Organic Shower Gel

The Trouble with Chemicals

There are so many different chemicals used in shampoos, shower gels and cosmetics that it can get pretty scary to think about what is in the products you use to clean and beautify yourself.

According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, more than 10,500 different substances and chemicals are used in personal care products in the United States. Only 13 percent of those have been evaluated for safety, however.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has no regulatory oversight of cosmetics or personal care products. In fact, there's no one in the government that says products that are on the market are safe. It would take a major health crisis in order for the government to start testing or pulling products from the shelves. If you live in Europe, you already have safer conventional products than consumers in the United States do. Compounds that have been banned in the European Union for their potential links to birth defects and cancers are still perfectly legal in the states.

That's why choosing organic shower gel and other hair and beauty products is such a great move for your body. You aren't risking potential illness down the line, and you're protecting the planet from all those chemicals as well.

Choosing Organic Shower Gel

As the boom in organic products continues, more companies are manufacturing organic beauty products including shower gels, soaps, shampoos and other necessities.

It's likely you'll be able to find such products at your local natural foods store. You can also buy direct from the manufacturer or online. Here are some products you'll want to check out:

• Kiss My Face has the Sudz line of organic shower gels, including a grapefruit and lemongrass scented wash and an exfoliating lemon and verbena scrub.
• Tom's of Maine, while more famous for its toothpaste, has unscented and lavender body wash products.
• Organic Blue has an oil-infused shower gel that is invigorating, refreshing and naturally antibacterial.
• Aubrey Organics offers a shower gel full of nut and citrus oils for moisturizing.

When shopping for organic beauty products, it is important to note the distinction between natural and organic. Just because something is natural does not mean it is either organic or safe. If it is important to you that the products you use be 100 percent organic, you'll need to do your homework. You may need to contact the manufacturer directly to find out exactly what is in their products.

Make Your Own Shower Gel

If you're not happy with the products you can find on the market, try making your own shower gel.

1. Start with a base of unscented natural shampoo.
2. Combine half a cup of shampoo with a quarter cup of water and three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt for exfoliation.
3. Add 15 to 20 drops of one or a combination of essential oils. This gives fragrance to your body wash as well as providing health benefits. For example, tea tree oil is antiseptic, peppermint is invigorating and lavender helps relieve tension.

If all else fails, try using liquid hand soap or shampoo as body wash. Or, look for organic baby products that would be just fine for grown-up skin as well. Sometimes, you have to get a little creative to find organic body products that you feel good about. Once you have found them, however, you'll be glad to know you're protecting the planet every time you step into the shower.