If you have ever scrolled through the #greenbeauty posts on Instagram, there is a good chance you have come across the beautiful page of Mari, founder of The Goofy Mermaid. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS in 2014, she made the decision to start living a more clean and organic lifestyle. She wanted to share her experiences in hopes that she could help others who were dealing with similar health issues, so she created The Goofy Mermaid as a space to document her journey.

Her feed is brimming with green living inspiration. From the stunning photography to her informational product posts, you will easily pick up several tips from her page. If you are looking to discover small niche brands, but are also interested in the green beauty heavy hitters, The Goofy Mermaid has you covered. Mari has been a leader in the green beauty community and many have connected with her—she has always been willing to answer questions, lend suggestions and be there to listen to and support her followers. She has even been known to give out her personal cell phone number, which is pretty incredible! What I really love about The Goofy Mermaid is that their motto is “We don’t believe in perfect choices, just better ones—and we’re here to encourage and support those choices”. So wherever you are in your transition to a healthier lifestyle, there will be recommendations for you!

The Goofy Mermaid has become a place for people to connect and to learn how to make better choices, and Mari’s sweet and genuine spirit has been behind these connections. She has befriended so many in the green community, it was quite a surprise when she announced that she would be taking a step back from social media and The Goofy Mermaid. With so much on her plate, and a desire to find her passion elsewhere, Mari is no longer running the day to day posts on The Goofy Mermaid. She will be working behind the scenes, so if you would like to reach out to her, she can still be contacted through The Goofy Mermaid page.

“We don’t believe in perfect choices, just better ones—and we’re here to encourage and support those choices”. – Mari of The Goofy Mermaid

I was so excited to have a chance to chat with Mari around the time of her social media departure to get some of her thoughts on her green beauty journey, what the future of The Goofy Mermaid holds and what advice she has for those just starting down a healthier path.

The Greenly Guide: When did you start your “Going Green” journey & why did you decide to create The Goofy Mermaid?

Mari: It was my 2014 diagnoses of endometriosis and PCOS (now Metabolic Reproduction Syndrome) that prompted me to take a closer look at the choices I was making and to transition to a more organic way of life. I created The Goofy Mermaid in order to share my journey in hopes to inspire others to join me in making better choices.

The Greenly Guide: With your recent departure from social media, can you briefly explain the future of the Goofy Mermaid, as I’m sure a lot of people will be interested to hear what is next for you!

Mari: It’s been a crazy ride — and to be honest, I never really had a clear strategy for The Goofy Mermaid. I just kind of hopped on and began sharing with hopes that someone would listen and feel understood, because living with any kind of invisible illness can not only be discouraging, but also lonely. It actually wasn’t until I decided to step away from social media that I realized just how much of an impact the brand was making… I received tons of emails, private messages, text messages (yes, I give my phone number out!) from people sharing how The Goofy Mermaid has inspired them and asking me to stay in the space. I had to leave social media, though. The solution? To bring on a new mermaid! I introduced her right before my exit and decided that I will continue to work behind-the-scenes with her to develop the brand. What that will look like? Who knows, but we do have some high hopes!

Although I’ll be BTS, The Goofy Mermaid will not be my only focus. I’ll actually be taking lots of time to sit in stillness to figure out what’s next for me. Despite the odds that are against me, I’m determined to get pregnant — naturally — and to find my life’s purpose. So I’ll be using my newfound free time to focus more on my health and listen to what Life is asking of me.

The Greenly Guide: I have heard you speak about your health reasons as to why you turned to natural products and green beauty – for people who may be going through similar things, can you share what you think have been your most important & effective changes that you have made?

Mari: It’s tough to spotlight just one change when really I believe that they all work together. If I’m eating correctly, but not using cleaner products on my skin, I’m still not feeling my best — I have to be eating a certain way, exercising (be careful, though: Endometriosis and/or PCOS sufferers should not be doing heavy cardio!), taking vitamins, and using all of the right beauty + home products to feel 100%. Nurturing my emotions + soul also plays an important role in my feeling good.

The Greenly Guide: What was the first natural beauty or skincare product that you purchased?

Mari: I was fortunate enough to be provided the opportunity to try A LOT of products without having to purchase first however my first purchase was from Leahlani.

The Greenly Guide: What has been the hardest product to find a natural alternative for, if any?

Mari: Deodorant was a difficult hunt. Mascara and perfume are another. I actually just went back to my Yves Saint Laurent mascara since even the most impressive natural mascaras still don’t cut it [for me].

The Greenly Guide: What was your most recent green beauty purchase?
Mari: Does a tube of David’s Natural Toothpaste count?

The Greenly Guide: I’m sure you are constantly receiving emails from brands who are interested in working with you to promote their products – What do you look for in a new brand that you are thinking about trying? What are your tips on avoiding greenwashing and finding truly natural products?

Mari: It’s all about intention. My standard for brands is that they truly aim to provide better, safer, cleaner alternatives to conventional products while also serving the needs of the consumer. Purity is a bonus, but really I think that focusing too much on purity, might actually lead to exclusivity. Not everyone can afford to spend $160 on a bottle of serum, so that’s a huge consideration of mine when selecting brands. Also, just because a product contains 100% natural ingredients doesn’t mean that it’s effective. The goal of The Goofy Mermaid is to welcome everyone to make better choices — regardless of their budget or beliefs — without passing judgement on what better means to them

The Greenly Guide: Over the years, you have had the opportunity to try products from many different brands – what are the ones that you keep coming back to and have become a staple in your household or beauty routine? Can you narrow down your top 10 brands?

Mari: Just 10 brands? That’s rough, haha! Honestly, I have so many products that I use regularly depending on my skin’s/body’s needs, but if I must choose below are some of my must-haves (in no specific order):

Bella Aura: Gentle Purifying Cleanser
Twelve Beauty: Hyaluroil Lip Treatments
David’s Natural Toothpaste
Lotus Wei: Peony Elixir or Infinite Love Anointing Oil
Innersense Organic Beauty: Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer
Plume Science: Lash & Brown Serum
Leahlani Skincare: Mermaid Mask
Native Atlas: Clarifying Face Oil
Tabitha James Kraan: Scented Organic Hair Oil
Siam Seas: Shampoo + Treatment

The Greenly Guide: What is the greatest tip that you could give to someone who is just starting down the road of living a more natural and organic lifestyle?
Mari: If you want success: go slow. You don’t have to go crazy trying to get rid of every single “toxic” thing in your life, instead start with the things that most concern you and work your way from there. Also, follow some influencers within the community and connect with them! Ask them for advice, their fave resources, product recommendations for specific needs, etc.

Make sure to follow Kirstie, the new mermaid over at The Goofy Mermaid on Instagram.  Kirstie will be working with Mari to continue to bring you wonderful content and introduce you to ‘better for you’ beauty and wellness products. Make sure to stop by and say hello!

Thank you so much to Mari for taking the time to speak with us and share her knowledge – I’m sure you will all join me in wishing her so much happiness and success in all that she will pursue in the future!

The post Greenly Connections: A chat with Mari Draughon of The Goofy Mermaid appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

A Guest Post by Clare Frances C.

This post has been a long time coming, so when Keri approached me, asking if I was willing to contribute an article to share my Reiki story, I could not refuse. Reiki has and continues to be a pivotal part of my personal growth, and life as a whole. It is something I wish for everyone to experience, and I hope that sharing my story may inspire others.

I remember my very first experience as if it were yesterday. It happened seven years ago when my friend kindly offered to give me a Reiki healing treatment. I had no idea what it was. All she told me was that I would feel deeply relaxed. That was all I needed to hear to agree to it.

She had me lay down on a yoga mat, with a pillow under my head, and asked me to close my eyes and relax. What was really interesting was, despite her hands not physically touching me (she hovered them an inch above) throughout the one hour treatment, I felt sensations around the crown of my head, which felt like a mix of tingling and buzzing. There was also a pulsating warmth unlike anything I had felt before – not quite the same as what I know to be regular body heat. This was different. It felt like a radiating heat pack. I was intrigued to say the least. What was this, I wondered?

I must have drifted off to sleep because the next thing I knew, she was gently nudging me awake. I felt incredibly calm and relaxed – a lightness in my being unlike anything I had experienced before. I did not quite understand it, but I knew I wanted more. Five years later, I decided to learn Reiki for myself, which remains one of my best decisions.

So, what exactly is Reiki? It is an energy therapy, which works with the body’s own remarkable healing capabilities, helping to encourage and accelerate its natural healing process, and restore overall balance to the body’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Reiki originated in Japan and was founded by Mikao Usui. The word ‘Rei’ may be referred to as divine, spiritual, pure or source, and ‘Ki’ refers to energy – similar to ‘Chi’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and ‘Prana’ in Indian Ayurvedic philosophy. Reiki today is commonly known as Universal Energy, and to me, is energy at its purest.

A Reiki treatment is done through the hands, simply by having the practitioner place or hover their hands on, or above the body (fully clothed), which activates the energy to flow into the body. No special movement, posture or action is required. The Reiki energy will be used by the body to help heal, rejuvenate and reinvigorate. Whatever health or wellness issue the person suffers from, including physical ailments, disease, stress or anxiety, and any emotional or trauma based issues, can often be helped with Reiki in a very gentle and releasing way. Another wonderful trait of Reiki is there are no known contraindications. This means that Reiki is complementary to other forms of healing, be it conventional medicine or other holistic therapies.

When I signed up to learn Reiki, I went in with my sights on level two – at this level, we learn advanced tools like how to send Reiki over distance, and often seems to be what gets most people excited. This was appealing to me because I wanted to be able to offer healing to my loved ones – who live overseas – in times of need. I saw it as my way of offering them love across the miles, in a tangible manner. However, in order to do that, I had to go through level one first – getting Reiki activated in my hands, and learning how to use it.

I expected to stop at level two, but life had other plans for me. Level two progressed to level three, and before I could fully make sense of what was happening, I found myself signing up for the Reiki Master Training (RMT). I remember having many doubts, the main one being my fear of public speaking. How could I possibly teach a class?! It was never my plan to go on this journey with the intention to teach Reiki. My focus was always on personal growth, and to offer healing to my loved ones. However, it grew into something much bigger than myself. I felt a pull to go further. So I asked for a sign. Early one morning, two weeks before the start of the RMT course, I looked out the window. As I was gazing at the trees, I was surprised to see four white butterflies fluttering above the canopy. I live on the seventh story, and had never seen any butterflies from that height, let alone four of them together. I took that as my sign. I cannot explain how I knew, I just did – one butterfly to represent each of the three levels I had completed, and the fourth, to represent my future Reiki Master certification. I will always remember that magical morning, and since then, life has repeatedly given me moments of wild synchronicity to affirm me that I am on the right path. I completed my Reiki Master Training in September 2016, and in addition to hosting upcoming healing groups for beginners, I also have plans to conduct my first level one workshop later this year.

Although my desire to learn to Reiki was intended around offering healing to others, I soon learned that at its very core, Reiki is fundamentally a way to self-healing. Two years on, I can tell you that Reiki has helped me far beyond my physiological ailments. What I feel I have gained the most is deeper awareness, profound clarity and insight into issues that I previously didn’t have, being mindfully present, and having greater peace from being able to accept circumstances as they are, as opposed to resisting them when the outcomes were – in my limited belief – not ideal. Having a full time corporate job also means that Reiki helps to balance and ground me from the daily stresses that it brings.

There are many various forms of holistic healing therapies, but the wonderful aspect which Reiki offers that I find lacking in others, is the element of self-empowerment. My role as a practitioner and teacher allows me to shine light where needed, so that my clients and students can realize how to heal themselves, through greater clarity and their own Reiki practice. In my experience, the body has proven to be highly intelligent and remarkable, capable of profound healing.

Reiki has shown me that true peace and happiness comes from within. My purpose as a Reiki practitioner and teacher, is to inspire others to uncover this potential within themselves, and to be a guiding light for them on their own journey of self-healing, towards a more holistic and fulfilled life.

Clare Frances C. is a certified Reiki practitioner and affiliate teacher with The Reiki Centre (read more HERE). Through Reiki, Clare is passionate about empowering her clients and students to realize the potential of self-healing within them, towards a more holistic and fulfilled life. Clare also has a full-time corporate job which helps to fund her burgeoning crystal and Lotus Wei obsession. Clare recently discovered a new-found love for Kundalini Yoga which she shares along with her favorite natural lifestyle choices and reflections on life, on her social media platforms. Clare has three beautiful nieces whom she adores. They live aboard, in the Netherlands, and she dedicates her free time FaceTiming with them.

The post Guest Post: What is Reiki? Clare shares her transformational journey appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

Written by Sarah Price for The Greenly Guide

Born and raised in North Carolina, Sarah dived into green beauty when she adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2011. Discovering what ingredients worked, finding new products, and building a skincare routine that actually worked totally changed how she saw beauty.

After being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and depression, beauty routines became an important part of her self care routine, and a major part of her everyday life. There’s nothing more relaxing than taking some time to treat your skin, do a creative make up look, or researching new products and ingredients.

When she moved to Toronto for university, starting a beauty blog was a no brainer. Dedicated to holistic beauty and self care, her blog is the place to go for effective products made with simple ingredients, self care tips and rituals, how to’s, and some creative DIY recipes. She loves connecting people to their favorite products and empowering them to take time for their own wellness and self care.

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. There’s nothing like feeling the sun on your skin after a season of layers and sweaters.

While we enjoy the sun, flowers, and everything Spring has to offer, it’s also important to switch up how we take care of ourselves.

Today I’m going to walk you through the skincare adjustments I make to prepare for the seasonal change, the Spring herbs to boost your skin’s health, and I’ll share two DIY recipes to get your skin right on track.

Skincare Routine Updates.

I love updating my skincare as the seasons change because when the weather changes, your skin’s needs will too.

When it comes to Spring, the first thing I do is check in with my sun protection cream. Is it effective? Am I using it? Protecting your skin from the sun is so important. The sun can damage your skin, causing wrinkles and sun spots, but also causing serious health issues, like skin cancer.

Check in with your sun protection cream and make sure you’re using an effective one. You can also avoid the sun’s harmful rays by wearing wide brimmed hats, staying in the shade, and wearing protective clothing. I also recommend checking in with a dermatologist to have your moles looked over to ensure you’re good to go.

As the temperatures rise, I like to lighten things up. Instead of an intense night balm, I opt for a light facial oil. For dry skin types, argan oil is wonderful. If you have oily, or problematic skin, try jojoba.

I also switch my serums. During the Winter, I always use a hydrating serum because that’s what my skin needs. But during Spring, I’ll look for serums that brighten my skin and prevent acne. If you’re not sure what your skin needs, take a look in the mirror and check in with your skin.

When it comes to masks, I usually put away my hydrating options and bring out the clay based, clarifying masks. I tend to get more acne as the temperatures heat up and the clay helps to detox and clear my skin.

Seasonal Herbs to Boost Your Skin’s Health.

I love incorporating healing herbs into my every day routine through teas, scrubs, toners, and of course, facial steams.

The Spring brings lots of new growth, from beautiful flowers to healing herbs. I want to share some of my favorites to help boost your skin’s health.

Dandelion is a detoxifying herb that’s actually delicious as a tea. Not only does it support your internal organs, but when your insides run smoothly, it will show on your skin.

Peppermint, Lemon Balm, and Saint John’s Wort are also wonderful additions to spring teas and beauty treatments that can help cleanse and brighten.

I’ve actually included peppermint in the DIY facial steam as I find it has energizing, rejuvenating properties for the skin that are so wonderful after months of cold. You can also infuse your favorite oil with peppermint to create a naturally healing body oil.

Source: Maddy, Celestine, and Abbye Churchill. A Wilder Life: A Season-by-season Guide to Getting in Touch with Nature. New York: Artisan, 2016. Print.

DIY: Grapefruit + Mint Body Scrub

This scrub is made with exfoliating sugar, hydrating coconut oil, and healing essential oils that smell incredible. Grapefruit is one of my favorite fruits and scents, as it’s really uplifting and energizing, making it the perfect post Winter scrub.

Ingredients

• ½ cup Sugar
• ¼ cup Organic Coconut Oil
• 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
• 12 drops Grapefruit essential oil

*Note: I like making scrubs in small amounts to ensure they’re incredibly fresh and perfectly safe to use. If you go through scrubs pretty quickly, you may want to double this recipe.

Instructions

• Simple mix all of the ingredients in a bowl until combined. If you have a blender, go ahead and blend it for a more uniform texture and scent.
• Pour into a glass jar with a good seal. A classic mason jar is perfect.
• Use within a few months, store in the fridge if you’re not going to use it right away.

DIY: Grapefruit + Mint Facial Steam

Facial steams are a really great way to boost your skin’s glow. I love doing them weekly and I make them extra healing with herbs, fruits, and essential oils.

By using fresh grapefruit and mint leaves, we’re able to extract all of the benefits from the energizing, clarifying fruit and the refreshing mint.

If you’ve never done a facial steam before, please check out this post for more info on the benefits and how to do them, plus more recipes.

Ingredients

• 2-3 Slices of Fresh Grapefruit
• Several Fresh Mint Leaves

Instructions

• Add your ingredients to a heat safe bowl. I always opt for a medium glass bowl.
• Pour in hot, but not boiling water.
• Place your face over the bowl so you’re close enough to feel the steam, but do not put your skin into the water.
• Cover your head with a towel to trap all of the healing fruit and plant goodness.
• Sit for 5-15 minutes
• Follow with a face mask and your skin care routine

I hope these skincare tips and recipes will help you get your skin sorted for this new season! If you have any questions leave a comment below!

Connect with Sarah on her website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram

*All photos in this post are courtesy of and belong to Sarah Price.

The post Guest Post: A seasonal skincare update for Spring + 2 simple DIY recipes appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

To help you out with some of that discomfort, we’ve done the research and put together this curated list of laundry detergents that are better for your skin than conventional detergents. We’ve found 6 of the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin that are trusted and used by some of the most scrutinizing of customers. Aside from trying many of these ourselves, we’ve checked these products against the EWG and the think dirty app, so you can trust our picks.

These detergents include natural ingredients to replace harsh chemicals. So, they reduce the risk of triggering allergic reactions and irritation. Eczema, Psoriasis, and general inflammation are issues my family is very familiar with. I can tell you that switching to a gentler detergent, free from fragrance and harsh chemicals is one of the best things to begin with when addressing itchiness and irritation.

Things to Consider Before Buying Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin

Natural laundry detergents can be the best choice for anyone interested in the well-being of our environment. Since they’re plant-based, they include no toxins that can harm our planet.

Also, they aren’t packed with the types of chemicals or fragrances that typically cause skin irritation. Therefore, they’re especially great for children and babies who have sensitive skin.

In addition, people with eczema and other skin conditions may find these choices most helpful. Some may find that a change to natural detergents improves symptoms.

The only reason these detergents might not work for you is if you want your laundry to be heavily scented after washing.

Before buying laundry detergent for sensitive skin, you should consider the following:

• Price 
• Whether it’s powder or liquid 
• If it’s HE (high efficiency) friendly 
• Ingredients 

We’ve put all these factors into consideration before bringing you these choices, but you should check out which one suits you best.

At a Glance (our top picks)

Title	Image	Features
Better Life Unscented		- Liquid, plant-based formula - Ultra-concentrated and color-safe	Buy Now
Molly's Suds Unscented		- Powdered detergent formula - Eco-friendly and safe for sensitive skin	Buy Now
Seventh Generation Unscented Pouches		- Mess-free pods - Quadruple-enzyme formula to fight tough stains - Hypoallergenic detergent	Buy Now

1. Better Life Unscented

Our first featured product is this plant-based detergent that can reduce the risk of rashes and irritation a great deal. Let’s find out how it can be a good replacement for traditional detergents.

First off, it doesn’t include harsh chemicals that you normally find in most detergents. Using 100% natural cleaning agents like soap bark extract and potassium cocoate, it leaves your laundry fresh and clean without the residue and fragrance of common detergents.

Not to mention, it’s biodegradable and non-toxic. All the more reason that we love this eco-friendly product.

The Better Life natural laundry detergent formula doesn’t cause colors to fade despite being concentrated. Therefore, you can use it with both cold and hot water with no worries.

Last but not least, it’s compatible with all washing machines. For people with sensitive skin, eczema, or other conditions, this hypoallergenic detergent may just become your best friend.

What We Like:

• Plant-based formula
• Ultra-concentrated and color-safe
• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Works with all types of washing machines
• Moderately-priced

What We Dislike:

• Might not be suitable to use with tough stains

2. ECOS Free & Clear Liquid

Another product that we think you should try is this detergent by ECOS. For its many qualities, it’s been rated Amazon’s Choice.

The first thing you might come to admire is that it’s 4-times ultra-concentrated than standard detergent. For this reason, it can balance the scales between being safe for the skin and powerful on stains.

Secondly, we couldn’t help but like the design of the container. Unlike the previous product, this liquid detergent comes with a pump so you can use it with ease. According to the manufacturer, a dose of 5 pumps is suitable for one HE load.

This laundry detergent comes with a built-in fabric softener. This way, it can save you money that you could’ve spent on a softening product. If you struggle with rashes after using normal detergent, you should give this one a shot. It contains no dyes, parabens, phosphates, or optical brighteners.

What We Like:

• Ultra-concentrated formula
• Easy to use
• Comes with built-in fabric softener
• Doesn’t include harmful chemicals
• Moderately-priced

What We Dislike:

• You might need to use more than 5 pumps for standard washers

3. Molly’s Suds Unscented

The next product on our list can be a game-changer for a lot of people with sensitive skin. The makers of this detergent took great care when they created its formula. Made of naturally-derived ingredients, it has been rated ‘A’ in EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.

As a result, it can be one of the best choices for people with allergies, fragrance sensitivities, as well as newborn babies.

Also, Molly’s Suds laundry powder works with all sorts of washing machines.

It’s safe to use with all types of fabric except for silk and leather. You can use it with synthetic clothing, natural fibers, and blends with no risk of fading colors.

Let’s not forget about its price, which should be affordable for the average household.

What We Like:

• Eco-friendly and safe for sensitive skin
• Works with all washing machines
• Mid-range price

What We Dislike:

• The powder might take a long while to dissolve into water
• Might not be the best choice for heavy stains

4. Charlie’s Soap Powder Unscented

Another product that we really like is Charlie’s Soap Powder. Unscented and free from chemicals, it is a great option for those with sensitive skin, including babies.

The manufacturers of this detergent paid a lot of attention to its ingredients, using sodium carbonate and sodium metasilicate as cleaning agents. Being non-toxic and hypoallergenic, these ingredients shouldn’t leave any residue on your laundry.

Most standard detergents use synthetic fragrances or dyes to cover stains or odors. This isn’t the case with Charlie’s Soap Powder. Yet, it works effectively to remove stains, odors, and grease from your garments.

Also, even though it’s safe on the skin, this detergent might not be the wisest choice to use on black clothes. It can cause dark colors to fade.

What We Like:

• Made with natural ingredients
• Powerful detergent
• Doesn’t cause any residue
• Compatible with washing machines as well as hand washing
• Budget-friendly

What We Dislike:

• Not recommended for use on black clothing
• Since it’s in powder form, it can be hard to dissolve in some cases

5. Dropps Unscented Pods

Our fifth favorite laundry detergent for sensitive skin is a unique pick because it comes in the form of pods instead of powder or liquid. Let’s take a look at Dropps Unscented Pods and what they have to offer.

For starters, these pods come free from a lot of ingredients that might cause irritations such as dyes, enzymes, NPE, phosphate, and chlorine.

In addition to that, they’re safe to use in all HE and standard washers. All you need to do is add one pod of the Dropps Laundry Detergent into the washing machine drum on any cycle. You can also use them with hot or cold water.

Not only that, these pods work to clean most types of fabric, no matter their color. The only downside here is that you might not be able to use them on delicate fabrics such as silk. This is because pods usually need hot water to dissolve faster, which can damage those materials.

We also love that these pods are made with a plant-based formula. This way, they’re considered eco-friendly as well as better for sensitive skin.

Another way they are better for the environment is that they come in recyclable packaging. Not to mention that the formula itself is biodegradable. Plus, you can rest assured that they’ve never been tested on animals.

What We Like:

• Natural and biodegradable ingredients
• Compatible with all washers
• Great to use with hot and cold water
• Works with a wide variety of fabrics and colors
• Moderately-priced

What We Dislike:

• Shouldn’t be used with delicate fabrics
• The pod membrane might not dissolve easily in front-loading washing machines
• Might leave some residue on laundry under certain circumstances

6. Seventh Generation Unscented Pouches

Last but not least, here’s our final candidate that might be one of the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin. With its chemical-free and powerful formula, it can be the perfect choice for people with eczema or allergies.

The first thing that we admired about these pouches is that they contain no fragrances, dyes, or artificial brighteners. 

They’re also fast-dissolving in HE washers and should leave no residue on your laundry. Additionally, they can do their job at all temperatures, so you can use them in hot or cold water.

Let’s not forget that these pouches have landed the EPA Safer Choice Certified Product rating.

If you want a product that combines stain removal and skin safety, you should check out these unscented pouches by Seventh Generation.

What We Like:

• Quadruple-enzyme formula to fight tough stains
• Hypoallergenic detergent
• 94% of the ingredients are plant-based
• Fast-dissolving and suitable for use in hot or cold water
• Works in all washing machines
• Moderately-priced

What We Dislike:

• The pods might become clumped when used with cold water

FAQ

What are some chemicals in laundry detergents that I should avoid?

Standard laundry detergents include a lot of harmful substances within their composition. For the majority of people, these can be problematic at times. 

However, for a baby or someone with sensitive skin, these chemicals can lead to further issues like rashes and outbreaks.

Whether your skin is sensitive to these components or not, you should do your best to avoid the following substances.

• Chlorine bleach
• Phosphates
• Ammonium sulfates 
• Formaldehyde
• SLS and SLES 
• Optical brighteners 
• Heavy synthetic fragrances 
• Dioxane

When should I use hot or cold water with laundry?

Hot water is best to use when you are trying to remove germs or heavily soiled fabrics. It’s also effective in dissolving powdered detergents. Be aware that hot water can cause colors to fade and can be harmful to delicate fabrics.

On the other hand, cold water minimizes clothes shrinkage, color bleeding, and fading. It may not be the best for removing stains, that’s why washing with cold water works best with a heavy-duty detergent. Cold water is also better for man-made fabrics or loosely-knitted clothes. Overall, it might not damage your clothes as much as hot water could. 

Keep in mind, if you’re using powdered detergent or pods, it might not dissolve well in cold water.

What can I use to wash my clothes if I run out of detergent?

While they won’t necessarily replace your powerful detergent, the following ingredients can act as substitutes in a pinch, believe it or not.

• Vinegar
• Vodka
• Dish soap
• Baking soda

Wrap Up

If you’re on a mission to address problems with sensitive skin, your best next step is to use a gentler laundry detergent. Even if you’re wearing 100% cotton clothing that’s gentle on your skin, washing it with harsh chemicals can cause irritations.

Hopefully, after checking out our top picks for the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin, you feel more equipped to make a strong purchasing decision.

Before wrapping up, let’s review the reasons why these laundry detergents are helpful to address problematic skin issues.

First of all, they don’t include strong chemicals like dyes, fragrances, or artificial brighteners. Not to mention that they should leave your laundry clean (as much, if not more than normal detergents do).

Secondly, they’re plant-based and made of naturally-derived ingredients. So they are better for the environment and better for our bodies.

All in all, it’s a win-win situation for everyone. Natural detergents are better for the environment, better for your skin and better for your overall health.

The post 6 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

After trying many conventional products to soothe and heal her dry, sensitive skin, and finding that nothing worked, she discovered the reason for this was that she had developed an extreme chemical sensitivity.  All of the ingredients used in mainstream personal care products were making her feel miserable and causing her watery eyes and headaches.  Upon making the switch to all natural products, these symptoms disappeared.

After this discovery, she began her journey into the world of herbal remedies, plant-based treatments and ancient practices.  Formulating products in her kitchen and sharing them with family and friends led to the business she has created today.  Lydia not only focuses on sourcing wonderful ingredients, she is also passionate about giving back to her community and is striving for a zero-waste manufacturing process.

Lydia is so kindly sharing her story on The Greenly Guide today.  In addition to sharing more about herself and her brand, she has also very generously provided a discount code that can be used on their website!  Now through April 5, 2017, enter the code ‘thegreenlyguide15‘ to receive 15% off your order!  Please read on below for the full interview with Lydia, founder of WEBA Naturals.

The Greenly Guide: After experiencing chemical sensitivities to the products you were using, you eventually turned to creating your own products. As a therapist by training, coming from a very different profession, can you share a little about your background with natural products, how you began formulating and any training you have?

Lydia: After realizing that I could no longer use certain products, I began researching this phenomenon. I learned that I was not alone. I found terms like “Extreme chemical sensitivity” and “Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT), which has been misunderstood among many professionals. I also realized that I did not experience the same reactions to naturally-produced, plant-based ingredients. I began spending years researching formularies, consulting with cosmetic chemists, attending webinars, and reading anything that I could get my hands on. Everything from aromatherapy and herbal medicine to ayurveda and wild edibles were fair game. I am always learning, and continue to do so to this day. The rest is history.

The Greenly Guide: WEBA stands for ‘whole earth body actives’ which you have stated guides your decision to provide the highest quality ingredients that are good for us and our planet. Can you talk a little about your ingredients and how you source them?

Lydia: The first rule of thumb is to make certain that wild-harvested essential oils are not endangered or “rare.” I try to ask the right questions when expanding our supply chain so that I can feel good about adding that ingredient to our products. I try hard to source products that are made locally or in the U.S.A., but it isn’t always possible. Most of the oils and butters that we use are sourced in Europe, Africa, and Asia, for example. These products provide real wages to many poor communities in these countries and are a major source of income. Many of our botanicals, however, are grown in the U.S. organically and sustainably, so we buy from them.

The Greenly Guide: On the topic of ingredients, do you have a favorite ingredient that you work with and include in your products? What about any difficult to work with ingredients you have used?

Lydia: It can be difficult to choose one favorite; I have so many. My favorite essential oil is lavender for its healing properties and its relaxing scent. A favorite emollient is shea butter. The only ingredients that I find challenging is the sodium hydroxide that I use to create the bar soaps. Care must be taken with it, as it is a very strong base.

The Greenly Guide: You have mentioned the importance of simplicity and minimalism within your line, and using multi-purpose products to reduce the number of items a person needs in their collection. Can you share some of the different ways your products can be utilized?

Lydia: All of the bar soaps are “3-in-1” soaps – that is, they are suitable for cleansing, shaving, and shampooing. The secret is in the rich, creamy lather they produce. In fact, ounce for ounce, bar soaps cost less than shower gels. My husband, Marvin, uses nothing else. We like to use the tea tree/oatmeal soap on our dog, Millie. Our balms have as many as ten uses –beard balm, cuticle oil, lip balm, anti-itch salve and everything in between. The lavender balm is also effective against mosquitoes. The Dry Oil is not only effective against frizzy hair and flyaways, but it’s a great massage oil and after-shower oil.

The Greenly Guide: I loved reading about your avoidance of the controversial ingredient palm oil. For those who may not be aware, can you briefly explain why you omit this ingredient and why that was important to you?

Lydia: I first read about the problems with palm oil on the Rainforest Action Network website. “Conflict” palm oil is grown primarily in Indonesia and Malasia, where rainforests are being clear-cut to accommodate this product. It is found in everything from food to feed to cosmetics and skincare. As a result, many native species like the Orangutan, which is now near extinction, are displaced. This is also responsible for many human rights abuses, including child labor practices. I decided early on that my business would not be a contributor to this problem. The butters that I use to substitute it are more expensive, but I feel that it is worth it.  While many big players in the palm oil industry have committed to buying certified sustainable palm oil, we have a long way to go before a total commitment to rainforest-free palm oil can be achieved. I hope that it happens.

The Greenly Guide: For someone who may be viewing your brand for the first time, what are your more popular items that you would suggest someone try to get a taste of what WEBA Naturals has to offer?

Lydia: The first bar soap that I made – “Relax” – is still my most popular item. If you pair that with the Lavender/Tea Tree Body Balm, you have a complete skincare system. Pairing the sugar scrub with the dry oil is also a good combination for normal to dry skin.

The Greenly Guide: In your manufacturing, you strive for a zero-waste process to reduce your impact on the environment. Can you explain a little about the practices you use to achieve this in your production?

Lydia: “Zero-waste” embodies two principles; using what you have and using less than you need to. I engage in both. For example, instead of buying packaging for my shipments I utilize re-used and recycled cardboard boxes and used/recycled paper. I never use bubble wrap or peanuts that don’t degrade. I re-batch our soap ends and mold them into bars that we donate to a local food bank. I re-use and recycle all glass and plastic bottles. My paper towels are recycled unbleached paper or I use cotton towels. Every ingredient is biodegradable. As a result, there is very little that ends up in the trash. While I can’t always control what suppliers send me, I can certainly control what goes out.

The Greenly Guide: In addition to your efforts to reduce your footprint on our planet, you are also passionate about giving back. Can you talk about how you are using WEBA Naturals to support your community?

Lydia: Since I began the business 3 years ago, I’ve given back by donating soap to a local food pantry. I also donate 3-4 gift baskets/year to local charities for their fundraisers. I try to stick to local small businesses when I need professional business services like graphic design and photography. I hire local crafters to make our accessories (sachets and washcloths). I also buy from local businesses. I feel that it’s important for small businesses to support each other given the current retail climate.

The Greenly Guide: What are your goals for WEBA Naturals in 2017, and what new things can we expect from you in the future?

Lydia: I’m always looking for opportunities to partner with businesses that are doing good. I’m hoping to collaborate with a local animal shelter to create a balm that can be used to soothe paw and skin problems. I’m hoping to roll out an ayurvedic deodorant, an oil cleanser, and a few serums. It’s an ambitious undertaking, but I like to aim high.  I will also be doing tabling events later this year, including one at a NYC college for Earth Day. I’d also like to hold a few workshops. I’m excited to see what the future brings for WEBA in 2017 and beyond.

Connect with WEBA Naturals on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest

The post Brand Profile and Interview with Lydia Diaz of WEBA Naturals appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

As a mother myself, this is where my journey began.  I became concerned with every single thing I put into my body and onto it as well, knowing that for the first time, my actions were impacting a life other than my own.  My concern for product and ingredient safety became a part of my lifestyle, and it has led me to find incredible brands with these same motivations and goals in mind.

Today, I am so thrilled to introduce you to one such brand, Pleni Naturals.  I had the great pleasure of speaking with founder, and fellow Mom, Allyson Owens, and am excited to share with you the full interview below.  If you are not yet familiar with her products, they are filled with fruit and vegetable ingredients, pure organic essential oils and skin loving ingredients that will help to nourish and soothe your children’s sensitive skin. On top of amazing ingredient quality, Pleni Naturals has taken their commitment one step further to become certified by MADE SAFE. (Read more HERE).  Read on below for our interview with Allyson.

Allyson has very generously offered a wonderful giveaway for readers of The Greenly Guide, so make sure you don’t miss the information on how to enter at the bottom of this post.

The Greenly Guide: Can you talk a little about how you first become interested in natural and non-toxic products and how this lead to the start of Pleni Naturals?

Allyson: Like a lot of women, my journey into the natural and nontoxic world began while I was pregnant with my first child in 2009. It was a journey for me; I didn’t completely go “nontoxic” while pregnant because I was still somewhat unaware of toxic chemicals in the home, but my first detox was definitely my skincare routine! It was also important to me that my babies used safe, nontoxic skincare as well. Before I started Pleni Naturals I was an aesthetician and then I became a consultant and helped skin care brands develop their skin care products. I knew that eventually I would create my own skin care line and I wanted to do something different than what was currently being offered in the natural baby category. Don’t get me wrong; I love flowers but every baby skin care product at the time had flowers in it! I chose to focus on fruit and vegetable ingredients because they are wholesome, just like our babies. Plus, fruit and vegetable oils offer amazing nutritional benefits for the skin. For example; red raspberry seed oil and cranberry seed oil contain omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, which our bodies don’t produce and it is necessary to obtain through diet or topically on the skin. These two ingredients help to keep sensitive skin happy and is great for babies and kids suffering from eczema. You can find these two ingredients in our Cucumber + Grape Baby Oil and Berry + Olive Baby Balm. Two other stand out ingredients from the Pleni Naturals skincare line are broccoli seed oil and cucumber seed oil. Broccoli seed oil has a silky finish and works like a natural silicone alternative that leaves the skin smooth and the hair soft and shiny and cucumber seed oil is fantastic for soothing and replenishing the skin’s moisture balance. Both broccoli seed oil and cucumber seed oil can be found in our Apple + Broccoli Hair and Body Wash and the cucumber seed oil can be found in our Cucumber + Grape Baby Oil.

The Greenly Guide: You mention that you created your line of wholesome and organic skincare products for babies and kids to help them develop a lifelong love for veggies, and you also partner with the organization, Life Lab, to help change the way kids think about fruits and veggies. Can you share a little about your partnership and why it is important to your company’s mission?

Allyson: In addition to the answer in question #1 the idea for Pleni Naturals to focus on fruits and veggies was because of my own struggles as a parent inspiring my own kids to love their fruits and veggies! It can be a lot of work! I know other parents struggle with this as well. The fruit and veggie characters on the packaging are fun and silly and it is our mission to deepen that connection with kids and the healthy foods they eat. Plus, the skin is our largest organ and at Pleni Naturals, it makes sense to us to “feed” the skin with the same nutritious fruits and vegetables we put in our bodies. We decided to partner with Life Lab because their values are in alignment with ours — to deepen the connection with kids and the healthy foods they eat. Life Lab is a nonprofit that provides garden education curriculum for schools and I 100% believe that every school should have access to a school garden so they can experience an “edible education”.

The Greenly Guide: How do you keep your own children interested in healthy foods?

Allyson: In many ways! By being an example and making healthy foods choices every day for myself; always stocking plenty of fruits and veggies they have easy access to as a snack; I juice with my son and make smoothies for my daughter regularly (which is how they prefer to get those extra nutrients in, respectively); we go to farmer’s markets; we visit Life Lab on the weekends and enjoy running around the farm (it’s in Santa Cruz, CA which is fairly close to us); we provide a lot of color on the plate especially at dinner time so the food is visually appealing; I tell the kids why the healthy foods they are eating are good for them (i.e. good for your eyesight, makes your bones strong). I also get a lot of healthy recipe inspiration from food bloggers.

The Greenly Guide: As a mother and business owner, how do you find balance between your work and home life?

Allyson: It’s a juggle! But I am so grateful I am able to do this kind of work. I work very efficiently between school drop-off and pickup and I don’t look at my computer again until after the kids are in bed (unless it’s urgent–sometimes things come up!). I often stay up late to get any unfinished work completed and I’m a little more tired than I like, but I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about my current work/home life situation. I love it!

The Greenly Guide: Pleni Naturals has been certified as a brand with MADE SAFE – can you share why it was important to you to pursue this certification and what it means for your brand?

Allyson: I knew while developing the Pleni Naturals line I wanted it to be nontoxic and I spent a lot of time in R&D making sure every product was clean. People may not realize how much work this is; especially when your ingredient “NO” list is as long as ours! Plus, there is a lot of greenwashing in the skincare industry and no regulatory body that prevents companies from calling their products “nontoxic”. How is the consumer supposed to trust skincare brands with all of this greenwashing going on? What products are truly safe to purchase/use? I like MADE SAFE because they screen products for us – the consumer – and only certify products that do not contain harmful toxins that affect our bodies and our environment. And when I learned about MADE SAFE and their mission to eliminate toxins from all products we use in our home, I knew this was the certification I had to have for our brand. Currently, all three Pleni Naturals products are MADE SAFE certified and I plan on all future products we develop to be MADE SAFE certified as well.

The Greenly Guide: What has been your greatest challenge in developing your line of products?

Allyson: By far, the biggest challenge in developing the Pleni Naturals products is preservation! If a product has water in it, it needs to be preserved. Period. The challenge is that it is truly difficult to find preservatives that work and are also natural. There needs to be more options in this area and I am sure every single green skin care company feels the same way! We were lucky to find a 100% natural lactobacillus preservative that works great for our Apple + Broccoli Hair and Body Wash but it doesn’t work for our yet to be released lotion, which we won’t launch until we find a safe preservative blend that works and is in alignment with our values. Also, the problem with the few natural preservatives that are available is that some contain salicylates (think salicylic acid) and these are not appropriate for babies and kids or pregnant women, who also use our products.

The Greenly Guide: Can you share what brings you the most joy about Pleni Naturals?

Allyson: The product development process is a huge joy for me. I absolutely love it! It’s exciting every time. Also, the biggest thrill is when I hear from customers on how the baby oil treated their baby’s cradle cap or how the hair and body wash left their kiddo’s skin so soft and hydrated. This is what it is all about!

The Greenly Guide: What can we expect from your brand in 2017? Any exciting plans you can share?

Allyson: YES! I’m so excited! We are in development with some new products that will launch later this year. Hint: it will be a treat for moms and all ladies alike that care about effective, clean beauty!

Win a Pleni Naturals product bundle!

I am very excited to give you an opportunity to try some of these wonderful organic and non-toxic kids products! The Greenly Guide has partnered with Allyson and Pleni Naturals to offer one of you the opportunity to win all three of their current products: the Cucumber + Grape Baby Oil, the Apple + Broccoli Hair and Body Wash and the Berry + Olive Baby Balm!  Not only are these great for your kiddos, but for the adults in your family too!

Make sure to head over to our Instagram page HERE for all of the giveaway details!

[Giveaway is only open to residents of the United States who are 18 years or older]

*All photos in this post are courtesy of and belong to Pleni Naturals.

Connect with Pleni Naturals on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

The post Brand Profile and Interview with Allyson Owens of Pleni Naturals appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

There are so many amazing things happening in the green community all the time it is easy to miss a great article!  So, each month, we round up our favorites to share with you.  Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!

{December 2016 Edition} In case you missed it…

1.If you want to start off the New Year feeling healthy and refreshed, you will definitely want to check out this 3-Day Detox that will jump start your mind and your body

2. If you have been curious what all of the buzz about collagen is lately, this post will give you all of the details about what collagen protein is and how to use it

3. Looking to create a more sustainable home life? These 5 things to keep in mind when looking for a green home will help you on your journey!

4. Winter is officially here and I think it’s safe to say we all need a great facial balm in our life – Katie of The Green Product Junkie has the run down of some of the best of the best balms for the colder months

5. With all of the parties and holiday gatherings now behind us, what may NOT be behind us is that lingering sweet tooth!  Find out what 5 Herbs will help you to kick your sugar cravings

6. If you have been on the hunt for a non-toxic hair dye to cover those pesky grays, you must check out this fantastic in-depth review and hair dyeries by Lisa of This Organic Girl

7. Have the holidays left you feeling a little worn down and tired?  Noticing a few more dark circles under your eyes?  Not to worry, the lovely Kristen Arnett shows you how to conceal dark circles naturally and quickly!

8. ‘Life Changing Books’, need we say more?  Check out these picks from Suzi of Gurl Gone Green

9. If you enjoy a good DIY, then these five natural beauty recipes are a must read!

10. Feelings of anxiety and stress throughout the day can be managed more easily with these 4 best meditation apps to stay sane on-the-go

We hope you have all enjoyed the holidays, and we wish you a healthy and happy start to 2017 – Happy New Year!

If you are a blogger and would like to submit one of your posts for next month’s Greenly Reads or if you just read a great article and think others would enjoy it too, please contact keri@thegreenlyguide.com

The post …greenly reads… appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

There are so many amazing things happening in the green community all the time it is easy to miss a great article!  So, each month, we round up our favorites to share with you.  Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!

{November 2016 Edition} In case you missed it…

1.Especially in light of the holidays and gift giving, reducing fashion waste and avoiding fast fashion is such an important topic!

2. Does the holiday season bring you more stress than joy?  If so, you need to read Teri Miyahira’s 5 Easiest Productivity Hacks for the Holidays

3. If you are looking to reduce your makeup clutter, then these tips for building a clean, green capsule beauty routine are for you!

4. Eating clean doesn’t have to break the bank – Check out these 15 simple ways to save money on real food!

5. If you are looking to learn more about the world of slow and sustainable fashion, check out these 5 ethical fashion books to help you build an inspired closet!

6. Want to know the secret of Global Beauty?  Lina Hanson reveals more about the launch of her newly rebranded line in this interview with Sarita Coren

7. Stumped on what gift to get for someone this holiday season?  How about one of these 11 experience gifts for the minimalist in your life

8. Cleaning your house doesn’t have to be a toxin filled experience – find out how to find safer cleaning products that will keep your house clean and your loved ones safer.

9. Ate a little too much turkey and pie over the Thanksgiving holiday or looking to jumpstart your nutrition before the holiday parties begin?  Learn how 9 Yogis detox after serious holiday indulgence.

Have a wonderful December & Happy Holidays!!

If you are a blogger and would like to submit one of your posts for next month’s Greenly Reads or if you just read a great article and think others would enjoy it too, please contact keri@thegreenlyguide.com

The post …greenly reads… appeared first on The Greenly Guide.