving is still not fun for me but it does hurt less than it did with soap and water. I guess the bottom line is that it depends on people’s skin type. I wish I could up with some homemade cheaper alternative that would work as well so if you hear of something please pass it on to me
Maybe you should try a different kind of soap. I have very sensitive skin as well as my husband, and we have had great success with Dr Bronners.
I didn’t like shaving at all with soap either until I started using the handmade soaps (made from coconut oil, olive oil etc.), they work really well for me. Normal soap from the store is a very different product then handmade or Dr. Bronners.
hmmm…I don’t know that it was the problem b/c I have always had to use sensitive skin type of soap. It was the way that the cream (and I’ve used more organic brands as well as the drugstore brands) provides my skin with protection from the razor and glides differently than with plain soap…
I agree with Lindsey that another kind of soap may help you. I started using a handmade Shea butter soap from a local shop (The Little Soapmaker – also available on-line) this winter and it is the best thing I have ever used shaving (better than other soap or shaving creams for me). I also have sensitive skin.
I’ll have to try to find some shea butter soap and see if I see a difference…I hate the pain (literally) of shaving!
I’m with Heather.
I also have sensitive skin. I’ve tried a variety of shaving (and other hair removal) methods. The only thing that works is shaving with shaving cream. Not the wussy ladies’ kind either- the thick lathered men’s shaving cream.
Since I get the no-name brand, it is quite cheap (about 2 bucks). Using bar soap instead wouldn’t reduce my costs or number of products because I don’t use bar soap. I would just be switching one thing for the other. (And from what I’ve seen, specialty “handmade” or “all-natural” soaps are not that cheap)
So, I’m sticking to my shaving cream. If it works for other people though, that’s great.
Also, I’ve seen studies where they found that bar soaps were unhygienic because they collected bacteria. (When you wash, the dirt transfers onto the bar soap and bacteria breed. The soap ends up being a petri dish for bacteria, including e.coli)
Have you found a way around that problem? Just wondering.
I agree with you 100%. I don’t have sensitive skin, I have insanely dry skin. The shaving cream doesn’t prevent me from cutting myself (I still manage that plenty) but it keeps me from getting razor burn. Without it I end up with so much of my legs having razor burn that it’s more efficient to count the spots that AREN’T razor burned. I think this tip is great if you aren’t prone to getting razor burn. My mother and husband do just fine using soap, my brother and I… not so much. I’ve been looking for an alternative forever… no luck so far.
I USE BAKING SODA TO WASH MY HANDS (as well as the common use of brushing teeth) …Every winter my hands used to get very chapped and cracked because I had to wash and dry them so frequently after changing diapers and various other dirty work. One day after brushing my teeth with baking soda and noticing how clean my mouth felt, I thought about the potential of using it to clean my hands. I scrubbed a little baking soda and water into my hands instead of using soap. Ever since then, my hands have not chapped, and I don’t have to put lotion on after washing my hands any longer. I feel like my skin’s natural balance has been restored on my hands. I always heard that it was better to not use anti-bacterial soaps because they get all the good bacteria off our skin along with the bad, but now I rarely use any hand soaps at all. I don’t feel there are worriesome amounts of germs left behind after washing with baking soda, in fact, I am more likely to wash longer and better with baking soda because I don’t have to worry that it will irritate my skin like so many soaps have. (My skin irritates easily-I have even realized that it is better for me to shave my legs with only water… what I used to think was razor burn was actually irritation from soaps and shaving creams) I also find that even after handling onions and garlic, baking soda cleans the odorous residues off my hands with no problem. I’m looking forward to testing out the no-shampoo method of washing my hair with baking soda.
Interesting – I will have to try!
I love this idea!
I’ve been really hesitent to switch to baking soda for brushing my teeth. One reason is that it tastes salty and I hate that. The other reason is I’m uncertain about the effect that it will have on my teeth as far as gum health and cavities go.
However, Before I was swimming in a chlorinated pool almost every day, I did do the washing my hair with backing soda. It seemed to work really well. Now my hair just can’t handle it because the chlorine strips it. Maybe if I did coconut oil too?
I had heard baking soda could wear away at tooth enamel if used as powder form. I always soften it first by dizzolving it in a little water or sometimes I just stir some into my cup of water and keep dipping the toothbrush in the cup as I brush my teeth. It works really great for me and gets rid of mouth odors really well. I banned fluoride from our house after learning it is a neurotoxin. (search Dr Phyllis Mullinex if interested) I also think using baking soda makes me brush better, because unlike flavored toothpaste, it’s not just masking mouth smells. I have to keep brushing until my mouth feels completely clean, whereas with toothpaste many of us probably brush just until the mouth ‘tastes’ clean.
Coconut oil actually works well in place of shaving cream too. Helps prevent some of the nicks anyway..
I must be right on track. I don’t have any of those 4 items in my bathroom. I have made my own deodorant and am still trying to decide if I like it or not. Somethings though it’s hard to change because the rest of the family likes them.
Good information, and a good reminder. thanks for sharing this today.
Very interesting about using coconut oil for a make-up remover. I would have never thought of that, and although I use it, I really don’t like the way eye make-up remover always gets in my eyes and when I put my contacts in, I feel like a film is covering them.
Thanks for the idea!