Great Finds From Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Brands & Some Fun Spring Picks! (As Seen On CBS Austin)
We’ve been getting a lot of April showers, but the energy is always sunny at CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin.” Today I stopped by with some great eco-friendly and sustainable living finds to celebrate Earth Month — from eco-luxury skincare to mineral sunscreen, plant-based laundry detergent, and eco-friendly diapers. I also brought some of my must-haves for the spring season — including a new protein coffee that provides jitter-free energy and a cooling comforter that will let you enjoy more restful sleep as the temperatures continue to climb.
Make sure to watch the segment here and read on for details on everything discussed on the show!
Sky Organics Glow Skincare Collection
Post-winter, our complexions tend to look a little duller than usual, but that can all change with a few tweaks to our skincare regimen. And if you want to rev up skin’s radiance, you can do so easily with the Sky Organics Glow Skincare collection. A great brand to support during Earth Month and beyond, Sky Organics specializes in simple, pure, botanical-based formulas, and it incorporates USDA Certified Organic ingredients whenever possible. Sky Organics is a Certified B Corporation, so it meets the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, constantly striving to lessen its carbon footprint and become even more sustainable, while also offering consumers safe and top-tier products, compensating workers fairly and prioritizing their health and well-being, and supporting philanthropical causes that benefit humans all over the globe. The brand is also Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, and all its packaging is made from 100% recycled materials.
To refresh your skincare regimen for spring, start with the Organic Aloe Vera Glow Cleanser with Lactic Acid ($19.99 exclusively at Whole Foods Market). This gentle foaming cleanser contains lactic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates skin, revealing a brighter and softer complexion . The formula also contains organic aloe vera and organic fractioned coconut oil to soothe and hydrate skin, alongside organic white willow bark and organic honeysuckle extracts to balance and brighten skin.
Next to experience an immediate glow-up, apply the Organic Marula Radiant Glow Oil, ($24.99 exclusively at Whole Foods), a radiance-boosting blend of organic marula, moringa and plum oils.
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Mad Hippie is a sustainability-focused skincare brand that’s dedicated to making the world a more beautiful place by treating the planet and those who inhabit it with love and kindness. The Leaping Bunny certified brand specializes in active-rich, clean, and vegan skincare solutions. And true to is “hippie creed,” the brand donated $1 from every online purchase to non-profit organizations that strive to uplift communities and conserve environmental habitats — among them Save the Elephants and Whole Planet Foundation. Moreover, All Mad Hippie packaging is recyclable, and the brand partnered with the non-profit Pact to make it easier for consumers to drop off their empties at designated locations (such as ULTA stores) for proper recycling, thereby reducing landfill waste.
To give your skin new life for spring, pick up the award-winning Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum ($33.99 on MadHippie.com and ULTA.com). Now, while the brightening and anti-aging benefits of vitamin C have been touted for ages, skincare gurus know that not all forms of vitamin C are created equal. While effective, the most commonly used form of vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid, is highly unstable and oxidizes and degrades easily when exposed to heat, light and oxygen. Because of this active ingredient’s instability, serums that feature it as a hero ingredient have a higher likelihood of quickly losing their potency. Moreover, L-Ascorbic Acid can sometimes cause irritation and lead to stinging, redness, and dryness. That’s why Mad Hippie decided to go a different route and utilize Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a form of vitamin C that’s significantly more stable (and gentler) than L-Ascorbic Acid. This means you can enjoy all the radiance-boosting and collagen-stimulating benefits of vitamin C without any of the drawbacks.
In addition to brightening, this serum helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and minimize aging signs. It contains: vitamin E to smooth fine lines, hyaluronic acid to plump skin, and chamomile to soothe the complexion. In a clinical study, 94% of users saw smoother skin and 0% reported experiencing irritation.
Beau Domaine The Hand & Nail Cream and The Body & Tattoo Cream
Beau Domaine is a global leader in AgriCosmetics, using natural ingredients harvested and often upcycled from the Perrin family’s vineyards in Provence. In fact, the idea for the brand came from the Perrin family’s desire to upcycle their wine estate’s grape pomace (the skins and seeds left over after pressing grapes for their juice), which ultimately led them to enlist the help of distinguished professors and scientists to study the compounds within these materials and what their potential benefits might be when used within the skincare realm. Sustainability, then, has always been the beating heart of the brand
These experts developed two patent-pending compounds with scientifically proven anti-aging benefits. University of Bordeaux Professor Pierre-Louis Teissedre studied 13 grape varieties from the viticultural lands of the Perrin family and selected three grape varieties — Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre — to create the patent-pending compound GSM 10. Made using upcycled Grenache grape seeds and skins from Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes, this powerful compound neutralizes oxidative stress deep within cells,protecting collagen and elastin while also acting as a postbiotic to keep the microbiome healthy and balanced.
And that’s not the only scientific breakthrough! The second active compound in all Beau Domaine product, ProGR3, was developed by renowned geneticist Professor Nicolas Lévy, who spent more than two decades studying rare diseases such as progeria, which can cause premature aging in children. Progeria is linked to progerin, a mutant protein that accelerates aging. Not only is it found in those grappling with progeria, but high levels of progerin are also common in healthy elderly adults as this toxic protein accumulates with age — particularly in skin fibroblasts. In other words, progerin plays a role in accelerated skin aging which, in turn, means that any substance that can counter its toxicity can also effectively curb premature aging. Professor Lévy isolated three plant actives — resveratrol from upcycled vine shoots, apigenin from chamomile and catechin from green tea — to create the patent-pending compound ProGR3, which combats progerin and hence skin aging.
These two science-backed compounds are at the heart of all Beau Domaine products — from The Serum to The Cream (which I’ve raved about many times!) to two of their most recent launches: The Hand & Nail Cream ($19 on US.Beau-Domaine.com) and The Body & Tattoo Cream ($39 on US.Beau-Domaine.com). Both of these products contain skin-nourishing ingredients like organic olive oil and organic grape water harvested in the Perrin estate, alongside specific ingredients that target the concerns related to that area of the skin.
The Hand & Nail Cream, for instance, contains organic vine root extract to reduce and prevent age-related dark spots. The Body & Tattoo Cream, meanwhile, features tamarind seed extract to improve skin elasticity, giving it a more supple appearance and making tattoos look sharper and more vibrant.Visit US.Beau-Domaine.com to shop these eco-luxury products!
Badger Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreens
Family-owned and operated since 1995, New Hampshire-based, eco-friendly brand Badger prides itself on creating skincare products that honor both people and the planet. A mission-driven B Corp, Badger uses minimally processed, sustainably and ethically sourced natural ingredients — many of them USDA Certified Organic. Not only does it support farmers who implement regenerative agricultural practices, but, as of 2019, Badger started implementing many of these regenerative practices in its own organic gardens and grounds.
A crucial part of Badger’s advocacy efforts has centered on the protection of our oceans and coral reefs. In fact, Badger has been making reef-safe mineral sunscreens since 2006. Nowadays, Badger offers a wide range of expert-crafted, ocean-friendly and reef-safe mineral sunscreens. These antioxidant-rich, waterless formulas are deeply moisturizing and gentle enough for even the most delicate skin, with options available for the whole family — from babies to adventure-seeking adults.
Made with four simple ingredients, the Badger Mineral Sunscreen Sport SPF 40 is the first-ever sunscreen to receive the Protect Land + Sea certification. It’s great for days when you’ll be surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, trail running, and more.
The Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a go-to for everyday use. It features 6 simple and clean ingredients and its formula is 85% organic. It protects skin with mineral zinc oxide while nourishing skin with organic steam distilled coconut oil, vitamin E and coconut fruit extract.
And the new Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 gives skin a sun-kissed, lit-from-within glow while protecting and nourishing the complexion.
Every Badger sunscreen is made in-house at a solar-powered, FDA-approved facility using a unique patented process. All sunscreens retail fro under $25 on BadgerBalm.com, Amazon and at Whole Foods
Soapbox Spring Haircare Essentials
Known for its sustainable giving model, Soapbox is a mission-driven personal care brand and a Certified B Corporation that’s committed to uplifting communities all over the globe. For each Soapbox product purchased, a bar of soap is donated to communities in need. Rather than shipping bars of soap to other countries, which would increase the company’s carbon footprint, the company enlists the help of soapmakers in countries such as Cambodia, Sierra Leone, and India so that they can craft or recycle soap bars and these can, in turn, be distributed to local schools, shelters, hospitals, and rural communities. Not only is this model more eco-friendly, but it provides residents of these communities with a source of income, thereby helping them enjoy economic empowerment.
In addition to body care products, Soapbox offer some fantastic haircare products that are perfect for giving damaged strands a spring pick-me-up.
First, you can upgrade your wash routine with the nourishing Biotin & Superfruit Volume Shampoo and Conditioner Set ($19.99 on Amazon and SoapboxSoaps.com), which will give hair more volume, shine and moisture. The shampoo and conditioner feature biotin to repair strands and boost volume, vegan collagen to support healthy hair growth, elderberry to revitalize hair, and plum oil to nourish strands.
Next, before heat styling, reach for the Shine & Shield Heat Protecting Blowout Spray ($9.99 on Amazon and SoapboxSoaps.com), featuring vegan keratin, quinoa protein, murumuru butter and a 5X vitamin complex to protect strands from heat and frizz and leave your mane looking sleek, shiny, and stunning.
And lastly, the Lift Me Up Volumizing Styling Spray ($9.99 on Amazon and SoapboxSoaps.com) is packed with biotin B7, vegan collagen, and hydrolyzed rice protein to give your style more height and make strands appear fuller without any stickiness or heaviness.
Pura Diapers
When it comes to the plastic waste crisis, we often think of bottles, cups, and straws, bit disposable diapers are also a huge part of the equation. In the US alone, around 20 billion disposable diapers wind up in landfills every year, and each plastic-heavy diaper can take up to 500 years to fully decompose. Moreover, while in landfills, diapers emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Luckily, brands like Pura are spearheading change by offering high-performance, planet-friendly diapers that are safe for delicate skin and cause significantly less environmental strain. Pura’s diapers are made with more plant-based materials and packed in recyclable paper, plus they’re manufactured using certified green energy. Pura is a certified B Corp and a Carbon Neutral Business, plus it boasts both EWG Verified and Allergy UK certifications.
Available in a size N for newborns and up, Pura’s new cloud-soft diapers are chlorine-free, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. They’re made without fragrance, lotion, parabens, phthalates or natural rubber latex, so they’re suitable for even the most delicate skin. They also offer advanced leak protection thanks to a super-absorbent core with stay-dry channels that lock liquid away and a breathable, plant-based, waterproof layer that promotes airflow and keeps skin rash-free. They’re also equipped with a new Blowout Blocker Technology, providing a snug fit that moves with your baby and keeps blowouts contained
Pura’s multi-award winning diapers and baby essentials are available on Amazon, and they’re landing in H-E-B stores as we speak so Texans can now pick up these eco-friendly diaper runs during weekly grocery runs!
Visit US.MyPura.com for more info!
ECOS Laundry Detergent and Household Cleaning Products
Many of the household cleaners and laundry detergents we use contain ingredients that can be harmful to our health, potentially causing harm to our respiratory health, triggering skin allergies, causing itchy eyes and throats, and contributing to headaches. Moreover, many household cleaners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution or they contain toxic chemicals that wind up in our water systems, harming aquatic life and contaminating delicate ecosystems. To safeguard your health and that of the planet, look to ECOS. Family-owned and -operated since 1967, ECOS makes eco-conscious laundry detergent and cleaners that are safer for people and the planet.
All ECOS products are crafted using globally sourced ingredients and contain no dyes, formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, parabens, phthalates, hormone disruptors or optical brighteners. Moreover, ECOs uses 100% renewable energy to make its products in US facilities that are carbon-neutral, water-neutral, and TRUE Platinum Zero Waste Certified (which attests to the fact that ECOS reduces, repurposes, and recycles over 99% of its manufacturing and office waste).
One of my all-time favorite products, the ECOS Laundry Detergent Sheets uses plant-based cleaners and encumbers to fight tough stains and odors while being gentle on fabrics and skin. These sheets are designed to dissolve in any water temperature, offering a safe, convenient, space-saving alternative to traditional liquid detergents.
Another must-have is the ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner, which is available in Orange and Parsley scents. This plant-based cleaner removes dirt, grease, and grime from water-safe hard surfaces all over your home, and leaves behind a crisp and refreshing scent.
You can find ECOS at major retailers like Target, Walmart, Costco and on Amazon. Visit ECOS.com for more info and to find retailers near you!
Simply Mandys Simply Nutritive Leave-In Conditioner
Spring is a season of growth and renewal, so why shouldn’t your hair also experience a revival? To enjoy healthy, strong, lustrous hair, check out Simply Mandys. Founded by Latina entrepreneur Mandys Peña, the brand is built on the belief that salon-quality haircare should be simple, effective, and accessible to everyone.
The brand’s #1 best-seller, the Simply Nutritive Leave-in Conditioner ($29.99 on SimplyMandys.net) is a must-have for spring, detangling strands and helping to keep hair smooth, manageable, and healthy. Specifically formulated for brittle, damaged, and weak hair, this leave-in conditioner is powered by keratin amino acids that restructure damaged hair cuticles. The vegan and cruelty-free formula also incorporates argan and macadamia oils as well as aloe extract to strengthen and soften strands.
Everyday Dose Protein Coffee+
Great ideas start with great coffee, and the new Everyday Dose Protein Coffee+ will keep you energized and laser-focused so those brilliant ideas can flow freely. If you love the smell and taste of coffee (and the energy surge it provides), but dread the associated jitters, crash, and bloating, this all-in-one latte is precisely what your morning routine has been missing.
Each serving blends mold-free coffee with 10 grams of whey protein from A2 milk, which is gentler on the gut than traditional dairy. It also incorporates nootropics like chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms as well as L-theanine to boost mental clarity and help reduce anxiety, keeping you centered and sharp. With 1 scoop, you get your coffee, your protein and your mushrooms, so you can enjoy sustained and jitter-free energy, lasting satiety, and a sense of calm focus. It’s an intentional choice for those who want all the good coffee vibes, and none of the frenetic energy!
The new Everyday Dose Protein Coffee+ is available in Cold Brew, Vanilla, Mocha, and Caramel flavors. Look for it at Target and on EverydayDose.com!
Breescape Cooling Comforter 2.0
It’s already a little toasty outside, and Texas isn’t even in pre-heating mode just yet! If you have a difficult time enjoying restful, uninterrupted sleep during the hot spring and summer nights, now is the time to invest in the right bedding. Perfect for hot sleepers, the newly upgraded Breescape Cooling Comforter 2.0 combines BlendTek technology with cooling fibers to regulate your body temperature all night long. It features a Q-Max value greater than 0.5, which is the highest tier, so it’s exceptionally cool to the touch and can quickly dissipate heat away from your body.
The silk and down-like filling create a lightweight, breathable loft for ultimate comfort. Plus you can use this comforter year-round thanks to its dual-sided design: one side features that instant-cool technology while the other features a refreshing, ultra-breathable design that you might prefer during cooler months. Chic yet practical, the comforter is machine washable and built to last, maintaining its color and softness over time.
The Breescape Cooling Comforter Blanket 2.0 comes in Twin, Full and Queen sizes and in colors like Misty Grey, Mint Green and Twilight Blue. Look for it on Amazon and Breescape.com
