As you are no doubt well aware, I absolutely love French baby skincare brand Mustela. Their gentle products, while formulated for babies and their moms, are excellent for everyone!
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel is an ultra-gentle cleansing gel that forms a very satisfying lather. It thoroughly and gently cleans without stripping or drying the skin. It leaves skin soft and hydrated, and can be used as a shampoo and body cleanser. It has a very pleasant, warm and creamy aroma, but it isn't powerful or long-lasting. It is currently my favorite body cleanser, and it emollient enough that I can use it for shaving my legs and underarms.
According to Mustela,
Mustela's best-selling Gentle Cleansing Gel safely and effectively cleans and soothes your baby's delicate hair and skin. This biodegradable formula is fortified with Vitamin B5 and cleans thoroughly without stripping the skin and scalp of natural oils. Composed of 90% plant-based ingredients including Avocado Perseose, a patented natural ingredient specifically designed to help protect and hydrate dry skin.
Features:
- Paraben, Phthalate and Phenoxyethanol free.
- Hypoallergenic: specially formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
- Tested under pediatric and dermatological control.
While Mustela products, which are made in France, are generally associated with caring for the skin of babies, children and new and expecting mothers– their products are actually perfect for everyone. All of their products are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, gentle on sensitive skin, eco-friendly and they do not include ingredients such as parabens, phthalates or phenoxyethanol. Here are a few of my current Mustela cleansing favorites:
Mustela Limited Edition Soothing Cleansing Gel ($16.50 for 16.09 oz from Amazon): This super creamy lathering cleansing gel is fragrance-free, soothing against even the most sensitive skin and it thoroughly cleans without any stripping or drying. In fact, it leaves skin lightly moisturized and comfortable.
According to Mustela,
Mustela Soothing Cleansing Gel safely and effectively cleans your baby's hair and body while also working to sooth your baby's skin. Our fragrance-free and biodegradable formula is specifically designed for babies and children with very sensitive, rashy or reactive skin. Mustela® Soothing Cleansing Gel works to relieve sensations of tingling and tightness, which are common signs of very sensitive skin.
Mustela Limited Edition Nourishing Cleansing Gel with Cold Cream ($16.50 for 16.09 oz. from Mustela and Amazon): One might imagine that the inclusion of cold cream would mean that this is a non-lathering cleansing gel, and yet it has the most satisfying creamy lather. It has the same pleasant, warm and creamy aroma as the Mustela Limited Edition Gentle Cleansing Gel, but it is neither cloying, nor too long lasting. It leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and hydrated, and it is never drying or stripping.
According to Mustela,
Introducing Mustela's Limited Edition Nourishing Cleansing Gel. Meet Lily the Bee, her nourishing wax works to keep dry skin hydrated and exceptionally soft all year long.
Mustela's Nourishing Cleansing Gel with Cold Cream safely and effectively cleans your baby's hair and skin while protecting your baby's skin from the drying effects of bathing. This adorably chic bottle is sure to become a bath time favorite!
Our biodegradable formula is specifically designed for babies and children with dry skin and cleans thoroughly while delivering immediate and long-lasting moisture.
Mustela Limited Edition Gentle Cleansing Gel ($16.50 for 16.09oz from Mustela and Amazon): This ultra-gentle cleansing gel forms a very satisfying lather that thoroughly and gently cleans the skin without stripping or drying the skin. It leaves skin soft and hydrated, and can be used as a shampoo and body cleanser. It has a very pleasant, warm and creamy aroma, but it isn't powerful or long-lasting, but if you prefer fragrance-free body products, I would recommend the Mustela Limited Edition Soothing Cleansing Gel instead.
According to Mustela,
Introducing Mustela's Limited Edition Gentle Cleansing Gel. Meet Diego the Avocado, the super hero ingredient in Mustela's Gentle Cleansing Gel. This patented and natural ingredient is extracted from the heart of the avocado and works in harmony with baby skin to protect and acts as a protective shield. This adorably chic bottle is sure to become a bath time favorite!
Gentle Cleansing Gel safely and effectively cleans and soothes your baby's delicate hair and skin. This biodegradable formula is composed of 90% plant-based ingredients and fortified with Vitamin B5 to clean thoroughly without stripping the skin and scalp of natural oils.
Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Cream ($13.00 for 6,76oz. from Mustela and Amazon): This cleansing cream has a very light lather, rather than a rich lather, and it is incredibly soothing, calming and hydrating for even the most sensitive skin. It has no detectable fragrance and it washes clean without leaving behind any residue or greasiness. While it is perfect for babies with eczema-prone skin, I find that it has the perfect consistency and texture for shaving my legs.
According to Mustela,
Mustela’s Stelatopia Cleansing Gel is ideal for cleansing baby’s face and body daily. Our body wash is designed for babies with eczema-prone skin. It envelops itchy, dry skin in a hydrating barrier, keeping the skin moisturized and soothed.
Overall Assessment: This is definitely a brand worthy of your attention, and these products are absolutely incredible.
You have likely heard of The Better Skin Co. Mirakle Cream, which has become a cult classic, but you may not have heard about any of their other products– some of which I am very pleased to share with you. They create highly effective products that do precisely what they claim, that are a pleasure to use and that are affordable.
Lava Magik: Cleanser-Scrub-Mask ($32.00 for oz. from The Better Skin Co., Bloomingdale's, b-glowing, Dermstore, Ulta and b-glowing Amazon Store): This three-in-one cleanser, scrub and mask has a non-lathering formula that thoroughly cleans the skin while exfoliating dead skin cells. It has lots of tiny exfoliating particles that do an exemplary job removing dead skin cells, and therefore I recommend using a very light hand, since they effectively work without any pressure needed. If you don't use a lot of water to activate it you can simply leave it on the skin for about 5 minutes to draw out impurities, and the result is soft, smooth, supple skin. Lava Magik looks like raspberry sorbet, and it has a very pleasant aroma that is punctuated by Orange Peel Oil.
Directions: Daily Cleanser: Use pea sized amount mixed with water, apply to wet skin. Scrub: Twice weekly, apply to wet skin, massage desired areas in circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds. Mask: Once or twice weekly, apply to wet or dry skin (as preferred), leave on 3 to 6 minutes. For additional exfoliation, moisten finger tips and massage in a circular motion while removing. Adjust product to water ratio based on skin type. Slightly more product for combination or normal to oily skin and less product for dry, sensitive skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry.
According to The Better Skin Co.,
A daily cleanser, exfoliating scrub and revitalizing mask. Skin cleansing volcanic lava from France enriched with nourishing calendula, sweet orange and grapeseed oils, cucumber, parsley, and chamomile for healthy radiant, more youthful looking skin.
Claims:
• May be used as a cleanser, scrub & mask
• Buffs away dead skin cells creating the appearance of a more youthful looking glow
• Rich in minerals
• Minimizes appearance of pores
• Increases appearance of radiant skin
Directions: Daily Cleanser: Use pea sized amount mixed with water, apply to wet skin. Scrub: Twice weekly, apply to wet skin, massage desired areas in circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds. Mask: Once or twice weekly, apply to wet or dry skin (as preferred), leave on 3 to 6 minutes. For additional exfoliation, moisten finger tips and massage in a circular motion while removing. Adjust product to water ratio based on skin type. Slightly more product for combination or normal to oily skin and less product for dry, sensitive skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry.
Zit No More ($18.00 for 0.2 oz. from The Better Skin Co., b-glowing, Dermstore, Ulta and The Better Skin Store Amazon Store): If you are seeking a very effective pimple treatment that is perfect for either periodic breakouts or those that are more frequent, then Zit No More is worthy of your attention. The roller ball applicator lends itself to very easy application, and the potent and effective formula quickly dries out and eliminates pimples, and therefore I would recommend being careful not to get it on the skin near the pimple since it will dry it out. I would suggest spot testing this if you have sensitive skin because it is quite active, and the Tea Tree Oil makes the skin tingle while the Salicylic Acid exfoliates and heals acne. I only periodically have breakouts, which usually consists of a single pimple, and therefore I only use this as a spot treatment when needed, but I find it very effective.
According to The Better Skin Co.,
Zit No More is a super strength zit zapper in an easy breezy rollerball. Zit apocalypse got you down? Roll over those unsightly visitors and watch the magic begin. This wonder potion contains salicylic acid wrapped in THREE soothing essential oils. Dry up those pore offending criminals while nature’s warriors sooth and work hard to better your skin. The formula is boosted with PhytoVie® pollution defense to assist the skin with its battle against pollutants. Results can be fast and your friends may never know you had a visitor.
Directions:
• Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this product
• Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily
• Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two to three time daily if needed or as directed by a doctor
• If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day
• Sensitivity Test for a New User: Apply product sparingly to one or two small affected areas during first 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow directions above.
Ingredients: Salicylic Acid 1%, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil, Brassica Campestris (Tung Wood)/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer (Rapeseed Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Aniba Rosodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil.
Mirakle Cream ($34.00 for 2 oz. from The Better Skin Co., b-glowing, Dermstore, b-glowing Amazon Store, Bloomingdale's and Ulta): This is a rich and creamy, and yet lightweight and fast absorbing, multipurpose face and body cream. It is intensely moisturizing, and it feels wonderfully refreshing on the skin. It rapidly heals dry patches and quickly leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. Additionally, I find it quite soothing during the warmer and colder months when skin is subject to temperature fluctuations between the heated or cooled interiors and hot or cold exteriors.
According to The Better Skin Co.,
Genius in a Jar. One-stop, skin-loving, problem-solving, all-purpose cream. This ingredient rich recipe, imported from the Republic of Uzbekistan, is handcrafted in the USA with love and beautiful ingredients such as coconut oil, sea buckthorn, shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe, and soothing algae to help moisturize the skin. Peptides and hyaluronic acid help skin appear smoother, more youthful and radiant.
Claims:
• Reduces appearance of visible signs of aging
• Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Increase in radiance and luminosity
• Assist in hydrating the skin
• Soothes dry skin
• May reduce the appearance of sun spots, age spots and dark spots
Directions: Apply liberally. Use as needed. Spatula Included.
I have used Dove Beauty Bars since I was a kid. We always had their wonderful bars in our showers and bathtubs, and in fact they are nostalgic for me since they made up part of the landscape of my childhood. I have always loved them, and as an adult I have always sought out their bars and body washes to fill my bathtubs as showers as well. Here are a few of my current favorites that have earned pride of place in my household, and that my family loves!
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash ($4.79-$6.99 for 22 oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walgreens, and other national retailers): If you have sensitive skin, then this ultra-gentle sulfate-free body wash is a perfect choice. It is a non-stripping and moisturizing body wash that has a rich and creamy lather. It has a light and clean fragrance, but it is neither cloying, nor long-lasting. This body wash is creamy, emollient and hydrating enough that I can use it to shave my legs and underarms!
According to Dove,
All skin deserves gentleness, which is why Dove is made with 100% gentle cleansers, is sulfate free, and #1 dermatologist recommended. Those of us with sensitive skin know all too well that it needs special care – and how much of a relief it is when we find a body wash that provides that. A good sensitive skin body wash is designed with the needs of delicate skin in mind. And we know one that fits the bill: Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash, a dermatologist-recommended, hypoallergenic body wash that looks after sensitive skin while still providing the rich lather that we all love. Dove doesn’t leave skin stripped of nutrients after washing. That’s because the formula has mild cleansers, to help your skin retain nutrients as you shower, as well as NutriumMoisture™, which replenishes any nutrients that are lost. It helps to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier as you wash, and leaves you with softer, smoother skin after just one shower. Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash is hypoallergenic: it’s our best body wash for sensitive skin.
Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash ($4.79-$6.99 for 22 oz. from Target, Harmon Face Values, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walgreens and other national retailers): This is a rich and creamy body wash that has a rich, dense, creamy and emollient lather. It is very moisturizing, and it leaves the skin soft, silky smooth and hydrated. Like the sensitive skin variant, it has a light fresh aroma, and I find it emollient enough to use for shaving my legs and under arms. Though it is very moisturizing, it leaves behind no greasy residue, and washes away clean.
According to Dove,
Who doesn’t like having soft skin? We all want to keep our skin looking healthy and well cared for, and it’s much easier to make that a regular part of your routine if you’ve found a moisturizing body wash. That’s the best way to feel confident that you’re nurturing your skin right from the start of your day. We know how you can do just that – with Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash. All skin deserves gentleness. This moisturizing and mild body wash combines NutriumMoisture™ with 100% gentle cleansers to help your skin retain its natural moisture, leaving you with softer, smoother skin after just one shower. The caring #1 Dermatologist recommended formula in this Dove body wash helps maintain your skin’s moisture barrier while delivering natural skin nourishment that goes deep into the surface layers of your skin. It creates a rich lather that replenishes your skin’s nutrients while also leaving it feeling cared for and clean.
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash ($4.79-$6.99 for 22 oz. from Target, Walgreens, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Harmon Face Values and other national retailers): I love using exfoliating body washes, but I prefer gentle ones that neither strip, nor over-exfoliate the skin. This gentle exfoliating body wash has soft and uniformly round exfoliating beads that do not traumatize or over-exfoliate the skin. Instead, this richly creamy and emollient body wash gently exfoliates the skin, and leaves it super soft, smooth and hydrated. It has a light and clean aroma that is quite pleasant.
According to Dove,
Are you wondering how to nourish skin and revitalize your senses at the same time? A body wash with a vibrant scent that also cares for your skin while you wash could be just the thing you’re looking for. And with Dove’s Go Fresh range, you can get a light, hydrating feel and refreshing formula that lets you nourish your skin in the shower each day, and refresh your mind and body at the same time. That’s why we’ve created Dove Go Fresh Revitalize Body Wash, with a vibrant mandarin and tiaré flower scent and a nourishing formula that leaves you and your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. All skin deserves gentleness, which is why Dove is sulfate free, and #1 dermatologist recommended. If you’re wondering how to get softer skin, this body wash is here to help. It contains our gentlest cleansers and NutriumMoisture™ technology to nourish deep into the surface layers of your skin. This body wash leaves you with softer, smoother skin after just one shower. The combination of this caring formula and juicy, revitalizing scent leaves you with fresh, glowing skin.
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar ($3.19-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): If you have sensitive skin, then you likely seek a gentle soap that will neither strip, nor dry out your skin, and this bar definitely delivers. Furthermore, this bar leaves skin soft, smooth and not in the least bit taut.
According to Dove,
This Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar brings you classic Dove cleansers and ¼ moisturising cream in an unscented, hypoallergenic bar that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. Suitable for daily use, it helps protect skin’s natural moisture and can be used on your hands, body or face. Get the gentle skin care for sensitive skin that you deserve – try Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. Ingredients: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Tallowate Or Sodium Palmitate, Lauric Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Water, Sodium Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoate Or Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium Edta, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Maltol, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): I am a huge fan of exfoliating soaps that are gentle, effective and do not strip the skin. This bar effectively exfoliates dead skin cells, but leaves the skin soft, smooth and never in the least bit stripped.
According to Dove, Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar combines our signature mild cleansers with ¼ moisturizing cream to cleanse and nourish your skin. And it also provides you with gentle exfoliation, washing away dirt and dead skin to leave your skin feeling beautiful and revitalized. Suitable for regular use on hands, body and face, Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar leaves skin feeling soft and smooth – every day.
Overall Assessment: I have been a lifelong fan of Dove soaps, and these Dove Body Washes & Beauty Bars definitely live up to my expectations. They are definitely worth tossing in your cart on your next trip down the beauty aisles of your local drugstore.
If you are active, and often do not have time to shower after your workout, or don't have access to a shower after your lunchtime run, then Purequosa Organic Cleansing Body Spray might just be what you have been looking for. This gentle alcohol and chemical-free cleansing spray allows you to stay fresh after your workout, but this shower replacement spray also can be used to clean workout equipment, your bike helmet or your yoga mat.
According to Purequosa,
Feeling like you need to take a shower after your run, bike ride, yoga class or other workout, but don’t have time to hop in the shower? Perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle, Purequosa is a shower replacement ideal for anyone looking for a quick way to feel and look fresh! Simply spray Purequosa organic cleansing spray all over your body before and after your workout. This hydrating formula is suitable for sensitive skin and is free from any alcohol and chemicals. It’s pure! Purequosa is handmade in small batches to ensure the quality and freshness of your product. Purequosa not only makes you feel refreshed but it can also help to cleanse your bike helmet, yoga mat and other workout accessories! Keep Purequosa in your gym bag, purse, and carry on so you can always feel fresh no matter where you are.
• Coastal Body Spray: A breezy spray that will instantly make your body feel clean and fresh. This spray is perfect when you want to squeeze in a quick yoga class during your lunch break. Coastal also contains Sage known to be an anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, and antibacterial.
• Rain Body Spray: No shower necessary. Watery, crisp and light, this spray is a must have for those with a busy lifestyle. Our Rain Body Spray also contains Tea Tree Oil.
• Desert Body Spray: Show your skin some love with this hydrating formula. The starchy root of the yucca contains a healthy mix of vitamins, minerals and plant-based nutrients. Desert Body Spray will make you feel refreshed after your activity!
Ingredients:
Colloidal Silver
Plant Hydrosols - Yucca, Aloe, Eucalyptus
Plant Essential Oils - Sage
Purequosa recommends a small patch test on your skin and your clothes before use.
Overall Assessment: If you are active and on the go, and can't always access a shower– then these sprays just may prove to be gym bag essentials for you!
