Ingredients in Haircare Products To Avoid

Toxic Ingredients in Haircare Products To Avoid

Trying to discern what ingredients should and shouldn’t be in your hair care products? With the enormous amount of greenwashing in the beauty industry, it can be quite daunting. I feel like it’s almost become the norm for brands to tout all the “good” ingredients they are using while neglecting to mention the not-so-good ones that are lurking in the products as well.

Plus, SHOCKER, label reading really isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. (I know! I mean, who doesn’t want to spend their precious time deciphering a tiny label on the back of a bottle? Listen, I’m 45 years old and already wearing multi-focal contacts. My middle-aged eyes CANNOT TAKE IT.) And even if you do have the eyes of an eagle, it still can be daunting.

So I’m here to give you a little primer on some of the biggest offenders in terms of toxic ingredients in hair care, as well as some of my tried-and-true favorite products!

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Fitglow Beauty x Whoorl Collaboration

Fitglow Beauty x Whoorl Collaboration

Oh my goodness, I am so excited to finally announce what I’ve been up to over the past few months with Fitglow Beauty. Whoorl-Approved Skincare and Makeup Kits! If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know that I am one of Fitglow’s biggest fans and supporters – they are total pioneers in the clean beauty space and consistently introduce great products to the market.

Over the past few years, a handful (maybe even two handfuls, if we want to get technical) of products have landed in the coveted Best of Best spot at Whoorl and remained there ever since. Well, we thought it was time to share my very favorites with you all in two limited edition kits that showcase my tried-and-true, shout-from-the-rooftop products at an incredible discount!

Fitglow Beauty x Whoorl Collaboration

Introducing Whoorl Skincare Favorites and Whoorl Makeup Favorites!

Let’s start with the Skincare kit.

whoorl fitglow skincare favorites kit

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Showdown: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF40 vs Kosas Tinted Face Oil

Everybody’s talking about the new Ilia Super Skin Serum Skin Tint SPF40 on the clean beauty front and I get it. Skincare, makeup AND SPF in one product? Sign me up! The last time I remember makeup lovers creating such a buzz was when Kosas released their cult-status Tinted Face Oil.

Both of these products boast a skincare serum with just the right amount of coverage, so I thought I would do a little head-to-head action! Let’s get down to business.

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Maya Chia Supercritical Chia Oil – My Favorite Facial Oil

I recently realized that although I’ve talked about and loved this product for years, I hadn’t written a dedicated post solely to the moisturizing love of my life, Maya Chia Supercritical Chia Oil. Well, the time has come.

I stumbled across this product years ago when a fellow sensitive-skinned beauty blogger was raving about the product. Although I would classify my skin type as “normal with a tendency to be sensitive” (is that really a type?), so many serums and oils have managed to make my skin feel suffocated and congested. I’ve always considered myself to be a “less is more” kind of gal, so when I read about how hydrating yet lightweight the Supercritical Chia Oil was, I knew I had to try it.

Before we dive into my personal reasons for adoring the Supercritical, let’s talk about pure Omega-3 Chia Oil. This oil is for anyone who wants to deeply (yet naturally) moisturize their skin. This face oil is ultra lightweight, soothing and quickly absorbs without any greasy feeling.

Chia Seed Oil (especially the oil sourced by Maya Chia, which most closely mirrors the plant itself because of the way they extract the oil – psst the extraction itself is called “supercritical,” hence the name) is high in naturally occurring Vitamin B3 and Zinc, which is particularly useful in quelling inflammation associated with acne. Chia oil also far exceeds the omega fatty acid content of many major sources (wild caught salmon, for example) which means it is exceptional for restoring the skin barrier function. It also has incredibly high antioxidant levels and contains magnesium and calcium, which is great for the skin as well. Essentially, it really is a skincare superhero.

In this study published in the Annals of Dermatology on end-stage renal patients, they developed a condition called xerotic pruritus. Over an 8-week period using a 4% topical solution of chia oil, the results were pretty dramatic. That study concluded that Chia Seed Oil was clinically proven to significantly increase skin hydration, reduce trans-epidermal water loss and increase the skin barrier function.

Now, I was a pharmaceutical rep for over a decade…you can show me study after study, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to work for me. I need some real-world application if you know what I’m saying. Well, I’ve been using this oil for years and it still remains my #1 moisturizer.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Why do I love it so much?

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Summer Means Clean Sunscreen: Part Two

Welcome to the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series! As we enter the warmer months, I’ve declared it my duty to keep you up-to-date on all of the best clean, non-toxic sunscreens. Whether they are new releases or old favorites, I will detail them all so you can make an educated decision on which sunscreens to purchase for you and your family!

Today we’ll be looking into two fantastic brands, Kimberly Sayer and Badger. I am LOVING these two sun protection brands so much this season and can’t wait to give you all the details.

BADGER SUN PRODUCTS

Badger is a small, family-owned and family-friendly company nestled on the banks of the Ashuelot River in rural Gilsum, New Hampshire. They blend organic plant extracts, exotic oils, butter, and beeswax to make healing balms, lip balms, safe mineral sunscreens and other personal care products that work well and feel great on the skin.

I have three personal favorites.

Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion

This is a brand new formula and technology! Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion is a lightweight, easy to apply, non-greasy, everyday sunscreen lotion. Blocks the sun’s harmful rays with clear zinc oxide, a specialized zinc oxide powder with high transparency and low whitening. This is huge, obviously, as I hate looking like a pasty, sickly ghost when I apply many natural sunscreens.

The product acts like a non-nano particle in that it stays on the surface of your skin, however, it is actually made up of smaller nano-sized particles that are fused together into larger clumps so that no detectable nanoparticles exist in the product. The clumps are porous, like sea sponges, and their structure allows them to appear clear on the skin, making them a safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing option.

More details:

84% organic base ingredients and Clear Zinc Oxide
Super moisturizing base with 56% Organic Fair Trade Aloe
No added fragrance
Excellent UVA and UVB protection
Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic – safe for sensitive skin
Reef friendly and biodegradable, no oxybenzone, no octinoxate
Certified cruelty-free and gluten-free
Non-GMO certified by NSF to NSF Non-GMO True North

However! I must point out that this product is not waterproof nor water resistant. If you are going to be in the water, definitely opt for the Badger Sport Sunscreen.

Bottom line – this soaks right into the skin and there is no whitish cast. It’s all I’m looking for when spending the day outside.

Badger Kid Sport Sunscreen

Another new formulation, the Badger Kid Sport Sunscreen is now SPF 40 and made with the same clear zinc mentioned above. Smells exactly like a creamsicle and it’s water resistant to 80 minutes. It’s hypoallergenic so safe for the most sensitive skin and the light fragrance is made with non-photosensitizing essential oils of Tangerine & Vanilla in a gentle Sunflower Oil base.

This is great for little kiddos!

Badger Aloe Vera Gel

Oh, how I LOVE Badger’s Aloe Vera Gel. It’s the cleanest gel out there – made with 96% pure, organic, fair trade aloe juice. It’s truly as close as you can get to breaking a leaf off an aloe plant. With its amazing moisturizing benefits, it delivers that feeling of instant relief we remember from our childhood days at the beach. Not sticky and NO ADDED SCENT – So good!

This also works so well while massaging your face Gua Sha-style AND I love using it as my conductor gel with my Nu Face device. More on that later. ;)

Okay, now let’s talk face! I’ve got some goodies for you.

KIMBERLY SAYER SUN PRODUCTS

Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer SPF 30

Described as a product for oily or acne-prone skin or anyone that desires a very lightweight SPF for face, Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 is my new favorite for the face. It is SO GOOD. In fact, I don’t know many skin types that wouldn’t love this lotion. This stuff soaks right in yet makes my face feel super hydrated at the same time. The scent is lightly citrus – not overpowering in the least, and it looks great under makeup. No sunscreen cast on the face at all, even in photos!

You know I love both the Hynt Sun Prep SPF and the Honua Malu, but this one has just rounded out my trifecta of face sunscreens. And the price? $33 which is fantastic for the full 4 ounces. I definitely recommned this product to anyone looking for a great facial sunscreen that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy in the slightest yet still feels hydrating on the skin!

Kimberly Sayer Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

This award-winning protective SPF day cream absorbs easily and won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. It’s made with natural and organic ingredients including lemon oil to detox the skin, minimize oil production and help dry up acne. If you have super dry skin, this is the one I would go for.

The formulation contains live organic extracts, anti-oxidants and organic sunscreen to protect against free radical damage and aging. The anti-oxidant Beech Bud Extract helps to repair damaged cells deep within the skin and cold-pressed Borage Oil fortifies cell growth and provides anti-aging benefits. An excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

A GREAT GIFT WITH PURCHASE

All of these products can be bought at The Choosy Chick and they are honoring a great deal for you all. From now until Sunday, May 5th, spend $50 or more at The Choosy Chick and get a free Badger Aloe Vera Gel! Your total can include any brands or products and don’t forget to use the code WHOORL for 10% off your order too! Bomb dot com.

Want more sun protection? Check out Part One of the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series!

Summer Means Clean Sunscreen: Part One

Welcome to the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series! As we enter the warmer months, I’ve declared it my duty to keep you up-to-date on all of the best clean, non-toxic sunscreens. Whether they are new releases or old favorites, I will detail them all so you can make an educated decision on which sunscreens to purchase for you and your family!

Today, I want to introduce you to a line that was one of my first clean sunscreen purchases years back and continues to be a favorite, Suntegrity Skincare.

Suntegrity Skincare was created by Tricia Trimble, in memory of her mother who lost her life to skin cancer. After losing her mom to melanoma, Tricia became a big advocate of wearing sunscreen and after several years of research and investigation, decided to develop her own sun care line.

Suntegrity Face and Body SPF 30 products use only the best known physical block ingredient (non-nano size zinc oxide) to provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and super anti-oxidants and amino acids to enhance that protection and help with skin repair. Suntegrity was also awarded “Champion” Status by the Environmental Working Group.

MY FAVORITES

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