Is Your Shampoo Really Organic?

I have been reviewing some shampoos that claim to be organic; they even have the word “organic” in their product names.  But buyer be-ware, these so called labeled organic shampoos are not organic.

False Labeling:

There are a large number of so called organic shampoos on the market from companies trying to capitalize on the growing “Health and Organic” trend.  But they are misleading the public with false labeling.  They do not want to go the extra mile to produce a truly organic product.  Try to buy and use products that have been certified by the USDA National Organic Program.  Look for the USDA organic seal on personal care products that claim to be organic.

Safety:

We have found that most of these companies do contain some organic ingredients, but also contain some synthetic ingredients as well.  The most common one is 1,4-Dioxane, also known as dioxin.  It is used as a stabilizer in the shampoo.  Without getting too scientific, dioxin is a byproduct of certain materials used in making cosmetics and shampoos.  It is sometimes listed as PEG or not listed in their ingredients at all, of course. The danger side of dioxin is that it is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract, causes cancer, and causes damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys.  It is also bad for the environment; it leaches into the ground water from the solid waste landfills and contaminates drinking water.

Benefits of Certified Organic Shampoos:

Certified organic shampoos have many benefits for the user and can be found in most major stores now a day.  Most of them claim to be Paraben Free, Sulfite Free, Phthalate Free, and No EDTA.  Some claim to use no artificial colors or fragrances.  All claimed to be cruelty-free with no animal testing.  They also have natural ingredients to make the shampoo even more appealing, like peppermint, lavender and rosemary.  Peppermint revitalizes your scalp and gives that tingling sensation when lathering in your hair.  Other ingredients like green tea, castor oil, and coconut oil found in organic shampoos; effectively clean your hair while removing dirt and oil build up.

Borax Natural Laundry Booster by The Dial Corporation

Rating: 3.5

A natural laundry booster that makes your detergent work better. Got hard water? Borax is the best natural cleaner that works great as a water conditioner with your regular laundry detergent. You will get cleaner, fresher smelling clothing. This product makes baby clothes and cloth diapers smell fresh and renewed. Origin of Borax Borax first appeared in history approximately 4,000 years ago. It is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and water. Borax is generally found embedded deep in the ground, along with clay and other substances. Download .pdf  Borax: A Guide to Laundry and Household Uses


FAQ taken directly from Borax web site:

Do you have any tips for washing in hard water?

Believe it or not, more than 85% of homes in the U.S. have hard water. Clothes that are washed in hard water tend to look dingy and feel harsh. 20 Mule Team® Borax works well for washing clothes in hard water. ½ cup of 20 Mule Team® Borax will help soften water and prolong the longevity of clothes.

Can I use 20 Mule Team with bleach?

Yes, 20 Mule Team and chlorine bleach can be mixed safely.

How much 20 Mule Team do I use in the wash load?

Add ½ cup 20 Mule Team® Borax to each wash load along with the recommended amount of soap or detergent.

Is Borax safe for septic systems?

Yes.

What is the shelf life of the Borax?

The shelf life of 20 Mule Team is indefinite if stored in a dry place.

Can Borax be used to kill ants or roaches?

The Dial Corporation cannot recommend Borax to kill ants or roaches. The EPA has not authorized 20 Mule Team as a pesticide.

What are the ingredients in 20 Mule Team® Borax?

20 Mule Team is composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. (The scientific name for borax is sodium tetraborate decahydrate.)

Is 20 Mule Team® Borax Laundry Booster the same as boric acid?

No, Boric Acid is an acid formed from the reaction of borax with sulfuric acid or another mineral.

How much Borax is in 20 Mule Team?

20 Mule Team® Borax is comprised of 99.5% pure borax, a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. (The scientific name for borax is sodium tetraborate decahydrate.) The remaining 0.5% is composed of trace minerals.

Can I use 20 Mule Team® Borax around my pets?

20 Mule Team® Borax can be used to deodorize pet odors. However, we recommend you keep 20 Mule Team® Borax out of reach of pets and children.

Nature's Baby Organic Baby Shampoo & Conditioner Reviews

Rating: 5.0

Nature's Baby Organics Conditioner & Detangler is an organic conditioner I use on myself and my daughter. We have very thick hair that tangles into horrible knots. Nature's Baby Conditioner and Detangler works extremely well. The luxurious moisturizers (olive oil and shea butter) with gentle conditioners (safflower oil) leave our hair soft and manageable. My whole life I’ve had thick hair that tangles regardless of the product I used. After using Nature’s Baby, my hair now feels soft and smooth.  It’s like having a new head of hair.I have been trying to use green products as much as possible, green parenting isn't just about cloth diapers and hybrid cars. It’s sad to say, but a product can have less than 1% natural ingredients and still put NATURAL on the label! It can have just ONE ingredient that is natural and still use NATURAL on the label. More and more parents are beginning to look for products for their children and their families that are “Natural” – and well they should. Just make sure the product you get really IS natural. Read more..

Hand Dishwashing: Dishmate by Earth Friendly Products (ECOS)

Dishmate Pear

Rating: 5.0

Amazon $7.99  Earth Friendly Products Ultra Dishmate, Liquid Dishwashing Cleaner, Natural Pear 25 fl oz (739 ml)

A powerful hand dishwashing product that is naturally hard on grease and not your skin.  Dishmate is not like other commercial dish detergents that are toxic to the environment. This product naturally softens hands while doing dishes and has no streaks or spotting. It is recommend that you squirt only a small amount into your sponge for cleaning dishes so you can experience the power of this concentrated formula.  Dishmate by Earth Friendly Products is available in Pear, Almond, Apricot, Grapefruit, Lavender, Free and Clean. My favorite scent is the pear. Dishmate also acts as a great cleaner for hand washable clothes too. Made with purified water, coconut oil based surfactants, salt, 100% oil (pear, laender, almond, apricot, or grapefruit depending on product scent).

Some Facts about Dishmate:

Ultra-concentrated liquid dish washing product; cleans over 1900 dishes per bottle.

pH 6.4-7.5; gentle on hands.

Non-polluting/100% biodegradable/non-toxic/natural.

Made of replenishable/sustainable ingredients.

Plant-based surfactants does not harm the item being cleaned, your body or the environment.

Free of harsh fumes or vapors.

Pleasantly scented with expensive, pure, natural oils.

Excellent grease-cutting capabilities.

Low-foaming/sudsing.

Septic tank and gray-water system safe: biocompatible with a wide variety of wastewater and gray water treatment systems; doesn’t eliminate bacteria that make septic systems work efficiently.

Easy to recycle #1 PETE container.