Courtney Carlisle Bolton
One of the largest challenges for those of us who have been using natural and organic products for a while has been the obstacle of finding these responsible beauty care lines. If the “green movement” has done anything, it has opened doors for eco-friendly companies previously seen as niche to be distributed at mass retail.
While some may have objections to these big box retailers, such as WalMart, Target and even department stores, like Macy’s, recently, they have brought affordable organic and natural beauty options to the mass market. I’ve spent a few years covering luxury products and all natural spa treatments at luxe spas and boutiques, but with the shift in the economy, it’s really nice to be able to cover readily available and in some cases now, more affordable alternatives. Here is a list of where I have spied some of my favorite paraben-free, phalate free, organic, natural, etc. brands and products.
- Target has one of the widest selections that I have come across offering everything from organic clothing, beauty products, infant items and cleaning supplies. They carry a range of well-known non-toxic brands, such as Method, Seventh Generation, Burt’s Bees, Alba Organics, Rogan clothing, Born Free bottles and even their own house brand of organic grocery staples. Keep an eye out for their guest designers – they have had some amazing eco-lines available.
- For beauty buffs, Sephora is beginning to carry more and more products that earn the FeelGood Style stamp of approval, including Pangea Organics, Juice Beauty, Josie Maran and LaVanila. Yum. (Of course, if you are looking online and don’t want to wade through reading all of the labels, I would recommend visiting our very own Emma Pezzack’s FutureNatural, a well-curated online beauty shop featuring some of the best non-toxic beauty finds.)
- Babies R Us, believe it or not, has some great organic offerings for the eco-conscious mom or mom-to-be. From Naturepedic organic mattresses to Halo’s organic sleep sacks and gDiapers, moms and dads can stock up on a number of eco-friendly, baby safe products for the nursery. Pick up a copy of Dr. Greene’s Raising Baby Green and peruse his recommended products right there in-store or online.
- Even companies, like the Gap corporation, are starting to showcase more and more organic options at reasonable prices. Gap Kids is currently offering an adorable limited edition line from Stella McCartney. And, Banana Republic, one of the Gap brands has several organic-cotton options.
While you may not support all that these companies stand for, it is important to support a mass movement toward the adoption of organic cottons, the deletion of parabens, pthalates and other harmful chemicals. If you are shopping at these locations anyway, then make sure to vote with your dollar and support them in carrying these products. Chances are, if they are available, someone who may never have picked up a bottle of organic shampoo just might.
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