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Body cleansers
Choose natural bar soap
A Wild Soap Bar Wildling Organics
The Wildling Organics line of bar soaps from A Wild Soap Bar is comprised of three soaps made with certified organic essential oils: Leaf, Bark, and Bloom. A portion of the profits from sales of the line is donated to the Organic Consumers Association.Burt's Bees Peppermint Shower Soap
After using this invigorating peppermint oil-based soap from Burt's Bees, you'll be left abuzz with pampered, squeaky clean skin. Along with its titular cleansing oil, the soap contains exfoliating ground almonds and soothing calendula and comfrey.Kiss My Face Olive Bar Soaps
Render your skin totally kissable with these olive oil-based bar soaps. Like other KMF goodies for bath and body, these moisturizing and cleansing soaps are free of animal products, artificial colors, and harmful chems.LUSH soaps
This sweet-smelling UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath offers a line of solid bar (okay, chunk) soaps made from fresh organic fruits and vegetables, essential oils, and alluring extras like seaweed, clay, and honey.method Natural Moisturizing Body Bars
These three method body bars—Almond Flower, White Tea, and Olive Leaf—are made from olive oil, coconut and palm oils, aloe vera gel, and shea butter with none of that bad stuff (parabens, EDTA, animal byproducts, and "testing on rubber duckies.")Origins Organics Cleansing Body Bar
Origins—a beauty company that's always erred on the natural side of things with strong commitments to the environment and the use of non-synthetics—takes it up a notch with the Origins Organics line. Claiming that "you are what your skin eats," the company's Cleansing Body Bar contains 90 percent certified organic ingredients.Pacifica Soap
Give your lather an exotic eco-edge with Pacifica's line of handmade soaps. All—there are many to pick and choose from ranging from Tunisian Jasmine to Thai Lemongrass—boast a biodegradable, vegetable glycerin base and contain no artificial fragrances or colors.Pangea Organics soap
From Pangea Organics—purveyor of "Ecocentric Bodycare"—comes several organic essential oil-based cold process bar soaps, the result of "soulful saponification": choose from soothing Oatmeal with Italian Bergamot, refreshing Indian Lemongrass with Rosemary, and seven other varieties.Sappo Hill Creme Soaps
Direct from Ashland, Oregon, comes Sappo Hill Soapworks, a company specializing in small-match soaps made from palm and coconut oils (in lieu of animal fats) and glycerin.skinnyskinny bar soaps
Brooklyn-based and carbon-neutral skinnyskinny has a bar soap for all occasions: the Rosemary and Mint bar for bouts of dry skin, Coriander and Lemon for post-gardening, Basil and Mint for shaving, and many more, including Chocolate for, well, dessert.The Blue Ridge Soap Shed Eco Bar Soap
The Blue Ridge Soap Shed, a North Carolina-based purveyor of soaps made the traditional way, crafts (from scratch, naturally) this 100 percent olive oil soap for crusty nature boys and girls who want to bathe in freshwater streams without impacting the environment.Tom's of Maine Natural Clear Body Bar
Trusted purveyor of eco-friendly personal care items, Toms of Maine presents a vegetable-based and cruelty-free bar soap that is scented with chamomile flowers and lavender oil. Also available are deodorant and moisturizing body bars.Weleda bar soaps
Weleda's gently lathering soaps—available in Rose, Calendula, Rosemary, and Iris—gently cleanse and moisturize the skin with the aid of organic plant oils and organic and biodynamic plants extracts, as well as natural essential oils.
Make your own soap
Making Candles & Soaps For Dummies by Kelly Ewing
Consider this title in the popular For Dummies series "everything you always wanted to know about candle and soapmaking but were afraid to ask." This guide covers melt and pour soap-making techniques and features information on how to transform your sudsy hobby into a money-making business.Smart Soapmaking by Anne L. Watson
Despite its rather daunting full title—Smart Soapmaking: The Simple Guide to Making Traditional Handmade Soap Quickly, Safely, and Reliably, or How to Make Luxurious Handcrafted Soaps for Family, Friends, and Yourself—this book is full of concise, insightful instruction and information for soapmakers both starting-out and seasoned.The Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavitch
Go wild over saponification? This soapmaker's bible is requisite reading for those both experienced and just exploring the craft. A wealth of information is presented along with illustrations for more visual learners.
Use an eco-friendly bath sponge or loofah
3R Living Large Sea Sponge
Those who have never had the pleasure of hosting a sea sponge in your bathroom, this one's for you: this large (5.5 inches) sea sponge was harvested in the sponge capitol of the world, Tarpon Springs, Florida, and is ideal for cleansing with a rich, soapy lather.EcoChoices Natural Loofah Bath & Body Scrubber
Perfect for bath-weary tykes, these skin-exfoliating and polishing scrubbers are available in five shapes/colors: Purple Star, Yellow Bear, Pink Cat, Yellow Bunny, and Blue Flower.Ecolution Hemp Back Scrubber
Unless you have a permanent showermate or are remarkably limber, cleaning and exfolitating your back isn't the easiest task. This made-in-Romania hemp back scrubber makes this tricky job effortless and fun.EcoTools Bamboo and Loofah Bath Brush
Looking for the chance to make that scrub-down a little more earth-friendly? Try out this gently cleansing and exfoliating loofah bath brush attached to a long bamboo handle. Brought to you by the good green folks at EcoTools.EcoTools Bamboo Bath Sponge
Incorporate bamboo into bath time with this gently cleansing sponge made with low-impact bamboo fiber. Just lather with the soap or body wash of your choice and go to work...Loofah Art Natural Loofah Bath and Body Scrubbers
Naturally grown and processed, these fun and effective scrubbers are colored with 100 percent natural dyes and are biodegradable. The resilient loofah fibers are strong and pliable, but also soft and gentle on the skin.The Body Shop Hemp Body Mitt
Go to town with this circulation-stimulating hemp body mitt for the bath and shower. The Body Shop is against animal testing and supports community trade and Farm Aid. Read up on the company's eco- and ethical campaigns here.
Choose natural body wash
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Bath & Shower Gels
Dreading that morning shower? Alba Botanica's line of bath and shower gels will have you turning on the tap with green glee. Choose from Sparkling Mint, Honey Mango, Island Citrus, French Lavender, and Midnight Tuberose. All gently clean, nourish, and sooth with natural emollients.Burt's Bees Citrus & Ginger Root Body Wash
After using this invigorating citrus oil and ginger root extract-based body wash from Burt's Bees, you'll be left abuzz with clean, moisturized skin. Addicted? Check out the rest of BB's body products and read up on the green ethos of this popular body and skincare brand.Dr. Hauschka body washes
From the good doctor (Dr. Hauschka, that is) comes three gently cleansing and moisturizing soap-free body washes: Blackthorn Body Wash, Lemon Body Wash, and Rose Body Wash.JASON Satin Shower Body Washes
Wash time becomes a thrilling, guilt-free affair when you use these cleansing and moisturizing body washes for shower and bath—Tea Tree, Apricot, Lavender, Glycerin & Rosewater, Cranberry, and Fragrance-free—from JASON, a vanguard in the natural personal care scene since 1959.Jurlique shower gels
Green beauty junkies in the know can't get enough of Jurlique, an Australian skin, hair, and body care line with serious eco-cred and roots in biodynamic farming. The company's soothing and hydrating shower gels are available in Rose, Citrus, and Lavender.Korres Showergels
These cleansing and moisturizing showergels from coveted Greek natural beauty line Korres are free of mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol, and ethanolamine. So what do they contain? Wash your worries away with Active Aloe, various vitamins, zinc, and more.LUSH shower gels
This sweet-smelling UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath offers several shower gels full of potent essential oils, fresh organic fruit, and herbal infusions: Flying Fox, Tramp, Happy Hippy, Slammer, and more.Pangea Organics shower gels
From Pangea Organics—purveyor of "Ecocentric Bodycare"—comes six supercharged shower gels that are free of detergents, synthetic preservatives, and sulfites.Weleda Creamy Body Washes
Weleda is an eco-conscious beauty company that sources fair trade ingredients from around the globe and cultivates its own organic and biodynamic botanicals at production facilities in Germany, France, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, and New Zealand. Weleda's Creamy Body Washes cleanse and moisturize the skin with the aid of vegetable-based cleansers.
Choose natural body scrubs
Carol's Daughter body scrubs
Lisa Price's Brooklyn-based Carol's Daughter serves up a loving dose of "Beauty by Nature" with a complete line of beauty and skin care products that are handmade and cruelty- and synthetic preservative-free. Choose from several sea salt-based body scrubs including Ecstasy, Mango Melange, Almond Cookie, Jamaican Punch, and more.JASON body scrubs
Wash time becomes a thrilling, guilt-free affair when you use these gently exfoliating body scrubs—Clarifying Tea Tree, Nourishing Cocoa Butter, Soothing Aloe Vera, and Calming Lavender—from JASON, a vanguard in the natural personal care scene since 1959.Kiss My Face Sudz Organic Rough Seas Shower Gel & Body Scrub
Render your skin totally kissable with this exfoliating body cleanser. Ingredients include a heady brew of aloe vera, lemon extract, hibiscus water, and various organic botanicals and essential oils.Korres Watermelon Body Scrub
This body scrub from coveted Greek natural beauty line Korres is free of mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol, and ethanolamine. So what does it contain? Treat your skin to watermelon extract, bamboo and jojoba grains, and minerals to hydrate, soften, and cleanse the skin while improving microcirculation.L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub
With this exfoliating sea salt and essential oil-based body scrub from L'Occitane—an all-natural Provence-based beauty line with a rapid cult following worldwide—you can slough away dry, dead skin while improving circulation and rendering skin clean, smooth, and baby soft.LUSH Gumback Express
Does your epidermis fancy bananas? LUSH, the sweet-smelling, UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath, offers a cleansing body scrub that's, well, good enough to eat. Gumback Express is comprised of natural and/or organic and safe synthetic ingredients that include fresh bananas, ground almond shells, and apricot oil.Molton Brown body scrubs
Founded in 1973, this British company has garnered a worldwide following thanks to its lux products boasting natural ingredients. MB offers three body scrubs: the Celestial Maracuja Sugar Polish, the Warming Eucalyptus & Ginger Body Scrub, and the Bracing Silverbirch Body Scrub.Mountain Girl Organics Gimme Some Sugar body scrubs
These two body scrubs—Limeade and Peppermint & Cocoa—from Colorado-based Mountain Girl Organics exfoliate with organic cane sugar and essential oils. All MGO products are handcrafted in small batches and are free of animal products and synthetics.Trillium Organics Organic Body Polish
Forget all those individual targeted treatments taking up valuable real estate in your shower. This 96 percent Certified Organic, 100 percent natural body polish from Trillum Organics cleans, exfoliates, moisturizes, and protects the skin.
Choose an eco-friendly bubble bath
Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Foam Baths
What to do after reading Aura Cacia's earth-forward philosophy? Try running warm water, adding in one of these aromatheraputic foaming baths, and unwinding with ease. Choose from Lavender, Ginger/Mint, Tangerine/Grapefruit, Cinnamon/Ylang Ylang, and Patchouli/Sweet Orange.Burt's Bees Vitamin E Body & Bath Oil
After using this nourishing vitamin E-based bath and body oil from Burt's Bees, you'll be left abuzz with pampered, smooth skin. Also containing lemon, wheat germ, and sweet almond oils, this skin savior can be added to warm bathwater or applied directly to damp skin.California Baby Aromatherapy Bubble Baths
Although this line of eight bubble baths—from Overtired & Cranky to Light & Happy—are designed for wee ones, they also boast a steady fan base of bath-loving grownups. They're filled with essential oils and non-irritating bubbling agents and are absent of synthetic fragrances, DEA, and sodium lauryl sulfates.Dr. Hauschka Aromatherapy Baths
From the good doctor (Dr. Hauschka, that is) comes five essential oil-based, non-foaming elixirs for the bath: soothing Lavender, calming Spruce, refreshing Lemon, cleansing Sage, and invigorating Rosemary.EO Bubble Bath
EO, a body care company with a remarkable green vision, straightforward labeling practices, and a comprehensive Green Glossary offers a line of essential oil-based bubble baths.L'Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Foaming Bath
This one's a soothe operator: a non-drying essential oil-based foaming bath from L'Occitane, an all-natural Provence-based beauty line with a rapid cult following worldwide. All L'Occitane products are animal-free, tested under medical supervision, and of plant origin (organic when possible.)Little Twig Bubble Bath
These three bubbles baths—Tangerine, Lavender, and Unscented—from eco-agreeable baby body and bath care line Little Twig will have the rugrats begging for bath time. When in need of a refill, check out Little Twig's recycling program.LUSH Bubble Bars
This sweet-smelling UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath offers a line of solid foaming bubble bars, a true LUSH original. The bars—made from a mix of natural and/or organic ingredients and safe synthetics—are cruelty-free and sans preservatives and harsh surfactants.method Squeaky Green Rice Milk + Mallow Bubble Bath
This gently cleansing bubble bath for tykes is tear-free and 99 percent natural. Before bath time, get the dirt on method, Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan's line of earth-approved cleansers for both the body and the home, popular amongst "people against dirty."
Use castile soap
Country Rose Castile Liquid Soap
Made with 100 percent pure olive oil, this soap has no added foaming ingredients that can pollute natural waterways. It can be used to wash hair and skin, as well as laundry and dishes, and is completely biodegradable.Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps
Dr. Bronner's has been making its iconic, earth-friendly castile soaps from coconut, hemp, jojoba, and olive oils for over 50 years. The soaps are completely vegetable-based and biodegradable.Kirk's Original Coco Castile soaps
Kirk's carries on the all-natural castile tradition with everything from bar soaps to liquid soaps to shampoo and conditioner. All products are biodegradable, cruelty-free, and contain no harsh preservatives.Shadow Lake Pure Castile Soap
This liquid castile soap, available in Fresh Ginger, Peppermint Leaf, Eucalyptus-Spearmint, and Vanilla-Almond, is a true multipurpose wonder: use for bathing, shaving, general household cleaning, pet grooming, diaper cleaning, and much more.The Blue Ridge Soap Shed Eco Bar Soap
The Blue Ridge Soap Shed, a North Carolina-based purveyor of soaps made the traditional way, crafts (from scratch, naturally) this 100 percent olive oil soap for crusty nature boys and girls who want to bathe in freshwater streams without impacting the environment.Vermont Soap Organics Castile Bath and Shower Gels
Made with USDA Certified Organic ingredients (oils of olive, coconut, and jojoba), these soaps come in a variety of sizes and fragrances, including unscented. Good for all skin types.
Visit an eco-friendly day spa
ESSpa Kozmetika (Pittsburgh)
This award-winning Day Spa in the 'Burgh melds old-world Hungarian skin care techniques with the finest in modern holistic European product lines, Eminence.Moss Wellness Spa (Scottsdale, AZ)
"Centered on you and your environment" is the motto of this eco-centric destination spa in Scottsdale's fashionable Waterfront district. The spa offers a range of services, from body treatments to custom facials to hair and nail pampering, in a space designed to achieve LEED certification.Natural Body Spa and Shoppe (various cities)
Cici Coffee's mini-chain of green-minded day spas—stop by locations in Florida, Georgia, Washington DC, Maryland, Virgina, North Carolina, and Tennessee—offer the usual spa indulgences with a natural twist.Nusta Spa (Washington, DC)
Elizabeth Snowdon's eco-chic DC spa boasts a full range of services for body and skin, a progressive environmental commitment, and status as the first spa in the world to be accepted into the LEED Pilot Program for Commercial Interiors.Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary (Freestone, CA)
In addition to its stunning Sonoma Valley locale, Osmosis has bragging rights to two notable features: an impressive green mission and status as a founding member of the Green Spa Network and the only stateside Cedar Enzyme Bath, a heat treatment originating in Japan. The spa also offers various facial and massage treatments.Priti Organic Spa (New York City)
Priti Organic Spa—a green getaway for weary hands and feet in Manhattan's East Village—offers a range of manicures and pedicures that use organic creams and scrubs, formaldehyde-, toulene-, and DBP-free polishes, and polish removers made from soy.ReNew Organic Day Spa (Baltimore)
This luxurious green retreat in Charm City offers a full menu of spa services—facials and body treatments, massages, nail care, hair removal, and more—that incorporate organic products and are performed with a dedicated holistic philosophy in mind.Salon Echo (Chicago)
...Salon Eco's more like it. This Chicago hair salon and day spa boasts impressive green cred. Echo follows the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) business model, uses organic product lines, such as Aveda, and operates in a green space with recycled vinyl flooring and more.Strong House Spa (Quechee, VT)
Indulge in the basics or check out the specialties (four-handed massage and far infrared detox foot baths, anyone?) at this eco-friendly escape.Thai Lotus Healing Spa (Sherman Oaks, CA)
The San Fernando Valley isn't exactly known for its halcyon way of life. Thai Lotus Healing Spa, a newcomer on the SoCal spa scene, begs to differ with its menu of Thai-style treatments performed in an eco-friendly oasis.The Spa and Wellness Center (Brooklyn, NY)
This retreat in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn claims to be the first full-service green luxury spa in New York. With a commendable green ethos and a full menu of services, Spa and Wellness Center offers blissed-out sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
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