You may be familiar with the natural soaps and deodorants that are made by Schmidt's, but you may not know that they also make five natural toothpastes as well. I have been using natural toothpastes for years, though not exclusively, and I was excited to try these, and was intrigued by the flavors.
Each of them perfectly embody their chosen names, but their flavors aren't overpowering. These are a great choice for people who are trying to avoid SLS, PEG, artificial sweeteners, flavors and dyes in their toothpastes, but who also desire a toothpaste that freshens breath, helps to whiten teeth and helps fight plaque and tartar. All five flavors leave my teeth feeling very clean without leaving my sensitive teeth feeling vulnerable. Additionally, they leave my mouth feeling clean and refreshed– and that pleasant feeling lasts for quite a while.
According to Schmidt’s,
Schmidt’s is committed to pushing the category forward with formulas that stand out for their innovative plant and mineral-based ingredients—without compromising on efficacy or user experience. It’s the mantra that inspired us to help change the way you think about deodorant, clean up your soap game, and now help you brush (your teeth) with greatness. Introducing Schmidt’s Tooth + Mouth Paste, an extraordinary new oral care formula powered by special ingredients you just don’t see in everyday pastes. We’ve included vitamins, superfood extracts like goji berry and pomegranate, organic aloe leaf juice, CoQ10, and magnolia bark extract while staying free from controversial toothpaste ingredients like SLS, PEG, artificial sweeteners, flavors and dyes. Our plant-powered formulas help to freshen breath and whiten teeth with regular brushing, encouraging a clean, healthy mouth… and then some.
Available in the following flavors:
Wondermint: Enticingly cool and crisp—without the bitter aftertaste. A fresh and modern take on classic mint.
Activated Charcoal with Wondermint: Our signature Wondermint flavor with the addition of activated charcoal. An appealing onyx grey toothpaste color from the addition of charcoal. Not a dark black paste.
Vanilla Chai: Pleasantly warming and mildly spicy, balanced by lightly sweet vanilla. With fragrant accents of cardamom, ginger, and clove. Might just beat your favorite latte.
Coconut + Lime: Mild tropical coconut balanced with citrusy lime notes, and an undertone of cool mint.
Jasmine + Spearmint: Delicately balanced for fresh and sophisticated natural flavor, without overwhelming the palate.
Overall Assessment: If you use, or would like to use, natural toothpastes, then I definitely recommend trying these. Click here to find a retailer in your area.
It's hard to believe that it is already time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping! I wanted to share a few fab finds from the drugstore beauty aisles that will are worth having. From clean skin and hair to sparkling pearly whites– here are some great affordable staples to stock your bathroom for the upcoming school year.
Bioré Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar ($6.49-$7.99 for 3.77 oz. from Ulta, Target, Walgreens, Drugstores and Mass Retailers): The Bioré Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar effectively draws out dirt and oil to help clean congested pores. This bar is infused with jojoba beads and peppermint, and it gently exfoliates the skin, and and leaves it tingling, clean and smooth.
Bioré Skincare Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser($6.49-$6.99 for 6.77 oz. from Target, Ulta & Walgreens): This charcoal-based cleanser deeply cleanses the skin without stripping it or causing any irritation. Skin is left soft, smooth and clear.I like to let it sit on the skin for a little while before messaging it in order to really lift impurities.
According to Bioré,
Not only does this mask draw out an unbelievable amount of pore congestion, but it leaves the skin deeply cleansed and tingly! Soft and smooth skin is revealed quickly and efficiently.
Oil-Free
Dermatologist Tested
Gentle enough for everyday use
Suggested use: For optimal results use daily. Wet face. Pump cleanser into hands, gently work into a foam. Massage over entire face. Rinse thoroughly. For external use only. Avoid eye contact. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children.
Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask ($6.99-$7.99 for 4 Single Packets 0.25 oz. each from Target, Ulta& Walgreens): This thermal 1-minute mask warms to help unclog pores, and it draws out dirt and oil very effectively. It has a wonderful menthol aroma that imparts a cooling sensation on the skin.
According to Bioré,
Heats on contact with water to open pores and draw out pore-clogging dirt and oil, then cools leaving skin tingly smooth and refreshed.
Oil-Free
Dermatologist Tested
How To Use: Before using, please read cautions and usage instructions. For best results, use on clean face.
WET FACE. Leave face wet – the Bioré® Self Heating One Minute Mask is activated by water.
APPLY MASK. Dry hands, open single-use packet, dispense contents into hand and apply mask to face. You may add a little water to your fingers to help spread the mask and activate warming.
MASSAGE for about 1 minute. As you massage, the mask will heat up. For more heating action or for your preferred consistency, massage in a little water. The mask does not dry/harden.
RINSE. After one minute has passed, thoroughly rinse with water to remove the mask.
Recommended Usage: May use up to 2-3 times/week. For external use only. Avoid eye contact. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children.
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 Pink Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): This creamy soap contains ¼ moisturizing cream to help make skin soft, smooth and hydrated. It doesn't strip skin in the least, nor does it leave it taut.
According to Dove,
Dove Beauty Bars are specially formulated to deliver skin natural nourishment, helping your skin to keep its natural moisture during cleansing. Dove Pink Beauty Bar contains our ultra-mild cleansers, which don’t strip skin of moisture like a regular soap bar can. It’s mild enough to be used on your face, body and hands – the perfect addition to your daily skin cleansing routine.
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.
Our light foaming body wash gently cleanses your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed. But light doesn’t mean any less indulgent (quite the opposite): the instant lather is fragranced with warm vanilla and shea butter, wrapping you in a cloud of comfort.
Created with the same cleansing care as every Dove Go Fresh body wash, this green tea and cucumber body wash nourishes skin as it cleanses, leaving behind a fresh, uplifting scent. Enriched with our NutriumMoisture™ technology, it delivers skin natural nourishment to help keep skin feeling moisturized, while nourishing deeply* to help support skin’s moisture barrier.
Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo ($3.49-6.49 for 12-25.4 oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens): I often have problems using a great many drugstore shampoos and conditioners because they are often far too fragrant for my taste, and far too stripping for my curly hair, but I am pleased to note that I experience neither of these deal-breakers from this shampoo. It has a light aroma that is neither cloying, nor unpleasant, and it cleans my hair without any stripping. I can't say that I am aware of it penetrating my strands or deeply nourishing my hair, but it definitely leaves it smoother and more manageable.
According to Dove,
Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo & Conditioner formulated with Nutri-Keratin Repair Actives, help your hair to recover from damage in two different ways. The formulas repair signs of surface damage, making your hair look and feel smoother and stronger against breakage. It also penetrates the strands to provide hair nourishment deep inside, making your hair look healthier, time after time.
Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner ($3.49-6.49 for 12-25.4 oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens): Like its companion shampoo, this conditioner has a light and pleasant fragrance that is neither cloying, nor unpleasant. It does a nice job moisturizing my hair, it fights frizz and leaves my hair manageable and soft.
According to Dove,
We know that damaged hair care should go beyond removing the outward signs of damage, which is why this Dove conditioner is formulated to nourish and help restore the hair inside as well. Formulated with Keratin Repair Actives, Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner repairs the signs of damage to the hair surface and, with continued use, penetrates the hair strands to progressively nourish, making hair stronger against breakage, beautiful and visibly healthier with every wash.
Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Healing Moisture Lotion ($3.49-8.99 for 10-32 oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens): This fragrance-free lotion is rich, creamy and very moisturizing. It sinks into the skin quickly, leaves behind no greasy residue, and it's tough on dry patches. Skin is left soft, smooth, supple and very hydrated. It is a perfect if you have dry skin.
According to Vaseline,
When you have very dry, rough, irritated skin you need something that will moisturize to help it heal fast. With our Advanced Repair Unscented lotion, we’ve combined healing micro-droplets of Vaseline® Jelly and our highest levels of moisturizing glycerin. The result is a rich yet quick-absorbing formula that gives you intense moisturization as well as a soothing scent. This lotion will give you immediate relief and moisturization, resulting in healing your dry skin.
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion ($5.84-$8.49 for 10-32 oz. from Target, Walmart, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens): This is a rich cocoa butter infused lotion that is lightweight, fast absorbing and delectably scented. The warm and creamy cocoa butter scent is heavenly, but it sits close to the skin and isn't in the least bit overpowering. It adds serious moisture to dry skin, and leaves skin very soft.
According to Vaseline,
We believe healthy skin starts with deep-healing moisture. In our Intensive Care™ Cocoa Radiant™ Lotion, we’ve combined healing micro-droplets of Vaseline® Jelly, powerful moisturizers, and pure cocoa butter, in a rich, fast-absorbing formula. The result is a lotion that moisturizes to help heal dry and dull-looking skin, bringing out its natural glow.
Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion ($5.84-$8.49 for 10-32 oz.from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): Lightweight and fast absorbing, this classic lotion has a refreshing light, green scent that is perfect for the warm months of the year. It leaves parched skin soft and moisturized in no time at all.
According to Vaseline,
When you have very dry, rough, irritated skin you need something that will moisturize to help it heal fast. With our Advanced Repair Unscented lotion, we’ve combined healing micro-droplets of Vaseline® Jelly and our highest levels of moisturizing glycerin. The result is a rich yet quick-absorbing formula that gives you intense moisturization as well as a soothing scent. This lotion will give you immediate relief and moisturization, resulting in healing your dry skin.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly ($3.49 for 7.5 oz. from Walgreens and Target): While vaseline has so many uses, and is a great multi-tasker to have on hand, I tend to use it around my hair line when I color treat my hair. It prevents the hair color from migrating onto your skin, which also protects sensitive skin from hair color, and it is easy to clean up.
According to Vaseline,
Vaseline Jelly is the original wonder jelly. It works by creating a sealing barrier between cells, which locks in moisture and speeds up your skin’s natural recovery from dryness, helping it heal from within.* Its occlusive function also allows it to protect dry, cracked skin and minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Our jelly is triple-purified to be 100% pure.
CloSYS Alcohol-Free Oral Health Rinse Unflavored ($11.99-$13.49 for 32 oz. from Walgreens, Walmart and Amazon): If you like to pre-cleanse your mouth and teeth before brushing, these alcohol-free rinses are absolutely fantastic. I simply swish them around in my mouth after flossing and before brushing, and what a difference it makes. My teeth are left very clean and my mouth feels refreshed.
According to CloSYS,
CloSYS Original Unflavored Rinse with Flavor Control and new pre-flavored Gentle Mint Rinse contain Cloralstan, a powerful yet gentle patented ingredient that kills 99.9% of the bacteria that cause bad breath, dissolve unwanted compounds, and reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth for a noticeably cleaner and fresher mouth.
Unflavored Rinse Ingredients: Water, Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide, Trisodium Phosphate, Citric Acid. Flavor Dropper Ingredients: Natural Mineral Oil and Natural Peppermint.
CloSYS Fluoride Toothpaste ($10.79 from 7 oz. from Walgreens, Walmart and Amazon): I have sensitive teeth, and find this toothpaste to be both effective and gentle. It comes with or without fluoride, and it is free of sulfates.
According to CloSYS,
CloSYS contains mild polishing agents that help whiten teeth and remove tough stains, while being one of the least abrasive toothpastes available (Relative Dentin Abrasivity score=53). CloSYS protects the enamel and won't harm expensive dental work or irritate sensitive mouths. CloSYS is one of the few toothpastes available that does not contain sulfates, which have been linked to allergies, mouth ulcers and canker sores.
CloSYS Fresh Breath Spray ($2.49 for 0.25 oz. from Walgreens): This refreshing mint flavored breath spray is sugar-free, it comes in a non-aerosol spray and is small enough to carry in your purse. It is perfect to use between meals when you don't have a convenient place to brush your teeth.
According to CloSYS,
Our mint flavored oral spray is perfect to use when it is not convenient to brush, floss or rinse. It quickly refreshes and cleans your mouth and breath anytime and anywhere.
There is no question that it's very important to find an effective toothbrush that can effectively clean teeth and gums, and electronic sonic toothbrushes definitely have a tendency to do a better job of cleaning than standard manual toothbrushes. I have used a wide variety of electric toothbrushes over the years, but I was the most excited about trying the FOREO ISSA HYBRID SONIC TOOTHBRUSH. I love the innovative modern design, the ergonomic handle for comfortable use and the combination of gentle silicone bristles that surround the inner core of PBT polymer bristles.
The silicone bristles gently and effectively clean gums while the combination of silicone bristles and PBT polymer bristles do a remarkable job cleaning my teeth. On the back of the brush one finds a series of raised ridges that were specifically designed to clean the tongue, and it does so quite effectively and efficiently because of their shape in conjunction with the sonic vibration.
I use my FOREO ISSA HYBRID SONIC TOOTHBRUSH in Lavender every single day, except when I am traveling light, and I can say that it is gentle enough so as not to be rough on my teeth, gums and tongue, but powerful enough to thoroughly clean without stripping, and it does a formidable job removing plaque, whitening my teeth and leaving my mouth feeling exceedingly well cleaned. I use a variety of toothpastes from the whitening variety to normal drugstore brands, and the end result is consistently high performing.
I have not tried the all silicone brush head that FOREO makes, but the FOREO ISSA HYBRID is definitely my preference since I find that the silicone bristles alone don't provide enough friction for my liking when it comes to cleaning my teeth. I really like for my teeth to feel ultra clean, and for me the inner core of PBT polymer bristles provide the requisite degree of tension against the teeth to remove food particles, stains and plaque.
If you are looking to buy yourself a sonic toothbrush, or were planning to buy one for someone on your holiday gift list, then the FOREO ISSA HYBRID SONIC TOOTHBRUSH is definitely worth your consideration.
AVAILABLE COLORS: Lavender, Cool Black, Cobalt Blue and Mint.
According to FOREO,
The FOREO ISSA Hybrid Sonic Toothbrush provides a more vigorous brushing experience for those with more plaque buildup. Its brush head features gentle silicone bristles for use on the gum area and PBT polymer bristles on the inner segment of the brush head to cover the surface area of the teeth. The brush head's unique cross design offers both a massage and gentle clean on the gums as well as a stronger cleaning experience.
The ISSA™ Hybrid Brush is designed with soft, gentle silicone bristles for the gum area, while integrating PBT polymer bristles on the inner segment of the brush head cover the surface area of the teeth. This unique cross-design both massages and provides gums with a gentle cleaning as well as a stronger cleaning experience—making it perfect for those who have more plaque buildup. Its 3D flexible brush head allows it to reach every crevice of the mouth.
Suggested Usage:
-Use with regular toothpaste.
-After applying brush head, turn your ISSA™ Hybrid on using the center button.
-Adjust speed and use like a manual toothbrush. The pulsations will pause every 30 seconds indicating it is time to move to a new quadrant of the mouth.
-Two minutes of use, twice daily is recommended.
Precautions:
-Foreo recommendation: anyone who suffers from a serious dental condition should consult their dentist before using this product.
-For those with more sensitive gums, use the original ISSA silicone-only brush head.
USB travel charger.
Toothbrush Measurements: 1 1/4" x 7 3/4"
The light at the bottom indicates that the FOREO ISSA HYBRID is on.
Note the combination of gentle silicone bristles that surround the inner core of PBT polymer bristles.
The silicone bristles are very soft and forgiving on sensitive teeth and gums
The back of the brush features a tongue cleaner
Directions: Use with regular toothpaste. Turn on your ISSA using the center button. Adjust speed and use like a manual toothbrush. The pulsations will pause every 30 seconds, indicating that it's time to move to a new quadrant of the mouth. FOREO recommends brushing for two minutes a day morning and night.
1. Apply Toothpaste: Use your regular toothpaste and turn the ISSA on.
2. Brush your teeth in the same way as you would with a manual toothbrush for 2 minutes using circular movements.
3. Rinse your mouth and the ISSA with water.
4. Use the ISSA Tongue Cleaner to finish your oral-care routine.
Overall Assessment: I am so happy with my FOREO ISSA HYBRID SONIC TOOTHBRUSH, and highly recommend it if you are looking for a high quality, effective sonic toothbrush. It's a great gift idea for this holiday season as well.
Manuka Honey, which is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the indigenous Manuka Bush, is well known for its antibacterial properties, and it contains a compound known as methylglyoxal (MG) that naturally occurs in the Manuka Bush in high concentrations. I love Manuka Honey and use it in my tea, on my toast, and by the spoonful when I feel a cold coming on. I also love to use skincare products that use this wonderful ingredient, and therefore I was very happy to try out Pacific Resources International's Manuka Honey and skincare products.
According to WebMD,
The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect. But, there may also be other compounds involved in the medicinal effect of manuka honey.
Honey producers have developed a scale for rating the potency of manuka honey. The rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor.
The UMF rating is thought to correspond with the concentration of MG and other compounds. Not all honey labeled as manuka honey contains significant levels of antibacterial factors. To be considered potent enough to be therapeutic, manuka honey needs a minimum rating of 10 UMF. Honey at or above that level is marketed as "UMF Manuka Honey" or "Active Manuka Honey."
Manuka Honey 10+ ($ 34.99 for 1.1 lb. from Pacific Resources International): The flavor and aroma of this honey is warm, deep and more intense than many of the Manuka Honeys that I have tried. It is thick, opaque and utterly delicious.
According to Pacific Resources International,
Manuka Honey is the only honey found so far that exhibits non-peroxide activity. This is thought to be due to Methylglyoxal, a unique compound found within Manuka Honey. This makes Manuka Honey a powerful digestive aid when taken internally or a potent anti-bacterial when used topically. It is also heat tolerant, enabling it to reach your digestive system without losing any of its beneficial properties.
Pacific Resources sources honey directly from New Zealand bee keepers, who take pride in producing high-quality products. Our Manuka honey is collected with care from native Manuka trees in New Zealand's remote, pollution-free forests to produce the highest quality Manuka honey.
Our cool processed (raw) PRI 10+ Manuka Honey has been independently tested so it is guaranteed to have an activity level of 10 or above. It is also guaranteed to contain a DHA level of 100+, which is used to determine the rating.
Propolis Soap with Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil ($ 6.99 for 140g. from Pacific Resources International): This is a lovely nourishing and rich soap achieves a creamy lather, and it thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it. It has a warm earthy scent that does not linger, but it is exceedingly pleasant. It is formulated for use on the face, hands and body, but I have been using it as a hand soap at my bathroom sink.
According to Pacific Resources International,
PRI Propolis Soap with Manuka Honey and Tea Tree Oil is a soft, luxurious rich cleansing soap offering the benefits of Propolis, Manuka Oil and Raw Manuka Honey. Propolis Soap takes care of unwanted bacteria on the surface - the cause of many skin infections.
This unique, all natural soap is used for face, body and hands and also provides necessary nutrients to delicate skin tissues. Propolis Soap does not dry out the skin and is suitable for all skin types. Propolis Soap is used to clear skin problems such as acne, pimples, psoriasis, fungus, different types of skin rashes and many other skin care problems. Propolis Soap has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and is a non-allergenic.
Manuka Honey Hand Cream ($ 3.99 for 1.35 oz.TSA approved bottle from Pacific Resources International): These hand creams are very lightweight and fast absorbing, and yet they are exceedingly moisturizing. I have used them after working in the garden, and was surprised by the extent to which they were both deeply moisturizing. Even chapped, dry hands are left decidedly moisturized and hydrated.
The Simply Manuka Hand Cream is unscented and Manuka Tropical Coconut Lime Hand Cream has a very soft and mild lime aroma that is barely detectable one it sinks into the skin.
According to Pacific Resources International,
Simply Manuka hand cream is made with New Zealand Manuka Honey - known for its natural healing and antibacterial properties that assist in nourishing the skin. Natural ingredients such as Exotic Botanicals and Manuka Honey are combined to enrich the skin.
Available in 3 refreshing scents: Cool Citrus, Coconut and Lime and Simply Manuka.
PRI Propolis Oral Spray combines Active Manuka Honey, flavonoid rich bee propolis with essential oils of aniseed, peppermint to provide a refreshing oral hygiene spray and breath freshener. Propolis Throatspray helps to eliminate odor causing bacteria. Propolis may cause allergic reactions. If irritations of the mouth or throat occurs discontinue use.
Ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Manuka Honey, CLP 30* (Certified Propolis Level) NZ Bee Propolis, Peppermint Oil, Anise Seed Oil, Sweet Oil of Fennel; Menthol, PRIFresh* (Natural Herb and spices blend for product freshness).
Overall Assessment: I am very happy with these products, and definitely would like to further investigate this line. If you love Manuka Honey, then these products are definitely worth your consideration.
