Clean Skincare That Actually Works
With so many brands green-washing our shelves with claims like, ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ we have dived deep into ingredients lists and third party lab testing results to find truly non-toxic and clean skincare for our families. Lucky for us, Gryph + Ivyrose, Evereden + Kate McLeod tick all the right boxes and pass The Tot Test with flying colors!
When it comes to finding clean, non-toxic and eco-friendly skincare (that actually works), the struggle can be very real.
While many certifying bodies have banned the use of harmful chemicals, we are still seeing some not-so-great ingredients lurking on labels more often than not. This is extra frustrating because a lot of the brands claim to be ‘natural,’ ‘safe’ and ‘non-toxic.’
We know that it can feel overwhelming to try to avoid this, that and every other chemical under the sun. We know just how clever brands are when they come to greenwashing. We know how frustrating it is when you find a non-toxic product, but it doesn’t work. We also know that truly clean and non-toxic skincare should be accessible.
These are the chemicals you should 100% be avoiding in skincare.
- Parabens – Often used as a skincare preservative, these are known hormone disrupters, carcinogens, and skin irritants. When reading an ingredients list, make sure there isn’t anything with ‘paraben’ on the end such as methylparaben, ethlyparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, or isopropylparaben. But beware: sometimes a company will shorten the word to just methyl, ethyl or propyl!
- Petrochemicals – The problem with petrochemicals is that they can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, which is a volatile organic compound known to cause cancer, irritation and damage to your central nervous system. These include ingredients like parfum, fragrance, parafin wax, butyl alcohol, butylparaben, butylene glycol, mineral oil, toluene, benzene, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as well as ethanolamine and dietanolamine.
- Phthalates – Phthalates are used as a plasticizer and are found in nail polish, hair spray, perfumes, lotions, soaps, shampoos and more. As known endocrine disruptors associated with liver and kidney lesions and increasing your risk of certain cancers, they may exacerbate asthma and allergies in children. You will find this on an ingredients list as diethylphthalate (DEP), dibutylphthalates (DBP), diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) or dimethylphthalate (DMP).
- Synthetic Dyes + Colorants – Many synthetic dyes and colorants can contain heavy metals that cause skin irritation and organ toxicity. Be sure to avoid FD&C (Food, Drugs and Cosmetics) and D&C (Drugs & Cosmetics) dyes and pigments such as Yellow No 5 and No 6, Red No 3, Blue No 1 and No 2, as well as Green No 3 and S.
- SLS, SLES + ALS – These sulfates are commonly found in shampoos and soaps as foaming agents. They can heavily irritate the skin and cause your body to overcompensate by creating an excessive amount of oil. Look out for and avoid sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium laurel sulfate.
At The Tot, we have a Green Living Expert review every single product we put on our website. She doesn’t just read ingredients lists, she checks the company’s test results and ensures that the products they’re selling are truly safe to use on our family’s skin.
Recently, we had her look at Gryph + Ivyrose, Evereden and Kate McLeod. Once they passed The Tot Test, we started using them and are blown away by how wonderful they are. There truly isn’t any sacrifice when it comes to non-toxic personal care thanks to these brands.
All made in the USA, these brands share a focus on sustainability and using natural ingredients holistically. From packaging to sourcing non-GMO ingredients, Gryph + Ivyrose, Evereden and Kate Mcleod are giving us the options we’ve desperately wanted and needed. Check out our favorite picks below!
Non-toxic Skincare For Mamas
Consisting of a healing balm, stretch mark cream and firming lotion, this fragrance free set is a must-have for expecting and new mamas. Made in the USA and approved by the National Eczema Association, it works wonders on cracked nipples, thirsty skin, growing (or shrinking) bellies and dry lips.
Evereden Mama Collection
$95
Gryph + Ivyrose Seal the Deal Moisturizing Balm
Gryph + Ivyrose’s Seal the Deal Moisturizing Balm is great for both mamas and babies. Offering relief from dry or cracked skin, it also helps form a protective barrier. We love it for stretch marks, red cheeks and dry itchy winter skin.
Gryph + Ivyrose Seal the Deal Moisturizing Balm
$49
Packaged in a reusable bamboo box and linen bag, the Kate McLeod Mama Stone is a lotion bar that melts when rubbed on your skin. Incredibly hydrating, each stone is made by hand in Brooklyn from only five ingredients.
Kate McLeod Mama Stone
$45
Skincare for Babies + Kids
Gryph + Ivyrose That’s A Wrap Body Wash
Made in the USA, ingredients like Tremella Mushroom, Wild Chrysanthemum and Irish Moss well help wash the day off of both you and your baby!
Gryph + Ivyrose That’s A Wrap Body Wash
$29
Free of sulfates and artificial dyes, Evereden’s Best Sellers Duo will keep your tot clean from head to toe! Approved by dermatologists and great for sensitive skin, they’re a must-have for baby bath time.
Evereden Best Sellers Duo
$29
Gryph + Ivyrose Newborn Essentials
All of your bases will be covered with the Gryph + Ivyrose Newborn Essentials Set. Includes: body wash, a shampoo and conditioning duo and body oil.
Gryph + Ivyrose Newborn Essentials
$87
Diaper rash doesn’t have to disrupt your tot’s life thanks to Evereden’s Soothing Diaper Rash Cream. Combined with their best sellers duo, these three amigos will be your besties!
Evereden Baby Bundle
$42
Evereden Essentials Collection
Everden’s Essential Collections takes it a step further by including non-toxic sunscreen and insanely nourishing baby massage oil. This pack is a fantastic baby shower gift!
Evereden Essentials Collection
$55
Featuring a shampoo and conditioner duo, bubble bath, body wash and a body oil, the Gryph + Ivyrose Bath Set is another baby shower gift winner! Beautifully packaged, it’s also non-toxic and simply divine.
Gryph + Ivyrose Bath Set
$111
Continue exploring
- Have you been finding stretch marks in strange places? You’re not alone! Here’s what you can do about those badges of honor!
- Thinking about having a Home Birth? Here are 7 Questions To Ask Yourself First.