A few months ago I made the decision to try and remove some of the chemical laden products that were in regular use at our house; shampoos, conditioners, soaps, deodorants, etc. I’ve read so much over the years about how the products filling our store shelves are full of not so great ingredients but it took me quite a long time to feel like I could finally relinquish some of my beloved products.
When I finally decided to make the switch, the shear number of “natural” choices was overwhelming! I love that there are so many great products out there to choose from, but it all felt a bit overwhelming as I wasn’t sure what would actually work and I hated the thought of spending lots of money trying to figure out which products I liked.
As we prepared for ShopVT with Try Vermont First, I discovered and rediscovered some fabulous local VT businesses that make wonderful all natural beauty products. This was the final kick that I needed to try out something new!
One of the businesses that I loved discovering was Green Village Soap. I found out that Liz, the owner, is a recent Florida transplant to our wonderful state, so we connected immediately talking about Florida (which is where I grew up). I discovered that her and her husband moved here because they fell in love with VT and the lifestyle here (really, who wouldn’t?!).
Liz has an Etsy shop full of handcrafted and all natural products that are free from harmful chemicals. You will find soaps, shampoo bars, deodorant, beard balm and more. All of her products are free of parabens (used as preservatives), petroleum products, phthalates, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates and synthetic fragrance oils.
Liz graciously allowed me to try out the Clove and Orange Shampoo bar and the Lemon and Eucalyptus Deodorant and here are my thoughts on each.
I’m really enjoying the Clove and Orange Shampoo bar. I will say it took me a bit to figure out how to use it and get using to washing my hair with a soap bar. I just basically run it under the water and lather it up in my hands and then work through my hair. The scent is lovely and I love that I end up using so little. I think a bar is going to last me quite a long time!
I also love that I can pronounce all of the ingredients and know exactly what they are. No hidden chemicals and I feel reassured knowing exactly what I’m putting on my body.
I will say that I have found that I have to wash my hair more frequently (my hair tends to be on the dry side), but I actually take that as a good sign as it seems that this shampoo doesn’t dry out my hair like other shampoos have. I also tend to have a pretty dry scalp (especially in winter!) and I’ve noticed that using this shampoo seems to have helped considerably!
I was a bit more skeptical about the Lemon Eucalyptus Deodorant. Natural deodorant is one thing I have tried quite a few of and been disappointed each time for one reason or another. But I’m glad to report that I really like this product!
Again, the scent is lovely. Refreshing and natural smelling, I actually enjoy putting my deodorant on each morning. It goes on nice and smooth, whereas other natural deodorants I had tried were either an odd texture or too liquidy (I think I just made that word up).
I will say that you may have to apply this deodorant a couple times a day depending on how active you are, but for the most part I feel like it works very well. And I figure having to apply it twice in a day is a small price to pay in exchange for knowing that I am using something that is void of nasty chemicals.
My only other concern is how quickly I will go through this stick. It seems like a traditional deodorant would last longer, although I can’t say for sure at this point.
Overall, I love the product and am very happy with it. I will definitely be placing an order soon!
Ready to try some of Liz’s products yourself? Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a deodorant, shampoo bar, and soap!
I’ve been wanting to make this switch too… I have also tried a lot of natural deodorants and haven’t found one I like. I think I would try the eucalyptus fragrance first!
Winter Skin Soap Set
clove/orange/rosemary!
I’ve been trying to find a good natural shampoo / conditioner regiment… so far, I haven’t found the perfect thing – they either make my hair too dry, or too greasy – it would be fun to try these!
Lemon! Wakes me up in the morning – especially in the winter.
lemon eucalyptus sounds really wonderful.
I use Liz’s clove shampoo bar. I love it so much. I have sort of curly sort of straight hair. Her shampoo smells like heaven and gives me curls no matter the weather!