Cruelty-Free Products that Actually Work?

Moonchild81 · Apr 8, 2006

I am having a devil of a time trying to find an all-natural, cruelty-free...well, here's the list: 
1) Deodorant (it seems to me that a deoderant HAS to have aluminum to work. Unfortunately, all the all-natural brands say "no aluminum"! Don't get me wrong, I'd rather be a little sweaty than buy anything by P & G or whoever, but there's gotta be some compromise brand...if it doesn't work then it's just flushing money down the toilet, all-natural or not) 
2) Toner (I have combination skin. I am using up the last of my non-animal tested but lactic-acid containing specialty stuff as I transition into veganism. The trouble I have with the organic toners is that they might have some good stuff in them, but then they throw in things like peppermint and witch hazel, just because it makes their products seem more botanical or whatever. When in fact both of those things are very irritating to skin, and I don't want to put them anywhere near my face!) 
3) Topical acne stuff ( I just bought some apricot scrub and a Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Blemish stick, at a Whole Foods employee's suggestion. So we'll see how they work. I've read that tea tree oil can be effective against zits, but not as much as benzoyl peroxide, although it does cause less irritation. However, most products that contain t.t.o. don't have a high enough percentage of it to make a difference..most of the products I looked at listed it as their second-to-last or last ingredient!) 
I would love to hear any suggestions for all-natural stuff that REALLY works. Or even stuff that is man-made but still cruelty-free. Arrgghh.

IamJen · Apr 8, 2006

Hm. I, and several acquaintances have used witch hazel and found it to be pretty good on skin. It's really pretty gentle. I think the peppermint, they may put in just for the smell. I know when I was a goofball teenager, I loved that "SeaBreeze" scent..I thought it symbolized "clean". Since most "natural" toners don't contain alcohol/fragrance, they may be trying to mimic that "clean" scent. 
I've actually not been using a toner for several years now. I wash my face and just started using a moisturizer. Are you using the toner for excess oils? 
re: deodorant. I'm using Tom's of Maine, but I'm noticing that it's effectiveness is starting to wear off. I used a crystal stick previously, for about 4 or 5 years and it worked well, it just became hard to find them when I lived in OmniLand. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
Acne stuff..I'm not sure what others will recommend, but I know Arbonne makes some products that are vegan, and some folks here highly recommended Pro-Activ, which is vegan, but I'm not sure about animal-tested. Choosing a mild (or no) toner may actually make a big difference, especially if the toner's too strong and drying out your skin.

SallyK · Apr 8, 2006

I will stand by Arbonne's toner for normal to oily skin until I'm blue in the face. It's hands down the best toner out there, IMO. It is incredibly gentle and is perfect for break out prone skin. Toner should close your pores and restore skin's ph level. These are both important when it comes to fighting blemishes and maintaining healthy skin including keeping out free radicals and other icky things from the environment. 
Peppermint is often added as an aromatic agent as well as it's benefits for the skin. It can promote microcirculation - giving you a healthy glow. 
I'm not sure if you really do indeed have acne or just breakouts. I don't suggest Arbonne's acne line unless you really have bad acne. Like, BAD. Also, if you really do indeed have acne, you also shouldn't be using a scrub. 
Feel free to PM me if you have questions. I'd be happy to help.

SerafinaC · Apr 8, 2006

i've heard green tea is a great toner. it's not cruel unless you burn yourself...

differentdaisy · Apr 8, 2006

I used proactive years ago and it worked, but my skin became really dry in certain areas. 
Now, I use Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner and herbal blemish stick. The toner helps to shrink pores. I don't break out nearly as bad now, but it could be because I got older. It is mostly hormonal with me anyway, certain times of the month. The toner and blemish stick are also nice because they are natural, if you don't mind a little alcohol. 
Garden Tomato Toner Ingredients: Filtered water, SD alcohol 40-B (from yellow corn), vegetable glycerin, extracts of cucumber, green tea, parsley, tomato, bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange and lemon (natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids), fragrance. 
Blemish Stick Ingredients: SD alcohol 40-B (from yellow corn), calendula flower oil, borage seed oil, yarrow oil, parsley seed extract, willow bark extract, lemon oil, fennel oil, water, tea tree leaf oil, juniperus communis fruit oil, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil.

GhostUser · Apr 9, 2006

1) Deodorant: I've been using Tom's Of Maine Anti-perspirant/Deodorant for awhile and I like it. It actually does have some sort of buffered aluminum. It the best I've ever found, though it is the first and only natural one I've used, so I can't compare it to other natural brands. 
2) Toner- Can't really help with toner as I don't use one. 
3) Topical acne stuff: I agree w/Sally about maybe not using a manual scrub if you have acne. I use Ecco Bella's Leave on Exfoliant (2% BHA, 6% AHA) and it's really awesome and I'm loving it. I don't have acne, but I used a cleanser that seriously clogged like every pore, so I got this to help get everything out of my skin. I think I'll continue to use it though because it's so gentle, yet very effective. This could help your skin b/c the AHA exfoliates the surface skin cells (instead of manualy exfoliating them) and the BHA goes deeper into pores to clean them out. 
Ingredients: 
Organic aloe vera, lemon and passionfruit acids, lactic acid, salicylic acid, xanthan gum, clay, organic extracts of oat, calendula, and licorice; Advanced antioxidant complex liposome encapsulated: 5% vitamin E with alpha, beta, delta, gamma, tocopherols and tocotrienols, vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), alpha lipoic acid, and carotenoid complex with astaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin; essential oils of lavender, rosemary and geranium; dehydroacetic acid, benzyl alcohol, (mild preservatives). <a href="http://www.mothernature.com/shop/detail.cfm/sku/59268/S/98697" target="_blank">http://www.mothernature.com/shop/det.../59268/S/98697</a> 
Whoops, I just realized this contains lactic acid...sorry!

Cissy · Apr 9, 2006

I don't use toner, but for topical acne stuff, there's a benzoyl peroxide gel by Mary Kay that has worked wonders for me.

systmc · Apr 12, 2006

Deodorant... 
I've been a fan of Tom's of Maine, though the last half-year I've been using Thai Crystal Deodorant Mist (ingredients: mineral salts and purified water). It may sound ineffective, but it's surprisingly good. I sit at a desk all day in a climate-controlled environment, so I really don't need anything strong. <a href="http://www.deodorantstones.com/" target="_blank">http://www.deodorantstones.com/</a> 
The stuff lasts forever, too, so it'll save you cash.

Jana · Apr 12, 2006

I've been using tea tree oil on my blemishes at night. It really does seem to be working. It smells strong and make the spot look shiny so I don't use it during the day.

RainDrp44 · Apr 18, 2006

Hi all! 
I am new to the page. My name is Raina and I am an Arbonne Independant Consultant. This isnt a sales pitch...lol 
I just wanted to put this out there because one of the main reasons I chose to promote Arbonne is because it is Vegan approved. If anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to ask. ALL Arbone products are Vegan Approved, not tested on Animals, and do not contain human or animal by products in them. I have learned so much about the cosmetic industry from Arbonne and it's training. 
I would love to educate anyone who is interested. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sunny.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":sunny:"> 
Feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>

Ayrlin · Apr 18, 2006

For a toner I use Witch hazel with a couple drops of rosemary. 
For deoderant I use mineral salts and they seem to work fine for me. 
Acne stuff I do not know, I use a mix of yogurt and blended strawberries on my face but I do not have a pimple problem but that mix is not suitable for a vegan

GhostUser · Apr 18, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by systmc <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Deodorant... 
I've been a fan of Tom's of Maine, though the last half-year I've been using Thai Crystal Deodorant Mist (ingredients: mineral salts and purified water). It may sound ineffective, but it's surprisingly good. I sit at a desk all day in a climate-controlled environment, so I really don't need anything strong. <a href="http://www.deodorantstones.com/" target="_blank">http://www.deodorantstones.com/</a> 
The stuff lasts forever, too, so it'll save you cash.

</div>
</div>
 
i am allergic to everything and used toms for awhile but then couldnt anymore..so i am using deodorant stones and they are wonderful and no allergies.

happy cricket · Apr 18, 2006

I hate to say this, and I don't want to make anyone mad, but spoken as a person whose in-laws are very "all-natural, organic granola" types, the Crystal/ clear rock thing eoderant does NOT work. You still have BO if you ar using this product. I firmly believe that it is marketed based on the fact that you get used to your own stink after a while, and do not notice the intensity of it. 
Again, if you are using this crystal rock crap on your pits, please understand that it is USELESS and non-users can still smell you, and just don't say anything. 
I'm all about helathy and organic, but I wouldn't want to encourage anyone to use a quack product and waste their money.

lilac wine · Apr 18, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by happy cricket <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I hate to say this, and I don't want to make anyone mad, but spoken as a person whose in-laws are very "all-natural, organic granola" types, the Crystal/ clear rock thing eoderant does NOT work. You still have BO if you ar using this product. I firmly believe that it is marketed based on the fact that you get used to your own stink after a while, and do not notice the intensity of it.</div>
</div>
 
Hmm. Could it be a body chemistry thing that makes it not work for them/for some people? I'd think it depends on the person, but I normally use deodorant sticks, but occasionally will use the crystal, and for me the crystal does work-in fact better than many deodorant sticks do.

maxdamoose · Apr 29, 2007

I know you asked over a year ago, but THE BEST CRUELTY-FREE DEODORANT is AVALON ORGANIC's WILD YAM scented. It's great. I've tried several others and my skin is pretty sensitive, so they irritated my underarms or they didn't work to keep the stink away. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> If you're really working up a sweat, you'll probably need to re-apply sometime during the day, otherwise one application is enough. Also, the bottle lasts a very long time (about 6 months for me) with daily (sometimes multiple times daily) application. 
I'm still trying to find a cruelty-free blemish product with benzyl peroxide.

barefootchick · Apr 30, 2007

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by happy cricket <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I hate to say this, and I don't want to make anyone mad, but spoken as a person whose in-laws are very "all-natural, organic granola" types, the Crystal/ clear rock thing eoderant does NOT work. You still have BO if you ar using this product. I firmly believe that it is marketed based on the fact that you get used to your own stink after a while, and do not notice the intensity of it. </div>
</div>
 
I've read that the crystal rock does work for some people. However, when I used it, I still stank and had terrible b.o. I've been trying to find the right deodorant/anti-perspirant that's animal and cruelty-free and still works against b.o. Not too hard, right? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

catswym · Apr 30, 2007

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by barefootchick <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I've read that the crystal rock does work for some people. However, when I used it, I still stank and had terrible b.o. I've been trying to find the right deodorant/anti-perspirant that's animal and cruelty-free and still works against b.o. Not too hard, right? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"></div>
</div>
 
yeah, the crystal didn't work AT ALL for me. neither did tom's tho. 
i use jason's: only lavendar and 'natural scent' work for me. i've found that the "scent" of the stick is important for whether it works or not with your body chemistry.

jeneticallymodified · Apr 30, 2007

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">I'm still trying to find a cruelty-free blemish product with benzyl peroxide.</div>
</div>
 
what about this one : <a href="http://www.danielkern.com/cart.php?target=help&mode=gel_info" target="_blank">http://www.danielkern.com/cart.php?t...&mode=gel_info</a> 
its not animal tested, and has no animal ingredients. i use it... its practically miraculous, lol.

GhostUser · Apr 30, 2007

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by hoodedclawjen <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
what about this one : <a href="http://www.danielkern.com/cart.php?target=help&mode=gel_info" target="_blank">http://www.danielkern.com/cart.php?t...&mode=gel_info</a> 
its not animal tested, and has no animal ingredients. i use it... its practically miraculous, lol.</div>
</div>
 
What do you use to moisturize after you use the BP gel?

jeneticallymodified · May 1, 2007

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">What do you use to moisturize after you use the BP gel?</div>
</div>
 
i don't use a moisturiser over it at night, and my skin is totally fine- doesn't get dry and crunchy or anything. in the morning... in the past year or two i've used a dr hauschka oil thing (free sample, was a bit oily, hehehe), an aloe vera gel (not quite moistury enough), a kiss my face moisturiser (worked fine), a lush one (also worked fine), a british oil free one made by the 'simple' brand (worked fine, ran out, not in britain now so aint got any more)... all sorts. i really need to pick a moisturiser and stick with it, i swap around a lot. i tend to use as little moisturiser as i can get away with cos i really don't need the extra oil- it just makes my foundation slide off. 
i've read a book about skincare (the beauty bible, by paula begoun) recently which has really helped me to learn a bit about my skin. i've come to realise that if your skin doesn't feel very taut, dry or flaky, you often really don't need to smear moisturiser all over it at all, and oftentimes if it does feel dry and flaky, its due to using the wrong products in the first place. its really got me thinking about stuff, its a pretty good book <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> .

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