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Ethical living

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Original poster

Cruelty Free toiletries and household products

32 replies

Carrotsandcelery · 27/03/2011 10:40

I am trying to switch to all cruelty free toiletries and household products. Can any of you tell me which are the good ones - otherwise it is going to take a long time to figure out what is worth buying and what is not.

I have found a deodorant that actually works better for me than my previous one - I have started using the co-ops own brand roll on for sensitive skin. It takes a while to dry but I don't smell, not even at the end of a long day, so it does work! Grin

Has anyone else tried and tested a cruelty free product that they liked?

OP posts:
Petalouda · 27/03/2011 12:56

anything made by Lush is awesome! I really like their aromarant deodarant, the solid shampoo bars are fantastic for travelling, moisturisers and colour supplements are brilliant too. Some bits can seem a bit expensive, but they usually last a good long time.

Although for day-to-day hair products I'm currently into Naked.

Regarding household products, I use a bit of a mixture, the supermarket own brand versions of ecover are usually sufficient for us, although I've just bought some of that fairy gel stuff for washable nappies (if/when our first born finally puts in an appearance!)

Petalouda · 27/03/2011 12:57

Oh, and you can get the Naked stuff in boots (even here in the sticks!)

Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 27/03/2011 16:49

Petalouda I can't find any evidence that the Ecover or Fairy brands are cruelty free. I would be delighted if someone could give me some as that would be a solution for us.

OP posts:
MissFoodie · 27/03/2011 18:21

Petalouda: Lush products contain parabens, so be aware.
I review natural skincare products (free of mineral oil, silicones or parabens) with items from £7 to £80, and have just done a feature on children's products. I'm preparing one on household products too, can let you know when it's ready?
In the meantime, I think Method are not tested on animals, non toxic and smell fab.
Re deodorant, have you tried a crystal rock? they take a while to get used to but they really work: you must wet the rock before applying it though, otherwise it won't work!
for details of natural skincare products see yumetc.blogspot.com

Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 27/03/2011 18:41

Thanks MissFoodie - I am off to google Method. Please do let me know when your feature is ready as well.
I have never tried a crystal rock - I am off to have a look at that too. Grin

OP posts:
MissFoodie · 27/03/2011 19:43

the crystal rock they sell in whole foods, waitrose, JL and online, its really cheap, like £5 and lasts almost a year!
re household, am going to be reviewing method, ecover, mrs white and some supermarket own brands.
re skincare, check out my features, am sure you'll find something! :)
ps re method, ocado had a 3 for 2 offer on this brand not long ago....the all purpose cleanser and the bathroom spray are FANTASTIC and smell great! plus non toxic, biodegradable and not tested on animals!

Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 27/03/2011 20:49

Is Ecover tested on animals?
Sadly we don't have a waitrose or ocado around here (Scotland!!) but I have heard of people using Method so it must be around somewhere and it does seem to tick all my boxes.
Thanks MissFoodie!

OP posts:
MissFoodie · 28/03/2011 11:28

Ecover is not tested on animals, no.
Did you find deodorant?
Am going to be reviewing the following: Method, Ecover, Bentley Organics and Mrs White,
will keep you posted!
Have just published feature on natural skincare for children :)

covkimbo · 28/03/2011 12:51

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Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 28/03/2011 14:23

At the risk of becoming repetitive are the Naked products tested on animals? Everything I look up seems to advertise that it is natural and eco friendly but not mention animals, even though it seems lots are cruelty free. I am so Confused

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Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 28/03/2011 14:26

Ecover and Naked are not on my BUAV list. Does this mean there are products which are cruelty free which the BUAV doesn't list?

OP posts:
MissFoodie · 28/03/2011 15:10

don't know that list, but Ecover states their products are not tested on animals, no

MissFoodie · 28/03/2011 15:13

btw that database is out of date, I've just searched for a couple of v well known brands that are not tested on animals and they're not on there!

Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 28/03/2011 18:33

Thanks MissFoodie - do you know of a database that is more reliable? I couldn't find the info on the product websites. I am so rubbish at this Blush

OP posts:
MissFoodie · 28/03/2011 21:01

Ecover has a section called FAQ that details animal testing, Method does too - am not sure what it's called, but what's the website with the rabbit logo????

Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 28/03/2011 21:03

The BUAV has a leaping rabbit logo. I must be losing my marbles as I looked all over the Ecover website and couldn't find it. I am relieved it is there as I have quite a few Ecover products.

OP posts:
Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 28/03/2011 21:05

I am such a muppet. I looked again and found a different website and it was top of the list! Shock

OP posts:
raspberryshake · 28/03/2011 21:06

Try Neal's Yard Remedies Organic... No parabens, no nasties, no animal testing... All natural! You can order online too!

MissFoodie · 28/03/2011 21:10

NYR are good, however, they use sunflower oil (albeit organic) in a lot of their products which can be quite heavy and cause spots for some people - sorry am a bit of cosmetic geek Blush

upyourdiva · 29/03/2011 16:01

The Gamrie Goat - I love, love, love their products and you get free samples on request.

I use the honey and goats milk soap bar (yum) and the shampoo bar is quite good for mine and DS' hair.

Their creams are also gorgeous a little pricey but fab!

Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 29/03/2011 22:12

upyourdiva that is practically on my doorstep - thank you. Dh has very troubled skin too so it may be just the thing for him.

OP posts:
upyourdiva · 30/03/2011 09:54

Carrots - it's near(ish) me too :o

I was advised by someone on here about them because I was looking for something that would'nt break my and DS' eczema out which everything else seems to, so it should be okay for you.

The lady is lovely and even puts in a little handwritten note with your order (daft I know but I think it makes it that bit nicer :)) and she has an RSPCA award for how well looked after her goats which is a bonus IMO!

Original poster
Carrotsandcelery · 30/03/2011 09:59

RSPCA approval is a bonus IMO too. These things matter. I am going to send her an envelope and see if she can send me a wee sample for dh and my ds. Thank you - you may have solved a very tricky problem. Grin

OP posts:
ohappydays · 11/05/2011 22:58

The following books have many items that are cruelty free, fair trade etc

The Green Beauty Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Being Naturally Gorgeous
Look Great Naturally...Without Ditching the Lipstick by Janey Lee Grace

MissFoodie · 12/05/2011 14:02

those books are not bad, but you still need to watch out for the ingredients listed in some products featured -

i've almost finished the feature on eco cleaning products, will post link as soon as it's ready!

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