Beauty Concierge Service at Target

Truly's Natural Deodorant - This Stuff Really Works

In the past year, I've introduced a handful of lines of natural products for the home and for the kids. Recently, I've also been trying more natural personal care products for myself. Although, I do test the kids' body wash, lotion, and shampoo on me before trying it on them, I have not really shared any natural personal care products just for grown ups (or kids at heart). I tested a natural deodorant and absolutely loved it.

Jack n' Jill Natural Toothpaste for Kids (Giveaway)

In continuing with my National Children's Dental Health posts, I wanted to share another product that we discovered. As you know, I'm always on the lookout for personal care products that are made with natural ingredients. I found Jack n' Jill while perusing through the Environmental Working Group's cosmetic database. It's actually the first toothpaste listed. 

REVIEW: Episencial Protective Face Balm & Soothing Cream

SUN SAFETY SERIES

A while back, I posted a review of the Episencial® Sunny Sunscreen. Now, I have the pleasure of sharing two more products from this awesome company for my Sun Safety Series. 

PRODUCT

Manufacturer

Social Networking

Facebook, Twitter

Product

Protective Face Balm

Soothing Cream

Active Ingredients

Protective Face Balm: Zinc Oxide

Soothing Cream: Oat Kernel Extract

What you won't find: synthetic additives  

Made In

US

Price

Protective Face Balm $5.99/0.75oz

Soothing Cream $10.99/4oz

Current Promotion

Episencial® is partnering with Dermstore.com in an effort to spread the word about Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Get 15% off all Episencial® products with the purchase of Episencial® Sunny Sunscreen! Use Promo code: DSSUNNY. This offer is valid from May 16-23 only.

MY THOUGHTS 

Design

Similar to the Sunny Sunscreen, the Protective Face Balm and Soothing Cream were easy to apply, not thick or greasy. Both have a very faint fragrance, but nothing noticeable after application.  My son and I used the face balm on our lips, and you do have to rub it in a little bit so that you don't see a residue. As an Eric Carle fan, I love all the packaging for Episencial® products. My son noticed the caterpillar right away on the soothing cream and face balm tubes. I think that seeing the caterpillar made him excited to try the products. In addition to oat extract, the soothing cream has calendula; it's my number one trusted ingredient for treating my son's rashes. Although designed for dry, itchy, irritated skin, the cream can also be used soothe after sun exposure.

Functionality

I used the Sunny Sunscreen on my son's face and used the face balm on his lips. I have been looking for a natural lip balm for my son and was glad to have this to try. He kept licking his lips after I put it on (I've tasted it, it's not flavored), since this product is made from all natural ingredients, I was not concerned at all. I also used the face balm on my very chapped lips. After about 48 hours of use, on and off, my lips were once again smooth. Unfortunately for my son, he got a very mild rash on his bottom. We've been using briefs for potty training for the last few weeks, so it's not a diaper/pull-up rash. Whatever it was, it was gone after 1 "treatment" of the soothing cream. I am a fan. 

Price

These are a bit pricey, but definitely comparable to other natural, organic products on the market. 

Safety

We have not had any safety issues with this product. Both my son and I have tasted the face balm and no reaction.

GIVEAWAY - CLOSED

Thanks to Episencial® for sponsoring my giveaway.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I received the products for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received permission from the company to use their trademarked brand in my blog. Facebook is not associated, in any way, with this giveaway.

REVIEW: TruKid™ Sunny Days Sunscreen

SUN SAFETY SERIES

SPONSOR

REVIEW: Episencial® Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35

SUN SAFETY SERIES
Soon enough winter will leave us behind. As spring and summer approach, sun protection will be all the buzz. Using sunscreen is a great preventive behavior to protect yourself and loved one from the sun's damaging UV rays. There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical sunblocks absorb the UV rays while physical sunblocks reflect or scatter the UV rays before reaching your skin. The UCSF Skin Cancer page has in depth descriptions of type of sunscreen as well as what sun protection factor (SPF) to use. FYI, Friday, May 27, 2011 is "Don't Fry Day" to encourage sun safety awareness. 

PRODUCT

Manufacturer

Episencial® is dedicated to making natural skin care products using sustainable techniques - sustainably farmed ingredients, solar power for manufacturing products, and recycled packaging products. Informed by experts in medicine/health, environment, and maternal/child care, Episencial® strives to provide effective, safe, and sustainable products for actively healthy families. 
  
Founder

Kim Walls comes from a family of skin care experts. She is a mother, clinical skin care and nutritional science expert, an environmental health activist and supporter of corporate responsibility, a published author, and spokesperson for Episencial®.

Social Networking
Facebook, Twitter

Product

Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35

Ingredients

Active: Titanium Dioxide (Sunscreen) 10%, Zinc Oxide (Sunscreen) 4%

What you won't find: synthetic additives  

Made In
California, US

Price
$14.99

Current Promotion

In an effort to educate parents about improving their child's health and well-being, Episencial® is giving a free full-sized Protective Face Balm to anyone who completes their Safe Skincare certification program online.         

MY THOUGHTS 
Design

Sunny Sunscreen is easy to apply, not greasy, and has a very faint fragrance. I've used a lot of different types of children's sunblock from organic to non-organic and spreadable to spray in an effort to protect my son. (Yes, spraying him is so much easier, but I really am making more of an effort to use natural products both for personal and home use.) I recommend this product to parents who are interested in sun protection, regardless of whether they are "green" minded or not.

Functionality

I have used other Episencial® products on my son and love them. The Sunny Sunscreen is no exception. I prefer to use a physical sunblock on him even if he doesn't have sensitive skin. The only drawback is that most physical sunblock leave a white residue even after you rub it in. Not so with the Sunny Sunscreen. I have used another organic physical sunblock and Sunny Sunscreen is my favorite between the two. The other one worked well; it protected my son and he didn't get burnt. However, he always looked a little pale because of the residue. In the picture above, I put Sunny Sunscreen on one of his arms. Can you tell which arm? Also, the other one was difficult to wash off, but then again, I may have put on a bit too much. I do reapply sunscreen, especially after swimming or playing in the water. 

Safety

We have not had any safety issues with this product. I have used this on my son's face and even after rubbing his eyes, there have been no problems.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I won the product in this review from a website giveaway and not the actual company. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received permission from the company to use their trademarked brand/log in my blog.