1. Little Twig SPF 30 Kids Mineral Sunscreen
There has been a lot of concern expressed lately about nanoparticles and chemicals in sunscreens. Honestly, I don’t know who to trust when even so-called natural brands contain harmful ingredients. I am so pleased to have finally found a chemical-free sunscreen I trust by Little Twig.
Little twigs new extra mild unscented SPF 30+ Mineral Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection for even the most sensitive skin. The paraben and mineral oil free sunscreen is also water resistant. The sunscreen contains micronized zinc oxide and titanium for broad-spectrum protection against the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays. Loaded with antioxidants for healthy protection all year around, little twigs sunscreen formula is non-greasy and easy to apply.
- Non Chemical Sunscreens (No Nano Particals [sic])
- Water Resistant
- Broad Spectrum Protection
- Phthalate, Paraben and Mineral Oil Free
- Non-irritating
- Hypoallergenic
- Extra Mild Unscented
- Free of Nut, Soy and Wheat Ingredients
- Non Greasy and Smooth Application
I can’t say that I have truly put this sunscreen to the blazing sun test for effectiveness, but I do not doubt that it will protect my family from the rays on long outdoor days.
Would I buy this product? Yes. I trust Little Twig, especially after looking over their full line of organic products.
2. Baby Magic Patty Cake Dustless Baby Powder
When my babes were little, I did not use baby powder. I did, of course, buy it, as I thought it was a product I needed to have for cloth diapering. The one time I did try using baby powder, the fine dust that became air born did concern me as it surely was entering those little newborn lungs.
Baby Magic, a mainstream company you’ve seen in every drug store, has just introduced a talc-free, dustless baby powder.
Patty Cake is the first patented pressed baby powder that allows for precise application, which means no waste or mess and is convenient for home and travel use. The doctor recommended, talc free formula is presented in a duo-compact and comes with 40 disposable cotton round applicators.
Since I was not familiar with some of the ingredients, I consulted the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic database:
- LAUROYL LYSINE: Hazard score 0
- ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) STARCH: Hazard score 4
- ZINC OXIDE: Hazard score 2-5 depending on usage
- SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) ESTERS: Hazard score 0
- ZINC STEARATE: Hazard score 3
- SQUALANE: Hazard score 1
- ALLANTOIN: Hazard score 0
- FRAGRANCE: Who knows? This always annoys me on labels as very unspecific and cause for wariness.
- GLYCERETH-2 COCOATE: Hazard score 0
- BENZOIC ACID: Hazard score 3-4 (This ingredient may be derived from animals)
I wouldn’t exactly call this product natural, but it does have a relatively low hazard risk.
Would I buy this product? No. I do not think that baby powder is necessary, although it could be useful for my daughter’s stinky feet. I also have concerns with ingredients.
3. New Wave Enviro Stainless Steel Food Container
One thing I hate about packing lunches for school and work are the plastic containers and bags. Of course, I wash and reuse until they fall completely apart, but plastic, no matter how recycled in origin, gets gross over time. Stainless steel is a much more durable option.
- Seriously Safe!
- A no leach, no chemicals, no toxins product
- Fits perfectly in your lunchbox
- Reusable forever!
- Dimensions: 6″ x 4.5″ x 2″
I have tried out a three-tiered stainless steel lunch kit before, but I found it difficult to pack and sometimes hard for younger kids to manage. I like the individual containers much better. Like everything stainless steel, it is made in China.
Would I buy this product? Yes! I want a half a dozen for packing all my family’s lunches.
4. Stretch Island All-Natural Fruit Strip Autumn Apple
Fruit leather is a favorite snack of my kids and a convenient item to pack in school lunches. My kids have not found a flavor they do not like, and Autumn Apple is no exception.
- All-natural, 100%-fruit leather featuring apples
- No sugar added; gluten-free; dairy-free; certified kosher
- One bar equal to one fruit-exchange in diabetic diet
- Made on Stretch Island, WA
Would I buy this product? No, I only buy the organic fruit leather, and I was sent a sample of the conventionally grown product.
5. Green Toys Dig Earth Day Essential Green Kit For You and Your Tot
Looking for an affordable kit full of eco-friendly goodies? The Green Toys Essential Green Kit is only $26.99 and contains:
Kids will dig building castles and hunting for buried treasure with the environmentally friendly Sand Play Set from Green Toys. Like all Green Toys products, this classic set is made in the U.S.A. from 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce C02 emissions. Safe, non-toxic, BPA- free, phthalate-free, and PVC-free. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials. Dig into Good Green FunTM.
Cleanwell All-Natural Hand Sanitizer
CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizers kill 99.99% of germs but contain no harsh chemicals. Instead CleanWell’s germ killing power comes from a patented blend of essential oils including thyme. Alcohol free, safe for kids, never tested on animals. These convenient no-mess pocket sized sprays and wipes are perfect for daytripping.
Eco-Friendly Preserve Food Storage
Snacks are secure in Preserve’s 100% recycled, BPA free plastic storage containers. The leading producer of performance-driven and stylish 100% recycled household products, Preserve has been putting big ideas into small packages and finding smarter ways to make everyday products for the kitchen, table, and bathroom since 1996. All recycling and manufacturing is done in the USA.
Luna Bar White Chocolate Macadamia
Created by and for women, LUNA bars were the first bar just for us, with the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to stay healthy. Wholesome nourishment and delicious indulgence, they are all-natural, 70% organic and just plain yummy!
We love Green Toys! Made from 100% recycled plastic in the USA, you can’t go wrong with these durable eco-friendly toys. The Preserve containers are also very handy for packing school lunches. Another bonus is that profits from the sale of this kit are donated to Healthy Child Healthy World!
Would I buy this product? Yes, I love all of the products in this kit and the fact the profits go to a great organization!
Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples unless noted differently in the review. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
Panya says
I think it’s worth mentioning, for those that don’t know, that Stretch Island and FruitaBü are the same company.
Multi-Tasking Mommy says
I’ve been searching for a couple of years for a “all natural” sunscreen that I like and haven’t found one as of yet. I find that they all go on so thick and are hard to spread effectively, esp on kids. Did you try this on your skin? Would you be able to say something about how easily it was applied and whether or not it stays thick and visible after application?
Alex says
I just did a review of sunscreens on my site, Breezy Mama, and Little Twig was one of them. It’s easy to rub in, though it does leave a white residue due to the high level of Zinc Oxide (10%). I tested each sunscreen out, and Little Twig works really well–no sunburns in my family. I also interviewed two people from sunscreen companies on what we, as a consumer, need to look for–it’s pretty interesting stuff if you want to check it out:
http://breezymama.com/2010/05/19/sunscreen-how-to-choose-one-thats-right-for-you/